August 29, 2023

Good morning, Elizabeth!

Congratulations to Clayton Bonjean of Mainsail Realty Company on being named the Business Person of the Month, during our Aug. 11 Business Before Hours Sponsored by Destin City Lifestyle Magazine. This award is presented directly from the Chamber’s Board of Directors to a Destin area businessperson showing vision for his or her business and leadership in our community. He is seen here with 2023 Chairman of the Board Jason Belcher (left) of FNBT Bank.

Read more here.

Proposed Average 15.1 Percent Decrease in Workers’ Comp Rates

The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), which files workers’ comp rates on behalf of Florida carriers, has proposed a 15.1 percent average rate decrease – the largest proposed rate decrease in more than a decade. If the filing is approved by the Office of Insurance Regulation, rates will take effect for new and renewal policies beginning on Jan. 1, 2024. The main contributor to this year’s rate decrease is the change in how Floridians are experiencing the workplace following the COVID-19 pandemic. The workforce has undergone significant changes the previous two years, including a notable shift to remote and hybrid work models. This has continued the decline in frequency and severity of claims, a national trend that has resulted in rate reductions in several states as well as Florida. The next step will be a public hearing for businesses and insurance carriers to offer feedback some time in mid-to-late October.

Okaloosa County Survey to Develop 'Workforce Housing Strategic Action Plan'

Okaloosa County is developing a Workforce Housing Strategic Action Plan for addressing housing needs across the county. Please take a few minutes to complete a survey and help the county better understand public opinions about housing affordability, needs, and types of development. The survey will be open through Sept. 4.

City of Destin Business Tax Receipts Due

This is a reminder that Business Tax Receipts are now open for renewal for FY 2024. For step-by-step instructions on how to apply for or renew your City of Destin Business Tax Receipt, please visit www.cityofdestin.com/227/Business-Tax-Receipts-License. For current City of Destin Business Tax Receipt holders renewing for FY 2024, please submit payment no later than Sept. 30, to avoid any late fees. 

Perks of Your Chamber Membership

Affordable Health Insurance for Your Employees

• ACA-Compliant Group Health Benefits Solution
• Healthiest You by Teladoc

Savings On Your Email Marketing Program

• Save up to 25% with Constant Contact

Save $ On Office Supplies

• Save on office supplies with ODP Business Solutions

Multi-Chamber Business After Hours Sponsored by Destin - Fort Walton Beach Convention Center

Tuesday, August 29 | 5 - 7 p.m.

Location: Destin - Fort Walton Beach Convention Center

Registration required.

Join us and our friends from the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce for our Aug. 29 Multi-Chamber Business After Hours sponsored by the Destin - Fort Walton Beach Convention Center!

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Every Thursday | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Find details here.



Florida SBDC at UWF Business Consultant Kevin Oster will be available for impromptu meetings assisting with business challenges or opportunities. These meetings are confidential and at no cost to you. No appointment is required; however, you are welcome to email KOster@uwf.edu if you would like to schedule one.

Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting

Wednesday, September 6 | 12 - 1 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Find details here.



Anyone with an interest in the military is invited to attend.

Business Before Hours Sponsored by CRC Data Technologies

Friday, September 8 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Location: Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village

Registration and payment required.

Please join us for our Sept. 8 Business Before Hours Sponsored by CRC Data Technologies! Together with Destin Elementary School Principal Amy Meyer, Destin Middle School Principal Dr. Belinda Small, and Destin High School Principal Christine Cruickshank, we will announce our new mentoring program with Destin schools.

Tourism & Hospitality Lunch: Tour of Gulfarium's Dolphin Oasis

Wednesday, September 20 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Registration and payment required.

We will tour Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park's new Dolphin Oasis. Dolphin Oasis is an immersive, natural-themed experience reflecting our Emerald Coast and consisting of three large, interconnected habitats, totaling more than one million gallons of Gulf salt water designed with animal welfare, the guest experience, and conservation education in mind.

Annual Golf Tournament Sponsored by Renasant Bank

Thursday, September 28 | Noon Shotgun Start

Location: Emerald Bay Golf Club

Find details here!

Don't miss this annual favorite event! Reserve your sponsorship or team spot before they sell out. 

AGM Secure Money LLC

Grand Welcome of Destin and Miramar Beach

SNH Technologies

• Bruner Law Firm
• Coastal Maps
• Destin Dreamers 
• Destin Emergency Veterinary Clinic
• Elevated Laundry
• Goodwill Industries - Big Bend, Inc.
• Holloway Yacht Charters

• Kloud 7
• Matthews & Jones LLP
• Pelican Adventures Destin
• ScubaTech of NW Florida, Inc.
• TalkingParents
• The Red Door Saloon 

August 29 - Dress Up

September 5 - Causeway Coffee

September 12 - Tru by Hilton Destin

Congratulations to Southern Tide 30A on last week's ribbon cutting celebration!

Tuesday, August 29

Dress Up Ribbon Cutting

Taco & Tequila Tuesday at Mezcal Mexican Grill

Beachworx Speed Networking Hour

Panera Bread Benefit for CALM

Multi-Chamber Business After Hours Sponsored by Destin - Fort Walton Beach Convention Center

Wednesday, August 30

Best Fondue Friends Forever at Melting Pot Destin

Sinfonia Presents Peter and the Wolf Op. 67 Performed by the Fountain Five Wind Quintet

Wednesday Night Concert Series

Thursday, August 31

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Thursdate at Melting Pot Destin

Young Professionals Sunset Social Sponsored by Marina Cafe

Darts & Music at the American Legion Post 296

Ladies Night at McGuire's Destin

Friday, September 1 - Sunday, August 3

Moon Crush - Blue Moon at Seascape Resort

Friday, September 1

Perfect Hues: Baytowne Wharf Art Fest

Karaoke at American Legion Post 296

Saturday, September 2

Grand Boulevard’s Farmers’ Market

Baytowne Wharf Farmers Market

Perfect Hues: Baytowne Wharf Art Fest

Sunday, September 3

Sunday Breakfast at American Legion Post 296

Sunday Brunch at Soleil

Perfect Hues: Baytowne Wharf Art Fest

Monday, September 4

Bingo Fundraiser at American Legion Post 296

If you would like your event listed here, please submit it to the Events Calendar at DestinChamber.com. Be sure to include your company name, as we only publish events of Destin Chamber members.

Saltwater Restaurants Inc. Partners with Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge to Release Blue Heron ''Bob''

Hello Frances Podcast: Feed Your Creativity with Cookbooks

NWFSC Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony to Announce Raider Village On-Campus Student Housing

Step One Automotive Group Partners with Local Organizations to ''Stuff the Bus'' with Essential School Supplies for Students in Need

Southern Tide Offers Coastal Inspired Apparel for Men, Women & Children

Want to see your business news, blogs and awards listed here? Send your updates to espies@DestinChamber.com.