October 13, 2020
Greetings!
Okaloosa County just announced eight grants to help businesses, non-profits and individuals with the effects of COVID-19. See below for details. A consultant will be at the Destin Chamber on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 1 - 5 p.m., to help business owners with questions. No appointments are necessary.
Destin Water Users, Inc.
Community Assistance Grants & Programs Now Available to Businesses, Non-Profits & Individuals
Through the Federal CARES Act funding, Okaloosa County and all the cities within it have joined together to offer a variety of grants and other programs to help our communities cope with the effects of COVID-19. This assistance has categories for businesses, non-profits and individuals. For information on upcoming workshops, click here. More workshops will be added. To apply now, visit okaloosacountycares.com. 

Grant types include the following:

These strategies are intended to give our local community some much-needed relief from the negative effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The application portal for the CARES Act grants is now open. Click here to visit the application portal. You will find the varying qualifications and deadlines within the portal. Time is of the essence for many of these grants. A hotline has been established for assistance at (850) 598-7956.

A representative will be at the Destin Chamber on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 1 - 5 p.m., to assist business owners with questions. No appointments are necessary.
Tickets On Sale Now for 8th Annual Bourbon at the Bay Presented by Hand Arendall Harrison Sale
On Nov. 19, kick off your holiday season – and shopping – with the 8th Annual Bourbon at the Bay Presented by Hand Arendall Harrison Sale! Sample bourbon, scotch, and champagne on the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village tasting tables, bid on your choice of gifts, trips, and more in the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center silent auction, try your luck in the Destin Commons wine pull, and visit the Somerby Santa Rosa Beach bar to explore more cocktails. Back by popular demand for the second year is the Beach Liquors VIP Room!

Thank you to our sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor - Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC
VIP Room Sponsor - Beach Liquors
Silent Auction Sponsor - Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
Champagne Table Sponsor - Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
Wine Pull Sponsor - Destin Commons
Bar Sponsor - Somerby Santa Rosa Beach
Cocktail Napkin Sponsor - Okaloosa Gas
Parting Gift Sponsor - Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
Media Sponsor - Destin Life

Tickets are $45. Click here to purchase. VIP tickets are sold out! If you would like to be added to our VIP ticket wait list, please call (850) 837-6241.

New this year, the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center silent auction is going live online one week before the event! This offers easier bidding for guests and more visibility for our donors. We are also moving the festivities to the Legendary Marine showroom, offering guests more space to spread out and enjoy all parts of the event.

To donate to the silent auction or sponsor the event, please contact Cassy DeJulio at (850) 837-6241 or cassy@DestinChamber.com.

Amendment 2 Bad
Want to Serve on a Local Mom Panel for Destin-Fort Walton Beach?
The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism organization is dedicated to helping all kids, both local and visiting, experience the outdoors and get out on the water. Between the pandemic, virtual school and the latest social app, we know kids don’t get to safely explore the world around them as much as any of us would like. 
 
To help change this, your help is needed. The Tourism organization is creating a local panel of moms to try out new adventures. It will include approximately 50-75 area moms and their families just like you. Over the next six months, the organization wants to find out what would help you get out and take adventures on the water by testing the experiences (online and in person) and sharing how it could be better for everyone. 
 
Interested in being a part of this panel? Please take this quick survey to learn more.
Do You Need Masks For Your Business?
Thank you to the Florida Department of Health of Okaloosa County for providing masks for us to distribute to our members! If you would like to pick up masks for your place of business, please email espies@DestinChamber.com to arrange the quantity and pickup.
Current COVID-19 Data Now Available on DestinChamber.com
Visit our website for up-to-date, local COVID-19 metrics.
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Thank you to those businesses and organizations stepping up to help each other and the community. We want to share your upcoming events and highlight your good works. Please send updates to espies@DestinChamber.com.
Florida SBDC Virtual Office Hours at the Destin Chamber
Thursday, October 15 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Virtual

The Florida SBDC at UWF is hosting virtual consulting hours specifically for business owners in our area. Florida SBDC at UWF Business Consultant Diana Jernigan is available by email for impromptu meetings assisting with business challenges or opportunities.
Ladies Who Launch Powerhouse Women Series: Shawn Tomasello
Wednesday, October 21 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
J.Leon Gallery+Studio
No cost to attend. Registration required!

In 2020, Ladies Who Launch is highlighting impactful women in our community through the new Powerhouse Women Series. On Oct. 21, we will highlight J.Leon Gallery + Studio gallery partner Shawn Tomasello.
Business After Hours Sponsored by Aegean Restaurant
Thursday, October 22 | 5 - 6:30 a.m.
Aegean Restaurant Miramar Beach

Join us for our Oct. 22 Business After Hours Sponsored by Aegean Restaurant in Miramar Beach! There is no charge to attend this event, but we do ask that you register ahead of time so we can ensure we stay within recommended capacity.
Business Before Hours Sponsored by White-Wilson Medical Center
Friday, November 13 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.
The Palms Bistro

Join us for our Business Before Hours Sponsored by White-Wilson Medical Center!
2020 Bourbon at the Bay
Thank you to our renewing members!
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.
DestinChamber.com | (850) 837-6241