Committees

At the Chamber, connection is everything. From meaningful networking to hands-on community involvement, membership opens the door to countless opportunities. With a range of dynamic committees to choose from, there’s a perfect place for everyone to plug in and make a difference. Join one of the following committees to start making an impact today!

Ambassadors

The Ambassador Committee meets for networking

The Ambassadors Committee is one of the Chamber’s most vibrant and engaging groups. Ambassadors play a key role in welcoming new members, hosting grand openings, and conducting ribbon cuttings. This committee offers an excellent opportunity for new members to get to know the Chamber community while building valuable connections and promoting their business to those just starting their Chamber journey.

Mission

Responsibilities and Benefits

Responsibilities:

Pay a $35 annual fee to support Chamber activities.
Serve as an official ambassador and diplomatic representative for the Bay County Chamber.
Participate in grand openings, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, and key Chamber events such as First Friday and Business After Hours.
Attend monthly Ambassador meetings to stay connected and engaged.
Contribute your marketing materials to the new member welcome bags.
Deliver plaques and welcome bags, offering mentorship to new Chamber members.
Select the monthly recipient of the "Apple of Our Eye" award for outstanding renovations and new construction projects.

Benefits:

Increased visibility and networking opportunities as an official Chamber representative.
Direct involvement in shaping the community’s business landscape.
A chance to promote your business through welcome bags and Chamber events.
Recognition for your efforts in supporting and mentoring new members.

For more information on the Ambassador Committee, please contact Tamara Barnes at (850)215-3791 or email her at Tamara@BayChamberFL.com.

Bay Chamber Connect Groups

Bay Chamber Connect Groups provide Chamber business professionals with an opportunity to network, exchange business leads, and share referrals. Membership is open to any member in good standing with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. Participants are required to attend monthly meetings and fulfill at least one of the following: bring a group member referral lead, a business lead, or a guest (guests may be non-members).

To ensure exclusivity and value for members, participants may only join one group, and no single business will directly compete with another within the same group (e.g., only one banking representative per group).

Connect Group 1

Connect Group 2

Connect Group 3

For more information on joining a Bay Chamber Connect group, contact Tamara Barnes at (850)215-3791 or Tamara@BayChamberFL.com

Bay Young Professionals

BYP is a program of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce created by the Leadership Bay Class of 2005/2006. As growth continues to explode along Florida’s Gulf Coast, many young professionals are enthusiastic about area business and community opportunities and are ready to get involved as new leaders. BYP was formed to specifically address the need of this target group, individuals age 21-41, recognizing that certain leadership skills come from additional experiences beyond the classroom and job environment.

Mission

Events

Through a mixture of educational and social activities, this dynamic organization will encourage personal and professional development. Bay Young Professionals have a monthly opportunity to attend evenly rotating meetings that include luncheons with a program of interest or tours conducted by professionals and leaders from the community as they share experiences and expertise. You will learn from those that built the area communities and from those that have expertly honed their craft. Evening socials are also held for BYP members to network with their peers and form a connection with each other. Events are NO COST to BYP members.

Sponsorships

Sponsorship opportunities are available for various events hosted by the BYP group. Your sponsorship entitles your company name on all BYP event information including in the Bay Biz magazine, Chamber website, marketing materials to be displayed and distributed at events and five minutes of speaking time. This is a great way to give your company visibility to the young professionals of Bay County!

Bay Young Professionals to Know

Active Bay Young Professional members are chosen to be featured in the “BYP To Know” section of the quarterly “Bay Biz” magazine. The BYP member is chosen based on their activity with the BYP events, career level and community contributions. The highlight includes a professional photograph with write up.

Area young professionals pursuing leadership positions with the community and their businesses, or simply seeking personal growth are encouraged to get involved!

Cost

For more information on Bay Young Professionals, contact Lisa Moore at (850)215-3761 or Lisa@BayChamberFL.com

Governmental Affairs

Mission Statement

What We Do

The Governmental Affairs Committee acts as a liaison between Bay County’s public officials and the Chamber’s membership. In addition to following local, state and federal issues and building relationships with different government entities, the Committee also listens to and acts on the requests of the general membership. The committee conducts many functions including:

Trip to Tallahassee: Chamber leadership travels to the state capital at least once during the legislative session to promote the Chamber’s state legislative agenda. Small groups also travel to the capital as needed to address issues that arise. Contact with Federal elected officials and, at times, travel to Washington DC helps to promote our Federal agenda.
Roundtable Discussions: Several times throughout the year the Governmental Affairs Committee host roundtables with elected officials and other events that allow our members to learn about and discuss issues important to the business community. Some notable guest speakers have included both national and state congressmen and senators.
Grassroots Advocacy: Periodically, Governmental Affairs will send out Governmental Action Alerts and Governmental Affairs Updates to the membership to spread awareness on what our officials and the committee are doing for the community and encourage individual action among members. Past alerts and updates are listed in the Newsfeed. In addition, city and county commission meetings are monitored to keep abreast of any issues that could affect businesses.

Legislative Agenda

Contacting Governmental Officials

Writing your local officials about issues affecting you and your business is crucial to the democratic process. The Bay County Chamber encourages its membership and citizens of Bay County to be active in communicating with our local representatives.

Florida House of Representatives – Click here to find and contact your Representative
Florida Senate – Click here to find and contact your Senator
United States House of Representatives – Click here to find and contact your US Congressman/Congresswoman
Senators of the United States Congress – Click here to find and contact your US Senator

Membership Appreciation Month

Gold and Black Modern Awards Presentation (10)

Membership Appreciation First Friday

Membership Appreciation Awards Luncheon

The Bay County Chamber celebrates the businesses and individuals who make our community stronger through the Membership Appreciation Awards Program. These awards shine a spotlight on outstanding contributions in areas such as small business, innovation, community impact, and leadership. Each year, members gather for a special luncheon where we recognize and honor those who go above and beyond to help build a better Bay.

Award Categories

Outstanding Business of the Year
Outstanding Small Business of the Year
Outstanding Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
Outstanding Minority-Owned Business of the Year
Outstanding Community Organization of the Year
Outstanding Business Woman of the Year
Outstanding Young Professional of the Year
Outstanding Chamber Ambassador of the Year
Outstanding Military Affairs Committee Member of the Year

Sporting Clay Tournament

Membership After Hours

For more information on Industry Appreciation Celebration or to serve on the Task Force, please contact Jennifer Wright at 850.215.3758 or Jennifer@BayChamberFL.com.

Junior Leadership Bay

JLB is an exciting Bay County Chamber program, founded by the Leadership Bay Class of 2000, for high school juniors – running October through May of each year. It prepares Bay County’s youth and future business leaders to meet the challenges facing our area through hands-on activities and exciting discussions involving community leaders and motivational speakers. This program is designed to educate local students on the resources and opportunities available in Bay County to benefit the future of Bay County. (Additional fee required.)

The JLB Program is for students who demonstrate leadership potential and provides a setting to practice constructive leadership skills, committed involvement and responsible participation in the community. For more information on JLB contact Lisa Moore at Lisa@BayChamberFL.com.

Who Can Participate?

Scholarships for Higher Learning

Leadership Bay

Founded in 1983, Leadership Bay is a community leadership development program presented by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. Its mission is to cultivate a broadened network of well-informed leaders whose strengthened commitment to community involvement will affect positive change in Bay County.

Mission

Emerging Leaders

The Leadership Bay Class will be composed of people from all parts of our community. One of the strengths of the program is that participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with other emerging leaders. Participation is limited. A Leadership Bay Steering Committee composed of past LB graduates select participants through an application process. Applications are available in mid-June of each year.

The Program

Based on the premise that people are our most important resource, the purpose of the program is to offer potential leaders a curriculum in community leadership training. Upon graduation, the program will mint a new batch of leaders, a diverse group of individuals with a renewed commitment to their local communities, and the skills, contacts and information to turn commitment into action. Sessions are held every other Wednesday, beginning in September and running through April, to familiarize selected participants with issues and resources that directly impact the future of Bay County. Participation is limited; additional cost required.

Curriculum

The curriculum of Leadership Bay consists of three major components:

A two-day retreat providing an orientation to the program and leadership training seminars conducted by the Bay County Chamber and Gulf Coast State College.
A class project must be conceived, planned and executed entirely by the class, as a team, outside of the regular curriculum. The project must benefit the Business Community of Bay County. Active participation in the project is required for graduation.
Tours and presentations focus on the Chamber of Commerce, tourism, healthcare, local and state government, law enforcement, transportation, industry, economic development, military, education, culture, growth management, ecology, media, community volunteerism, and more.

Return on Investment

How to participate

Download the Leadership Bay Information Packet

For cost and other information contact Lisa Moore at 850.215.3761 or Lisa@BayChamberFL.com.

Leadership Bay Alumni

It is a known fact that Leadership Bay allows participants to forge strong relationships with fellow class members. The purpose of the LBA is to foster ongoing communication and fellowship among Leadership Bay graduates through a series of informal and formal events. By linking professionals with a common bond, it will undoubtedly strengthen the legacy of leadership in Bay County.

Membership Benefits

Membership fee is $50 per year. If you have any questions or would like to assist with alumni initiatives, please contact Lisa Moore at 850.215.3761 or Lisa@BayChamberFL.com.

First Responders Appreciation Task Force

The event is a way to say thank you and honor those who risk their lives to save others, offering the business community an opportunity to express appreciation for the service that First Responders and our military provide in their day-to-day jobs.

The responsibility of the First Responders Appreciation task force is to aid in the planning and implementation of the event.

To join the First Responders Appreciation Task Force, contact Jennifer Wright at Jennifer@BayChamberFL.com or (850)215-3758.

Visit the First Responders Appreciation Event Page

Military Affairs Committee (MAC)

What is MAC?

The Military Affairs Committee, also known as MAC, was started in 1946 and is the Bay County Chamber of Commerce’s largest committee. They serve as the liaison between the civilian and the military community. MAC hosts many social events, recognizing new and departing leadership from our area bases, as well as being one of the sponsors of the Tyndall Air Show. The committee is nationally recognized for their success and support of the military. Many communities around the country model their groups after our MAC. This committee is a great way for you to get involved and to show support to a sector of Bay County that is vital to its economy.

The Purpose of MAC

MAC Memberships

Any member of either the Bay County Chamber of Commerce or the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce may join MAC at a cost of a one-time $50 fee to join and a pro-rata share for each event. Any member in good standing of a surrounding county Chamber of Commerce may join MAC for a one time fee of $100 and a pro-rata share of each event. Coporate memberships are also available.

The MAC committee is kept up-to-date with the quarterly e-newsletter “MAC Messenger”.

For more information on the Military Affairs Committee, contact Sean Kim at Sean@BayChamberFL.com or at (850)215-3759.

Tourism Appreciation Month (TAM) Task Force

National Tourism Week is the first full week in May. The Bay County Chamber takes it a step further and celebrates the month of May as Tourism Appreciation Month (TAM) to highlight the importance of tourism in our community. In conjunction with the title sponsors we recognize our number one industry.

Want to show employees appreciation for their work in the Tourism Industry?

Here are some tips from our Tourism Appreciation Month Task Force:

Encourage your employees to dress up for themed area events such as Pirate Fest, Mardi Gras, etc. Employees enjoy a change from the daily uniform and guests enjoy the fun festive atmosphere that the costumes bring.
Have an employee pot luck. It’s a great opportunity to try some new dishes and get to know everyone better.
Throw an “I Survived ________ Party” after a big event or extra busy time like Thunder Beach, spring break, summer, etc. This can be a mini party with pizza and a couple giveaways. Basically show your employees that you appreciate all their hard work and commitment sooner than waiting until the end of the year.
If too busy for a mini party, choose a day to provide free lunch for your employees with to go boxes. Order in or pick up something easy like pizza, BBQ, hot dogs, lasagna!
Hold an end of the year holiday party away from work for employees and a guest . While employees may already know each other it’s nice to meet the spouse or significant other and show them you appreciate their support as well. Holding your holiday party away from the work place provides more of a sense of a party. Make it fun with games and giveaways for employees and perhaps one or two for guests to get involved as well. No money for prizes? Many local businesses are willing to trade services or products because they are often looking for prizes and giveaways for their own parties too.
To encourage team building and property familiarization, organize an employee scavenger hunt. Create clues directing teams to individual rooms, common areas, conference spaces and more. The first three teams to finish win prizes! For added drama, mount a GoPro camera on a team member to capture the scavenger hunt action. Share the video with the entire staff plus via social media.
Host an employee talent show at your business. Invite guests or patrons to judge the competition. The interactive show becomes free entertainment for customers and a morale booster for employees who showcase their hidden talents plus take home prizes.
Feature a different employee in your company newsletter or e-newsletter each month. Being featured makes the employee feel special. Additionally, colleagues learn of common interests which strengthen bonds and promote empathy.
Create Tourism Appreciation Month buttons for your front desk or servers to wear in May. Customize your messages of appreciation. Find the needed supplies at http://www.badgeaminit.com/

Help us say thank you to our visitors too! Tourism Appreciation Month is a public awareness campaign encouraging business owners and the community to say “Thank You for Visiting” on business marquees, signs and websites.

The responsibility of the Tourism Appreciation Month committee is to aid in the planning of the month’s fun events.

To join the Tourism Appreciation Month committee, or for information regarding events, contact Jennifer Wright at Jennifer@BayChamberFL.com or (850)215-3758.

Committees

Ambassadors

Bay Chamber Connect Groups

Bay Young Professionals

Governmental Affairs

Membership Appreciation Month

Junior Leadership Bay

Leadership Bay

Leadership Bay Alumni

First Responders Appreciation Task Force

Military Affairs Committee (MAC)

Tourism Appreciation Month (TAM) Task Force

Thank You Vision Investors

Connecting Business. Creating Opportunity. Strengthening Community.