From the Chamber desk:

 

By HEATHER BRYAN Of the Chamber

What an extraordinary month February has been for the Chamber, in membership renewals, events, and watching some of our goals already take shape for the year!
We added new members since this article last month, The UPS Store, Rock Grinderz, Corbin Systems, Capelouto Termite and Pest Control, Wildwood Golf and RV Resort, Courtney Wahl Photography LLC, Budda’s Bayside Haven LLC. This brings our total to 20 new members so far this year! We have had 3 Ribbon Cuttings/Grand Openings in February - St. Joe Gas Company, Timber and Tides Real Estate, and English Financial Group.  
On Feb. 7th we celebrated Petra Shuff at her retirement dinner at The Lodge at Sherlock Springs. The dinner was travel themed and had table decorations from her favorite and bucket list destinations. Surrounded by her family, friends and colleagues she was celebrated with speeches reminiscing on years past, accomplishments and well wishes for the future. She received gifts from attendees among them being a mullet weather vane, her favorite foods prepared by Mrs. Thu of the Kast Net and a stein full of cash.
I know she felt loved and appreciated that night. I have worked very closely with Petra since Nov. 7th. She is an incredible act to follow, it puts me at ease knowing I’ve been trained by the master herself. We both have learned a lot in this transition of her retirement and my career change. There were days we laughed until tears working together, in my book that makes for a wonderful work environment.
After 16 years she has done so much in her tenure at the Chamber and for our community. I have gained a friend and mentor in Petra, and I will forever be grateful for her patience, perseverance, and presents.  
Our second Member Networking Luncheon this year had an incredible turn out of 75 attendees! The luncheon was held at Wakulla Environmental Institute and lunch was catered by Hamaknockers BBQ. Thank you to all who attended and to everyone who made the luncheon possible.

Things to look forward to in March and the beginning of April:
• March 1st – The Senior Center’s Fundraiser Dinner
• March 11th – The Wakulla Wonderful Celebration
• March 13th – 17th and March 20th – 24th – Gulf Specimen Marine Lab Aquatic Adventures
• March 18 – Wakulla County Horseman’s Association Show
• March 22nd – Chamber Member Networking Luncheon
• March 25th – Panacea Beer and Oyster Festival
• April 1st – 12th Annual Low Country Boil Fundraiser
• April 4th – Ribbon Cutting for Jimmy John’s

On the Chamber website you can find times and locations for these events at wakullacountychamber.com/event/

As always, a list of our members, services and products they provide is on our website at wakullacountychamber.com.

Our 2022 Wakulla County Chamber Business Directory was released in May and is available at several Chamber businesses and at the Chamber office. Call the Chamber office at (850) 926-1848 or send an email to info@wakullacountychamber.com to get your paper or electronic copy today.

We also want to thank all of our sponsors who made the directory possible this year.

Heather Bryan is director of the Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce.