Bay County Chamber of CommerceJanuary 4, 2012
eBIZ newsletter
Greetings!


Happy New Year! We hope that you had a wonderful holiday and are starting the year off right. You may have noticed that we are making a few changes, such as, our e-newsletter the "e-BIZ" which has a fresh new look and will begin to be sent out bi-weekly instead of just monthly. We've made this change in order to keep you more up-to-date on chamber, community and business news. Also, our website redesign for www.panamacity.org is almost complete and will be launched very soon.

There are a few other things happening around here, including gearing up for the 2012 legislative session and election year, restructuring some of our committees to better serve you and planning for our 100 year anniversary for 2013. 

If you're interested in getting involved to get the most out of your membership (which we strongly advise you do), then check out the list of committees below in this version of the "e-BIZ". Once you do, contact us with your questions or choice(s) and we will welcome your support and involvement with open arms. 

Be sure to read below for all the chamber events coming up, including our Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony. You can find a printable chamber calendar here and a community calendar here. Both can also be found in the side-bar, or on our website

We thank you for your support and look forward to working with all of our members to make this the most prosperous year yet. Happy 2012!
 
Sincerely,
The Bay County Chamber of Commerce Staff
 
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP - GET INVOLVED.

 

The Chamber works with a variety of committees to help us reach our goals and commitment to you. No matter what your schedule is like there is one that can work with it, from the event task forces that last only a few months to the BRN groups that meet twice a month during lunch. REMEMBER: Becoming involved is the best way to network, make relationships with future clients, attain leads or even gain experience. Below are the options and the Chamber staff member that can give your more info for each. Committees (except MAC, BRN & BYP) dissolve at the end of each year, so even if you were on one last year and you wish to stay on, let the staff member know. 

 

AMBASSADORS (*Additional Fee) - Don@baychamberfl.com

 

SMALL BUSINESS INSTITUTE (SBI) - Elizabeth@baychamberfl.com

 

BUSINESS REFERRAL NETWORK (BRN) - Don@baychamberfl.com 

 

BAY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (BYP) - Elizabeth@baychamberfl.com 
(*Additional Fee)  

 

EDUCATION COMMITTEE - Elizabeth@baychamberfl.com 

 

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS - Pat@baychamberfl.com

 

MILITARY AFFAIRS (*Additional Fee) - Tamara@baychamberfl.com

 

PUBLIC RELATIONS - Crystal@baychamberfl.com

 

TOURISM APPRECIATION MONTH - Jill@baychamberfl.com

 

FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION - Jill@baychamberfl.com
BAY BIZ MAGAZINE - NEW EDITION
 
Bay Biz
The Jan. - Mar. 2012 edition of the Bay Biz magazine is being mailed out this week. You can take a peak ahead of time with our digital version here, and pick up extra copies in the Chamber lobby or at one of our events. 
 
If you are interested in submitting your business news to be featured in the "Biz List" or would like to advertise in the next issue of the "Bay Biz" due out in April, contact at Crystal@baychamberfl.com or 215.3755. 
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

 

First Friday with the Beach
Please join us as we kick off the new year for our monthly morning meeting and an opportunity to network with fellow Bay County Chamber members as well as Panama City Beach Chamber members. Be sure to bring your business cards!

 

Date: Friday, January 6th
Time: Networking: 7:30 a.m. / Program: 8:00 a.m.
Place: FSU-Panama City - Holley Center
Guest Speaker: Neal Wade, Executive Director - Bay County EDA

 

Sponsored by: 
Peoples First Insurance 
A special thank you to Dunkin Donuts, Vittles Companies and Panama City Florist and Gifts!

 

 

Bay Young Professionals Tour
Join the Bay Young Professionals for a behind the scenes tour of the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.

 

Date: Friday, January 20th
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Place: NWFL Beaches Intl. Airport (6300 West Bay Pkwy)

 

Due to security, RSVP's are required by January 18th to Elizabeth@baychamberfl.com or 215.3761. Click here for more information about Bay Young professionals including how to join.


Successful Public Speaking Seminar
The Bay County Chamber and Emerald Coast Dale Carnegie Training will host (2) half day seminars to help you improve your public speaking skills.

 

First Session
"Preparing the Presentation", "Identify Purpose" & "Planning the Presentation".
Date: Wednesday, February 8th
Time: 8:00 a.m. -  Noon
Place: Chamber Boardroom (235 W. 5th St.)

 

Second Session
"Dealing with Visuals" & "Conducting Q&A"
Date: Wednesday, February 15th
Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon
Place: Chamber Boardroom (235 W. 5th St.)

 

Each session is $50 each for chamber members and $60 for future members. Receive a $10 discount for signing up for both sessions by February 3rd. For more information including what each session will include, contact Elizabeth@baychamberfl.com or 215.3761. 
Annual Dinner Save the Date
 
THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL DINNER SPONSORS!
 
  Premier Sponsor                      Corporate Sponsors
Edgewater
 
       ARINC, Comcast, Gulf Coast State College, Harrison Sale & McCloy, 
       HealthSouthKnology,
 

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, click here or contact Jill@baychamberfl.com or 215.3757. 
JUNIOR LEADERSHIP BAY
SEEKING SILENT AUCTION ITEMS
 
The Junior Leadership Bay Steering Committee is hosting a silent auction in conjunction with the Chamber's Annual Dinner. Proceeds earned will ensure the mission of the Junior Leadership Bay program. If you or your business would like to donate to the auction, contact Elizabeth@baychamberfl.com
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 
FOR 2012

 

FIRST FRIDAY

Held on the First Friday of every month from 8-9 a.m. This event has been going strong since 1957 and is still one of the Chamber's most popular events attended by 225-300 members and guests. Sponsors receive ten minutes at the podium and many other benefits.

 

Rotunda sponsorships are also available. 

 

 

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

This is a great evening networking opportunity for new, current and prospective members to come to your location to network, enjoy refreshments and see what your business has to offer.

 

 

Sponsors of any event will be listed with the promotion of it, in the "Bay Biz" magazine if signed up before magazine deadline.

 

Other various event sponsorship opportunities are available, contact Jill@baychamberfl.com 215-3757 for information.

LEADERSHIP BAY - CLASS OF 2011-12
FALLEN OFFICER MEMORIAL 
NEEDS YOUR HELP
 

The Leadership Bay Class of 2011-12 is honoring local law enforcement with a Fallen Officer Memorial and are currently looking for supporters to help fund the project.

 

To date there have been eight local law enforcement officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty. A county memorial will allow all local law enforcement agencies to come together to honor fallen officers and celebrate their service and commitment to our community.

 

The memorial will be housed at the Government Complex located at 840 W. 11th Street in front of the Bay County Library and will be a permanent fixture that will honor fallen officers for generations to come. 

 

Click here for more information. 

APPLE OF OUR EYE AWARD WINNERS
 
Thank you for helping make Bay County more visually appealing. 

 

Tacky Jacks AOE Panama Commons AOE 

             Renovations                          New Construction

          TACKY JACKS                    PANAMA COMMONS APTS.
  
     
3901 Thomas Dr., PCB,FL           1001 Sherman Ave., PC, FL

 

If you know of a newly constructed building or renovation that should be considered for this award, please contact Don@baychamberfl.com

GRAND OPENING & GROUND BREAKING
 

Sonnys Grand Opening

  Spikes Medical Grand Opening
   Dec. 8th, 2011 Sonny's BBQ      Dec. 8th, 2011 Spikes Medical
   Lynn Haven (Next to Walmart)              3238 Hwy 390
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
 

Tamara

 
Tamara Barnes, Executive Assistant
 
Before taking the position as the Executive Assistant a few months ago, Tamara had been with the Chamber for almost five years, serving as the Information Specialist at the Airport Business Center. In her new role she will work with Carol (President & CEO) with her duties as as well as assist with coordinating the Military Affairs Committee.
 
Rebecca
 
 
Rebecca Logan, Membership Account Executive
 
Rebecca joined the Chamber a few months ago as a Membership Account Executive. In her role she is responsible for membership and advertising sales in the Membership Development department.
 
 
 
Chris
 
 
Chris Boice, Membership Account Executive
 
Chris joined the Chamber in December as a Membership Account Executive. In his role he is responsible for membership and advertising sales in the Membership Development department.
 


Emma 
 
 
Emma Franco, Intern
 
Emma attends Newpoint Bay High School and is interning at the Chamber for her senior year. She assists the efforts of the Events, Foundation and Communications departments. 
 
CONNECT
 
CHAMBER 
Click here to view/print the Chamber's January 2012
calendar of events.
COMMUNITY
Click here to view/print the
  January 2012 community calendar of events. 
THANK YOU TO
OUR SPONSORS

David Weekley Homes

Lady Anderson

231 tattoos

gulfcoastcollege

Gulf Coast Medical Center

United Way of NWFL 

WJHG 

NEW MEMBERS
231 Tattoos & Design
Claims Strategies Group
DTG Printing
Fast Cab  
Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing 
Golden Corral
Goldsmith Jewelry
Lighting By Lavonne
Panama Commons
Sugar Boogers
That Place on 11th St.
Thank you to Clear Channel for sponsoring our new members radio spots!
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
1 YEAR

* Bay County Alzheimer's 

   Alliance

* Gulf Resources, LLC

* Star Service, Inc.

 

2 YEARS
* Black Tie Formal Wear
* Bodyworks 24/7
* East Side Christian Church
* Gulf Coast Cancer
   Treatment Center
* Rep. Marti Coley
* Spice of Life
* Tuxedo Souce
 
 3 YEARS
* Davis Oil Company
* Kenny Strange Electric
* Minuteman Security
   Agency
* TownePlace Suites
 
4 YEARS
* Holiday Golf Club
* Red Roof Inn
 
5 YEARS
* Amedisys Home Health
* Glen Cove Nursing
   Pavilion
* La Quinta Inn & Suites
 
6 YEARS
* Airport Furniture
* Firehouse Subs
* Ripley's Believe it or Not
 
7 YEARS
* Ocean Towers Beach Club
* Sonitrol/Redwire
* Superior Bank
 
8 YEARS
* MidSouth Bank
* Naval Support Activity
* Summit Condominiums
 
10 YEARS
* Dream Gowns
* Panama City Toyota
 
11 YEARS
* Landever Estates
* Panama City Health Club &
   Spa
* St. Andrews Bay Yacht
   Club
 
12 YEARS
* Country Inn & Suites
* Smitty's BBQ & Salad Bar
 
14 YEARS
* Bishop Group, Inc.
 
16 YEARS
* Bay Walk-In Clinic
 
17 YEARS
* King Aerospace
* McNeil Carroll Engineering
* Northwest Florida Blood
   Services
 
18 YEARS
* Better Business Bureau of
   Northwest Florida
 
19 YEARS
* Cooper's Drugs
 
22 YEARS
* City of Parker
 
23 YEARS
* Bay Medical Center
* Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay
   County
* Port Panama City, USA
 
24 YEARS
* Mayer Electric
 
25 YEARS
* St. Joe Company
 
26 YEARS
* Chemical Addictions
   Recovery Effort
 
27 YEARS
* Bay Lincoln Mercury
   Dodge Hyundai
* Cardiology Associates PA
* City of Callaway
* Clemons Company
* Comcast
* Corrections Corporation of
   America
* Dermatology Associates
* Merrill Lynch
* Vittles Companies
   (PoFolks, Triple J, Loco's)
* WMBB-TV
* Wells Fargo Advisors
 
31 YEARS
* Berg Steel Pipe Corp.
* Shumaker Construction Company, Inc.
 
32 YEARS
* American Cancer Society
* Buchanan & Harper, Inc.
* Haney Financial Services
 
33 YEARS
* The Salvation Army
 
34 YEARS
* Diver's Den
 
35 YEARS
* Merrick Industries, Inc.
 
38 YEARS
* Bay Radiology Associates
   P.A.
* James D. Campbell, DDS
   MS
* Tyndall Federal Credit
   Union
 
39 YEARS
* Cooley Management
 
40 YEARS
* Nervig Travel
   Service/American Express
 
44 YEARS
* Bay County Land &
   Abstract
 
47 YEARS
* Bill Cramer Chevrolet
   Cadillac Buick GMC
 
51 YEARS
* Hutt Insurance Agency
 
61 YEARS
* AT&T
* Boyd Brothers
* Buffalo Rock/Pepsi Cola
* Gulf Power Company
* H.G. Harders & Son, Inc.
* TECO Peoples Gas
BUSINESS REFERRAL NETWORK MEETINGS
Four different Business Referral Network (BRN) groups meet bi-monthly for various regularly scheduled lunch meetings to network, share business leads and referrals with other group members. 

Only one member of each group may belong to a particular business/trade, i.e. only one person in banking, to allow for no direct competition.

Group A
Po Folks (15th st. location)
12:00 p.m.
January 17

Group B
Sonny's BBQ
12:00 p.m.
January 12th & 26th

Group C
Ferrucci's Ristorante
12:00 p.m.
January 11th & 25th

Group D
Loco's
12:00 p.m.
January 4th & 18th 

If you are interested in joining a BRN group, contact Don@baychamberfl.com.