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Greetings!
Thank goodness April 15th has come and gone. Hopefully we all made the deadline to get our taxes done. We have a lot on the horizon with upcoming events and activities. The last couple of weeks have been "busy good" and here are some of the highlights:
Roberts Named Regional Chairman for FACP
Your Chamber President, Carol Roberts, is the new Regional Chairman for the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP). She hosted her first regional meeting on April 16th, with 18 of the 23 chamber execs from Leon to Escambia counties in attendance.
MAC Hosts Reception
The Military Affairs Committee (MAC) and MAC Chairman, Al McCambry, hosted a welcome reception on April 17th at the Shrimp Boat in honor of General Michael Hostage III, Commander, Air Combat Command, with headquarters at Langley Air Force Base, Va., to Bay County and his first official visit to Tyndall AFB, the newest base under ACC. Also included and welcomed the ACC Commander's Group, a selection of civic leaders from across the country. Al McCambry did the honor of presenting a MAC coin to Gen. Hostage.
Gardner Appointed to Board of Directors
Your Board of Directors met on April 18th and among numerous agenda items unanimously approved Brent Gardner, General Manager of Pier Park, as a new board member.
Non-Profits Meet to Discuss Chamber Membership
Our non-profit member organizations were treated to a gathering of their peers to further educate them on how to best utilize their membership with the Bay County Chamber. Eighteen non profits were in attendance.
Gulf Coast Dermatology Grand Opening
If you missed the grand opening of Gulf Coast Dermatology, you missed a great event that was followed by Business After Hours. Congratulations to Dr. Ward for his beautiful facility and for the creation of many jobs in Bay County.
Bay County Celebrates Centennial Birthday
We congratulate Bay County on their 100th birthday celebration that was held on April 24th at the McKenzie House. In addition, Congressman Steve Southerland recognized the birth date as he read a resolution into the congressional record on Capitol Hill. State Representative Jimmy Patronis also recognized the milestone in the State House of Representatives.
Airport Accepts Settlement with BP
The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport Board also met and accepted a settlement with BP of $4.9 M. This is great news for our airport and these funds will be utilized to meet the needs of travelers in and out of the airport and grow the most important part of the airport property for business development.
Historic Jets are Retired
A bitter sweet occasion took place on April 24th as we said farewell to both Voodoo F101 jets on the city marina and at GCSC. This makes way for a new and exciting plan on our marina to honor all branches of the military. Stay tuned for the unveiling of those plans.
Welcome, EPS Corporation to Bay County
We also welcomed a new defense contractor, EPS Corporation, to Bay County on April 25th. A worldwide company employing more than 600 people. Congrats to Allen Armstrong and his team!
Referral Groups Meet
The Business Referral Network (BRN) groups held an "All Groups" luncheon on April 25th with over 40 attendees. If you are not in one of these referral groups, now is a great time to sign up as we are excited about taking the program to the next level.
This message would not be complete without pausing to remember those who lost their lives and who were injured in the Boston bombings. Our hearts go out to those families and individuals as we all keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
You'll also find more information in this issue on:
- 100th Anniversary
- Junior Leadership Bay Graduation
- Bay Young Professionals Social
- Tourism Appreciation Month Events
- Emergency Preparedness Seminar
- 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:
1944-1947
The mid-1940s proved to be an epic timeframe for the world, 1944 especially. The date June 6, 1944 housed one of the largest amphibious military operations the world has yet to see D-Day. This is the day when Western Allies made their invasion on the beaches of Normandy in order to drive the German Forces from France. Also that year, President Roosevelt was the only US president to be elected for a fourth term. Sunscreen USA became patented, which was the start of the Coppertone Company. The product would grow to be beneficial and plentiful back in Bay County. Mean time in Bay County, M.G. "Bubber" Nelson, was chairman of the Chamber and possibly taking advantage of the new product himself.
Then in 1945, J.R. Asbell took over as chairman. That year, Florida's population would hit 2 million. As America grew, so did its people's ideas. In 1945, the first computer, ENIAC, was built. The microwave oven and the 'oh so famous' slinky were also invented. On a larger spectrum, the United Nations was founded. That same year, on April 12, President Roosevelt passed away. Then later that month, April 30, Adolf Hitler commited suicide resulting in his successor's surrender. As World War II was approaching its end, the A-Bombs were dropped on Japan.
By 1946, war crime trials were taking place all around the world, most recognizably of these would be the Nuremberg Trials. As the world began to recoup and America began to get back on its feet, a 7.4 magnitude earth quake off the Alaskan coast rocked the waves of the Pacific. The quake caused a tsunami that traveled directly towards Hawaii with 60-foot waves killing more than 150 people. However, on the other side of the US, in sunny Florida, tourists and Floridians took advantage of the sun in a new swimsuit trend-the bikini. Women sported the new fashion craze on Panama City's beaches the same time Cecil Kelly was the Chamber chairman. Pregnant women were probably not so interested in the new craze and were more interested in Dr. Benjamin Spock's new book, "The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care." The book would be a best-seller that year.
In 1947, A.N. Smith took over as Chamber chairman. During February of that year, the Polaroid camera was introduced. Perhaps the camera was used to take photos of the Roswell flying saucer incident in New Mexico. A possible UFO was not the only thing in the sky that year. Chuck Yeager would break the sound barrier in a rocket-propelled Bell X1 jet that was dropped from a B-29 bomber at 45,000 feet. Another milestone in history was the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in caves along the Dead Sea. The scrolls date from 250 B.C. to 65 A.D., and are the oldest copies of Biblical text in existence. This discovery would revolutionize the way the world understands the way the Bible was transmitted.
Written by: Chris Reel, SrA USAF, Public Affairs, 325th Fighter Wing
Downtown Panama City in 1947
Ritz Theatre in 1947 |
Junior Leadership Bay Graduates 13th Class
On April 29th, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce graduated its 13th class of Junior Leadership Bay. The event was held at the Florida State University Panama City Campus in the Holley Academic Center. Junior Leadership Bay is an eight month program for high school juniors designed to prepare, develop and enhance juniors for future roles in community leadership at an early point in life. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Anna Wirrick from Mosley High School was awarded a scholarship to attend Gulf Coast State College and Florida State University - Panama City Campus.
Congratulations to the 2012-2013 class!
Christina Anderson, Deane Bozeman School
Eli Brooks, Newpoint Bay School
Ethan Brown, Bay High School
Jacob Bryant, Mosley High School
Alexandra Chagnon, Arnold High School
Brenna Conte, Rutherford High School
Tyler Daly, Bay High School
Douglas Dick, Mosley High School
Britney Doll, Mosley High School
Regan Hamrick, Mosley High School
Uvarius Hewitt, Rutherford High School
Taylor Jock, Rutherford High School
James Justice, North Bay Haven Charter Academy
Katie Kinard, Mosley High School
Alec Norrie, Arnold High School
Abby Owen, Bay High School
Kyle Rits, Homeschool
Kristopher Soto, Rutherford High School
Sara Tolson, Mosley High School
Florina Wijekoon, Bay High School
Samantha Williams, Rutherford High School
Anna Wirrick, Mosley High School.
Junior Leadership Bay is administered by a steering committee comprised of many Bay County businesses. The members of the steering committee and their employers give up much of their time to insure the success of the program. Thank you to the members of the steering committee for all of the hard work and the time that you give to Junior Leadership Bay.
Chairman Carly Sostheim, Sharks Tooth Golf Club
Keith Bryant, Bay County Board of Commissioners
Suzanne Farrar, Bay District Schools
Melissa Ingle, Trustmark Bank
Teresa King, Gryphon Technologies
Emily Little, Engility Corporation
Angie McCauley, Lockmasters USA
Ruthie Parker, Innovations Federal Credit Union
Tina Rutherford, Trustmark Bank; Jon Smiley, Hancock Bank
Kristina Williams, Emerald Coast Hospice
Greg Wilson, State Attorney's Office - 14th Circuit
 Congratulations to Anna Wirrick from Mosley High School, this year's JLB Scholarship award winner. |
Join us tonight for the 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
Musical entertainment provided by Gene Mitchell Coffee provided by Vittles
Wine and Win Bring a bottle of wine to First Friday or drop off a bottle at the Chamber office by May 16th and get your name in a drawing for a 4 day/3 night giveaway courtesy of Sterling Resorts. Bring a really good bottle of wine and receive two tickets. The more wine, the better your chances to win this great getaway. The Wine and Win drawing will take place at the June First Friday. You do not have to be present to win.
The wine will be used for the Annual Spring Classic Wine Chance to take place at the Spring Classic on May 17th. |
Jungleball Volleyball Tournament and
Business After Hours
Thursday, May 9th
BookIt.com Beach in Pier Park
Tournament begins at 4:30 p.m. and 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.
Come and play or cheer on your favorite team. Enjoy food, beverage and entertainment. Pier Park is a pet friendly community (pets must be on a leash). |
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17th Annual Spring Classic Golf Tournament
Friday, May 17th
Fish Fry Lunch and Registration
BookIt.com and Simon Properties/Pier Park
Fish Fry sponsored by
TECO
Beverage Cart sponsored by
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Gazebo sponsored by
WOW and Via Media
Other sponsors include
Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau
Advisory Solutions
Interested in sponsorships? Click here.
11 a.m.
Shotgun start at Noon
Hombre Golf Club
120 Coyote Pass
Thank you to all of our golf sponsors! |
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Emergency Preparedness Seminar
With hurricane season approaching quickly, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce wants to raise awareness by offering an emergency preparedness and business continuity plan.
Friday, May 17th
8 a.m.
Gulf Coast State College Student Union East Conference Center
Contact Donna Newell at 913.2936 to register. |
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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 $50, payable to the Gulf Coast Workforce Board.
The Expo will be held on Thursday, May 16th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Panama City Mall. Interested in participating? Click here for more information. |
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Congressman Steve Southerland
Small Business Conference
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Grand Openings
 Gulf Coast Dermatology
12111 Panama City Beach Pkwy. |
Sponsorship Opportunities for 2013
Business After Hours
This is a great evening networking opportunity for new, current and prospective members to come to your location to network, enjoy refreshments and share what your business has to offer. Months available are July and August.
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$ 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 | |
Beef 'O' Brady's - Lynn Haven
Beef 'O' Brady's - Panama City
Beef 'O' Brady's - Panama City Beach
Smartbank
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.
May 1st
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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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