PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

BIZ LIST

As we enter into the Fall, so does the Chamber enter into its transition period to prepare for 2021. I think we all will agree that 2020 has been one for the history books and one that has changed our lives both personally and professionally.

Your Chamber has now been through the process to elect six new board members who have participated in their orientation. Due to COVID-19, our Board Planning session was delayed to November, where we developed our Business Plan.

The 2021 Legislative Agenda is in place, and we are ready to hit the ground running on issues affecting our business community.

As I said, 2020 has been one for the history books and has certainly changed the way the Chamber does business. Our Chairman, Andrew Rowell, and our board, have done nothing but support the organization and the hard decisions that had to be made on events, meetings, office operations and more. To say it’s been a different year for us is an understatement. We commend Andrew and the many others who have seen us through these times, although it’s unlike any other year we’ve experienced.

As usual, this organization cannot be defeated, and we’ve had many positive outcomes. First and foremost, your Chamber building is back open. After months of construction, it is more beautiful than ever, and we can be proud to be the front door of the community.

Many of the Chamber supported issues have become a reality this year, starting with the extension of the moratorium on offshore drilling within the military gulf training range; a groundbreaking was held for the Destination Panama City visitor center of which would not have happened had this organization not led and conducted the campaign for a Panama City Bed Tax; the marina hotel concept has been one that the Chamber has pushed for years to bring to downtown and the announcement by the St. Joe Company also has made that a reality. This Chamber’s Share The Future fund, designated for economic development purposes also awarded a $200,000 grant to a local manufacturer for an expansion that is certain to generate many jobs for our citizens.

On the COVID-19 front, your Chamber has fed over 500 healthcare workers on several occasions to thank them for being our frontline in the fight to protect and heal our citizens. Those meals were made possible with contributions by Kraton, WestRock and I-C Construction. In addition, thanks to the Florida Chamber, this organization was able to distribute masks to the business community at no charge for those in need to protect their employees and customers.

There have also been changes and recognition of your staff this year. Elizabeth Smith, a 15 year employee, has received her Florida Certified Chamber Professional (FCCP) status and has graduated from the Institute of Organization Management (IOM). Elizabeth’s next and final step is to go through the rigorous process to receive her Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) status, which is awarded by the U.S. Chamber.

Melissa Lupton has been promoted to serve as the Vice President of Governmental Affairs and has hit the ground running covering all the aspects of that position.

Although 2020 has been challenging in numerous ways, I don’t think we have skipped a beat in providing services to our community and especially our investors. As we look forward, the plan is to hold our traditional Annual Dinner in January where the official passing of the gavel will take place from our current Chairman, Andrew Rowell, to our 2021 Chairman, Chris Moore. The event may look a little different, but as the old saying goes, "The show must go on." Thank you to everyone who invests in this amazing organization and even more amazing community.

Carol Roberts President/CEO