Last Thursday, I joined some of the 980 Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce members that flooded Pier Park for an after hour meet and greet, hosted by Baja Grill. The atmosphere exuded an enlivening blend of jovial comradery with subtle networking. Crowds flocked the open bar and full gourmet buffet; enjoying dishes such as herbed lamb, cheesecake and shrimp primavera.

Guests participated in a raffle, complements of Regions Bank. Some went home winners, others not so lucky.  In addition to various other items, a lime green bike was raffled to promote the bank’s new “green” account programs.  This is dueling fitting as Regions’ trade color is green.

I had the opportunity to speak with a few business owners. The first was Bobby Griggs, who has run The Beach Butlers (out of Rosemary Beach) with her husband Jeff for around five years now. The Beach Butlers make coming here on vacation one step easier, eliminating the need for those late first night shopping trips to be sure you don’t go without the essentials, and non-essentials.  “You enjoy the shore, while we stand in line at the store.”

Some of the more recent additions to Pier Park include Solace Day Spa and Salon and Massage Envy. Solace has been open in Rosemary Beach for six years, but owner Jennifer Staerker decided it was time to open her second location in Pier Park just last year.

As far as expanding to Pier Park-  I moved to the area in 2000 and i have watched the Panama City Beach area grow over the years.  We have had wonderful success with Solace at our Rosemary Beach location and many of our guests are from the Panama City Beach area.  When the opportunity to expand Solace and Aveda to the Beach to make it more convenient for our beach locals and visitors…Pier Park was a natural fit.  As an Aveda Lifestyle Salonspa, Solace is about quality, customization and creating an experience for the guest.  Pier Park shares the same philosophy. ~ Jennifer Staerker

Pier Park’s Massage Envy, owned by Lynny Conklin, is also rather new and will celebrate one year of business in March. Offering health and wellness through thearaputic massage, they give locals, tourists and shoppers alike a way to unwind and relax.

With so many new businesses on the rise and the busy season only a few months away, PCB’s economic future looks to be a bright one.