TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 | | | |
This Week at the Chamber
Advertising opportunities are available for the 2027 Guide to Discovering Bay County, one of the Chamber's key resources for introducing residents, newcomers and prospective businesses to the community. The annual publication highlights the people, places, businesses and resources that make Bay County a place to live, work and invest while giving Chamber members an opportunity to put their businesses in front of an audience actively looking for information about the area. The deadline to register is October 31. LEARN MORE →
The Chamber is also asking members to share their perspective through a new member survey. Member feedback plays an important roles in helping the Chamber understand the needs, priorities and experiences of Bay County's business community and provides valuable insights as programs, services and future initiatives are developed. Members are encouraged to take a few minutes to participate and make sure their voice is represented. TAKE THE SURVEY →
Meanwhile, Amendment 3 continues to move to the forefront as the November election approaches. The Chamber's ongoing educational effort is providing members with information about the proposed constitutional amendments and its potential local implications. That conversation continues at October First Friday, where Bay County Manager Joel Schubert and Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford will provide an informational presentation on the measure and discuss potential impacts on county revenues, services and future planning. LEARN MORE ABOUT AMENDMENT 3 →
The next issue of the Bay Biz is also taking shape, and the Chamber is looking for stories worth telling. members are encouraged to submit ideas for feature stories that explore the businesses, industries, people and initiatives shaping Bay County. That could include an innovative project or investment, and emerging industry trend, a workforce or economic development story, a unique collaboration, a significant community initiative, or another topic with relevance beyond a single organization. Email our communications department if your organization has a story you believe BayBiz readers should know. LEARN MORE →
| |  | "A thriving business community creates stronger neighborhoods, more opportunities, and a brighter future for all of Bay County." | | | |
FEATURED STORY
2026 Membership Awards
The Bay County Chamber of Commerce recognized nine businesses, organizations, and community leaders during its 2026 Membership Appreciation Awards Luncheon. The awards recognize Chamber members whose contributions extend beyond professional achievement to include leadership, community service, economic development, and a demonstrated commitment to making Bay County a stronger place to live and do business. The luncheon also featured Griff Griffitts of Visit Panama City Beach as the keynote speaker. Thank you to Eastern Shipbuilding Group for being the presenting sponsor of this event. Congratulations to all of our winners!
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FOUNDATION
JLB Welcomes Class of 2026-2027
The Bay County Chamber Foundation has officially launched its Junior Leadership Bay 2026 - 2027 program year. At the September 15th orientation event, Bay County Chamber leadership welcomed 25 high school students from across 14 schools across Bay County for a year focused on leadership development, community engagement, and connection. This experience is designed to develop participants into informed, engaged leaders.
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FOUNDATION
Leadership Bay Welcomes 2027 Class
Leadership Bay Class 44 officially launched its program year on Sept. 23, welcoming 26 professionals from across Bay County for an experience designed to deepen their understanding of the community, strengthen their leadership skills, and build relationships across industries. Leadership Bay is a program of the Bay County Chamber Foundation, designed to cultivate informed, connected and engaged community leaders.
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BAY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Candidates to Debate at Political Pulse
Bay County’s young professionals groups connected directly with candidates seeking local, state and federal office during Young Professionals Political Pulse. The evening combined face-to-face networking with a moderated candidate forum focused on the issues shaping the future of Bay County’s emerging workforce and community leaders. Thank you WMBB News 13 for streaming this event live on their social media pages, website, and WMBB+ app.
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Chamber Connect Group 2
Enjoy a great lunch and take advantage of an opportunity to strengthen your referral network, learn from your peers, and become more connected to Bay County's business community.
October 1, 2026 • 11:30 AM - 1:00 AM
One Thirty One Events by Trigo's
131 Harrison Ave., Panama City, FL
REGISTER NOW →
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First Friday
Join us for networking, coffee, door prizes, and more! This month's program will feature the Bay County Manager and the Bay County Sheriff for an informational presentation on Amendment 3.
October 2, 2026 • 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
FSU Panama City, Holley Academic Center
4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, FL
REGISTER NOW →
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Pulse Nutrition Grand Opening
Help us welcome Pulse Nutrition to the Chamber and celebrate this exciting milestone with its team. This is a great opportunity to meet the people behind the business and learn more about the services they offer.
October 1, 2026 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Pulse Nutrition
1812 FL 77, Ste 127-A, Lynn Haven, FL
LEARN MORE →
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American Red Cross Grand Opening
Help us celebrate the grand opening of the American Red Cross's new facility in Bay County. This new addition allows the organization's volunteer-driven workforce to continue assisting with emergencies in Northwest Fla.
October 6, 2026 • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
American Red Cross
5618 Lily St, Callaway, FL
LEARN MORE →
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October Business After Hours
Take a break from the busy week and hang out with fellow Chamber Members. This event features free food, spirits, door prizes, and more!
October 13, 2026 • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
King's Landing
2908 W 27th St, Panama City, FL 32405
REGISTER NOW →
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Chamber Connect Group 1
Enjoy a great lunch and take advantage of an opportunity to strengthen your referral network, learn from your peers, and become more connected to Bay County's business community.
October 14, 2026 • 11:30 AM - 1:00 AM
Sonny's BBQ
2240 FL Hwy 77, Lynn Haven, FL 32444
REGISTER NOW →
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First Responders Appreciation Luncheon
Help us honor our local first responders through lunch, awards, and a special keynote speaker.
October 22, 2026 • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
FSU Panama City, Holley Academic Center
4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, FL
REGISTER NOW →
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Sporting Clay Tournament
Whether you're a sharp shooter or just along for the fun, this friendly competition is your shot in the great outdoors.
November 22, 2026 • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Bay County Shooting Range
10900 Steel Field Rd., Panama City Beach, FL
REGISTER NOW →
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2027 Annual Gala
You are invited to attend the "trial of the century" as we celebrate the Chamber's 2026 successes.
January 22, 2027 • 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort
11212 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
REGISTER NOW →
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MEMBERSHIP
Grand Openings
Congratulations to all of our members who are celebrating the next milestone in their business journey!
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BAYCOLA
Located in Panama City, BAYCOLA provides early education services for children ages 0–5, creating a place where young learners can grow, develop and build a strong foundation for the future.
VIEW THEIR PROFILE →
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Sweet Brewnette
Sweet Brewnette serves its award-winning certified organic, fair-trade coffee alongside fresh-baked pastries and breads, with a coffee-and-wine-bar concept designed to give people a place to connect.
VIEW THEIR PROFILE →
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Interested in holding a ribbon cutting?
Celebrate your milestone with the Chamber. Upon request, the Chamber can help coordinate a ribbon cutting, grand opening, or groundbreaking and promote the occasion through available Chamber channels.
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MEMBERSHIP
Welcome New Members
Please help us welcome the newest members of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce!
GET CHEW A BOX
Resturants
1414 E. 5th St, Panama City, FL
850-774-6254
OWENS WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Investment Services
1045 Jenks Ave, Panama City, FL
850-872-9312
PRECISION GARAGE DOOR SERVICE OF PANAMA CITY
Doors, Windows & Glass
239 Griffin Blvd, Unit 204, Panama City Beach, FL
850-466-8887
STORM FORCE HURRICANE SHUTTERS OF PANAMA CITY
Screen Enclosures, Shutters & Awnings
239 Griffin Blvd, Unit 204, Panama City Beach, FL
850-466-8887
TEAM ADAPTIVE MEDICAL
Disability Services
1201 Harrison Ave, Panama City, FL
850-552-0059
UF/IFAS EXTENSION BAY COUNTY
Non-Profit
2728 E. 14th St, Panama City, FL
850-248-8091
| Special THANK YOU to iHeart Radio for promoting our new members on their local radio stations! | |
MEMBER NEWS
How Our Members Are Building a Better Bay
Chamber Members are invited to submit their company's news releases to the Member News Page of our website by logging into their membership portal.
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EDUCATION & TRAINING
LMC Shapes Future of Mental Health in Florida
Life Management Center CEO Dr. Jay Reeve was recognized for his leadership of the Florida Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder, where 16 Commission recommendations were ultimately codified into Florida law. His work continues to help shape efforts to strengthen behavioral health services and expand access to care across Florida.
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AWARDS & RECOGNITION
ECP Nominated for USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Award
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) has once again been nominated for a USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award in the category of Best Resort Airport. This nomination highlights ECP’s role as a world-class gateway to Northwest Florida, serving both residents and visitors. Voting is now open and runs through Monday, October 5 at 11:59am EDT. Daily voting is encouraged.
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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & GIVING
Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Honors Long-Time Supporter
Ascension Sacred Heart Bay recently dedicated a new space for learning, collaboration, and professional development in honor of long-time hospital supporter Joseph F Chapman, III. The new space allows the hospital to bring back educational lectures and seminars where professionals discuss clinical cases, new research, medical advancements and more.
| | THANK YOU VISION INVESTORS! | | | | |
