February 15, 2022
A 2 Z Specialty Advertising - Business Person of the Month
Hello!
Congratulations to Debbie Bruce (left) of A 2 Z Specialty Advertising on being named the Destin Chamber's Business Person of the Month, during our Feb. 11 Business Before Hours sponsored by Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican! She is seen here with our Chamber Chairman Jennifer Gutai Comella of Hand Arendall Harrison Sale.

Destin Chamber Offers Affordable Health Plan Options Exclusively to Members
Affordable group health benefits are a big challenge for businesses. We are pleased to offer an ACA-compliant group health benefits solution designed to help our members manage their health and wellness plans. Premium savings range from 10-20% compared to traditional carrier plans. The plans are administered and underwritten through 90 Degree Benefits, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama company. 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. This exclusive chamber plan is $10 monthly per employee and covers the member employee, spouse and dependent children. Enrolled employees can talk to a Board-certified doctor and therapist for free by phone, video or mobile app 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. View details here.
City of Destin to Host Community Engagement Public Meeting 
City of Destin staff is hosting a public meeting to engage and inform the community and stakeholders of the various planning efforts the Community Development Department is currently working on to include:
The Land Development Code Update
Harbor Capacity Study
Mobility Plan
Impact Fee Update
Comprehensive Plan Updates

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 5:30 p.m., at the City Hall Annex located at 4100 Indian Bayou Trail. This meeting is for the community of Destin including but is not limited to Destin residents, business owners, employees, property owners, community partners, service providers, and visitors. Staff is seeking the greatest amount of input from the community and stakeholders to help guide the various efforts based on the community’s priorities, vision, and goals. This meeting will help staff provide a better and more informative platform to share the benefits of the various initiatives and projects underway with the stakeholders. There will also be an interactive presentation that will gauge the attendee’s knowledge of these efforts and garner input and insight on what matters the most to them. 

The public may go ahead and take the survey online now at https://www.menti.com/8t38uajhmo

The public may view the meeting at the following link: www.youtube.com/CityofDestin.

One or more members of the Destin City Council may attend the public meeting. 
City of Destin to Host Pre-Season Beach Vendor Stakeholders Meeting 
A beach vendor and beach front property owner’s stakeholder meeting will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 23, beginning at 3 p.m., at the Destin City Hall Boardroom, located at 4200 Indian Bayou Trail. This meeting will discuss new registration processes, the COMPASS self-service portal, beach ordinances, and provide an opportunity for questions and concerns. Please contact Code Compliance at (850) 842-4596 for more information. 
Improving Your Labor Situation Roundtables
On March 3, we are hosting three roundtable discussions 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.
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.
Legislative Update

COVID Liability Protections for Health Care Providers Head to Governor
Last week, the Florida House passed SB 7014, related to COVID-19 liability protections for health care providers through June 1, 2023, by a bipartisan vote of 87-31. This bill is now headed to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk. 

This Week Is (Mostly) About the Money
Last week, the House and Senate passed their budgets through their respective Appropriations Committee and will be taking these bills up on the Floor this week. The legislature will then use the conference committee process to iron out differences in the two budgets before passing a final budget before the end of session, scheduled for March 11. This means that the budget must be finalized and printed by March 8, in order to meet the constitutionally required 72- hour “cooling off” period before legislators can vote on the budget.
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.
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.
Ladies Who Launch Powerhouse Women Series: Corey Dobridnia
Wednesday, February 16 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Destin Chamber
SOLD OUT! Find details here.
 
In 2022, Ladies Who Launch is continuing its Powerhouse Women Series, highlighting impactful women in our community. Our February Powerhouse Woman is the award-winning Walton County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Corey Dobridnia. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited & registration is required. 
Shop Talk Thursdays
No Cost Business Consulting
Thursday, February 17 | 10:30 a.m. - 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 Sponsored by HarborWalk Village - King Cakes & Cocktails
Thursday, February 24 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: 10 Harbor Blvd.
 
Go on a Mardi Gras-themed Scavenger Hunt visiting select HarborWalk Merchants to sample King Cakes, cocktail specials & New Orleans style food. Stroll throughout HarborWalk Village to see what’s new for the 2022 season. Also enjoy live entertainment from ShakeTown Duo & Coastal Reflections' photo booth.
Military Affairs Council
Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting
Wednesday, March 2 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Location: Destin Chamber

Our speaker will be Air Force Armament Museum Director David Fitzpatrick.  
BusinessBeforeHours
Business Before Hours Sponsored by Holloway Yacht Charters
Friday, March 11 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Location: Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
 
Please join us for our March 11 Business Before Hours Sponsored by Holloway Yacht Charters LLC! 
Community Events
Ongoing Through March 19

Ongoing through May 31

February 15

February 16

February 17

February 18 - 27

February 18

February 19 - 20

February 19

February 20

February 21

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.
Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Scotches Bar & Grill on last week's ribbon cutting!
Mr. & Mrs. Scotches Bar & Grill
Thank You To Our Renewing Members
DestinChamber.com | (850) 837-6241