I guess it already is, as it relates to the tourist season,
though we still have a couple of weeks before Labor Day Weekend. All indications are this was a great busy-season
for most, and that’s a great thing. I’ve
been here 12 years, and I don’t remember the entire month of July being as
crowded as this past July. As average
daily rates continue to rise, we will hopefully return to the days of a higher
income bracket vacationing here. That’s
good for everyone, as they come to town with more disposable income, spending
more, and strengthening our economy.
So, as fall approaches, here are some things for you to
know.
·
Thanks to all of our sponsors, participants,
volunteers, BOTE Boards, and the Back Porch for the biggest and best Paddle at
the Porch we’ve had. This was the
fourth, and the fifth is sure to surpass.
·
As more and more candidates announce their
intention to run for House of Representatives District 4 seat, being vacated by
Rep. Matt Gaetz, watch as things turn interesting. Destin resident, Mayor, and former City
Councilor Mel Ponder is running for this seat.
·
With Mayor Ponder eventually resigning his seat
as mayor, we could have as many as six seats up for election on the Destin City
Council in March 2016. Yes, six! That will be interesting to watch.
·
County Commission elections will be gearing up
as well, so this will be a full election year for our community. Get involved, and pay attention to the
candidates. This will be the most
important local election in years.
·
And don’t forget the circus that is the
presidential election (enough said). It
will tone down, I’m sure, as candidates begin to phase out.
·
The Chamber is working hard on the events of the
last quarter of 2015 – Bourbon at the Bay on Nov. 19, and the Chamber Holiday
Party on Dec. 17 Information coming soon.
Finally, 2016 is the 50th anniversary for the
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce. We are
working on big plans for celebrations throughout the year. It all begins at our annual banquet on Jan.
15, 2016, when a couple of big announcements and unveilings will take
place. I found the original minutes from
the very first meeting where a to-become-a-board met and decided to begin a
chamber of commerce. We will have those
on display all year.
Thank you for all you do.
Our membership numbers are as high as they’ve been since 2007, and
that’s because of you. We look forward
to continuing to work with you, and we’ll continue to build this world-class
community one business at a time.
With wishes for continued success,
Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP
President & CEO
Destin Area Chamber of Commerce
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