Fall, and all . . .

The brisk weather (yes, anything less than 85 degrees is considered brisk by Florida standards!) has us all excited here at the Chamber. We find ourselves, at Monday morning staff meetings, recounting the big plays from the weekend's gridiron action [let me once again say, "War Eagle!" And I loved meeting and hearing Thom Gossom Jr. at today's FFC!] and even dipping our toes into that never-should-be-discussed-in-the-office topic of Presidential pre-election politics. And after a couple of minutes of levity, and before we resort to fisticuffs over either football or politics, we move on to the business at hand - which this time of year includes looking forward to the remaining festivals/events on our calendar ( e.g. Taste of FWB Chamber, October 11; check out the details here), thanking our current Board members and officers and preparing to welcome those whose terms begin in January, looking ahead to the Annual Banquet, and preparing for the first two major community events on our 2009 calendar, Senior/Snowbird Expo (January 7) and Mardi Gras by the Sea (February 7). And while you're marking your calendar, don't forget two opportunities offered by Historic Downtown Ft. Walton Beach - Hippie Halloween, 4 - 6pm on October 31st, and Christmas Around the World, beginning late November and running through the Season.

I digress. I wanted to tell you that this week the Chamber staff celebrated the birthday of volunteer extraordinare Marge Mann. Check out the photo of Marge enjoying her birthday lunch with us this week!

Who Knew? A long post - but I couldn't cut a word!

Chamber Chick is a big fan of Auburn football, and in years past, while living in dear ole' Alabama, enjoyed attending as many games as possible - especially those long ago at Legion Field where the Iron Bowl was THE event of the year (Auburn vs. Alabama, in case you don't know. In those days, Legion Field in Birmingham was Mecca for the AU/UA faithful, for whom the Iron Bowl was, well let's just say "important"). And I was there that November day in 1974 when 'Bama beat Auburn - barely - because of what we blue and orange faithful felt was a wrongful call, in a game that meant the conference championship and a television appearance on Monday Night Football in the Gator Bowl. Only this week did I learn that the Tiger whose touchdown was called back under dubious officiating was none other than Thom Gossom, Jr. He happens to be the husband of Dr. joyce g. gossom, whom you know as Associate Dean, UWF Emerald Coast. He also happens to be, as I now know, part of Auburn University athletic history as told in his latest book (yes, he's written others!) entitled "Walk-On, My reluctant Journey to Integration at Auburn University." It's fascinating reading, telling the story of courage, determination, barriers broken, and struggles won and lost - on and off the field - by Thom and others like him. And what I also now know about Thom Gossom is that he is an accomplished stage and television actor, with recurring roles in some of the most popular tv series of the past few years. Okay, all this is to say that I simply can't wait to meet this man and have him sign a copy of his book for me. He did so for Ted Corcoran earlier this week, with Dr. joyce presenting Ted with a first-run copy on the very day the book was premiered. I'll get my own soon, because Thom Gossom will be the featured guest speaker at the October 3rd First Friday Coffee!!! You won't want to miss it! (October 3rd, 7:15am, Shalimar United Methodist Church) P.S. WAR EAGLE!!! P.P.S. The photo above obviously isn't "Chamber Chick", unless you know something about Ted that I don't! But here he is with his first-run book and a War Eagle can hugger from O'Sullivan Creel. Even Jersey boys know good football!

TGIFFC!!!

So, today's FFC really rocked, huh!? I couldn't believe the overflow crowd there - and it was SO good to see all of you! And did you check out the HUGE group of new members who introduced themselves today? 'Cause for celebration, I say! So while you were there, I hope you checked out the MULTITUDE of great events your Chamber is involved in over the next six weeks. (And if you've been buried under a pile of work and haven't seen the light of day since mid-February, and don't know what I'm talking about - CALL ME! I'll talk your ears off about all the goings on that I don't want you to miss. Meanwhile, enjoy this fun photo from your Chamber staff!

Members Helping Members Makes HEADLINES!

Ted Corcoran, the esteemed leader of our humble Chamber office staff, is great at coming up with creative and fun ways to help members think about why Chamber membership is important. So one of his latest sounds like lots of fun, and a contest for bragging rights - and a Coastlines cover, too! You see, Ted thought it would be neat to challenge Chamber members to start seriously examining how they are making their own business choices. Are they really being intentional about doing business with other Chamber members? So the idea of a great contest arose, and it will be announced very soon!. You won't want to miss it! Check back here! (Check it out further at www.fwbchamber.com/headlines)