President's Message: Two Destin Area Chamber Must-Dos

Throughout the year, the Chamber team, including staff, volunteers, and the Board, work hard to bring community events to you and to Destin.  These events create a great way to network, provide your business with exposure to thousands, give you an opportunity for some fun, and even the opportunity of hands-on learning experiences.

Now is the time to take advantage of two of our must-do events.  Paddle at the Porch, The Destin SUP Cup sponsored by BOTE Boards and The Back Porch, is a stand-up paddle board race in the Gulf of Mexico.  The third annual race will take place on Aug. 16, on the beach at The Back Porch.  As this race grows to more than 200 participants, the excitement is reaching an all-time high.  That excitement could be because the cash purse for winners is growing as well.  As the cash prizes increase, so will the participants and their competitiveness.  Sponsorships are available at all levels.  And so are volunteer opportunities.

The other must-do this time of year is Destin Forward, the Chamber’s community education class.  The class meets one full day per month beginning in August.  Class members learn from doing.  They meet with city, county, and state leaders, both elected officials and staff members.  They talk with historians, fishermen, and great story tellers and see first-hand how Destin was born.  They visit Tallahassee and learn the important role business leaders play in shaping the states direction.  And that’s just scratching the surface.  The class is also required to complete a project, leaving a legacy for the city from them.  Applications are now being accepted for the class of 2015.  So if you, an employee of your company, or someone you know in the Destin community, especially someone new to Destin, want to get an up-close and personal view and touch of our area, this is the class for you.

If you’d like information about either of these events, or our monthly lunches and Business After Hours events, give us a call.  Join us, have fun, build your business, and help the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce build this world-class community one business at a time.

Until next time,

Shane Moody, CCE, FCCP

President & CEO

Destin Area Chamber of Commerce