December 2024
Message from the Chair

Well, it’s officially the holiday season! We have finished the Thanksgiving holiday and headed into Christmas and the New Year. I have to say 2024 was quite a busy year for everyone and it went quickly. I finally got to go duck and pheasant hunting in Arkansas this past month.

It has been my honor to help steer the Chamber of Commerce through the year. I hope that my efforts have made a difference in improving the membership experience for all Chamber members. I will be serving one more year on the board and will rotate out. I must say that I have made many friends along the way. We hired a new CEO, and I cannot say how pleased I am with Jim as well as the entire Chamber staff. Congratulations to our six new board members and I wish you the best as it is a great organization to be part of. I am so glad that so many people want to serve in the best interest of the business community of Santa Rosa County. I know the future of our organization is bright as the people serving on our board and Executive committee are dedicated to the success of the chamber and enhancing the membership experience.

My congratulations to Leadership Santa Rosa Class 37! Their graduation and end of year dinner will be held on December 12^th. Class 38 is full; their orientation will be held on December 19^th. Leadership Santa Rosa is a wonderful program; I am so glad to have graduated with Class 35. I have made many lifelong friends along the way and learned so much about the workings of the County and State.

We are accepting Community Award Nominations to be presented at the Annual Leadership Awards and Installation Lunch on January 17, 2025. The deadline for nominations is December 23^rd. Forms for nominations can be picked up at the Chamber office. If you prefer, Nicole or Jaime can email you on the nomination form.

This month we have our Dirty Santa Luncheon on December 13^th at Ace’s Hangar and bring a gift if you plan to attend. It is always a good time for everyone. We will have our December breakfast at Locklin Technical on December 10 at 7:30 am and the culinary students will provide our breakfast! (This is for Chamber members only!)  Please make plans to attend if you are available. Thank you to the people that make these events possible. Mr. Jeremy Reeder, Networking Lunch. Ms. Erin Vaughn and Mr. Lee Irving, Business After Hours, and Mr. Tracy Allen for the AM Network. These people work hard to make these events successful, and our thanks go out to them all for their efforts.

The Team Bruce Baker MBA-RE/MAX Infinity Golf Classic has been rescheduled for December 9^th at Stonebrook Golf Club in Pace I hear they filled all the teams but would love to have volunteers and your business can still sponsor tee signs.

This is my last article as Chair and we will welcome Mike Johnson as the incoming Chair 2025. Mike is going to do great things for our Chamber and cannot wait to see those things. Thank you to all the members and board members that trust in me to guide the board through the year. I do look forward to addressing you all at the Awards and Installation Lunch in January!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Warmest regards to you all,
Frank Hoskins
2024 Board Chair