WHAT

The Bay County Chamber of Commerce will recognize outstanding businesses, organizations and community leaders during the 2026 Membership Appreciation Awards Luncheon on Thursday, September 17.

The luncheon is a signature event of the Chamber’s Membership Appreciation Month, a month-long celebration recognizing the businesses, organizations and individuals that make up the Chamber and contribute to the strength and vitality of Bay County.

Awards will be presented in categories recognizing young professionals, Chamber Ambassadors, minority-owned and veteran-owned businesses, military-community involvement, business and community leadership, small business and organizational impact.

WHEN

Thursday, September 17, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Media is encouraged to arrive by 11:15 a.m. for setup.

WHERE

Holley Academic Center
Florida State University Panama City
4750 Collegiate Drive
Panama City, FL 32405

WHO

The program will include Bay County Chamber leadership, 2026 Membership Appreciation Award nominees and recipients, Chamber members and community leaders.

Griff Griffitts, President of Visit Panama City Beach, will serve as the program speaker. 

The 2026 Membership Appreciation Awards Luncheon is presented by Eastern Shipbuilding Group.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Media attending the luncheon will have opportunities to capture:

• Presentation of the 2026 Membership Appreciation Awards
• Reactions and photographs of award recipients
• Remarks from Chamber leadership
• Remarks from Griff Griffitts
• Interviews with award recipients, nominees and Chamber leadership
• B-roll and photography of Bay County business and community leaders gathered for Membership Appreciation Month

AWARD CATEGORIES

The 2026 Membership Appreciation Awards will recognize recipients in the following categories:

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

WHY IT MATTERS

The Membership Appreciation Awards recognize Chamber members whose contributions extend beyond professional achievement to include leadership, service, economic impact and sustained investment in the Bay County community.

The luncheon is part of the Chamber’s September Membership Appreciation Month campaign, “Celebrating the Members Who Make Bay County Thrive.”