First Friday Coffee

It's that special time again -- time to network with your fellow Chamber members and learn about all the exciting things going on in our area.

This month's FFC is sponsored by the Northwest Florida Daily News' EmeraldCoastJobs.com, powered by Monster.  It will be on Friday, March 5, at 7:15 am.  You  know the place -- Saint Mary Parish Life Center (110 Saint Mary's Ave.) -- and you know the drill -- best breakfast in FWB, along with the best buzz about what's happening where. So come join us -- no RSVP needed -- just your smiling face and your $5!

Remember to bring your own reusable coffee mug to enter the drawing for the Green Awareness door prize. 

Last Call for This Week

Government Affairs - Thursday, March 4, 2010

TraumaNow.com

WANTED:  Trauma Center needed in Okaloosa County!  Find out why the "Golden Hour" is significant and why there is a need for a local trauma center.  Make a difference today by signing up in support of a Trauma Center in Okaloosa County.  Visit TraumaNow.com. 

Buckets 'o Beads!

Our "Beads for Bowlegs" promotion got an amazing response.  Clearly, everyone loves Capt. Billy, because they came in droves to bring in their recyclable parade beads and exchange them for a vintage Bowlegs T-shirt.  We gathered buckets of beads -- more than 70 gallons of them!  Every size, every shape, every occasion.  Thanks to everyone for being generous, for keeping these beads out of landfills, and for helping to make the Bowlegs Torchlight Parade even more festive. 

A LOOK AHEAD . . . March 8 through 12

Nothing but Networking

It's time again for Nothing But Networking -- this month we're at Fudpucker's on beautiful Okaloosa Island.  Be there at 11:30 am on Thursday, 11:30 am -- but don't forget to let us know you're coming!  You can RSVP and pay online at www.fwbchamber.org/nbn -- or you can just give us a call at 244-8191 and pay us when you get there.  The price is $15 in advance, $17 at the door; and you will be billed for no-shows. 

New Member Lunch

If you're new to the Chamber, please join us on Friday, March 12 at 11:45 am for the New Member Lunch.  It's a wonderful deal -- no cost to you, and you'll have a great lunch catered by Brooks Bridge Bar-B-Que, and learn more about Priority One Insurance, our March corporate sponsor.  You'll also get an orientation to the Chamber and learn how you can best use the Chamber's services to promote your business.  To top it off, you'll go home with a special parting gift.  So join us here at the Chamber -- but please RSVP in advance to the front desk or to Al Stearns.  Looking forward to seeing you!

Committee Meetings and Events

Monday Morning Devotion - Monday, March 8, 7:00 am

Healthcare Committee - Tuesday, March 9, 8:00 am

AFAD Committee - Tuesday, March 9, 4:00 pm

POWERleads - Wednesday, March 10, 7:45

Historic Downtown FWB - Friday, March 12, 8:30 am

Concert for a Cause

The NAACP and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce have joined forces once again to support the NAACP4Haiti Concert in the Park, at the Landing, on Sunday, March 14, from Noon to 6 pm.  This will be a festive afternoon with great music, food, and plenty of vendors.  For more information on the events, the sponsors, and a partial list of performers, please click here.

The Chamber is accepting applications for vendors for the event.  The cost is $50 for a Non-Profit/Craft/Arts booth and $100 for a Food Vendor booth.  Please contact Patti Bohnsack, the Chamber's Director of Special Events (244-8191 or patti@fwbchamber.org), with questions -- or click here for a vendor booth application. 

Be a Sponsor for the 75th Anniversary of Eglin AFB

Aim High with sponsorship of the 75th Anniversary of Eglin AFB Open House and Air Show, April 10 and 11, 2010.  Opportunities to sponsor entertainment acts, kids' activites, and much more through cash and in-kind sponsorship.  Promote your business in the military community and to over 100,000 Air Show attendees.  Air Show sponsorships available through March 5.  Contact Isabelle Sabato, Eglin's Commercial Sponsorship Coordinator.  Phone:  850-882-8651, isabelle.sabato@eglin.af.mil. 

Want to Support the New USO Freedom Lounge at VPS?

Support the local USO effort through Leadership Okaloosa!  They are looking for Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors -- click here for details -- and contact Pam Martin at the Chamber (244-8191 or pammartin@fwbchamber.org) with your questions.

If you feel unable to give a monetary or in-kind donation, you might like to donate your time as a volunteer.  If so, please contact the Regional USO Director, Heidi Blair, at hblair@uso.org.

Thanks for your support!

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

Mark your calendar -- the traveling version of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall will be at the C. H. "Bull" Rigdon Fairgrounds in June.  There will be a variety of special events and activities that go along with this moving exhibit.  For more information, visit www.veteranswallokaloosa.com or call 850-678-2615. 

If you'd like to donate to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund , a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to honoring our nation's veterans and educating this and future generations about the impact of the Vietnam War on society, please call 850-678-2615.