Bay County Chamber
In This Issue
Exploring Ireland
Member to Member Discount
First Friday with the Beach
Small Business Institute
Bay Young Professionals
Business After Hours
Local First Responders Appreciation
Local First Responders Discount
Advertise in the Bay Biz
Chamber Value Testimonial
Apple of Our Eye
Grand Openings
Ambassador Spotlight
Community News

Download the new

Bay County Chamber

Smart Phone App Today!

 chamber app   

Available for any Blackberry, Droid or iPhone smart phone!  
 
Click here for download instructions 

Get Connected with the

 Bay County Chamber!

 

    
  

Click Below For Opportunities to Market Your Business In The 

 Airport Business Center!

 Airport Business Center

Thank You to our Sponsors!

 FSUPC

 Neves Media

The Bagel Maker

 Talk Radio

Tim Allen

 Newks

WJHG
Pier Park

bookit 

Advertise Here

 

Advertise Here

Chamber Calendar

Click Here to print your August copy of the the
Bay County Chamber's Calendar of Events.

New Members

Access Recovery Solutions LLC
MedSouth Clinic
My Thai Asian Bistro
Quizno's
Tethy's International
Wild Birds Unlimited
ZoomQa LLC
  
Clear Channel
Thank you to Clear Channel
for producing our
New Member radio spots!

Renewing Members

1 Year

Acentria Inc.

Doctor's Express

Grace Community Publishing

Purvis Systems Incorporated

Serenity Pointe Massage and Nail Salon

Steve Wiggins

 

2 Years
Covenant Christian School
Dunkin Donuts
Panama City Tile
Panama City Visitor's Map
  
3 Years

Catering by Bob

Shore House Furniture

Sleep Inn & Suites/Conference Center

 

4 Years
Mad Hatter Automotive Center
  
5 Years
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc.
Hilton Garden Inn

 

6 Years
Laguna Beach Christian Retreat
Pineapple Willy's

7 Years
Fred Shutt

8 Years
Arthritis & SportsCare Center
Bay County Property Appraiser
Bay Haven Charter Academy
Dr. Reese Harrison
Innovative Professional Solutions, Inc.
Keith Lawson Company, Inc.
Key Electrical Supply, Inc.
Panama City Surgery Center
Retina Specialty Institute
St. John Catholic School
Staats, White & Grabner

 

9 Years
Gulf Coast Charity Celebration
Gulf Marine 
WilsonMiller Stantec

10 Years

Skinner Tax Consulting Inc.

  
11 Years
 Emerald Coast Hospice
Nature Walk Golf Club
Spinnaker
TGI Friday's
  
12 Years
Bay Credit Union
Chevron USA, Inc.

13 Years
Second Chance of Northwest Florida

 14 Years
Del-Jen
El Governor Motel
  
15 Years
EB Pipe Coating
Early Education and Care, Inc.
HealthSouth
PMI Employee Leasing
Panama City Mall
  
16 Years
David Pete Windham, DMD

 

  20 Years
Eye Center of North Florida
Holiday Inn Select

 

21 Years
Broward Hall Insurance Agency
Durden Enterprises II, Inc.
Grease Pro, Inc.

 

    24 Years
Bayou George Grocery Store
First Baptist Church
 
25 Years
KLW Enterprises, Inc.
Paul Brent Gallery

  

26 Years
Bryant & Higby
Panama City Downtown Improvement Board

 

30 Years 

American Red Cross
Karr, Ellis & Company
Moonspinner Condo Assoc.
 

 31 Years

 Parthenon Prints, Inc. 

 

 37 Years
Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Cemeteries

 

 45 Years 

Kolmetz Construction, Inc.
  
48 Years
Capt. Anderson Sightseeing, Inc.

 

 51 Years

Culligan Water Services

52 Years
GAC Contractors, Inc.

53 Years
Remsco, Inc.

54 Years
Barron, Redding, Hughes, et al

 


Greetings!

Bo Rivard

In August, we prepare for the new school year and for the rest of 2011. In July your Board of Directors received an update on the 2011 Business Plan by department to ensure that we are meeting our goals of providing our members with the services and support that will help your business.

 

We also welcome our new USAF group commanders, Colonel William Grund to the 325 Mission Support Group and Colonel Charles S. Corcoran to the 325th Operations Group. We are grateful to Colonel Fleck and Colonel Hallman for their hard work and dedication to our community and our country. We will keep you in our hearts as you continue your service at other Air Force bases.

 

A big thank you to Bay County Manager, Ed Smith, for being our July First Friday with the Beach program speaker. I believe it was a very successful event, as membership from both chambers were represented.

 

The Governmental Affairs Committee will soon be sending out the 2012 Legislative Survey, please be sure to take it and share your thoughts on issues affecting your business.

 

Your Chamber also held the 7th Annual Media Appreciation Luncheon, sponsored by FSU-Panama City and Newks Express Café, to recognize local media for their dedication and support of the Chamber and the community as a whole. They were presented with a plaque that included a historical photo taken in 1950, from Bay Counties first "skyscraper" and areas tallest building for 40 years, the Dixie Sherman hotel. Also, in July was a "Marketing 2.0: New Tools of the Trade" seminar, where we received a lot of positive feedback. Thank you to our presenting sponsors Neves Media and FSU-Panama City, as well as, our community sponsors The Bagel Maker, Magic Broadcasting and Lamar Advertising. We are always looking for ideas for possible seminars, workshops or programs that are of interest/benefit to you the members. If you have any ideas, please contact the Chamber to share.

 

Leadership Bay applications were due last month. The Leadership Bay Steering Committee will be making their selection this month, and will announce the 2011-12 class in September!

 

You should have received the third quarter edition of the Bay Biz magazine. If not, you can find an electronic version online at www.panamacity.org. Ad sales are now underway for the final edition of the year, which will be a special Economic Development/Industry edition! Support the Chamber and its mission and reserve your advertising spot today!

 

The Chamber will be introducing a new event in September, the Local First Responders Appreciation Lunch with Presenting Sponsor, Tyndall Federal Credit Union, to be held on Thursday, September 8, at FSU-Panama City. The event will honor local EMT, Fire and Police as well as recognize the 10 anniversary of 9/11. Read below in this e-newsletter for more information.

 

The Chamber's August calendar is filled with great networking and informational programs for our members. For a complete list of events, be sure to visit our website at panamacity.org.

  • August 5th - First Friday - Networking: 7:30 a.m. / Program: 8:00 a.m. Sponsored by: Workforce Board / Program: John Wheat, Executive Director, NWFL Beaches International Airport
  • August 9 - New Member 411 Breakfast - 8:30 a.m. - Chamber Boardroom
  • August 13 - Small Business Institute - 8:30 a.m. - Chamber Boardroom
  • August 30 - Business After Hours - 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. - Located & Sponsored by Knology, 235 w. 15 st.

The Chamber has a busy month on the horizon again. We hope to see you at the many events!


Bo Rivard signature 

Bo Rivard,

Chairman of the Board

Don't Miss Your Chance to Explore Ireland with other Chamber members!
Exploring Ireland  

The Bay County Chamber, Collette Vacations and our friends at Nervig Travel present Exploring Ireland, November 3-10, 2011. Leaving from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, this eight day affordable trip highlights the beautiful sights of Ireland.  Visit Dublin and Killarney as this tour introduces Ireland's natural beauty, rich history and hospitable culture.

 

Information also available online at www.panamacity.org or contact jill@baychamberfl.com.

Help Promote Your Business with a Member to Member Discount!
The Bay County Chamber is currently working on our new website which will be launched soon. Within the site will be a special page dedicated to promoting your business through member to member discounts. Members will be given a special "Proud Member of the Bay County Chamber" business card to show proof of being a Bay County Chamber member.

 

The website will list your business with contact and location information as well as the discount. If you are interested in offering a member to member discount, please fill out this form  and fax to 850.763.6229 or email to Crystal@baychamberfl.com. 
First Friday
 First Friday logo
Please join us for our monthly morning meeting and network with other Chamber members. Be sure to bring your business cards!
  
Date:   Friday, August 5th
Time:   Networking and coffee: 7:30 a.m.
            Program: 8 - 9 a.m.
Place:  FSU-PC Holley Center (4750 Collegiate Dr.)
Program: 
John Wheat



John Wheat, Executive Director
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport 

 

  
  
  
  

 

  
  
Sponsored by:
  workforce board logo        
  
First Friday Flowers Provided by Panama City Florist and Gifts
 
Coffee provided by Vittles Company

Small Business Institute

SBI Logo 

 

Date:       Wednesday, August 10th
Time:       8:30 a.m.
Place:      Chamber Boardroom

Program: Bay County Sheriff's Office - F.I.R.S.T. Program (Financial Institutions and Retail businesses Stopping Theft) - Presented by: Investigator Craig B. Romans, Criminal Investigations Division

The F.I.R.S.T. Program is a partnership between local law enforcement and participating businesses within the Bay County area; working together to prevent and discourage crime within Bay County. Every business within Bay County that accepts checks, credit cards, money orders or United States currency is encouraged to participate.
 

For more information contact Elizabeth@baychamberfl.com or 850-215-3761. 

 

Does your business have fewer than 35 employees and are you a member of the Bay County Chamber? If so, your business may be eligible for Small Business of the Quarter.  The SBI is currently accepting applications.  Businesses that are selected receive publicity in the E-BIZ newsletter, Bay Biz magazine, recognition on the Chamber's website, www.panamacity.org, First Friday and a sign for your business recognizing you as the Small Business of the Quarter.

 

For more information or an application, please contact Elizabeth at 215-3761 or elizabeth@baychamberfl.com.

 

Small Business of the Quarter is sponsored by:

Magic Broadcasting

Bay Young Professionals

BYP

Mark your calendar for 

this no-cost BYP Luncheon!  

 

Date: Tuesday, August 16th

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Place: Bonefish Grill

           (23rd St. Location) 

Limited space available. Please RSVP by August 12th to Elizabeth@baychamberfl.com or 215.3761 

 

 

Sponsored by: 

Bonefish  

 

Are you a young professional looking for personal and professional development and connecting to community leaders?  Then Bay Young Professionals is for you! 

 

Bay Young Professionals was formed by the Bay County Chamber to specifically address the needs of this target group, individuals age 21-41, recognizing that certain leadership skills come from additional experiences beyond the classroom and job environment.  Under the chairmanship of Valerie Lovett, Bay County Board of Commissioners, BYP hosts monthly opportunities to attend programs conducted by professionals and leaders from the community as they share experiences and expertise.  Members of BYP will have the opportunity to attend tours of local industries, socials and luncheons conducted by professionals and leaders from the community.

 

Members of the Bay County Chamber can join BYP for an annual fee of $75 and non-members can join for $100.   For more information or an application, please contact Elizabeth at 215-3761 or elizabeth@baychamberfl.com.

Business After Hours

 

Please join us for an evening of fun, networking and music!

 Be sure to bring your business cards!

 

Date:  Tuesday, August 30th

Time:  5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Place: Knology (235 W. 15th st.)

 

Sponsored by:

Knology  

Save the Date: Local First Responders Appreciation Luncheon!

FR logo with tyndall 

For their courage. For putting our lives ahead of their own. For inspiring us.  

 

Help us honor local Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS as well as recognize the 10th anniversary of 9/11 at the

First Responders Appreciation Luncheon!

       

Date: Thursday, September 8th

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Place: FSU-PC Holley Center

 

Keynote Speaker:

Larry Arnold 
 

 

 

Major General (ret) Larry Arnold

1st Air Force Commanding Officer during 9/11

 

Click here for his bio

 

 

 

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: Tyndall Federal Credit Union  

 

Gold Sponsor: 

Centennial Logo  

 

This unique event offers the business community an opportunity to express appreciation for the service that first responders provide.

 

Gold Sponsorships are still available! Sponsors will have the opportunity to meet First Responders and thank them first hand for what they do. Two First Responders will be invited to sit at each sponsored table.

 

A Community Hero of the Year presentation will also be included in the program.

 

Limited space available. Be sure to sign up for your sponsorship today! Click here for details and benefits.

Contact Jill@baychamberfl.com or 215.3757 for more information. 

Thank Local First Responders with a Discount on Your Services!
Along with the First Responders Appreciation Luncheon, the Bay County Chamber would like to request the assistance of our members to show appreciation to local heroes by offering a discount on your services during the week of Setember 5th - 11th. 

 

The idea is that local first responders in uniform or by showing a badge will receive discounts off retail, restaurants, services, or even activities that they can enjoy with their family.

 

If you have a business and would like to offer local first responders a discount off your services during the week of September 5th - 11th, please fill out this form  and fax to 850.763.6229 or email to Crystal@baychamberfl.com by August 26th.

 

The discounts will be published on the Chamber website - www.panamacity.org, posted at first responder precincts and communicated throughout.

 

Thank you for your help to say "THANK YOU" for risking their lives to save ours everyday.
Don't Miss Your Chance to Advertise in the Next Special Edition of the Bay Biz!
Don't miss your chance to advertise in the next edition of the "Bay Biz" magazine, due out in early October! The last Bay Biz of the year will be a special "Economic Development & Industry" edition. Click here  for advertising rates and information. Deadline to reserve your space is September 1st.

Interested in sharing your new hires, awards won, accolades or other business news? Submit it to be included in the next edition's "Biz List". Send in a 45 word write up and high resolution image or logo to Crystal@baychamberfl.com by August 19th.

Chamber Value Testimonial

Brian Baumgardner

While much has been written about corporate responsibility, we don't hear much about corporate opportunity. 

 

At Gulf Coast Medical Center we see our more than 30 year relationship with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce more as an opportunity than anything else. 

 

From a strategic level, our relationship provides us the opportunity to see emerging trends in our community. This position helps us better focus our resources to meet the changing healthcare needs of individuals and their families. From a tactical level, it provides our associates the opportunity to get engaged at the grass roots level of community development. From working with our military partners, to assisting our large and small businesses, and supporting the important role non-profit agencies play in a community, our relationship with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce provides benefits that extend far beyond our membership.

 

Brian Baumgardner, President & CEO

Gulf Coast Medical Center

850-747-7777

www.gcmc-pc.com

Apple of Our Eye Award Winners

Acentria 

Renovation

Acentria

1007 Jenks Ave.

Panama City, FL 

 

If you know of a newly constructed building or renovation that should be considered for the Apple of our Eye Award, please let us know - 215.3753.

  

Apple of our Eye winners are also featured in television spots that run on WJHG News Channel 7, MY 7, and The CW each month. You can view them on our YouTube channel by clicking here.

 

Apple of our Eye Awards are sponsored by News Channel 7

Grand Openings

Black Tie GO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Tie Formal Wear

834 W. 23rd. St.

June 23rd

  

Spice of Life  

Spice of Life

440 C Grace Ave.

June 29th

 

Quiznos 

Quiznos

1000 E. 23rd. St.

July 14th

 

Ambassador Spotlight

 

Ambassador
Margaret Henkle, Henkle Law Firm, has been selected as August's Ambassador Spotlight. Margaret has been serving as a Chamber Ambassador since she became a Chamber member in 2004. She is very involved with the Chamber as a 2007 graduate of Leadership Bay and active participant with Business Referral Group C. Margaret is also very active in the community currently serving as Assistant District Governor with the Lynn Haven Rotary Club, volunteers to teach continuing education courses with the Small Business Development Center and works as an adjunct professor at Gulf Coast State College. Thank you Margaret for all that you do for the Chamber!

 

If you are interested in becoming a Chamber Ambassador please contact Don at don@baychamberfl.com or 850-215-3753.

 

Community News

Click Here for the Community Calendar for August!