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Greetings!
Most of you have probably received a call from Target Marketing, who is handling the advertising sales for our 2013-2014 map of Bay County. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Scott Robertson with Target Marketing at srobertson@chambermaps.com . You can also call their sales line at 1-800-933-3909.
As we continue the celebration of our 100th anniversary, we are learning of more and more of companies who are also celebrating this big milestone. Our president, Carol Roberts, attended the Trane company festivities last Friday marking their 100th birthday. With over 700 employees, Trane plays a vital role in our local economy.
We encourage you to mark your calendar for April 24th and plan to attend the retirement ceremony of the F101 Jet at the Panama City Marina. This retirement will make way for a new monument recognizing all of our military. We salute the Panama City Commission for their efforts to revitalize our city marina and the emphasis on those who protect our country. The event will be held at the current site of the jet at 1 p.m.
In this issue of e-Biz newsletter, take a look at the upcoming Tourism Appreciation Month opportunities to promote your business and support Bay County's #1 industry.
You'll also find more information in this issue on:
- 100th Anniversary
- Non-Profit Executive Director Roundtable & Coffee
- April Business After Hours
- Bay Young Professionals Social
- Tourism Appreciation Month Events
- 9th Annual Career Expo
- Gulf Coast State College Small Business Conference
- Grand Openings
- Sponsorship Opportunities
- Money for Members Contest
- Business Referral Network Group Meeting Dates
Much Success,
The Bay County Chamber of Commerce Staff
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Bay County Chamber of Commerce History:
1940-1943
The early 1940s proved to be an extremely eventful time across the globe;
Bay County was no exception. On March 21, 1940, Panama City's first radio station, WDLP, went on air. Later that year on August 21st, the words "Trotsky has been assassinated!" probably could have been heard across the radios in Bay County and most likely heard by Mr. Braden Ball, Bay County Chamber Chairman.
It was an eventful year, even for fashion. The DuPont industry introduced to the public nylon hosiery, which went on sale May 1940. Women across the nation lined up waiting to buy the new trending accessory. That year DuPont sold more than 64 million pairs.
Then July 1941, while A.M. Lewis Sr. was chairman, Jeep introduced the Willy MA. Approximately 16,000 vehicles came off the production line and sent to U.S. Allies in Russia and England. By this time Panama City Mayor, Mr. Harry Fannin, had already dug the first spade full of sand during a ground breaking ceremony May 6th on the new military installation which would be named Tyndall Field June 13. While construction was underway at Tyndall, construction was also wrapping up at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota. After more than 14 years of construction, the project was finally completed October 31st.
Before 1942 had a chance to roll in, an attack on U.S. soil shook the world. This day would continue to echo through history as the Day of Infamy. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese led an attack on Pearl Harbor, Oahu. That day was also a landmark for Bay County. Tyndall Field officially opened, and the first 2,000 troops arrived for gunnery school. Tyndall would develop into a key economic provider for Bay County as the years and its missions progressed.
In 1942 B.S. Gordon was chairman. During April that year, more than 60,000 Filipino and American POWs were forced by the Imperial Japanese Army to make, what is now known as, the Bataan Death March. Then in June, the U.S. Navy would determinedly overpower the Imperial Japanese Navy during the Battle of Midway.
During this time another fashion craze was emerging-the T-shirt. The earliest printed shirt can be found on the cover of July 13's LIFE magazine. Also that July, Panama City's Wainwright Shipyard would begin to construct vessels until the end of the war. Approximately 102 Liberty Ships and six tankers were constructed and launched from Panama City.
In 1943, WWII was well underway. Italy would join the Allies that year. Meanwhile back in Bay County, Mr. George Logue Sr. was chairman. On Jan. 6, 1943 Mr. Clark Gable, renown actor, graduated from aerial gunner school, Tyndall Field, and received his silver wings. Mr. Gable is probably best known for his role as Rhett Butler from the movie production, "Gone With the Wind."
Written by: Chris Reel, SrA USAF, Public Affairs, 325th Fighter Wing
Early Picture of Tyndall Field (Courtesy of Tyndall AFB)
Clark Gable in Gone With the Wind. Gable graduated from aerial gunner school at Tyndall Field right here in Bay County.
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Non-Profit Executive Director Round Table & Coffee
Do you know all of the benefits that Chamber membership provides to your non-profit? If you are an Executive Director of a non-profit, please join us for coffee and a roundtable discussion.
Tuesday, April 23rd
Bay County Chamber Boardroom
235 W. 5th Street
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
During the coffee, you will learn ways to take advantage of your Chamber membership in order to make new connections for your organization.
RSVP's are required by April 21st. For more information or to RSVP please contact Elizabeth at 215-3761. |
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April Business After Hours
When: Tuesday, April 23rd
Time:5:30-7 p.m.
Place: Gulf Coast Dermatology - New Beach Location
12905 Panama City Beach Parkway (Across from Holiday Golf)
Sponsored by:  |
Save the date for the next BYP Social
Tuesday, April 30th
The Shrimp Boat Restaurant
1201 Beck Avenue
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Thank you to our Sponsor!
RSVP to Elizabeth at 215-3761 by April 29th . No cost for BYP members and $5 for future BYP members. |
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May First Friday
Date: Friday, May 3rd
Time: Networking and Coffee 7:15 a.m.; Program 8 a.m.
Place: FSU-Panama City Holley Academic Center
Program: Tourism Development Council Executive Director, Dan Rowe, and Leadership Bay class of 2012-2013 Project Presentation
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Jungleball Volleyball Tournament and
Business After Hours
Thursday, May 9th
BookIt.com Beach at Pier Park
Tournament begins at 4:30 p.m.
Business After Hours is from 4:30-7 p.m.
To sign up to play in this fun event, click here.
Space is limited to 15 corporate teams. |
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17th Annual Spring Classic Golf Tournament
Friday, May 17th
Lunch and Registration 11 a.m.
Shotgun start at Noon
Hombre Golf Club
Fish Fry sponsored by
TECO
Beverage Cart sponsored by
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Interested in sponsorships? Click here. |
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9th Annual Career Expo
The Workforce Center and the Bay County Chamber of Commerce invites you to participate in the 9 th Annual Career Expo. It is an excellent opportunity to meet jobseekers who have high level skills and are looking for specialized employment. Since the expo is geared towards professional jobseekers, we are asking for employers who have positions that pay at least $12.00 per hour or $25,000 per year to attend. Booth fee is $50, payable to the Gulf Coast Workforce Board.
The Expo will be held on Thursday, May 16th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Panama City Mall. Interested in participating? Click here for more information. |
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Congressman Steve Southerland
Small Business Conference
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Sponsorship Opportunities for 2013
Business After Hours
This is a great evening networking opportunity for new, current and prospective members to come to your location to network, enjoy refreshments and share what your business has to offer. Months available are July and August.
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$ Money for Members $
We are pleased to announce a contest for our members. You can win some cash and have fun competing with other Chamber members!
You will receive $25 cash or credit on your Chamber account.
Click here for more details on how you can participate! |
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CHAMBER |
Click here to view upcoming Chamber events. |
| COMMUNITY |
Click here to view more upcoming community events. |
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PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON THE CHAMBER WEBSITE
for rates and more information.
Did you know as a Chamber member you can post your job openings for free online? Also, if you have an upcoming event, you can also post that for free. Take advantage of the great items our website has to offer!
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Welcome
New Members | |
Blue Boy Consulting, LLC
Momma Goldberg's Deli
Sonic Drive In- Panama City Beach
Sonic Drive In- Callaway
Sonic Drive In- 23rd St.
Sonic Drive In- Highway 98
Sonic Drive In- Highway 231
Sonic Drive In- Lynn Haven
Sterling House Panama City
Supreme Lending
Sweet Frog
Warrior Beach Retreat, Inc
Weldco Mechanical Services
Thank you to Clear Channel Radio for our new member radio spots! |
Thank You Renewing Members
Member Anniversaries
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1 Year
- AL.com
- American General Life & Accident
- Claussen Plumbing Inc.
- Lee's Consignment Boutique
- The Collier Firm LLC
- The Neuro Medical Institute
- Big Lots
- Civil Air Patrol
3 Years
- Doral Bank
- Gangwisch, Gandy, and Melzer Family
Dentistry
5 Years
- Gift Basket Designs
7 Years - Counts Real Estate Group Inc.
8 Years - Preston Executive Partners 9 Years - G&W Inspections - NAI Halford 10 Years - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
13 Years - Angelo's Steak Pit - Ray A. Morse, DMD, PA
23 Years - Sam's Club |
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Need New Customers? | |
Business Referral Network (BRN) provides an opportunity for groups of business professionals to come together to network, share business leads and referrals with other group members.
BRN is available to any member in good standing with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.
They must attend the scheduled bi-monthly meetings and one referral or lead is requested at each meeting. Members are encouraged to bring one guest (guest may be non-member).
A member may only join one Business Referral Network group. The Business Referral Group also makes sure no single business will be in direct competition with another member of the group. (For example, only one person in banking can be in each group.)
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Business Referral Network Groups Meeting Dates | |
Four different Business Referral Network (BRN) groups meet bi-monthly for lunch meetings to network and share business leads/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 discourage direct competition.
Group A
El Jalisco
12:00 p.m.
El Jalisco
12:00 p.m.
Ferrucci Ristorante
12:00 p.m.
May 8th
Group D
Sonny's Bar B Q (Hwy 77 location)
12:00 p.m.
April 17th
All Groups Luncheon:
Thursday, April 25th
11:00 a.m.
Hilton Garden Inn
(1101 N. Hwy. 231)
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Include Your Business in our Relocation Packet Program |
Each year the Bay County Chamber of Commerce provides relocation guides to individuals and businesses looking for information on relocating to our area. In addition to the relocation guide, we have created a way for our members to market to these individuals who may soon need their products and services.
For more information on how you can get involved, contact Brittany at brittany@baychamberfl.com or call 215-3755. |
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Support Bay County and its Businesses! | |
Place copies of the "Bay Biz" and "Guide to Discovering Bay County" in your business lobby/office to support and promote our area to your clients and customers.
Call 785-5206 to get your supply of these publications that lets visitors, newcomers and potential businesses know Bay County is a great place to live, work and play. |
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