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Good morning, Elizabeth!
Last Thursday, Destin Forward class members spent the day in Tallahassee. After a tour of the Old Capitol, lunch and a legislative update from the Florida Chamber, the group gathered in the Senate Chamber and spent time with Senate President Passidomo and the members of the Okaloosa County and NWF Delegation, including Senate Appropriations Chairman Broxson, Senator Trumbull, and Representatives Maney, Abbott, and Griffitts. The class ended the day in the House gallery watching representatives debate the budget.
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Save Your Pop Tabs!
During the month of February, the cities of Destin and Fort Walton Beach are in a friendly competition to collect the most pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to drop off their tabs at the Destin City Hall, City Hall Annex, or the Destin Community Center. The competition ends Feb. 29. For questions or to have your tabs picked up, please call Tamara Young, Destin Public Information Director, at (850) 460-8538.
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Destin Chamber Signs Onto Letter In Support of Eliminating the Florida-Only Business Rent Tax
Last week, the Destin Chamber joined chambers from across the state in their support of eliminating the Florida-Only Business Rent Tax. Since 2017, the legislature has taken several steps to reduce the sales tax paid on commercial leases, but there is still more work to be done. Florida remains the only state in the country to levy this tax on local businesses, and while the business rent tax will be reduced to 2 percent later this year, that’s still a $760 million burden on Florida-based businesses. Savings resulting from elimination or significant reduction of this tax would allow local businesses to reinvest back in their business, in their employees, and in their communities.
Read the full text of the letter.
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FDOT Plans Review for US 98 @ Palms Street/Sandprint Drive Intersection Improvements
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is in the process of designing the above-referenced project and would like to provide you an opportunity to ask questions or provide comments. The 60% Design Plans for Financial Project Identification Number 450982-1-52-01 is listed here. The intent of this project is to add an eastbound right-turn lane, shift the westbound left-turn lane to provide better sight distance for motorists, add new traffic signal, and provide pedestrian signals and lighting for crosswalks. Additional right-of-way is required. Bids for construction are scheduled to occur spring 2025. Please submit all comments to chunter@hntb.com by Feb. 26, 2024.
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Are You Searching for Part-Time, Seasonal Workers?
We are hosting a job fair for Destin High School juniors and seniors from 8:30 - 11 a.m., on Thursday, March 7, at the school. The event is limited to the first 35 Chamber member businesses to respond. Email Elizabeth at espies@DestinChamber.com to secure your spot. You are welcome to bring a table, sign, applications, and collateral material. For details, call (850) 837-6241.
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Do You Have an Award-Worthy Boss or Coworker?
We are seeking your help in rewarding one deserving business person every quarter. Do you know a Destin area business professional who should be recognized for his or her extraordinary efforts? Submit your nomination here. The award will be presented at a future Chamber Business Before Hours.
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Perks of Your Chamber Membership
Affordable Health Insurance for Your Employees
Savings On Your Email Marketing Program
Save $ On Office Supplies
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Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting
Thursday, February 15 | 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.
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Ladies Who Launch Powerhouse Women Series: Michele Nicholson, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
Wednesday, February 21 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Destin Chamber
Register here!
We are continuing the Powerhouse Women Series, highlighting impactful women in our community. The February 2024 Powerhouse Woman is Michele Nicholson, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer. There is no cost to attend this event, but space is limited, and registration is required.
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Business After Hours Sponsored by Pedro's Tacos & Tequila Bar
Thursday, February 22 | 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: 36178 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Destin
Registration and payment required.
Join us for networking, cocktails, and appetizers! The event begins at 5 p.m., and culminates with door prizes at 6:30 p.m.
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Military Affairs Council (MAC) Meeting
Wednesday, March 6 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Location: Destin Chamber
Find details here.
Any Chamber member with an interest in the military is welcome to attend.
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Business Before Hours Sponsored by Bit-Wizards
Friday, March 8 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Location: LuLu's Destin
Registration and payment required.
Please join us for our March 8 Business Before Hours Sponsored by Bit-Wizards. Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner will present the State of the City.
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Thank You To Our Renewing Members | |
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Ongoing through Sunday, March 31
SeaLight Festival
Ongoing through Thursday, May 16
Lionfish Pre Tournament
Tuesday, February 13
Florida SBDC at UWF Presents “Starting a Business”
Baytowne Mardi Gras Street Pardi
Wednesday, February 14 - Saturday, February 17
Valentine's Dinner for Two
Wednesday, February 14
Go Red for Women Emerald Coast
Snowbirds and RSVP Volunteer Valentine’s Day Mix & Mingle
Valentine's Day at Marina Cafe
Thursday, February 15
Florida SBDC at UWF Presents “A Roadmap to Small Business Funding”
Power Hours With Kevin: Free Business Consulting
Bubbly Baytowne
Darts & Music at the American Legion Post 296
Friday, February 16
Karaoke at American Legion Post 296
Speed Dating at City Food Hall
Saturday, February 17
Grand Boulevard’s Farmers’ Market
Baytowne Wharf Farmers Market
Singles Valentine's Day
Sing Your Heart Out Competition Auditions
Sunday, February 18
Sunday Breakfast at American Legion Post 296
Sunday Brunch at Soleil
Melodies & Mimosas
Monday, February 19
Bingo Fundraiser at American Legion Post 296
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.
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