First Friday Coffee on August 6

It's time again for you to plan to attend First Friday Coffee. It's next Friday, August 6 at 7:15 am. Same place as usual -- Saint Mary Family Life Center. In August our sponsor will be Regions Bank. We'll see you there! If you want to submit a door prize, be sure to register it with Pam Martin at 244-8191. Do it now - don't be disappointed! Please bring your own coffee cup or recycle some printer cartridges. Then you'll be entered into the Green Awareness door prize drawing!

Okaloosa County Map is Official Map of USO Lounge

The Okaloosa County map is running a bit behind schedule - so you still have time to take advantage of this great advertising opportunity, available ONLY to Chamber members.   

Reach out to all new arrivals in our community as well as to our thousands of visitors.  This map will be the official map of the USO Lounge at VPS and will also be distributed in all government office buildings.  This advertising venue is restricted to Chamber members -- but this opportunity won't last long.  ACT NOW!  Contact Rick Seevers at Life's a Beach Publications -- 850-650-2780 or rseevers@labpllc.com. 

Click on the image above for a larger PDF version. 

Oil Spill Information

Check out our Oil Spill Resources page for links to the latest information from a variety of official sources. We're trying to keep it updated for your convenience.

A LOOK AHEAD . . . August 2 through 6

New Buy Local Campaign

You'll start to see this message around town. Just a reminder that "Members Helping Members Makes Cents." The web site connects to our own Chamber directory.

Upcoming Committee Meetings and Events

Green Awareness Taskforce - Tuesday, August 3, 8:15 am

Government Affairs - Thursday, August 5, 7:30 am. 

Taylor Hicks to be Headliner for Armed Forces Appreciation Day

Taylor Hicks, soulful rocker and 2005 American Idol, will be the headline entertainer for Armed Forces Appreciation Day on August 28, as Fort Walton Beach Medical Center presents "American Idols for Our American Heroes." Appearing with Taylor Hicks will be another Idol finalist, Kimberley Locke ("One Love Live") and "1964" . . . The Tribute, "#1 Beatles Show in the World" (according to Rolling Stone magazine). Rounding out the entertainment will be the "Full Spectrum Jazz Ensemble" from the US Air Force Reserve Band.

Click here to see Taylor mention his FWB appearance on Fox & Friends last Sunday morning. 

All these entertainers will be in addiition to the Hall of Heroes, where there will be in-person appearances and book signings by the real-life veterans portrayed in HBO's epic mini-series "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific." We'll also feature many of our local military heroes, who will be available to visit with attendees and speak personally of their experiences.  For more information on how to "Sponsor a Hero," click here. 

Armed Forces Appreciation Day is presented by Fort Walton Beach Medical Center with generous support from the Okaloosa County Tourism Development Council, the Northwest Florida Daily News, InDyne, Inc., and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. For more information, go to www.fwbchamber.com/afad.

We expect at least 10,000 people to attend AFAD -- it's the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your business!  There's still time to sign up for a booth and enjoy your Chamber discount.  Contact Patti Bohnsack at 244-8191 or go to www.fwbchamber.com/afad.