Weekly Wave

July 6, 2023

Good morning, Elizabeth!

Join us on Tuesday, July 11, for our 10th Annual Great American Cookout Sponsored by Community Bank and Emerald Coast Title Services and featuring our non-profit spotlight Fisher House of the Emerald Coast! Enjoy networking and a cookout at the Chamber. Finish your meal with yummy Dippin' Dots, courtesy of Dippin' Dots Okaloosa!

Florida Employers Required to Use E-Verify Beginning July 1

A new law taking effect on July 1, 2023, requires certain employers to use the federal E-Verify database to verify the employment eligibility of new employees and certify to the state its compliance. The law applies to employers with 25 or more employees; however, employers with less than 25 employees can choose to use E-Verify and certify under the new law. While the bill takes effect July 1, penalties under the bill do not take effect until July 1, 2024.

What does this mean for your business? The Florida Department of Revenue released a Tax Information Publication and list of Frequently Asked Questions, outlining the new requirements for employers. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, soon to be renamed the Florida Department of Commerce, will also be releasing guidance and will be the agency charged with enforcing the new law.

Destin Forward Application Due This Month!

Destin Forward, our community education and leadership program, is designed to get you out into the community, interacting with city and business leaders, learning about the history and heritage from those that helped shape it, exploring issues with those that are helping to solve them, and hearing from those that are in the trenches improving lives and the quality of place we enjoy. After a retreat in August, the class will meet once per month through April focusing on topics, such as the environment, waterways, history, tourism promotion, real estate, non-profits, transportation, government affairs, entrepreneurship, and more.

For the application and details, please click here.

Leadership Okaloosa Applications Available

Leadership Okaloosa is an esteemed leadership training and development program with a 30-year history of the growth and development of Okaloosa County's leaders. This 9-month experience enhances the participant’s leadership skills and creates community awareness.

Find out more and download the application here.

Perks of Your Chamber Membership

Affordable Health Insurance for Your Employees

Savings On Your Email Marketing Program

Save up to 25% with Constant Contact

Save $ On Office Supplies

Save on office supplies with ODP Business Solutions

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Every Thursday | 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.

10th Annual Great American Cookout Sponsored by Community Bank & Emerald Coast Title Services

Tuesday, July 11 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Destin Chamber

Registration and payment required.

Join us for our 10th Annual Great American Cookout Sponsored by Community Bank and Emerald Coast Title Services and featuring our non-profit spotlight Fisher House of the Emerald Coast! Enjoy networking and a cookout at the Chamber. Finish your meal with yummy Dippin' Dots, courtesy of Dippin' Dots Okaloosa!

Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting

Wednesday, August 2 | 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 Gateway Payments Gulf Coast

Friday, August 11 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Location: Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village

Registration and payment required.

Please join us for our Aug. 11 Business Before Hours Sponsored by Gateway Payments Gulf Coast!

Annual Golf Tournament Sponsored by Renasant Bank

Thursday, September 28 | Noon Shotgun Start

Location: Emerald Bay Golf Club

Find details here!

Don't miss this annual favorite event! Reserve your sponsorship or team spot before they sell out.

Thank You To Our Renewing Members

July 13 - Barnett Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, PA

Congratulations to First National Bank on your beautiful new Destin location!

Congratulations to The Taylor Haugen Foundation on last week's ribbon cutting celebrating your new Niceville location!

Thursday, July 6

Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting

Thursdate at Melting Pot Destin

Darts & Music at the American Legion Post 296

All American Thursday

Broadway on the Boulevard: Get on Your Feet: Brings Musical Pizzaz to Grand Park This Summer

Ladies Night at McGuire's Destin

Friday, July 7

Morning of Beauty- Aqua Medical Spa

Karaoke at American Legion Post 296

Karaoke at Harry T's Lighthouse

Saturday, July 8

Grand Boulevard’s Farmers’ Market

Baytowne Wharf Farmers Market

Rock the Docks

Sunday, July 9

Sunday Breakfast at American Legion Post 296

Sunday Brunch at Soleil

Monday, July 10

Bingo Fundraiser at American Legion Post 296

Silent Disco Party

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.