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.
were made possible with contributions by Kraton, WestRock and
The 2021 Legislative Agenda is in place, and we are ready to hit the
I-C Construction. In addition, thanks to the Florida Chamber, this
ground running on issues affecting our business community.
organization was able to distribute masks to the business commu-
As I said, 2020 has been one for the history books and has certainly changed the way the Chamber does business. Our Chairman,
nity at no charge for those in need to protect their employees and customers.
Andrew Rowell, and our board, have done nothing but support
There have also been changes and recognition of your staff this
the organization and the hard decisions that had to be made on
year. Elizabeth Smith, a 15 year employee, has received her Florida
events, meetings, office operations and more. To say it’s been a
Certified Chamber Professional (FCCP) status and has graduated
different year for us is an understatement. We commend Andrew
from the Institute of Organization Management (IOM). Elizabeth’s
and the many others who have seen us through these times,
next and final step is to go through the rigorous process to receive
although it’s unlike any other year we’ve experienced.
her Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) status, which is awarded by
As usual, this organization cannot be defeated, and we’ve had
the U.S. Chamber.
many positive outcomes. First and foremost, your Chamber
Melissa Lupton has been promoted to serve as the Vice President
building is back open. After months of construction, it is more
of Governmental Affairs and has hit the ground running covering
beautiful than ever, and we can be proud to be the front door of
all the aspects of that position.
the community.
Although 2020 has been challenging in numerous ways, I don’t
Many of the Chamber supported issues have become a reality this
think we have skipped a beat in providing services to our commu-
year, starting with the extension of the moratorium on offshore
nity and especially our investors. As we look forward, the plan is
drilling within the military gulf training range; a groundbreaking
to hold our traditional Annual Dinner in January where the official
was held for the Destination Panama City visitor center of which
passing of the gavel will take place from our current Chairman,
would not have happened had this organization not led and
Andrew Rowell, to our 2021 Chairman, Chris Moore. The event may
conducted the campaign for a Panama City Bed Tax; the marina
look a little different, but as the old saying goes, "The show must
hotel concept has been one that the Chamber has pushed for
go on." Thank you to everyone who invests in this amazing organi-
years to bring to downtown and the announcement by the St. Joe
zation and even more amazing community.
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 health-
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care workers on several occasions to thank them for being our
Carol Roberts
frontline in the fight to protect and heal our citizens. Those meals
President/CEO
BAY B I Z / FA L L 2020
