November 2024
Message from the Chair

Well, it’s officially Fall! The leaves are turning and the temperature is steadily dropping. Hurricane season doesn’t officially end until the end of the month, but thankfully we dodged the bullet again this year. Our prayers for a speedy recovery go out to the victims of Helene and Milton. This is my favorite time of year, many of you that know me know I love fishing and bird hunting. The fall bite in this area is incredible and it is such a pleasure fishing in cool weather. I got a video of our farm in Arkansas from my brother taken on October 24^th: One of our flooded fields is already covered up with ducks and geese. Excited to get up there and do some duck hunting.

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. We will be filling six board positions this year and we have fourteen or so nominations. 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 filling up quickly; 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. I highly encourage anyone even slightly interested to sign up for Class 38.

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 November 23^rd. Forms for nominations can be picked up at the Chamber office. If you prefer, Nicole or Jaime can email you the nomination form.

I would like to congratulate Mr. Ed Spears on becoming the new City Manager of the City of Milton. I have had the pleasure of knowing Ed for several years while serving on the Board. I have no doubt Ed will do a great job in moving the city forward in his tenure there. Thank you Ed for your many years of service to the community and the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce!

Our regular Chamber networking events are scheduled for November. 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.

Due to bad weather the Team Bruce Baker MBA-RE/MAX Infinity Golf Classic has been rescheduled for December 9^th at Stonebrook Golf Club in Pace. The Santa Rosa Young Professionals’ Annual Clay Shoot is scheduled for November 22^nd. Registration for teams or station sponsorships are available online or can be picked up at the Chamber office. Unfortunately, I will miss the Shoot because duck season opens in Arkansas on November 23^rd and I have to be there on our farm to prepare the woods and fields for the upcoming season.

As I am writing this, I realize that this is the next to last time I will be addressing you all through my little articles. Thank you to all the members and board members that put trust in me to guide the board through the year. I do so look forward to addressing you all at the Awards and Installation Lunch in January!

Warmest regards to you all,
Frank Hoskins
2024 Board Chair