Destin, FL, July 14 - VISIT FLORIDA, on behalf of the Florida Commission on Tourism, the private/public partnership responsible for marketing Florida as a visitor destination, has awarded an Advertising Matching Grant to the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce for the 2008-09 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2008.

     The announcement of the grant, in the amount of $2,500, came during the Commission’s June 19 meeting in Saint Augustine.

     The purpose of these grants is to help local governments and nonprofit entities accomplish more effective tourism marketing.

     “We were pleased that VISIT FLORIDA and the Florida Commission on Tourism selected us from among a large number of grant applicants,” said Shane Moody, Chamber President and CEO. “These funds will be used for continued tourism promotion and will help us continue to position the Destin area as a world-class resort.”

     The Destin Area Chamber of Commerce prides itself on working to build successful businesses and a vibrant economy. The Chamber is responsible for providing products and services to its member businesses, helping them grow and prosper.