May 13, 2025

Good morning, Elizabeth!

Congratulations to Destin Water Users General Manager, longtime Destin Chamber Board member, past Destin Chamber Chairman, Destin Rotarian, and all around community support Lockwood Wernet! After announcing his retirement at the end of this month, the Chamber Board voted to thank him for his service to the community and to this organization with one of our highest honors - a Lifetime Membership Award.

Seen here from left to right are 2025 Destin Chamber Chairman Jenni Brunson of Okaloosa Gas, Lockwood Wernet, Delores Wernet, Destin Chamber Chairman-Elect Monica Wallis of Destin Water Users, and Destin Chamber President & CEO Shane Moody. 

13 Graduate from Chamber’s Community Education & Leadership Program

On May 8, the Destin Chamber celebrated the graduation of 13 business professionals from its 16th Destin Forward class. During the event, the prestigious Destin Forward Leadership Award, chosen by class vote, was presented to Allyson Anger (left) of Home2 Suites by Hilton. She is seen here with Chamber Chairman Jenni Brunson of Okaloosa Gas.

Read more here.

Applications for the Class of 2026 are available!

Register Now for Blessing of the Marketplace

On May 28, area businesses are invited to worship and receive a blessing, during the Annual Blessing of the Marketplace, at Destin Methodist Church. A panel of business leaders will speak about how their faith influences the leadership of their organization. Lunch will be served by Big Red Truck.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested to help prepare the food order.

Perks of Your Chamber Membership

Savings On Your Email Marketing Program

• Save up to 25% with Constant Contact

Save $ On Office Supplies

• You now have access to savings on everything your business relies on with ODP Business Solutions (Office Depot® OfficeMax®). Register today for your no-cost business account with ODP Business Solutions or use this card to save in-store.

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Thursday, May 15 | 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.

Business After Hours Sponsored by BOTE & CJ's Hangout

Thursday, May 22 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Location: BOTE Destin & CJ's Hangout

Registration required.

Join us for networking, cocktails, and appetizers! Door prizes are welcome.

Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting

Wednesday, June 4 | 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 The Barrett School

Friday, June 13 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Location: Embassy Suites Destin - Miramar Beach

Registration and payment required.

Andrew Wiggins, Florida Chamber Senior Director of Campaigns and Elections, will share an update from the Florida Chamber, including a statewide economic outlook and a recap of the recent legislative session.

The Alice

The Alice Marina

Cottages By The Bay

First Federal Bank

The Harbor Tavern

La Dolce Vita

Mr. Handyman - Emerald Coast

Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

• Barnett Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, PA
• Blue Chip Digital Marketing LLC
• Doolittle Institute

• Eagleview Roofing Systems, Inc.
• MetroPower, Inc.
• Warren Averett 
• Wayne Chernicky

Ongoing through Saturday, May 17

2025 Emerald Coast Open Restaurant Week

Ongoing through Saturday, May 17

12th Annual Longleaf Writers Conference

Ongoing through Sunday, May 18

Legally Blonde The Musical

Tuesday, May 13

FREE Coworking Every Tuesday at Beachworx Destin

Florida SBDC at UWF Presents "Essentials of Small Business Marketing"

Caregiver Support Group

Wednesday, May 14

8th Annual TeCMEN Industry Day

Shape & Sculpt Class

Destin Community Farmers Market Wednesday Evening Market

Thursday, May 15

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Krutz Family Wine Dinner

Little Black Dress Night at Marina Cafe

MKAF Concerts in the Village Series - Kickstand Jenny

Friday, May 16 - Sunday, May 18

Emerald Coast Open, Worlds Largest Lionfish Tournament

Friday, May 16

Mental Health Celebration & Walk

The Barrett School Graduation Ceremony

Karaoke at American Legion Post 296

Saturday, May 17

Gate-to-Gate Memorial Run/Walk

Grand Boulevard’s Farmers’ Market

Baytowne Wharf Farmers Market

Gumbo Ya-Ya!

Tchaikovsky x Drake

Saturday, May 17 - Sunday, May 18

Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Festival

Sunday, May 18

Sunday Breakfast at American Legion Post 296

Destin Community Farmers Market

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.

Eglin Federal Credit Union Recognizes IRA Assistant Wendy Ellerd for 25 Years of Service

The Winners of The 16th Annual OAA Okaloosa County School Poster Contest

Okaloosa County School District Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month

Cox to Recognize Inspirational Students in Okaloosa County

Read the May 2025 Issue of Destin Life

Read the May 2025 Issue of VIP Destin Magazine

13 Graduate from Chamber’s Community Education & Leadership Program

Summer Bridge Program Helps VPK Students Gear Up for Kindergarten Success

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