Message from Chairman

Welcome to the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce website, your gateway to all of the wonderful things our community has to offer! In 2007, we redesigned this site to make it better and easier for our members and visitors to utilize, whether your interests are business or pleasure. Through visionary work and the dedication of more than 1,000 members, the area has continued to evolve into a world-class place to visit and to do business - indeed; we continue to receive state and national recognition thanks to the devotion of our members.

In 2007, we launched Destin Forward, a program that enlists the participation of 25 local business professionals. They have volunteered to attend monthly classes to explore in depth the many facets of our community, from city administration, tourism, waterways, utilities, non-profit organizations, and more. We believe through a deeper understanding of “what makes Destin tick,” we can move forward and promote our city in practical and responsible ways.

The recent membership survey showed the Destin Area Chamber ranking higher than the National Average in 10 specific work areas. While this shows that we are doing many things well, it also provides us with the challenge and the opportunity to improve and to be more creative in our products, programs, and services. We intend to continue to evolve and to prosper through the direct participation of members and feedback from residents and visitors. Looking to do business, expanding an existing one, or planning a visit? The Destin Area Chamber website is your “one stop source” for information! Look for our Chamber member business services and visitor information on the site, but be warned - Destin can be addictive!

Whether it’s the world-class harbor, fishing fleet, or the sugar white beaches, we are blessed to live, work, and play in such a beautiful place. The Chamber is dedicated to becoming more involved in planning to preserve and maintain our assets. Under the leadership of Chamber President and CEO Shane Moody, we have cultivated strong and productive relationships with the City of Destin, Florida State officials, the Okaloosa County TDC, and the Beaches of South Walton. We have completed the first segment of beach restoration. The Chamber will work with the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council and all of our talented and diverse members to see the Beach Restoration project to completion in a fair and efficient manner.

If you are a business manager, a resident, or one of our valued visitors, the Destin Area Chamber is here to serve you, and we value your comments. The local economy remains strong, and we have some great opportunities for all – Together we look forward to big catches, emerald green waters, white sandy beaches, and blue skies!

Myra F. Williams
Vice President of Marketing, Howard Group
2008 Destin Area Chamber Chairman of the Board