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Greetings!
As we watched Representative Jimmy Patronis make his last remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives, emotions were abound. Representative Patronis is to be commended for all that he has done for Bay County and his district. We thank him for giving of his time away from his family and business to make our community a great place to call home. Please reach out and communicate with Jimmy and show your appreciation for his eight years of service to the great State of Florida. Jimmy.Patronis@myfloridahouse.gov 455 Harrison Ave Panama City, FL 32401
Speaking of changes, it's with a heavy heart that we announce the retirement of Don Pitts, VP of Membership Development. Don has done a fantastic job for us and we wish him and his wife, Linda the best.
On the other hand, we are pleased to announce that Tamara Barnes who currently serves as the Executive Assistant, has been promoted to Don's position. We know she is going to do an amazing job for us.
Tamara Barnes, New Vice President of Membership
In addition, Military Affairs Committee (MAC) responsibilities have been moved to Governmental Affairs under the leadership of Theresa Moran. These are some exciting changes for us and we know that you will be pleased.
Theresa Moran, Vice President of Governmental Affairs Committee and Military Affairs Committee
The Bay County Chamber celebrates the month of May as Tourism Appreciation Month (TAM) to highlight the importance of tourism in our community and recognize our number one industry. The Chamber and the Tourism Appreciation Task Force encourage you to put on your billboards and signs, "Thank you for Visiting" to show appreciation for all who visit our area. Also during the month of May, we encourage you to show appreciation to all who make Panama City Beach a great destination. For tips on how you can show your appreciation to your hospitality employees, click here. The TAM task force has a great line of events for you, your employees and your clients to participate in. From golf to beach volleyball we have something for everyone to enjoy. More information is below.
Additional Topics Include:
- Tourism Appreciation Month
- Upcoming BYP Events
- June First Friday
- June Block Party
- Trip to Ireland
- Military Affairs Committee
- Business Referral Network Group Meeting Dates
Much Success,
The Bay County Chamber of Commerce Staff
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Success Planning in Life and Finances Workshop
With Dan Hinz Coaching
Thursday, May 8th
5:30-7:30 p.m. Bay County Chamber of Commerce Boardroom (235 West 5th St.) $50 for members; $60 for future members Hors d'oeuvres and drinks included as well as all workshop materials
RSVP to Kevin at 215.3757 by May 7th.
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Mark your calendar for these exciting events to celebrate Tourism Appreciation Month in May!
7th Annual Jungleball Volleyball Tournament
& Business After Hours
Date: Tuesday, May 13th
Time: Tournament: 4:30 p.m.
Business After Hours: 5:00 p.m.
Place: Beach Behind Boardwalk Beach Resort
Join us for this fun event that involves member businesses competing in a friendly game of volleyball for first, second and third place.
If you don't play, you can cheer on a team while enjoying live music, refreshments, networking and more! To register to play click here.
Sponsored by:

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Date: Friday, May 30th
Time: Lunch & Registration: 11 a.m.
Shotgun Start: Noon
Place: Hombre Golf Club
Please join us for a relaxing day on the course and an opportunity to network with other Chamber members. Click here to sign up your team.
Interested in sponsoring?
Carts and Scorecards, click here
Thank you to our sponsors!
Beverage cart sponsor:
Eagle sponsor:
Lunch sponsored by:
Finale Enterprises
Driving Range sponsored by:
Hole in One sponsored by:
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The Great Golf Ball Drop will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the 18th Annual Spring Classic Golf Tournament. 250 golf balls will be dropped, and the first one to land in the hole will win $1,000! You do not have to be a golfer or be present to win.
Chance to win tickets are 1/$10 or 3/$25 (suggested donation). To purchase tickets, call 850.785.5206 or stop by the Chamber office.
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Upcoming BYP Events
Lunch
Tuesday, May 6th
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Pop's Dawgs (1109 W 15th Street, Panama City, FL 32401)
$3 for dog, chips and a drink; Future members are at normal menu price
Stop in for a casual lunch and enjoy your favorite type of hot dog.
Please RSVP to Kevin by May 5th
Jungleball Volleyball Tournament Team
Tuesday, May 13th
Registration - 4:00 p.m.
Behind Board Walk Beach Resort
There is no cost to play (BYP will pay for the entrance fee),
but a $10 contribution is needed to pay for team t-shirts.
8 teammates needed and 2 ladies on the court at all time required. Must be a BYP member to play. Please RSVP to Kevin by Thursday, May 8th
Tour
Thursday, May 29th
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Stem to Stern Sailing, LLC
(111 W. Beach Dr. Panama City, FL. 32401)
$5 for members $20 for future members
Have you ever wanted to go learn to sail or go sailing?
Stop by and find out more details. Eight lucky winners will get to go on a three hour trip on Saturday, May 31st.
Interested in becoming a BYP member? Contact Kevin at 215.3757.
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Friday, June 6th
Networking and Coffee: 7:15 a.m.
Program: 8 a.m.
FSU Panama City Holley Academic Center (4750 Collegiate Drive) Program: Internship Marketplace, a Project of the
2013-2014 Leadership Bay Class
Sponsored by:
Coffee sponsored by
First Friday sponsorships for July & August are still available.
Contact Elizabeth at 215.3761 for more information.
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Mark your calendars for the new date for the 3rd Annual Board of Directors Block Party!
Thursday, June 12th 5-7 p.m.
Bay County Chamber of Commerce (235 West 5th Street)
There will be food, games, a bounce house for kids, live entertainment by
True Soul, popcorn, cotton candy and more!
Bring an item for the Humane Society of Bay County and receive a free
t-shirt from InkTrax! Visit www.PanamaCity.org for a full list of items the Humane Society needs.
Thank you to our sponsors:
The Bay County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
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Take a Trip to Ireland
The Bay County Chamber is teaming up with Collette Vacations to offer our membership a 10 day trip to Ireland starting March 10, 2015. During your 10 day trip you will experience Mass at the Marian Shrine of Knock, enjoy a guided tour of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, you will spend two nights in the charming waterside village of Kinsale, renowned as Ireland's "gourmet capital" and much, much more.
The cost of $2,699 for the trip includes airfare out of Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, all accommodations and 12 meals. For more information, please contact Elizabeth at 215.3761.
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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 Theresa@baychamberfl.com or 850.215.3759.
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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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Out of the Box Gifts & More
Humana, Inc.
Pop's Dawgs
Mears Enterprises
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
- Aaron Rich Marketing - Bay Building Industries Association - Maritech Machine
3 Years
- Allstate Insurance - Baytown Agency
4 Years
- Guardian Ad Litem
5 Years
- The Boeing Company
8 Years
- Counts Real Estate Group, Inc.
10 Years
- Hiland Park Baptist - Mercury Marine
11 Years
- Frank Gregory
12 Years
- Leon Walters, Sr.
13 Years
- Landever Estates
14 Years
- Ray Morse, DMD, PA
24 Years
- Tyndall Air Force Base Installation
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Chamber Name Tags
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If you've ordered a Chamber name tag, please pick it up at our office at 235 West 5th Street. If you would like to order one, please call 850.785.5206 or visit the name tag table at First Friday. The first one is free, and a replacement is $5.
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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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Group A
El Jalisco
12:00 p.m.
El Jalisco
11:30 p.m.
May 8th
Ferrucci Ristorante
12:00 p.m.
May 14th
Group D
Sonny's Bar B Q (Hwy 77 location)
11:30 p.m.
May 7th
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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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