The Jay Area Chamber of Commerce met Sept. 10 at the Jay Community Center and lunch was served at noon. Before lunch was served, Maxine Ivey offered a prayer and all remained standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Chamber president Jackie Ard called the meeting to order following lunch and the minutes from the August meeting were approved. Ard gave her Military Affairs Committee report. Ard indicated at the recent military update, Santa Rosa County Commissioner Don Salter was the speaker and he discussed the Santa Rosa County Veterans Memorial and Foundation. He also discussed programs, such as: Promote the Veterans Memorial; Work with the Veterans; an Help get Veterans to VA Clinics. Salter said the foundation meets every quarter and it was donations that allowed the Veterans Memorial to be built, helped disabled veterans with home repairs, and even built a home for a disabled veteran. Another item Salter point out is that Veterans have also been helped in paying rent. Members discussed the United Way's Cram the Van and Day of Caring being a huge success. Pending the Jay Town Council's approval, plans were made for the Trick or Treat event to be held at Jay's Bray-Hendricks City Park. The Jay Area Chambers of Commerce Business After Hours was held Sept. 27 at the Jay Community Center from 5 – 7 p.m. All businesses were invited. The purpose of the business after hours was new and old businesses would join the Jay Area Chamber of Commerce if they were not already members. Emerald Coast Hospice sponsored the event. The Jay Chamber voted to donate $500 to the Jay High School Quarterback Club for a sign at the football field and an advertisement in their magazine. Members were made aware of Oct. 5 being the date for the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic. Sept. 18 was the Open House for Pensacola State College in Century. Mike Avery announced the Apples for the Students began Sept. 1 and that Greer's grocery receipts provide educational equipment for Jay Elementary School. Best Choice labels and Greer's Grocery receipts earn point needed to win educational equipment. In 2010 Jay Elementary took first place and last year Jay Elementary finished third. Members were invited to the 23rd Jay Peanut Festival on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Gabbert Farm on Pine Level Church Road in Jay. Admission and parking are free as are the contest. J.J. Roberts with Covenant Hospice told members their Blue Jeans and BBQ Family Festival will be Oct. 6 at the Red Barn BBQ on Highway 90 in Milton. Adults are $20, children 3 – 12 are $15, and children two and under are free. For more information call 438-9714. Proceeds will benefit the unfunded patients care and non-reimbursed programs of Covenant Hospice in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The festival will run from 4 – 9 p.m. The next Jay Chamber meeting will be at noon Oct. 1 at the Jay Community Center. Lunch will be provided by the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Jay Chambers discusses Business After Hours