August 23, 2022
Good morning!
Today is Election Day! For information on polling locations and times, visit govote-okaloosa.com and votewalton.com.

Good luck to all of the candidates and thank you for your willingness to serve!
Ambassador of the Quarter
Martinez Honored as Ambassador of the Quarter
Each quarter, we recognize an Ambassador who has gone above and beyond in service to this Chamber. From attending ribbon cuttings and welcoming new members to event setup and breakdown, the Ambassadors work and commitment are instrumental to our day-to-day operations. Congratulations to Christine Martinez (right) of NextHome on the Gulf for being named Ambassador of the 2nd Quarter 2022!

The award was presented by our 2022 Chairman of the Board Jennifer Gutai Comella of Hand Arendall Harrison Sale.
2022 Paddle At The Park
Paddle at the Park was a Success!
We cannot thank the racers, sponsors and volunteers enough for making our 10th Annual Paddle at the Park Sponsored by HCA Florida Destin Emergency a success! Without their support, community events, like this one, would not be possible.

Thank you to our race partners BOTE and Henderson Beach State Park; title sponsor HCA Florida Destin Emergency; platinum sponsors Destin - Fort Walton Beach and R3 Construction; accommodations sponsors SummerPlace Inn and Vacasa; silver sponsors 99RockDestin Life, Eglin Federal Credit Union and Z96; bronze sponsor Circle JM Farms; photography sponsor McCain's Creations Photography; and site sponsors Buffalo Rock and Destin Fire Control District!

Be sure to visit our Paddle at the Park Facebook page for some awesome photos from McCain's Creations Photography! More photos are coming soon.
Share Your Workforce Needs
Please complete the Florida Workforce Needs Study 2.0 – Survey Part Two. Help us understand your company’s evolving workforce needs and how we can unite the business community to secure Florida’s talent. A stronger talent pipeline will build a stronger Florida. Let’s learn from each other.

State Offers Free Workers' Compensation & Workplace Safety Seminars & Webinars
The State of Florida, Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation offers Free Seminars and Webinars for Florida employers regarding Workers’ Compensation and Workplace Safety. In addition, the Division of Workers’ Compensation has partnered with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the University of South Florida’s “Safety Florida Consultation Program” to bring valuable safety information to Florida employers. CEUs are available. For dates and locations, click here.
Okaloosa Health Summit Planned for September 8
Is there an issue you’re passionate about? Do you want to improve the walkability of our communities, increase mental health services for students, help new parents raise healthier babies, or advance the health of Okaloosans in other ways? If so, the Okaloosa County Health Department invites you to be a part of a team of people who will make a difference! Mark your calendars now for the Okaloosa Health Summit on Sept. 8. Register here.
Business Tax Receipt Renewals for FY 2023
It’s time to renew your Destin Business Tax Receipts (BTRs). To avoid any late fees, renewal payments are due by Sept. 30. For step-by-step instructions, visit www.cityofdestin.com/btr.
Want Your Business Seen? Advertise on DestinChamber.com!
DestinChamber.com averages more than 56K page views each month. Advertising packages can be tailored to your business' goals. Home page spots are available.

Contact Elizabeth at espies@DestinChamber.com or (850) 837-6241 for more information.
Ready To Add New Employees To Your Team?
Check out 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

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%.

Save $ On Office Supplies
Did you know Destin Chamber members save money on office supplies by ordering online with Office Depot? Visit https://odams.officedepot.com/registrations/portal.php?a=66487355 to sign up.
SBDC Workshop
Starting a Business Workshop with the Florida SBDC at UWF
Thursday, August 25 | 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Destin Chamber
 
In this three-hour workshop, we will take an in-depth view of your business concept and discuss the steps to a successful start.
Shop Talk Thursdays
No Cost Business Consulting
Thursday, August 25 | 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Destin Chamber
 
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 After Hours
Business After Hours & Ribbon Cutting Celebrating Recent Remodeling Sponsored by Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Destin
Thursday, August 25 | Ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m.
Business After Hours from 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: 19001 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin
 
Join us for networking, cocktails, and appetizers, during our Aug. 25 Business After Hours Sponsored by Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Destin!
Young Professionals
Young Professionals of Destin Sunset Social Speed Networking Sponsored by The Edge Seafood Restaurant and SkyBar
Tuesday, September 6 | 5 - 7 p.m.
Location: The Edge Seafood Restaurant and SkyBar

Launch into fall with new connections, friends and opportunities with the Young Professionals of Destin and our sponsor The Edge Seafood Restaurant and SkyBar! 
Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting
Wednesday, September 7 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Destin Chamber

Our speaker will be Col. William David Deitch, 96th Test Wing, Staff Judge Advocate.  
BusinessBeforeHours
Business Before Hours Sponsored by CRC Data Technologies
Friday, September 9 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Location: Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village

Please join us for our Sept. 9 Business Before Hours Sponsored by CRC Data Technologies and featuring non-profit spotlight Destin Rotary Club. Rodney Braden and Bobby Wagner, both candidates for Destin Mayor, will share their platforms and answer questions.
Tourism & Hospitality
Destin Tourism & Hospitality Lunch
Wednesday, September 21 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Destin Chamber

Anyone with an interest in tourism is invited to attend.
Save the Date for our 2022 Signature Events

Sponsorships are available! Contact mail@DestinChamber.com for details.
Community Events
Thank You To Our Renewing Members
DestinChamber.com | (850) 837-6241