Chairman’s Message / Past Chairman

Garrett Anderson

2022 Chairman

I am honored and proud to serve as the 2022 Chairman of the Board for the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. I’m grateful to be surrounded by a team of talented and hardworking board of directors, ambassadors, and Chamber Staff. This chamber team is made up of tremendous community leaders, volunteers at heart, and true professionals. I look forward to working with all our members and partners towards fulfilling our 2022 business plan.

The Chamber continues to play a vital role of our business community. I can attest, with over 8 years of being involved with Board of Directors and committees, that It provides wonderful opportunities to enhance networks, build relationships, strengthen partnerships, have a voice in public policy and community development. Membership is key and I want to thank our nearly 1,000 Chamber members and another 300 Military Affairs Committee members for your continued support. Without your support we could not effectively continue the Chamber Mission “to create superior value for all chamber members large and small, cultivate economic and personal development, promote and protect a competitive system of business, be a community leader while embracing Bay County’s opportunities and challenges.” I’m proud to say this mission statement is now incorporated in our main conference room wall and we will continue to re-visit as needed to make sure we are focused on our mission. If you are new to Bay County or currently not a member, We welcome you to our community and our chamber with arms open! We have many opportunities for you to jump in and get involved with networking and events.

This year the Chamber will focus on a number of initiatives and objectives. As always, our Legislative Agenda items will be front and center, our Governmental Affairs team is actively tracking over 25 positions at the local, state and federal levels. Some Key objectives identified at the annual board of directors’ retreat are the importance of the Panama City Marina Re-development, Appointed vs. Elected Superintendent analysis, Workforce housing, Trade education, and continuing to promoting retail and commercial development.

This is an exciting time for economic growth in our community, following a Cat 5 Hurricane and the Pandemic, we have shown we are a strong and resilient community. As you look around and just see what has risen in all four corners of Bay County, It is wonderful to see how our community is thriving and growing daily. With this new community development, the Chamber’s Key Objectives become even more so important and magnified. Partnerships with our local and state governments, promotion of workforce development and training, promoting education excellence, and workforce housing developments will be our focus for 2022.

Thank you Members and our Partners for helping to strengthen our business community and promoting local business. The Bay County Chamber of Commerce will continue to be front and center and send the message that “Bay County is Open for Business”.

To review the 2022 Business Plan, please click HERE.

Past Chamber Chairpersons