On Friday January 3, the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Installation and Awards Breakfast, a much-anticipated event to bid farewell to 2024 leadership, welcome the new faces of 2025, and celebrate the outstanding contributions of its members. Chamber President Ted Corcoran highlighted the Chamber’s accomplishments over the past year and shared plans for 2025.
Celebrating Excellence
Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s prestigious awards:
• Jim Glenn Ambassador of the Year Award: Kari Painter, Quality Roofing Solutions
• Mert Wagner Volunteer of the Year Award: Holly Karr, Creative Web Solutions
• Small Business of the Year Award: FASTSIGNS
• Corporate Business of the Year Award: Florida Power & Light
The event also featured this year’s beloved Teddy Awards, which recognized individuals for their dedication and contributions to the community:
• Dayna Stinebiser, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
• Marrissa Lowe, Warren Averett
• Johnny C. Alexander, ACE50 Media
• Jerry Williams, Eglin Federal Credit Union (Retired)
• Maureen Bierman, Step One Automotive Group
• Brandon Bishop, Cross Environmental Services
• Mel Ponder, Northwest Florida State College
• Nathan Boyles, Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners
Leadership Transition
2024 Chairman of the Board, Stephen Perkins of Warren Averett, delivered an inspiring farewell address, and passed the gavel to Gordon King of Okaloosa Gas, the incoming 2025 Chairman of the Board. King commented, “Okaloosa Gas has been a leader in Northwest Florida since 1953. I am honored to be just the second Okaloosa Gas Chairman to be selected as Chair of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Board of Directors (Fred Pryor was first 1984). My goal will be to do all we can to promote the quality of life in Okaloosa County.”
For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
