|
Message from Chairman
For its first task of 2010, the Chamber’s Board of Directors developed a new mission statement: To create a dynamic alliance of the business community and government through member-driven initiatives and services that enable responsible growth and economic prosperity. This focused mission, together with the Board’s designation of 2010 as ‘the Year of the Member,’ shows the direction the Chamber leadership has set forth.
Among the new programming is our monthly Leads Lunch, which focuses on nothing but networking, allowing members to find new customers and strengthen existing relationships. One attendee at each lunch will win a free one-year membership in this Chamber. On Feb. 1 – 7, we celebrated the first Destin Area Restaurant Week, in which area restaurants offered discounted menus showcasing their signature entrees. The Buy Destin Program, created in 2009, is now a benefit of membership and an excellent way for businesses to find new customers, while offering savings to area visitors and locals.
During 2009, the Chamber began the Destin Area Sports Commission to draw big events, along with their competitors, families, and spectators, to the world-class facilities our area has to offer. The commission is moving from its planning stages and is ready to begin working on behalf of our area.
Our state and federal legislators are working on important legislation, and this Chamber will ensure the voice of the Destin business community is heard. This Board recently wrote resolutions against the offshore drilling legislation and Amendment 4, formerly known as Hometown Democracy. We will continue to monitor the developments, keep our members informed, and take a position when necessary.
We will also continue to nurture our relationships with city and county officials and our partnerships with other chambers and civic and governmental organizations. During the past year, we’ve strived to create a productive relationship with the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council (TDC). We appreciate its assistance in marketing this area, as well as the work the TDC is doing to keep our beaches healthy and clean.
As always, we will work to communicate better with our members, so they are aware of all the opportunities the Chamber offer. We will also continue to communicate the message ‘Destin is open for business and healthier than ever’ to our visitors via our website and outreach to regional media. In 2009, the Chamber communicated this message and our world-class vision to the more than 520,000 visiting our website and Welcome Center.
As I close, I want to commit to you that all of our efforts will concentrate on continuing to build this world-class community one business at a time.
Brian Haugen
Emerald Coast Wealth Advisors of Raymond James & Associates
2010 Destin Area Chamber Chairman of the Board
|
