July 2024
Message from the Chair

As we prepare to celebrate the 248^th birthday of the United States of America, our wonderful country this July 4^th, I am excited to inform you all that our Riverfest is set to be the best we have ever had. Our Chamber staff has been working diligently along with the City of Milton to ensure our celebration is worthy of our country’s anniversary. My thanks to Jim Ponek, Nicole Frenk, and Jaime Cottrell, as well as all our city officials who have made this possible! We also need to recognize the sponsors that have contributed. The major sponsors include the City of Milton, the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners, McKenzie Motor Company, Sandy Sansing Milton Chevrolet / Dodge Christler Jeep, and Santa Rosa Medical Center. There are many other sponsors that will be recognized at the festival, and we greatly appreciate you all. I am proud to live in a country where we have such freedom and opportunity. I hope to see you all at Riverfest!

On another important note, our website is back up and running after being hacked some time back. I would emphasize that no member information was compromised. Please visit the site and see for yourself that it is better than ever: www.SRCChamber.com. Our membership continues to grow thanks to our wonderful Chamber Ambassadors and the continued growth of Santa Rosa County. It truly is a great place to live, visit and do business!

We recently had a Hail & Farewell celebration in the McKenzie Room to say farewell to Commanding Officer Captain Paul N. Flores “Party Boy”. We have enjoyed working with Captain Flores since 2021 and we all wish him the utmost success in his future endeavors. Thank You, Captain Flores!

Welcome Captain Theodore “Ted” Elkins “Thumbs”, incoming Commanding Officer NAS Whiting Field. We look forward to working with you as we continue to recognize the accomplishments and personnel of NAS Whiting Field. Our Chamber as well as our community are committed to ensure our military personnel enjoy their stay in Santa Rosa County and know the welcome our entire community extends to all our Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, Army and Airforce officers and enlisted men and women. Hail Captain Elkins!

Farewell to Colonel Anthony Krockel, Commodore, Training Airwing FIVE, NAS Whiting, and Hail to Captain Kenneth Kerr. Our best wishes to Colonel Krockel and a warm Santa Rosa welcome to Captain Kerr.

Please make plans to attend our networking events for the month of July. Our friends at The Cutting Board will be hosting our A.M. Network breakfast on July 31^st and we will be recognizing the Sailor-of-the-Quarter along with the Navy League Santa Rosa Council. The Networking Lunch will be hosted by Ace’s Hanger on July 12^th. Please note that there will not be a Business After Hours in Jul due to the Riverfest festival.

Once again, I would like to welcome all new members to the Chamber and encourage you to send a representative to the Member Orientation on July 16^th in the McKenzie Room. It is very important to attend as this seminar informs you of all the benefits and opportunities of membership. This is also an excellent program for existing members to refresh their familiarity with the advantages of Chamber membership.

My thanks to our dedicated Board of Directors and staff! We are in the midst of making exciting plans for the future of our organization, utilizing our beautiful Chamber office to its full potential, as well as some possible new events to enhance the quality of life in Santa Rosa County.

It just came to me that I am halfway through my tenure as Chairman. I would like to say that it has been an honor to have been chosen by the Executive Committee as well as the Board of Directors to serve in this position. I look forward to serving the rest of the year and will do my best to transition my position to Mike Johnson, our incoming Chair.

With Kindest Regards,

2024 Chairman of the Board
Frank Hoskins
850-501-1574
Frankhoskins@bellsouth.net