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Greetings!
The Chamber wants to know what you think about legislative issues coming up for 2014. Please take a few minutes to fill out our 2014 Governmental Affairs Legislative Agenda Survey by clicking here.
We hope you had a busy, successful summer as the fall season is quickly approaching. The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport continues to grow. As a new article by FloridaTrend.com reports, the airport had 883,592 passengers for 2012. This means NWFL Beaches surpassed Northwest Florida Regional Airport and other airports in the state. More travelers are choosing to fly through ECP and visit our beautiful county and region.
Our Business After Hours sponsorship for November is available. Interested in showcasing your business in this fun networking event? Contact Elizabeth at 215.3761.
Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Panama City for donating $800 to our Junior Leadership Bay Program. The funds given will be used as a scholarship to help those who may not be able to participate in the program.
Finally, congratulations to our own Carol Roberts, who was chosen as the Girl Scouts of the Florida Panhandle Woman of Distinction for Business. Thank you to all the other women who were honored for all they do for our community.
Thank you for investing in your community and supporting our efforts to make Bay County a great place to live, work and play!
You'll find more information in this issue on:
- September First Friday
- Strengthen Your Non-Profit Seminar
- First Responders Appreciation Luncheon
- September Business After Hours
- BYP Tour and Luncheon
- Color Vibe Race
- Sponsorship Opportunities for 2014
- 100th Anniversary T-Shirts
- Money for Members Contest
- 2013-2014 Leadership Bay Class
- 100th Anniversary
- Military Affairs Committee
- Business Referral Network Group Meeting Dates
Much Success,
The Bay County Chamber of Commerce Staff
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Friday, September 6th
Networking and Coffee 7:15 a.m.
Program 8 a.m.
FSU-Panama City (4750 Collegiate Drive)
Program: 10th Anniversary of the Arrival of the F-22's to
Tyndall Air Force Base, Col. Max Marosko, Commander 325th Operations Group.
Come join us as we celebrate the decade of the 1980's!
Sponsored by:
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Save the Date
Strengthen Your Non-Profit
Tuesday, September 17th
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Bay County Chamber Boardroom, 235 W. 5th Street
Topics to be discussed are:
- Your New Board presented by Carol Roberts, President/CEO of the Bay County Chamber
- Delegation presented by Dave Balmer, Dale Carnegie Training
- The Importance of Legislative Participation, presented by Tony Carvajal, Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber Foundation
- Scheduled Legislative Round Table with Rep. Marti Coley
To register, contact Kevin or 215.3757 or for more information, click here.
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We are pleased to announce our 3rd Annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon will be held on September 20th. The luncheon is a way to say thank you to those who risk their lives to save others. This is an opportunity for the business community to express appreciation for the service First Responders provide. One lucky First Responder will be chosen as the LASIK for Heroes winner, sponsored by Eye Center of North Florida and Gulf Coast Medical Center. Tallahassee's first female fire chief, Chief Cindy Dick, is our scheduled guest speaker, and will talk about the challenges of being a first responder.
Want to sponsor or purchase tickets? Click here.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor:
Lasik for Heroes Sponsor:
Host Sponsor:
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Join us for Business After Hours!
Tuesday, September 24th
5:30-7 p.m.
Spinnaker Beach Club & Paradise Grill
8795 Thomas Drive
Enjoy networking, drinks, food, fun, live entertainment, door prizes and more!
Sponsored by:
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Save the Date for the next Bay Young Professionals Tour and Luncheon!
Wednesday, September 25th
11 a.m.
Gulf Coast Medical Center New Critical Care Unit
Lunch will be provided.
Space is limited. RSVP to Kevin@baychamberfl.com or 215.3757.
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Chamber Hosting Color Vibe Race
The Bay County Chamber Foundation announces it will be partnering with The Color Vibe Race Series to bring a Color Vibe 5k Race to Panama City, FL, on Saturday, November 16th. The race will take place at the former
Bay County - Panama City International Airport.
To register or learn more about the event, visit www.thecolorvibe.com. For more information contact Elizabeth Smith at 850.215-3761.
Thank you to our Official Race Place to Stay & Registration Sponsor:
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Sponsorship Opportunities for 2014
Planning for 2014? Don't forget to budget in our Annual Events such as First Friday, Business After Hours and our Annual Dinner. For more information on how you can sponsor, contact Elizabeth at 215.3761.
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100th Anniversary T-Shirts for Sale
100th anniversary t-shirts are now on sale for $13 (includes tax)! They come only in navy, sizes S-XXL. Call 785.5206 to buy one today.
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$ Money for Members $
Don't forget to send us your leads! You can win some cash and have fun competing with other Chamber members.
You will receive $25 cash or credit on your Chamber account for each lead that joins.
Click here for more details on how you can participate!
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Leadership Bay 2013-2014 Class
The Leadership Bay Steering Committee under the Chairmanship of Tammala Spencer, met and selected the 31st Class of Leadership Bay. The group will begin the eight-month program on where participants will attend a weekend retreat October 4th - 5th at Tyndall Air Force Base that will expose them to numerous leadership and team building exercises. Steering Committee members and Gulf Coast State College staff conduct the retreat.
Congratulations to the 2013-2014 Leadership Bay Participants:
Sheila Bradt
Gulf Coast Medical Center
Elouise Bryant
Naval Surface Warfare Center
Tammy Dunaway
Girls Incorporated
Jeremy Hinton
Innovations Federal Credit Union
Becky Kelly
FSU Panama City
Ann Leonard
Gulf Coast State College
Nycole McKissack
Hancock Bank
Kristopher McLane
Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce
Cassidy Nelson
Sonny's Real Pit Bar B Q
Drew Norton
Ideal Dentistry
Isi Ogwude
Gulf Coast State College
Nick Pohl
Trane
Marilyn Rogers
Booz Allen Hamilton Engineering
Mendy Scanlon
Gulf Power Company
Jamie Shepard
RSAE, LLC
Chris Thomas
Brown & Brown Insurance
Andy Weddle
Harrison Sale McCloy
JD White
ReliantSouth Construction Group
Charity Williams
Summit Bank
Suzanne Windham
Life Management Center
Jennifer Wolgamott
Luster National
Of course, we cannot have Leadership Bay without the support and hard work from the 2013-14 Leadership Bay Steering Committee:
Chairman Tammala Spencer
Pete Bailey, Gulf Power Company
Nick Beninate, Harrison Sale McCloy
Michael Calidonna, Edward Jones Investments
DeAnne Carlson, Summit Bank
Joe Chavarria
Tricia Petty, Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort
Irene Field, Girl Scout Council of FL Panhandle
Mario Gisbert, City of Panama City Beach
Jenny Howell, Naval Surface Warfare Center
Frances Martin, Gulf Coast Medical Center
Megan Meints, Booz Allen Hamilton Engineering
Samantha Miller, Trustmark Bank
Shannon Sheibe, FSU Panama City
Trevor Walls, Gulf Coast State College
Kevin Wattenbarger, Sperry Van Ness/Southland Commercial Real Estate
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Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Local, and International History from 1980-1983
A new decade meant new inventions throughout the world, and new leadership here at the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. Don Crisp, Travis Cosby, Gene Crist, and Larry Tyree all served as Chairman of the Chamber from 1980-1983.
Sadly, the founding member of the Beatles, John Lennon, was assassinated on December 8, 1980. His memory lives on through song and the famous memorial, Strawberry Fields, in Central Park in New York City.
On a lighter note, the first PacMan video game was released, creating a classic arcade game enjoyed by people all over the world. The Rubik's Cube hit stores challenging those who bought the fun puzzle. Michael Jackson released his famous Thriller video, which is still enjoyed by millions all over the world today.
Here at home, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce influenced Century Boat Company to open in Panama City, bringing jobs to the community. One of the most important moments of this time period was the formation of the first Leadership Bay Class. Leadership Bay is still going strong, as the 31st class kicks off in just a few weeks.
Former Chairman of the Chamber, Gerry Clemons, is elected as the Mayor of Panama City. After over two decades as Mayor, he continues to stay active in our community today.
Original PacMan Video Game Released in 1980
Former Panama City Mayor and Chairman of the
Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Gerry Clemons
Old Hathaway Bridge Taken in the 1980's
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The Military Affairs Committee (MAC) of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1946, and is rich in the history of providing good public relations between our military bases and the business community.
The mission of MAC is to develop understanding, support and goodwill between our men and women in uniform and the local business and civic leaders. The committee stages various events and receptions to welcome visiting military officials and guests to the Bay County area.
If you are interested in joining MAC and supporting our local Military Installations, contact Tamara@baychamberfl.com or 850.215.3791.
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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
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Community Bank
Radiance Technologies
HOCOA of NWFL
Thank you to Clear Channel Radio for our new member radio spots!
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Thank You Renewing Members
Member Anniversaries
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1 Year
- Moulder Insurance Agency Inc.
- Lifeguard Ambulance Service
- Prosperity Bank
- Wyndham Resorts
3 Years
- Hare Taylor LLC
- Mathison Retirement Center
- Purvis Systems Incorporated
4 Years
- Action Fire & Safety Equipment
- Dunkin Donuts
5 Years
- Chambless Landscaping & Lawn Care
- Newpoint Schools
6 Years
- Two Men and a Truck
7 Years
- Tractor & Equipment Co., Inc.
- Valle Vistas
12 Years
- Harrison Rivard Duncan & Buzzett
15 Years
- Bay County Council on Aging
17 Years
- Gregory P. Grantham, D.M.D., P.A.
- Panama Country Club
23 Years
- Jack Williams
33 Years
- Bay County Association of REALTORS
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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
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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.
September 11th
Group D
Sonny's Bar B Q (Hwy 77 location)
12:00 p.m.
September 4th
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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!
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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 FREE publications that lets visitors, newcomers and potential businesses know Bay County is a great place to live, work and play.
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Get Discounts on Products and Services While Supporting Other Members!
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"Member to Member Discounts" are posted on the Bay County Chamber of Commerce's website. You can access the link by clicking here. To pick up your Membership Discount card, call the Chamber at 785.5206.
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