Bay County’s estimated population of 185,000 people supported Tourism Appreciation Month presented by Destination Panama City and Visit Panama City Beach was a huge success. The Bay County Chamber of Commerce along with Bay County’s tourism agencies celebrated Bay County’s number one industry … tourism.
The month kicked off with First Friday, sponsored by SweetBay. Attendees were given an update on tourism and the importance of tourism in our community since Hurricane Michael and the Covid-19 pandemic from Dan Rowe, President/CEO of Visit Panama City Beach.
During the week of May 1-7, the state of Florida recognized the importance of tourism in the state. The Chamber took it a step further to recognize the number one industry in Bay County for the entire month.
The Annual Spring Classic Golf Tournament was held at the Bay Point Golf Resort where over 30 teams competed for the top spot. First place was taken by Centennial Bank; Kimley-Horn and Associates claimed second while third place went to Panhandle Engineering. The event was sponsored by Bill Cramer Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, Trustmark Bank, WOW! Business, Beachy Beach Real Estate, Marine Max, WastePro, Peoples First Insurance and TECO. The month wrapped up with the Tourism After Hours celebration and Cornhole Tournament sponsored by Destination Panama City. Congratulations to our winners: Regions Bank (first), St. Andrews Insurance Agency (second) and Jimmy Johns (third).
Because of Bay County’s assets for tourism and the economic impact it plays on the local economy, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce partners with the business community to celebrate the industry through numerous events. It is the Chamber’s hope, visitors and residents alike learn more about the history of tourism in Bay County and take pride in its value to the area.
Thank you to all the participants and sponsors who helped us celebrate Bay’s number one industry! Destination Panama City, Visit Panama City Beach, Trustmark Bank, Bill Cramer Chevrolet Buick GMC WastePro, Lamar Advertising, Teco, MarineMax, Beach Beach Real Estate, WOW! Business, Peoples First Insurance
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BAY BIZ / SUMMER 2022
