PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

from Bay Biz Vol 10/Issue 3 (Summer)

DEFENSE INTEL

As the year continues, so does the battle with COVID-19. As a personal plea to you, we (the people of Bay County and beyond) are in the driver’s seat on this issue. We’re still not doing our part to control this horrible virus. I can’t tell you how many public places I’ve been in and I was the only one with a mask on. It isn’t just for your protection, but the protection of others too. We’ve now put our elected officials in the position that they will be forced to make decisions for us. That just should not be the case. Let’s be responsible for our own actions and quit blaming the government.

On the other hand, our beaches have seen record numbers of visitors that we’ve never experienced. With those visitors coming to our area, that should make us even more cautious. But as we all know, tourism is Bay County’s number one industry, and we should be thankful they’re willing to risk all to come to the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches. With the devastation to local businesses of losing our Spring traffic, this should allow our local economy to flourish and recover.

The negative impact hasn’t just been on our tourism based businesses, but most all others too in the area of workforce. We need employees to come back to work, but so many have opted not to because of unemployment payments and stimulus funds. Our business community is screaming for workers, and this is a prime time for the unemployed to become trained in another profession/career as so many employers are offering. This is a chance of a lifetime to improve their family’s quality of life for the future.

I guess I’ve harped on that subject long enough. On with the show. On a lighter note, your Bay County Chamber of Commerce has finally moved back home to our offices at 235 W. 5th Street. Now that our office is open to the public we’re excited to be answering phones and providing services to the community and our members. We can’t wait to show it off but we’re still unpacking and awaiting furnishings as all contents were destroyed in Hurricane Michael.

We’ve been actively communicating and distributing needed COVID-19 information; surveying our members on Phase 1 and 2 re-openings; and working with Tyndall officials on the promotion of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) input period for the impact of the F-35 and MQ-9 arrival. We have continued with our virtual First Friday events, while grand openings and ground breakings have started taking place again. Bay Business Connections groups have begun in person meetings, practicing social distancing guidelines. Planning for 2020-2021 Leadership Bay and Junior Leadership Bay classes are underway. Industry Appreciation celebration plans are being developed for September events and awards. Our Board of Directors continue to meet, while staff and leadership continue to participate in all appropriate webinars and news conferences relating to COVID-19. The 2021 Legislative Survey results are in and the 2021 Legislative Agenda has been developed. Local contractors and subcontractors are being surveyed related to a Post Disaster “One Stop Shop” to receive input on how it might look and better serve our community after a storm to protect our citizens from unlicensed, unethical businesses.