Bay County Chamber of Commerce

TRiO at GCSC Celebrating First-Generation Day
2024-11-06 08:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
TRiO at Gulf Coast State College is set to celebrate First-Generation Day on November 6th, 2024 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm (CST) on the Gulf Coast Panama City Campus.

This event coincides with the 60th anniversary of Federal TRiO Programs—which break down higher education barriers for low-income families, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities.

“First-Generation Day will serve as a platform to recognize the resilience and determination of students who will be the first in their family to achieve a college degree,” said Kris Hatcher, Director of TRiO Programs at GCSC. “We hope everyone joins us on Wednesday to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of Gulf Coast State College’s first-generation students.”

The event at Gulf Coast State College will feature activities and celebration. Current students, prospective students, and the community are encouraged to participate.

Event Details:

Date: November 6th, 2024

Time: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm (CST)

Location: Student Union Breezeway at Gulf Coast State College

For more information, please contact Kris Hatcher at khatcher1@gulfcoast.edu, (850) 873-3526.

TRiO at Gulf Coast State College refers to a set of federally-funded programs designed to provide support and outreach services for students facing economic, social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education. These programs are specifically aimed at individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those who are low-income and first-generation Americans. The ultimate goal is to increase college retention and graduation rates among the participants by addressing the unique challenges they may encounter on their educational journey.

###

BYP Inaugural Pickleball Tournament
2024-11-02 09:00 - 14:00 | Lynn Haven Sports Complex, 2201 Recreation Dr., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
We are thrilled to announce that team registrations, sponsorships and vendor opportunities are now available for the BYP Inaugural Pickleball Tournament on November 2nd at the City of Lynn Haven Pickleball Courts!

This exciting event welcomes the entire community, offering local businesses and organizations a valuable opportunity to showcase their products and services to a large, engaged, and energized audience. Become a sponsor and connect with attendees in a fun, vibrant setting! For more information, see the attached forms or contact Lisa Moore at Lisa@baychamberfl.com or 850-774-4779.

Intersections Events Open House
2024-11-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Intersections Events, 1316 Illinois Ave., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States

Public Safety Fall Festival
2024-11-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Henry Brooks Memorial Walking Park, 3529 E. 3rd Street, Springfield, Florida, 32401, United States
The City of Springfield is excited to invite you to our 9th Annual Public Safety Fall Festival on November 1, 2024 (NEW DATE)! This event will conclude our Fall Event Series, which includes movies in the park on October 4, 11, and 18. Our past Public Safety Fall Festivals have been immensely popular, drawing approximately 1,500 attendees each year. All events will be held at Henry Brooks Memorial Walking Park, 3529 E 3rd Street.

The highlight of the festival will be our trunk or treat, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for families in our community. We recognize that many of our residents may not have access to similar events, and we deeply appreciate everyone who comes out to support us.

If you plan to attend the Fall Festival, please let us know the size of the area you will need, the activities you intend to offer, and whether you require electricity. We ask that everyone be set up by 5:15 p.m.

As a reminder, this is a free event for the public, and we ask that no charges are made for activities, food, or any other services.

If you have any questions, please contact me at (850) 724-2076.

We look forward to seeing you there!

First Friday
2024-11-01 07:30 - 09:00 | FSU PC, 4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
Come to the Chamber’s most popular event and experience networking, refreshments, and learn how our partners are Building a Better Bay!

Lynn Haven Trunk-or-Treat
2024-10-31 17:30 - 20:00 | Sharon Sheffield Park, 901 Ohio Ave., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
Join the City of Lynn Haven for a spooktacular evening at the annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat on Thursday, October 31st from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Sharon Sheffield Park (901 Ohio Avenue).

This family-friendly event is free to the public and invites the community to a festive evening of tricks, treats, and fun. With over 30 creatively decorated trunks from local Bay County organizations, kids can safely trick-or-treat while also enjoying carnival games, food trucks, face painting, balloon artists, stilt walkers, photo ops, and of course, lots of candy!

Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes to add to the festive spirit. This event continues to grow, and the city is expecting a great turnout for this year’s celebration.

Lynn Haven City Manager Vickie Gainer shares that the Halloween Carnival symbolizes the strong spirit in Lynn Haven. After Hurricane Michael, this event brought many residents together to celebrate and thrive in the face of hardship, after they had lost so much. Gainer states, “Our Halloween Carnival is always a family-fun night for children, friends, and neighbors in the community to enjoy. We are excited to provide an event that highlights our area and the wonderful families who live here.”

The city is proud to host this event with the help of our sponsors, Dewberry Engineers and First Commerce Credit Union. For any questions about the Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, please contact the Marketing & Communications Department at communications@cityoflynnhaven.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Ebonee Burrell, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Email: eburrell@cityoflynnhaven.com

Kate Nelson, Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Email: knelson@cityoflynnhaven.com

Starting a Business
2024-10-31 09:00 - 12:00 | TechFarms, 7543 Holley Cir, Panama City Beach, 32408
tinyurl.com/sab-oct
So you’ve got that business idea. You may not know the first steps, or you may want some guidance on if you’re taking the right steps. Let’s work with the ideas that have been forming in your head and see if we can make them into a tangible, feasible small business. In this three-hour workshop, we’ll take a deep dive into the following aspects of setting up a successful business:
Is there a need for your product or service?Can you make money at it?Are you the right person to bring this to market?Is this business compatible with your personal goals?What rules, laws, and licensing apply to your business?What are funding options for your business?What about marketing strategies, legal structures, and taxation?What are your available resources?Also, after attending this workshop you’ll have access to a Florida SBDC Business Consultant to assist you at no cost as you create your business plan and move toward your goals!
*UWF students and employees may attend SBDC workshops at no cost. Contact us at 850-474-2328 to register with your Nautilus Card number.
Please note: No refund credit without 48-hour notice. Contact us at sbdc@uwf.edu or 850-474-2328 with questions.
Brought to you in part by Wells Fargo.

Public Workshop
2024-10-30 15:30 - 17:00 | Port Panama City, One Seaport Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Join us for our Safe Streets for All and Smart Regions Public Workshop on October 30, 2024.

The purpose of the workshop is to view the High Injury Network and gather feedback on the prioritized projects, strategies, and goals that are laid out in the Draft Safety Action Plan and Draft Smart Regions Master Plan.

For meeting materials and additional information, please visit our website: www.ecrc.org/7LayerProjects Community members are encouraged to attend.

Tech Talk Tuesday: Demystifying AI for Business Owners
2024-10-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Demystify the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and unlock its potential for your business in our workshop, ‘Demystifying AI for Business Owners.’ Tailored for entrepreneurs and business leaders, this session provides a clear and accessible overview of AI technologies and their practical applications.

Explore real-world examples, understand how AI can enhance decision-making, automate processes, and gain a competitive edge. From machine learning to natural language processing, we’ll break down the complexity of AI, empowering you to make informed decisions about integrating these technologies into your business strategy.

Join us for an enlightening journey into the world of AI, demystifying the buzzwords and equipping you with the knowledge to harness AI for business success.

Please note, this is a virtual event. We’ll see you online!

Tech Talk Tuesday: Demystifying AI for Business Owners
2024-10-29 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
Demystify the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and unlock its potential for your business in our workshop, ‘Demystifying AI for Business Owners.’ Tailored for entrepreneurs and business leaders, this session provides a clear and accessible overview of AI technologies and their practical applications.

Explore real-world examples, understand how AI can enhance decision-making, automate processes, and gain a competitive edge. From machine learning to natural language processing, we’ll break down the complexity of AI, empowering you to make informed decisions about integrating these technologies into your business strategy.

Join us for an enlightening journey into the world of AI, demystifying the buzzwords and equipping you with the knowledge to harness AI for business success.

Human Trafficking Awareness
2024-10-28 16:30 - 18:30 | FSU PC, 4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
This free human trafficking awareness training is open to the public and meets annual Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requirements. All attendees will receive a training completion certificate provided by the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking of the Attorney General’s Office.

Special Guest Speakers:

Florida State University Panama City – Dr. Laurie Lawrence

US Congressman – Dr. Neal Dunn

Panama City Beach Police – Chief JR Talamantez

Bay County Sherriff’s Office – Investigator Ryan Nelson

GCSC's Trunk-or-Treat
2024-10-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Get Ready to Trunk-or-Treat at our Fall Fest!

Gulf Coast’s Student Government Association (SGA) is hosting its annual Fall Festival on Friday, October 25, 2024, an evening of festive enjoyment that welcomes the entire community. Attendees can look forward to a night of family-friendly entertainment, including the popular Trunk-or-Treat activity, where decorated vehicles will be filled with treats for all to enjoy. The SGA will also offer food, games, and prizes. This event is free to attend and open to the community.

Encompass Health Trunk-or-Treat
2024-10-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Encompass Health, 1847 Florida Ave., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
Please come out to Encompass Health of Panama City for our second annual TRUNK-OR-TREAT on October 25th, 2024 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. This event is open to the public! We will have candy, games and lots of family fun activities. We look forward to seeing you then!

Play for the Bay Benefit Golf Tournament
2024-10-25 10:00 - 17:00 | St. James Bay Golf Resort, 151 Laughing Gull Lane, Carrabelle, Florida, 32322, United States

Sunset Village Community Blood Drive – Open to Public
2024-10-24 14:00 - 19:00 | Florida
Sunset Village Community is doing our part for the blood shortage due to recent storms and events. Each donor will receive a $20e gift card, a glow in the dark Halloween shirt and get a complimentary wellness checkup including: blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening.

First Responders Appreciation Luncheon
2024-10-24 11:00 - 13:00 | FSU PC, 4750 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
The 2024 First Responders Appreciation Luncheon gives the business community an opportunity to say “thank you” and honor local first responders. During the luncheon, one individual from each discipline (EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement and Communications) is awarded First Responder of the year. Stay tuned for more details!

Starting a Business
2024-10-24 09:00 - 12:00 | TechFarms, 7543 Holley Cir, Panama City Beach, 32408
So you’ve got that business idea. You may not know the first steps, or you may want some guidance on if you’re taking the right steps. Let’s work with the ideas that have been forming in your head and see if we can make them into a tangible, feasible small business. In this three-hour workshop, we’ll take a deep dive into the following aspects of setting up a successful business:

Is there a need for your product or service?
Can you make money at it?
Are you the right person to bring this to market?
Is this business compatible with your personal goals?
What rules, laws, and licensing apply to your business?
What are funding options for your business?
What about marketing strategies, legal structures, and taxation?
What are your available resources?
Also, after attending this workshop you’ll have access to a Florida SBDC Business Consultant to assist you at no cost as you create your business plan and move toward your goals!

Business After Hours & Tailgate Party
2024-10-23 17:00 - 20:00 | ERA Neubauer Real Estate, 3434 Hwy. 77, Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
October Football Tailgate & Business After Hours sponsored by Capital City Bank, Diamond Title Inc, ERA Neubauer Real Estate, and Capital City Home Loans. They are hosting a Football Tailgate-themed event with an opportunity to network, and connect with other members and invited guests while enjoying free food, spirits, live music entertainment, and a chance to win prizes! This event is free to Chamber members and invited guests. For more information, please contact Tamara Barnes, VP of Membership at tamara@baychamberfl.com or direct line 850.215.3791

Thunder Beach
2024-10-23 08:00 - 2024-10-27 22:00 | Panama City Beach, Florida, United States
https://thunderbeachproductions.com/events/schedule

Bay Point Witches Ride
2024-10-19 17:00 - 18:00 | Point South Marina Bay Point, 3824 Hatteras Ln, Panama City Beach, Florida, 32408, United States

GCSC VPA Presents: California Suite
2024-10-18 19:30 - 21:30 | GCSC Amelia Center Theatre, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Travel back to the 1970s as GCSC Visual and Performing Arts presents, ‘California Suite’ by Neil Simon. Set in the same suite of the Beverly Hills Hotel, couples from New York, Philadelphia, London and Chicago all check in for their stay, and their resulting relationship issues are cloaked in comedy.

‘California Suite’ premiered on stage in 1976 and was adapted into a feature film in 1978. Contains adult language and situations not suitable for children. Seating is limited, so book in advance.

The show will run October 18-20 and 25-27

Showtimes: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:30pm

(Doors open 30 minutes prior to the show)

Presented in the Amelia Center Theatre Lab

Tickets and information: www.gulfcoast.edu/arts

For more information, contact Vincent Pellegrino at vpelligri@gulfcoast.edu or 850.769.1551, ext. 2888.

GCSC VPA Presents: Dad Jokes: Lessons From My Father
2024-10-18 17:00 - 19:00 | GCSC Amelia Center Theatre, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
View the lessons that GCSC Adjunct Professor, Tim Gagnon learned from his father through a VPA-hosted art gallery, October 18 – November 8, 2024. There will be an opening reception on October 18, 2024, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, where Tim will give a gallery talk. View gallery availability times at www.gulfcoast.edu/arts

Avicenna Free Clinic Resource Fair
2024-10-18 13:00 - 17:00 | Avicenna Free Clinic, 1838 Frankford Avenue, Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
Avicenna Free Clinic is excited to invite you to participate as a vendor at our upcoming resource fair at our office, October 18th 1pm to 5pm, 1838 Frankford Ave. P.C. FL 32405. Each agency is required to provide your table. We encourage you to share this event so various resources available can be shared within our community.

EMAIL QUESTIONS TO NANCYWITHAVICENNA@YMAIL.COM OR CALL VIVIAN MOHAMED (850) 319-7466

Shooting for Great Futures
2024-10-18 07:30 - 17:00 | Bay County Shooting Range, 10900 Steel Field Rd., Panama City Beach, Florida, 32413, United States
Clay shooting Tournament to benefit The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County

A Roadmap to Small Business Funding
2024-10-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
Join us for “A Roadmap to Small Business Funding” and take the first step towards securing the financial foundation your business needs to thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, this workshop provides actionable insights that will propel your business towards success. Don’t miss this opportunity to map out your path to small business funding excellence!

Featured Speakers:

Kelly Massey, Florida SBDC at UWF

Marsha Asbury-Turner, First Capital Finance & Florida First Capital Finance Corporation

Lyndsey Blanks, Hancock Whitney

Hurricane Milton Relief Supplies Drive!
2024-10-17 06:00 - 17:00 | Florida
LYNN HAVEN WALMART

Sunset Social
2024-10-15 17:00 - 19:00 | Residences at SweetBay, 3100 SweetBay Ave., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
Join us for the exclusive Sunset Social at the stunning Residences at SweetBay! We are excited to gather in this beautiful setting for an evening of connection and celebration. A special thanks to our incredible sponsors, FrameShaping LLC and the Clemons Company, for making this event possible. Their support helps us create unforgettable moments in the heart of our community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network and relax as the sun sets over SweetBay!

Holiday Jingle & Mingle
2024-10-15 16:00 - 19:00 | Hyatt Place PCB, 15727 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, Florida, 32413, United States
It is a great opportunity to network with local businesses and view the meeting and event spaces available to book. Whether you’re in need of a venue to host your company’s holiday party or need a space for training and meetings, our gulf-front event venue is the ideal backdrop for any occasion. We’ll feature holiday-themed light bites and cocktails throughout the hotel for you to enjoy. ????

We will have three designated timeslots for the expo, though you are not constricted to your selected time. The following timeslots are available:

4:00 PM-5:00 PM

5:00 PM-6:00 PM

6:00 PM-7:00 PM

RSVPs are preferred but not required. Please RSVP with your preferred timeslot to katie.griffitts@hyatt.com by Monday, September 23 at 5:00 PM.

Bay Chamber Connect Group 3 Lunch Meeting
2024-10-15 11:30 - 13:00 | Gary’s Oyster Shack, 1320 N. Tyndall Pkwy., Panama City, Florida, 32404, United States
Bay Chamber Connect Groups offer a unique opportunity for Chamber members to build relationships, share referrals, and grow their businesses together.

Ready to expand your network? Click here to learn more!

Panama City Symphony Presents: Nightmare on the Bay: Mischief at the Masquerade Ball
2024-10-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Barbara W. Nelson Fine Arts Center, 1200 Harrison Ave., Panama City, FL, 32401, United States
It’s a lavish masquerade ball, and a full orchestra is set to perform – but the MAESTRO IS MISSING! Join us for a fantastic evening of mischief, deception, and music. Experience unexpected twists and turns and a daring escape for a stunning conclusion you won’t want to miss.

https://panamacitysymphony.org/product/mischief-at-the-masquerade-ball
