Bay County Chamber of CommerceJuly 12, 2016

This morning, we hosted a Disaster Preparedness Seminar at the Bay County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The event sold out, but we hope to do another one in the future. Thank you to Gulf Coast State College, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative and the Bay County EOC for partnering with us on this.

Applications are now being accepted for our Industry Appreciation Celebration Awards. There is no cost for members and $50 for future members. Know of a deserving business? Send them the application link which is below.

We are excited to announce that U.S. Senator Marco Rubio will be our program for First Friday on August 5th. Senator Rubio will discuss global issues effecting our country and the State of Florida More information is below.

Additional Topics Include:
  • BYP Luncheon
  • July Business After Hours
  • August First Friday
  • Leadership Bay Applications
  • ColorVibe 5k
  • Classic Christmas Markets Trip
  • Ribbon Cuttings
  • Military Affairs Committee
  • Bay Business Connection (BBC) Group Meeting Dates

Much Success,

The Bay County Chamber of Commerce Staff

Mark Your Calendars for the Next
Bay Young Professionals Luncheon! 
 
"Communicating To Lead"
 
Featuring: David Balmer, Dale Carnegie Training
 
Monday, July 18th  
Lunch and Networking: 11:45 a.m. 
Program: Noon 
Holiday Inn Panama City
(2001 Martin Luther King Blvd)
 
RSVP are required by July 14th.  Cancellations after July 14th will be invoiced. There is no cost for BYP Members, $15 for future BYP Members.  For more information on how you can join BYP or to RSVP, contact Bethany at 850.215.3779. 
 
Thanks to our sponsors: 
    



Join us for the August First Friday!
 
Friday, August 5th
FSU Panama City
(4750 Collegiate Drive)
Networking 7:15 a.m.
Program 8 a.m. 

Sponsored by:


Program:

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio 

Based on the premise that people are our most important resource, the purpose of the program is to offer potential leaders a curriculum in community leadership training. Sessions are held every other Wednesday, beginning in September and running through April, to familiarize selected participants with issues and resources that directly impact the future of Bay County. Participation is limited; additional cost required. All applications are due on Friday, August 5th, by 4 p.m. at the Bay County Chamber of Commerce (235 West 5th Street). For more information, contact Elizabeth at 850.215.3761.
September is Industry Appreciation Month!

Shining a spotlight on companies that help diversify Bay County's economy, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce will host Industry Appreciation Celebration during the month of September. The month long celebration is designed to acknowledge existing industries in appreciation for their impact in the community and their contributions to Bay County's economy.

Scheduled Events
 
September 2nd - First Friday at FSU Panama City, Sponsored by: Gulf Coast State College Corporate College
September 9th - Sporting Clay Tournament, Sponsorship Opportunities Available
September 16th - Employment Town Hall presented by Harrison Sale McCloy
September 22nd - Industry Appreciation Celebration Awards Breakfast at FSU Panama City, Sponsorship Opportunities Available

IAC Awards

Applications for the Industry Appreciation Celebration Awards are available through August 12th. Click here for IAC applications.
Categories for awards include: 
Newcomer - A company new to Bay County that began operating in the past 5 years
Export Excellence - A Bay County company that saw a significant increase in documented export sales in 2015
Entrepreneurship - A Bay County start-up company (less that 5 years) that sets the standard for entrepreneurship 
Innovation - A Bay County company, organization or institution that, through product or process, best exemplifies innovative leadership
Business Expansion - A Bay County company that expanded its operations in 2015, investing capital and creating jobs for Bay County residents.

There are no application fees for Chamber members and $50 fee for future Chamber members. For more information, contact Elizabeth at 850.215.3761. More events are currently being planned. 

The Bay County Chamber of Commerce announces it will be partnering with The Color Vibe Race Series to bring the Color Vibe 5k Race to Panama City, FL, on Saturday, November 19th. The race will take place at the formerly known Bay County - Panama City International Airport. A Color Vibe Race Series 5k is a fun 3.1 mile run infused with color. Runners start the race with a clean white shirt to pass through four color stations along the course to end up with a bright and vibrant tie-dye shirt at the finish. The point is not to race, but to literally become a canvas of color, be active, and share a life experience with friends and family. The colored powder thrown at the color stations is simply colored cornstarch that is 100% safe and biodegradable. A portion of the funds raised at the event will go to the Bay County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit which provides programs such as Leadership Bay, Junior Leadership Bay, Bay Young Professionals, Education Committee and more. 
For more information, contact Elizabeth at 850.215.3761.
Ribbon Cuttings  


Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe
103 West 23rd Street


Planted True
310 Harrison Avenue
Ambassador Spotlight
 

Aerial Payne has spent her life serving the Panama City area, both personally and professionally. After graduating from Mosley High School in 2010, she found employment with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as a field technician. Her work focused on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill that so greatly impacted the coastal community. Currently, she is an account executive at PCB Entertainment, the producers of Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam. Payne is also a part-time student majoring in Communication, Advertising, and Public Relations at Gulf Coast State College. Additionally, she mentors a student from a local elementary school and sponsors a child through the Christian Relief Fund. Payne is active with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and is a proud member of the Emerald Coast Business Women's Association. In her free time, she enjoys soaking up the sun on "The World's Most Beautiful Beaches," watching Alabama football, and seeing the Atlanta Braves play at Turner Field.

MAC Farewell Reception on July 28th at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club for departing commanders of CONR First Air Force and the 325th Fighter Wing from Tyndall Air Force Base.
MAC Chairman Mike Sears presenting Lt Gen William Etter (1AF) and his wife Col (Ret) Sheree Etter with departing gifts.
MAC Chairman Mike Sears presenting Col France (325FW) and his wife Amanda with departing gifts.
 
A welcome reception for incoming commanders, Lt Gen Robert S. Williams and Col Michael F. Hernandez will be scheduled in the upcoming weeks.

About MAC
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 Brandi DeRuiter at Brandi@baychamberfl.com or 850.215.3759.
CONNECT
 
CHAMBER CALENDAR
Click here to view upcoming Chamber events.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Click here to view more upcoming community events.
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON THE CHAMBER WEBSITE
for a great way to get in front of your target market! Email Mike Baskerville for more information.
  
Did you know as a Chamber member you can post your job openings and available internships for free online? Also, if you have an upcoming community event, you can also post that for free. Take advantage of the great items our website has to offer! Call 850.785.5206 for more information or click here.
 
Welcome
New Members

Beachcomber By the Sea Resort

Beach Tower by the Sea Resort

Barefoot Hideaway Grill

Beachbreak By the Sea Resort

Ocean Breeze By the Sea Resort

   
Thank you to iHeartMedia for our new member radio spots!
 Thank You Renewing Members  
1 Year
- First Federal Bank of Florida
- Quality Gates and Openers
- Zoo World

2 Years
- Beachy Beach Real Estate
- Sequence Fitness
- Succentrix Business Advisors

3 Years
- Community Bank

4 Years
- Academy of Eye Care

6 Years
- Pirates Island Adventure Golf

8 Years
- Chambless Landscaping & Lawn Care

9 Years
- Area Glass
 
11 Years
- Laguna Beach Christian Retreat
- Pineapple Willy's

13 Years
- Anderson Construction Company
- Keeton Corrections
- Key Electrical Supply, Inc.
- Panama City Surgery Center
- Retina Specialty Institute
- Shaddai Shriners

 17 Years
- Bay Credit Union
- Southerland Family Funeral Homes

20 Years
- HealthSouth 

27 Years
- Bauman Chiropractic Clinic

29 Years
- Entera Branding and Consulting LLC

30 Years
- Paul Brent Gallery
Thank you to Powell Broadcasting for our renewing member appreciation radio spots!


 

 
    

 
    

 
   

 
    

 
    

 
     

 
   

 
   


  
  
 
Member to Member Discounts
The Member to Member Discount is a special discount, pricing structure, service, or product that is extended only to other members of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

Your discount will be featured on the Chamber website www.panamacity.org, next to your business listing. If your business would like to participate, please visit this link and complete the form. Call the Chamber Office at 850-785-5206 with any questions.
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. 

Support Bay County and 
Your Fellow Members!
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 850.785.5206 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.
Bay Business Connection


Meeting Dates
 
Fishale Taphouse and Grill
11:30 a.m.
July 19th

Ferrucci's Ristorante
11:30 a.m.
July 14th

Sonny's Bar B Q (Hwy 77 location)
11:30 a.m.
July 20th

Need Social Capital? Bay Business Connection (BBC) provides an opportunity for groups of business professionals to come together to network, share business leads and referrals with other group members.

BBC is available to any member in good standing with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce at no extra charge. 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 BBC group. BBC 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.) Interested in joining?
Contact Tamara at 215.3791 for availability.