Bay County Chamber of Commerce

Krewe of St. Andrews Fall Festival 2023
2023-09-08 17:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | St. Andrews, Beck Avenue, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Join us for The Krewe of St. Andrews Fall Festival 2023! Live music, food trucks, and more!

Lynn Haven Announces Grand Opening of Rails to Trails
2023-09-08 10:00 - 11:00 | FL
The City of Lynn Haven is excited to announce the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony date for the Rails-to-Trails project will be September 8, 2023, at 10 AM. Due to limited parking at the event site, parking and shuttle services will be available at Palo Alto Church of Christ at 3119 U.S. 231, Panama City, FL 32405 from 9 AM-11:30 AM.

Along with the ribbon cutting, a trailhead dedication ceremony will be held to honor and name the second trailhead after Ray Wishart, a longtime Lynn Haven resident and Mosley High School teacher who was a frequent cyclist was struck by a semi-truck in 2016 that ended his life. The first trailhead was named after Frances Wittkopf, a former city commissioner in 2019.

In collaboration with FDOT’s Sun Trail Program and local non-profit Friends of Bay County Trails, the city created a multi-use public trail that extends a 12-foot-wide asphalt path over three miles along the old railroad tracks from SR-390 and Georgia Avenue to U.S. Highway 231. Rails- to-Trails will provide pedestrians and non-motorized transportation (omitting electric wheelchairs), including, but not limited to, bicycles, roller skates, scooters, and running shoes. The path includes amenities such as benches, multi-station fountains, bicycle repair stations, and lighting poles. The trail operates seven days a week from dawn to dusk.

This project ties into the statewide, shared use, nonmotorized SUN Trails Program which aims to connect trails across Florida. To fulfill the sizeable vision for the Lynn Haven Rails-to-Trails project, its construction was carried out in two phases. First, in 2015, the city secured a grant of $268,000 for the project’s first phase. It funded the preliminary engineering and design of the trail and was approved for phase two in 2018. The second phase included an FDOT grant of $4.3 million to complete the project’s construction.

In 2017, the torch was passed to Vickie Gainer, then the grant manager of the project and to see the first phase to completion. “It has been a long time coming for city and resident of Lynn Haven,” stated City Manager Vickie Gainer. “The support and involvement from former commissioners, FDOT, city staff, engineers and most of all our resident’s involvement has helped make the long-awaited Rails to Trails project come to fruition.”

For any questions on the Rails to Trails Grand Opening, please contact the Marketing & Communications Department at communications@cityoflynnhaven.com.

MEDIA CONTACTSVickie Gainer, Lynn Haven City ManagerPhone: (850) 248-0612Email: vgainer@cityoflynnhaven.comBen Janke, Director of Economic Development and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)Phone: (850) 248-0701Email: bjanke@cityoflynnhaven.com

Florida SBDC at UWF Presents “Sources of Funding for Small Business”
2023-09-07 11:30 - 13:00 | Destin-Chamber, 4484 Legendary DrSte A, Destin, FL, 32541, United States
This workshop is for you if you’re considering starting a business or are currently in business and want to see what funding options are available. Join us on September 7 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. for “Sources of Funding for Small Business”. Topics include guidance on what financial institutions consider when assessing a loan application, what tasks you need to complete before going to a bank to obtain funding, and the ins and outs of SBA loans. Lunch provided by Trustmark Bank. Location: Destin Chamber of Commerce, 4484 Legendary Dr, Ste A, Destin, FL 32541. No fee. To register, visit sbdc.uwf.edu and open “Training & Events”. Presented by Terry Mauer, Associate Director, Florida SBDC at UWF. Sponsored by Trustmark Bank, Cadence Bank and Wells Fargo.

Bay Education Foundation/Take Stock In Children Mentor Orientation
2023-09-05 18:00 - 19:00 | FL
Change a life over lunch! The Bay Education Foundation will be hosting a Take Stock in Children Mentor Orientation with two convenient times and locations (TBD). Please join us for more information on investing in our Bay students. Save the date!

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED Dale Carnegie Workshop: Keeping Them Captivated
2023-08-31 09:30 - 12:00 | Bay County Chamber of Commerce, 235 W. 5th Street, Panama CIty, Florida, 32401, United States
Keeping Them Captivated: Story Telling For Business

To register for this event, click HERE.

For more information contact Lisa Moore at 850-215-3761 or lisa@baychamberfl.com

Change Makers - BYP Luncheon
2023-08-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Bay County Chamber of Commerce, 235 W. 5th Street, Panama CIty, Florida, 32401, United States
Join us for the third part of our four-part series: Change Makers. Jennifer Vigil, CEO of Destination Panama City, will be sharing her journey to becoming a Change Maker and how she continues to make positive changes in both her life and in the community.

There is no cost for BYP members, $10.00 for future BYP members.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP by clicking here.

The deadline to RSVP is Friday, August 25.

For more information, contact Lisa Moore at 850-215-3761 or Lisa@baychamberfl.com

A special thank you to People’s First Insurance Services for sponsoring the event.

Florida SBDC at UWF Presents “Lunch & Learn: Buying, Selling (or Franchising) a Business”
2023-08-23 11:30 - 13:00 | Beachworx, 34990 Emerald Coast Pkwy #300, Destin, FL, 32541, United States
Purchasing an existing business or franchise is a great way to explore entrepreneurship. Join us on August 23 for our Lunch & Learn: “Buying, Selling (or Franchising) a Business”. Learn how to properly select and purchase an existing business or franchise, how to prepare your business for sale, and strategies to properly value a business. Lunch provided compliments of Live Oak Bank. Location: Beachworx, 34990 Emerald Coast Pkwy #300, Destin, FL 32541. Speaker: Gerard Perillo, III BCA, CBI, MBA/JD, Team Managing Broker, EXP Commercial Brokerage Division; Business Certified Appraiser and owns BizBuySell Consulting, LLC; and co-founder of Today’s Val, LLC. No fee. To register, visit sbdc.uwf.edu and open “Training & Events”. Sponsored by Cadence Bank and Wells Fargo.

Business After Hours - VBA Design
2023-08-22 16:00 - 18:00 | VBA Design, 2424 Jenks Ave. Ste. B, Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
Join us for Business After Hours at VBA Design!

Ambassador Meeting
2023-08-22 15:30 - 17:00 | Bay County Chamber of Commerce, 235 W. 5th Street, Panama CIty, Florida, 32401, United States
The Ambassadors Committee is one of the Chamber’s most active committees. They assist the Chamber in greeting new members and conducting grand openings and ribbon cuttings. This is a great committee to join as a new member as it introduces you to your fellow members and allows you to network your business with those new to the Chamber.

Mission: To serve as the official diplomatic representatives of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce coordinating groundbreakings, grand openings, and other interactions between the Chamber, our membership and the public.

Responsibilities and Benefits: Pay an additional fee of$35 per year. Serve as an official diplomatic representative of the Bay County Chamber. Greet and participate in grand openings, ground breakings, ribbon cuttings and Chamber events such as First Friday and Business After Hours.

Attend monthly Ambassador meeting. Include your marketing/promo information in new member welcome bag. Deliver plaques, welcome bags and mentor new member. Select each monthly recipient for the Apple of our Eye award for Renovation and New Construction. Monthly Ambassador Spotlight featured in our e-Biz Newsletter Become an ambassador today!

Click https://panamacity.org/about/membership/ambassadors to get started!

City of Lynn Haven Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
2023-08-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Haney Technical College, 3016 Hwy. 77, Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
The City of Lynn Haven is excited to announce a ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of the new “Welcome to Lynn Haven” entrance signs on August 21st, at 10 AM in front of Haney Technical College, 3016 FL-77, Panama City, FL 32405.

The new entrance signs will replace the old signs on Highway 77 North near the Old Bailey Bridge and South near Haney Technical College.

For any questions on the ribbon-cutting ceremony, please contact the Marketing & Communications Department at communications@cityoflynnhaven.com, or visit www.CityofLynnHaven.com.

To read the full press release with all of the details, click here.

Campaign School & Community Leadership Training
2023-08-15 17:30 - 20:00 | FL
The Florida Institute for Political Leadership (FIPL) is pleased to announce our next virtual Campaign School & Community Leadership Training.

This 2-part online training school is scheduled for August 15 – 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET) each day.

The online training school is highly recommended for candidates and anyone interested in running for local or state office, serving their community, or managing campaigns. It is open to everyone, free to attend, and non-partisan. Participants are welcome to attend any or all days offered.

FIPL Campaign School & Leadership Trainings provide a comprehensive briefing on emerging local and state issues, teach attendees what local opportunities are available for appointed or elected positions, offer guidance on how to prepare to run for office, and provide training on how to run winning campaigns.

Presenters include state and local political experts, elected officials, university professors, and community leaders.

Register online: www.FIPL.org/Register

Please join us and feel free to share this information with your contacts. Get more information, find a schedule of upcoming schools, and nominate someone (or yourself) to run for office at www.FIPL.org.

Charlie James Smith Gymnasium Grand Re-Opening
2023-08-15 16:00 - 18:00 | Lynn Haven Sports Complex, 2201 Recreation Dr., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
The City of Lynn Haven is proud to announce that a Re-Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Charlie James Smith Gymnasium at the Lynn Haven Sports Complex will be Tuesday, August 15, at 4:00 PM, located at 2201 Recreation Drive, Lynn Haven, FL.

After being destroyed nearly five years ago by Category 5 Hurricane Michael, the Lynn Haven Sports Complex is reopening its state-of-the-art gymnasium with a newly refreshed look and brand-new equipment. The community is invited to help celebrate this important milestone with the City of Lynn Haven.

This event will introduce the remodeled gymnasium, which includes two indoor basketball, pickleball, and volleyball courts, an indoor concession stand, an outdoor fenced playground, and brand-new scoreboards. In addition, the ribbon-cutting ceremony will commemorate the grand opening of Lynn Haven’s first-ever Boys & Girls Club.

A ribbon cutting and plaque presentation with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce will commence the ceremony, along with opening remarks from city officials and special guests.

Following the ceremony, attendees can explore the new facility and enjoy light refreshments catered by Sonny’s BBQ in Lynn Haven and Coca-Cola.

As the city prepares to welcome the community back to the Charlie James Smith Gymnasium, City Manager Vickie Gainer states, “We are so excited to rejoice in this important milestone as the city continues to rebuild from Hurricane Michael. This is only the beginning of a long-awaited journey, and we hope everyone can come out and celebrate with us.”

For more information or updates on the re-grand opening celebration, please contact the Marketing & Communications Department at communications@cityoflynnhaven.com

MEDIA CONTACTS

Vickie Gainer, City Manager

Email: vgainer@cityoflynnhaven.com

Phone: (850) 625-0897

Justin Ward, Sports and Recreation Director

Email: jward@cityoflynnhaven.com

Phone: (850) 265-2121 ext. 2112

ALL BBC Groups Networking Lunch
2023-08-15 11:30 - 13:00 | Holiday Inn PC, 2001 MLK Blvd., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
Bringing all BBC groups together with guest speaker Chas Higgins of FrameShaping, LLC.

Panama City Ballet Nutcracker Auditions
2023-08-13 12:00 - 18:00 | Tonie’s Dance Shop, 2342 Stanford Rd., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
For more information, go to https://www.panamacityballet.com/performances

FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory Presents Evening at the Edge of the Sea 2023
2023-08-12 17:30 - 19:30 | FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory, 3618 Coastal Highway 98, St. Teresa, Florida, 32358, United States
Learn about the wondrous sea life along our pristine shores and shallows. The evening kicks off with a brief overview of local ecology followed by a walk along the exposed tidal flats to see an array of fascinating creatures.

https://marinelab.fsu.edu/outreach_education/nature-workshops/exploring-nature-coastal-nature-workshops/evening-at-the-edge-of-the-sea/

1st Annual Navy Ball Golf Tournament
2023-08-12 00:00 - 23:59 | Bay Point Golf Club, 4701 Bay Point Rd., Panama City Beach, Florida, 32408, United States
Navy League golf Tournament hosted by the 2023 Navy Ball Committee at Bay Point Golf Club
Date: 12th August 2023
Time: 0800 Registration 0900 Shotgun start
Location: Bay Point Golf Club 4701 Bay Point Dr. Panama City FL 23408
Entry Fee: $100 Per person (singles welcome-will be paired at tournament)
$400 Per 4-person team
*Open to Military, Retired, and Civilian Patriots*
POC: Seth Hansen 850-775-8967 sodaknd@gmail.com
Pat Foreman 904-316-5333 pcforeman08@outlook.com

Lynn Haven to Host Music By The Bay
2023-08-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Leslie Porter Park, 200 Michigan Avenue, Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
The City of Lynn Haven is pleased to announce that the annual Music By the Bay event will feature local talent Will Thompson Band. The concert will be on Friday, August 11th, from 6-9 PM at Leslie Porter Park, located at 200 Michigan Ave., Lynn Haven, FL. This summer concert is next to the scenic Bailey Bridge and is a free, family-oriented event. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to listen from the beach or pull their boat in from North Bay. This will be an evening of dancing, community, and fun. In addition, there will be various food vendors on site to grab a bite while enjoying the evening listening to the Will Thompson Band!

Lynn Haven’s City Manager Vickie Gainer, states, “We are so excited to host another concert for our community! We invite everyone to come out for a back-to-school bash celebrating the end of an amazing summer.”

For more information or updates on Music By the Bay, please contact the Marketing & Communications Department at 850-248-0530 or communications@cityoflynnhaven.com, visit our Facebook page, or view our website at www.cityoflynnhaven.com.

FSU Coastal & Marine Laboratory Community Workshop
2023-08-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR), 108 Island Dr., Eastpoint, Florida, 32328, United States
Come learn about ABSI (Apalachicola Bay System Initiative), and their mission to restore and recover the reefs of Apalachicola Bay.

Lynn Haven Movie in the Park
2023-08-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Sharon Sheffield Park, 901 Ohio Ave., Lynn Haven, Florida, 32444, United States
The City of Lynn Haven is excited to host a Movie in the Park event with a FREE showing of Disney’s Encanto. This event will take place on Tuesday, August 8th, at Sharon Sheffield Park beginning at 7:30 PM, with the movie showing promptly at 8:00 PM.

Bring a chair or blanket to relax on the Sharon Sheffield Park lawn while enjoying free popcorn and complimentary refreshments provided for all attendees, while supplies last.

With hundreds showing interest in this event on social media, the community is eager to enjoy some relaxing family fun.

Ebonee Burrell, Marketing & Communications Coordinator for the city, states “Encanto is one of Disney’s most popular movies and this is one of the last nights children will be able to stay up late before the school year starts, so we hope they can spend it with the City of Lynn Haven.”

For more information about the Movie in the Park event, please contact the Marketing & Communications department at 850-248-0530 or communications@cityoflynnhaven.com, visit our Facebook page, or view our website at www.cityoflynnhaven.com.

Callaway Cares Health Fair 2023
2023-08-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Callaway Recreational Complex, 500 Callaway Pkwy., Callaway, Florida, 32404, United States
Discover a world of wellness at our local health fair, where a vibrant array of vendors await to share health-focused products, services, and insights!

First Friday
2023-08-04 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!

Program TBD

PCPD National Night Out
2023-08-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. Hwy. 98, Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Mark your calendars as we join Gulf Coast State College to host National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 5-8 p.m. More than 40 community partners are participating, including these fantastic partners! Make plans to join us!

Gulf Life Real Estate Grand Opening
2023-08-01 16:00 - 17:00 | Gulf Life Real Estate, 6718 Hwy. 77, Panama City, Florida, 32409, United States
Come out and help us celebrate the Grand Opening of our Newest Member, Gulf Life Real Estate! Meet and mingle with the local team and enjoy light refreshments as we congratulate and welcome the newest addition to the business community!

Mobile Office Hours
2023-07-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Bay County Chamber of Commerce, 235 W. 5th Street, Panama CIty, Florida, 32401, United States
The staff of U.S. Senator Rick Scott will host Mobile Office Hours to help with issues related to federal agencies.

BYP Tour
2023-07-28 08:30 - 09:30 | Bay County Emergency Operations Center, 700 Hwy 2300, Panama City, Florida, 32409, United States
Now that we are officially in hurricane season, the BYP Steering Committee would like to invite you to attend the July Tour at the Bay County Emergency Operations Center. You won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at Bay County’s Emergency Operations Centers, learn about their available resources, understand how they are deployed and gain knowledge about the tools and technologies used in emergency response. It will also provide a deeper understanding of how emergency situations are handled, how different agencies collaborate and the coordination required during crisis response.

There is no cost for BYP members, $10 for future BYP members. RSVP by July 26th.

RSVP today by clicking here.

For additional information contact Lisa Moore at 850-215-3761 or by email at lisa@baychamberfl.com

Sponsored By:

Baytowne Bridal Grand Opening
2023-07-27 16:00 - 17:00 | Baytowne Bridal, 527 Jenks Ave., Panama City, Florida, 32401, United States
Join us for the Grand Opening of Downtown Panama City’s newest Bridal Shop!

Therapy Meet & Greet
2023-07-25 17:30 - 18:30 | Pruitt Health Care, 3212 Jenks Ave., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States

Ambassador Meeting & Social
2023-07-25 15:30 - 17:00 | Holiday Inn PC, 2001 MLK Blvd., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States

Touch a Truck!
2023-07-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Carl Gray Park, 4600 Collegiate Dr., Panama City, Florida, 32405, United States
Bring the kids along for an unforgettable experience at our Touch A Truck Event! They’ll get up close to explore police cars, a Coast Guard boat, a fire engine, a school bus, a street sweeper, the U.S. Navy’s Big Blue bomb robot, a health bus, unmanned vehicles and more.

Don’t forget your camera… we guarantee there will be smiles from ear-to-ear as everyone explores and learns about these incredible vehicles while enjoying tasty treats from food trucks, games and giveaways!

July 22, 2023 10 am – 1pm Carl Gray Park, Panama City, FL

Free Admission

**Will it be noisy?** YES. One of the fun things about attending this event is the opportunity to sound the horns. Feel free to bring earplugs or attend during the horn-free time from 10am-10:30am.

Business After Hours
2023-07-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Anytime Fitness Callaway, 856 N. Tyndall Pkwy., Panama City, Florida, 32404, United States
Join us for Business After Hours at Anytime Fitness Callaway!
