March 1, 2022

Hello! This is your final chance to register for one of three roundtable discussions we are holding on March 3, focused on Improving Your Labor Situation. Despite current challenges within the labor market, businesses that are willing to adapt have a tremendous opportunity to acquire excellent talent. Learn from others who have seen what works within their own businesses, ask questions, and brainstorm practical takeaways you can use to bolster your team. Find details and register here. Roundtables will be held at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. Space is limited in each session in order to keep the group small and productive.

Latest Chairman's Message Focuses on New Affordable Insurance Program for Members February was an exciting month for our Chamber as we announced the roll out of some new affordable health plan options, the Chamber Spectrum Benefit and Healthiest You by Teledoc, available exclusively to our Destin Chamber members.  We know how difficult it is to find and retain good employees and having affordable, good health care benefits for your employees can help your business do just that. Keep reading Chairman Jennifer Gutai Comella's message here.

Online Survey Launches for Joe’s Bayou Recreation Area Improvements Project The improvement project at the Joe’s Bayou Recreation Area and Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk will provide and enhance public recreational opportunities and improve access to water resources. Public input and participation will provide planners with crucial insight on how to better serve the community. Members of the public are encouraged to provide input through the survey at www.joesbayoudestin.com, which will run for 30 days beginning Tuesday, March 1, 2022. For more information, please contact Gulf Coast Public Affairs Manager Rachel Schmalfuss at Rachel.Schmalfuss@FloridaDEP.gov.

Your Input Needed for Florida Workforce Needs Study 2.0 Florida needs to create 1.63 million net new jobs by 2030 to accommodate the current workforce and prepare for the 4 million more residents that will call Florida home. It is more important now than ever for Florida's businesses and education partners to unite to ensure the right things happen to advance the hard and soft skills needed to close workforce skills gaps and secure Florida's future talent. If you have not done so already, please take 10 minutes to complete the Florida Workforce Needs Survey 2.0 – Part One “Addressing Florida’s Hiring, Recruitment, Community Partnerships, and Skills Gaps." Take the survey here.

Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Reports Fake Violinists Scam in the Area The OCSO has reports of the Fake Violinist Scam happening in Destin and FWB. Please watch this video for details about the scam. The video is from Pinellas County, but the same thing is now happening in Okaloosa and Walton counties. If this is happening in a business' parking lot and the business would prefer the people leave, the Sheriff’s Office can ask them to leave and trespass them. The local non-emergency number is (850) 651-7400.

Join the Chamber Team! We are looking for a Membership & Events Coordinator to join our team. For details, visit our Job Board. To add your own job listing, log into our Member Portal. If you need your login information, send us an email at mail@DestinChamber.com.

Perks of Your Chamber Membership Save $ On Office Supplies Did you know Destin Chamber members save money on office supplies with Office Depot? Click here to print a store purchasing card to use in the Destin location or visit www.mychamberadvantage.com/Chamber_SignUp to sign up online. Affordable Health Insurance for Your Employees We are pleased to offer an ACA-compliant group health benefits solution that offers premium savings from 10-20% compared to traditional carrier plans. View details here. Healthiest You by Teladoc is a high-quality virtual care solution designed to serve businesses and their employees who cannot afford traditional health insurance. View details here. Savings On Your Email Marketing Program As a chamber member, you receive some great benefits from our partnership with Constant Contact, including special savings on email marketing. Click here to see how you can save up to 25%.

Soul Bistro Announces New Breakfast Menu Tickets on Sale For One-Night-Only 'A Taste of Jazz' March 10 Fundraiser for Emerald Coast Theatre   The Sonder Project Releases New Video of Work in Partner Countries Read the February 2022 Issue of Destin Life Destin High School Athletics Seeking Sponsorships for April 9 5K Run/Walk CENTURY 21 Blue Marlin Pelican Announces Sales Affiliate as Recipient of 2021 GRAND CENTURION® Producer Award Hilary Farnum-Fasth Named Woman of the Year by Scarlett Magazine ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival Returns To Mother's Day Weekend Pets Supplies Plus Offers Your Pet’s Favorites at Affordable Prices in Destin Bit-Wizards Brings Home American Advertising Federation Gold 3rd Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival Raises $40,000 for The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Frances Roy Podcast: Adobe Creative Types: Should You Take the Test? 4th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival Announces Competition Cook Teams 505th CCW Annual Award Winners Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Expands “Boat Yard” Artificial Reef Site Emerald Coast Theatre Company Opens Registration for 2022 Summer on Stage Theatre Education Programs Online Survey Launches for Joe’s Bayou Recreation Area Improvements Project Want to see your business news, blogs and awards listed here? Send your updates to espies@DestinChamber.com.

Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting Wednesday, March 2 | 12 - 1 p.m. Location: Destin Chamber Find details here. Our speaker will be Air Force Armament Museum Director David Fitzpatrick.

No Cost Business Consulting Thursday, March 3 | 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Destin Chamber Find details here.   Florida SBDC at UWF Business Consultant Diana Jernigan will be available for impromptu meetings assisting with business challenges or opportunities. These meetings are confidential, no-cost, and allow you skip the traditional wait period after you request consulting from the Florida SBDC.

Business Before Hours Sponsored by Holloway Yacht Charters Friday, March 11 | 7:30 - 9 a.m. Location: Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village Registration and payment required!   Our speaker will be Destin Elementary School Principal Joe Jannazo, as we learn more about educational opportunities in Destin and the way the business community can positively impact our students.

Young Professionals of Destin VIP Meet & Greet Sponsored by Beachworx & Five Channels Tuesday, March 15 | 4 - 6 p.m. Location: Beachworx Registration and payment required Connect with other area YPs, mix and mingle with the VIPS, and enjoy beer, wine and appetizers, courtesy of sponsors Beachworx and Five Channels.

Tourism & Hospitality Lunch Sponsored by Parrot Head Yachts Wednesday, March 16 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Location: Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer Registration and payment required Our speaker will be Okaloosa County Tourism Director Jennifer Adams sharing her department's plans for 2022.

Business After Hours Sponsored by The Blake at Miramar Beach Thursday, March 24 | 5 - 6:30 p.m. Location: 90 Ponce de Leon St., Miramar Beach Registration and payment required   Join us for networking, cocktails, and appetizers, during our March 24 Business After Hours Sponsored by The Blake at Miramar Beach! The event begins at 5 p.m., and culminates with door prizes at 6:30 p.m.

Ongoing Through March 19 Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries at NWFSC Presents PINPOINT: Solo Exhibition by Joshua D. Wilichowski Opening Reception Ongoing through May 31 ReadingPals March 1 Hiring Event Lowes Home Improvement-Destin Florida SBDC at UWF Presents “Bookkeeping 101: Introduction to Accounting” 35th Annual Magnolias and White Linen Sponsored by Step One Automotive Group Emerald Coast Theatre Company - Katherine Hepburn March 2 Gulfarium Senior Wednesdays Soul Bistro - Mid Week Soul March 3 Free AARP Tax Aide Service at the Destin Library Join Brookdale Destin for a Walk-In Job Fair LuLu’s Destin Hosts Weekly Job Fairs Every Thursday Paul Davis Restoration of the Emerald Coast Presents Cornhole Tournament, A Fundraising Event for South Walton Firefighter Noah Collins Darts & Music at the American Legion Post 296 Thursday Ladies' Night at 790 Live Music with Jones & Company Every Thursday Night at Mr. & Mrs. Scotches Bar & Grill Emerald Coast Theatre Company- The Marvelous Wonderettes March 4 Author Abigail C. Edwards "We all Bled Oil" Book Signing at Emerald Coast Wine Cellars J.Leon Gallery Sip N' Stroll Karaoke at American Legion Post 296 Emerald Coast Theatre Company- The Marvelous Wonderettes March 5 Marlyn Turk Book Signing at Emerald Coast Wine Cellars Women United Launch Party Brunch Emerald Coast Theatre Company- The Marvelous Wonderettes March 6 Sunday Breakfast at American Legion Post 296 Mac & Cheese Festival Benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Tea In The Garden Emerald Coast Theatre Company- The Marvelous Wonderettes March 7 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.

March 10 - NextHome Cornerstone Realty March 29 - No Reservations Needed, LLC

Congratulations to Pet Supplies Plus on Friday's ribbon cutting!

Advance Auto Parts Ladder Payment Solutions, LLC

Thank You To Our Renewing Members

Better Business Bureau Coastal Maps Destin Snowbirds Inc. Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge NextHome Cornerstone Realty

Northwest Florida Ballet Orthopaedic Associates Warren Averett Youth Village, Inc.

DestinChamber.com | (850) 837-6241

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