Destin Area Chamber Presents $500 Donations to CBA & Sheriff’s Office Posse

Sarah Davis, CBA Fund Development and Marketing Coordinator, accepts a $500 donation from Destin Area Chamber Chairman Ken Wampler, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc.


Captain Terry Watkins (right) of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Posse accepts $500 donation from Destin Area Chamber Chairman Ken Wampler, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, Inc. 

Destin, Fla., Feb. 13 – On Feb. 10, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce presented $500 donations to the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Posse, in appreciation of their assistance during Destin’s 5th Superhero Bayou, Bay & Back 5K Run/Walk, 10K & Half Marathon, held Jan. 24.

“Without these two groups of volunteers, we would not be able to have Bayou, Bay & Back. What they provide is invaluable to the Chamber and the community,” explained Chamber President and CEO Shane Moody, CCE, FCCP. “We are privileged to have them as partners.”

The CBA is an organization committed to sustaining and providing optimum utilization of the Choctawhatchee Basin watershed. Since the race courses offer sweeping views of the Choctawhatchee Bay and waterways of Destin, the CBA is the perfect partner for the race. The health of the area’s water resources is the foundation of its identity and economy. Be it fishing, tourism, or quality of life, everything revolves around a healthy watershed. For more information about CBA programs, please visit BasinAlliance.org or follow Facebook.com/BasinAlliance.

The Posse is a group of more than 50 citizens, who donate their time in assisting the Sheriff’s Office in many roles, including prisoner transport, courtroom security, crime scene guards, escorts, festival and event security, and more. Members are trained by Florida’s Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) and are certified as “Auxiliary Law Enforcement Officers.” Many have full-time jobs, in addition to their volunteer role with the Sheriff’s Office. For more information about the Posse, visit Sheriff-Okaloosa.org/join-ocso/sheriffs-posse/.

The 2016 Bayou, Bay & Back event is set for Saturday, Jan. 23, and it will include a full marathon. Follow Facebook.com/BayouBayBack.

Message from the Chairman - Happy 2014!

Happy 2014!  This is a year I have looked forward to since I found out I would be Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce.  

I was honored, humbled and if I am being honest, a bit nervous, about this new leadership position. But, as an old trial lawyer told me during law school, if you aren't at least a little bit scared, maybe you have stopped caring.  Well, I certainly care about our Destin area so maybe it's a good thing I was a little nervous last Thursday at our Annual Awards & Installation Banquet.  

OK, enough about me.  

What do we have planned for 2014?  As always your Chamber will continue to represent and advocate for area businesses.  I was so proud that our Board wanted to hear from all business that could be affected by the widening of 98 from Silver Sands Factory Stores to Airport Road instead of passing a quick resolution in favor of such action.  We instead decided to hear from those business that would be affected - both good and bad - before deciding what support the Chamber should give to such an endeavor.  That is what I hope to continue doing this year.  Hearing from YOU, our members.  Let us know how we are doing. As I say at my business, don't just tell me what's wrong, but offer a solution or at least an idea as to what might make the situation better.  

So, what's coming up that I am looking forward to?  This Saturday we have our 4th annual Bayou, Bay and Back 1-Mile Fun Run, 5K, 10K & Half Marathon sponsored by Shoreline Church.  I only wish I could tell you I was running in this awesome race, but I would be lying.  Instead, I, along with our Most Immediate Past Chairman Ex-Officio Bill Lindsley, will be selling Bloody Marys and Greyhounds at the race.  Personally,  I believe I make a much better Greyhound than Bill, but why don’t you come out and determine for yourself - maybe we could have a little contest . . .

Amy Perry

2014 Destin Area Chamber Chairman of the Board

Pleat, Perry & Ritchie, P.A.