2022 Guide to Membership Opportunities

Since 1913, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce has served businesses in Callaway, Lynn Haven, Mexico Beach, Panama City, Panama City Beach, Parker, Springfield and unincorporated bay County. The Chamber works to promote the industrial and economic growth of the region, while partnering with, and supporting, local military installations. Through extensive partnerships, the Chamber works to create a healthy environment in which businesses can grow and prosper. Our mission is, “To create superior value for all Chamber members, large and small; to cultivate economic and personal development; to promote and protect a competitive enterprise system of business; and to be a community leader while embracing Bay County’s opportunities and challenges.”

HOW WE OPERATE The Chamber is not a division of the U.S. or State Chamber, or any part of any government. The Chamber is a volunteer organization, owned by the membership, governed by a Board of Directors, and Managed by a paid staff. In fact, 85% of the membership is comprised of businesses with 35 or fewer employees.

OUR SUCCESSES AND PARTNERSHIPS Over the years, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce has worked tirelessly to “build a better Bay” through countless projects with numerous partners that have made a positive impact on the community. Some of these projects include:

PANAMA CITY BED TAX

INFRASTRUCTURE SURTAX

NEXTSITE

BAY DEFENSE ALLIANCE

*FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHAMBER AND ITS SUCCESSES, VISIT PANAMACITY.ORG/ABOUT

Held in May, Tourism Appreciation Month celebrates Bay County’s number one industry: Tourism. Events for the month include a Cornhole Tournament, Spring Classic Golf Tournament, Tourism After Hours and more.

This evening social event is held at different Chamber member locations. This is a great way to meet fellow members while enjoying free food, spirits, door prizes and more.

*FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVENTS AND SPONSORSHIP, EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS@BAYCHAMBERFL.COM

*FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES OR THE FOUNDATION, EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS@BAYCHAMBERFL.COM

chamber committees AMBASSADORS

FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION TASK FORCE

MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (MAC)

BAY BUSINESS CONNECTIONS (BBC)

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

TOURISM APPRECIATION MONTH (TAM) TASK FORCE

BAY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (BYP)

INDUSTRY APPRECIATION CELEBRATION (IAC) TASK FORCE

*FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR CHAMBER COMMITTEES, EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS@BAYCHAMBERFL.COM

why join?

Some business owners might say their schedule is demanding enough, and the thought of adding one more activity to their busy calendar is unbearable. Other owners might say their budget is tight, and adding another bill sounds foolish. So why make the investment? Membership in the local chamber of commerce offers numerous benefits and keeps business owners on top of important, ever-changing issues and trends within their community. In addition, research proves consumers are more likely to do business with a company if it’s a member of their local chamber.

Other research indicates chamber membership stimulates business-to-business commerce in the local community. Other businesses in town are more likely to do business with you and your company if you are a member of the local chamber. Because a major part of a small business typically comes from business-to-business services, it is essential to maintain a positive standing within the local business community.

Keep in mind, however, that you can’t just be a member of the local chamber to reap the benefits of chamber membership. Paying your annual dues just isn’t enough. You must also make an investment of time and effort in chamber activities and become involved. Simply put, what you get out of chamber membership is directly relative to what you put in.

BENEFITS OF JOINING THE BAY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • • • • •

Two ads in the eBiz Newsletter New member and renewing member promotions through local media outlets Unlimited referrals to phone, website and in-person inquiries about businesses in Bay County Representation to local, state and national legislature Free Ground Breakings and Grand Openings

• • • • •

Admission to dozens of events Free meeting space at the Chamber’s office, including use of web cameras, TVs and more Display space in the Chamber’s lobby for printed materials Promotion of your business’ accomplishments in the Chamber’s publications Access to exclusive advertising opportunities

*FOR MORE INFORMATION ON JOINING THE CHAMBER, EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS@BAYCHAMBERFL.COM

ACCTS. PAYABLE REP: ________________________________________

MARKETING REP: _____________________________________________

INVESTMENT FROM THIS CREDIT CARD ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.