By Sherry Jones
For the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of officing inside the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, where I’ve seen firsthand what makes this place so special. I also serve as the Community and Public Relations Director for One Hopeful Place, a role that keeps me deeply connected to the needs of our community. Being here day in and day out, I get to witness how the Chamber touches not only businesses, but lives — and that’s why writing about the Chamber feels personal to me.
If you’ve ever walked into the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, you know right away — this isn’t your average Chamber. You’ll probably hear laughter before you hear business talk. Ted Corcoran might be cracking a joke, the staff will greet you like you’ve known them forever, and if you hang around long enough, someone will tease you about “drinking the Chamber Kool-Aid.” And here’s the funny thing: once you do, you really don’t want to leave.
That’s the charm of this Chamber. Yes, it’s about business. But it’s also about people, history, community pride, and having a little fun while getting things done.
The Big Picture
The Chamber doesn’t shy away from big things. It has honored the ODA 595 Horse Soldiers, the first Green Berets on the ground after 9/11. It proudly celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, reminding us how closely tied Fort Walton Beach is to Eglin and Hurlburt. It hosted the unforgettable Doolittle Raiders Final Goblet Ceremony, ensuring the heroism of 80 brave airmen from World War II is never forgotten. And it looks ahead, too, with projects like the Round the Mound, which will not only ease traffic but open new doors for growth.
That’s the kind of balance the Chamber strikes so well: honoring our legacy while planning for the future.
The People Who Keep It Moving
But here’s the best part — the Chamber is powered by people, and what a team it is. Rachelle Graves, Director of Special Events, is the one who makes it all happen — coordinating, organizing, and pulling every detail together so Chamber events run flawlessly and members feel celebrated. Seth Luttrell, Director of Operations, is the steady hand who keeps logistics and big-picture projects running seamlessly. Dayna Stinebiser, Information Specialist, has a gift for finding the answer to just about any question. She’s the go-to problem solver, always pointing people in the right direction and making sure no one ever leaves without the help they need. Debbie Dodge, Membership Specialist, provides the warm welcome that turns new members into long-term friends of the Chamber. And Chrissy Flanigan, Accountant, makes sure every bold idea rests on a solid financial foundation.
Here’s the kicker: every single one of them has been here for ten years or more. That’s not just impressive — it’s almost unheard of. Longevity like that speaks volumes about their dedication and about Ted’s leadership. Together, they’re not just co-workers — they’re family.
And then there’s Ted Corcoran, President and CEO. Ted is more than a leader; he’s the personality that makes the Chamber pulse with energy. He’s funny, quick-witted, and completely devoted to this community. Spend five minutes with him, and you’ll understand why people stick around.
Backing them all is a strong Board of Directors made up of prominent leaders and business owners in Fort Walton Beach. Their vision and expertise shape the Chamber’s direction, ensuring it remains both a champion for local businesses and a driving force for community growth.
Ambassadors and Committees
Of course, the Chamber wouldn’t be complete without its Ambassadors. These friendly faces are the ones cheering at ribbon cuttings, greeting new members, and making sure businesses feel celebrated from the very beginning. They’re the welcome committee you didn’t know you needed.
Then there are the committees, and there’s something for everyone: FWB Young Professionals, Military Affairs, Health Care, the Business Success Group, Women Connect, the Multi-Cultural Business Committee, Hospitality and Tourism, the Non-Profit Committee, and even new groups like Introvert Advantage and the Emerging Entrepreneurs Group. Whether you’re a networker, a doer, or someone who prefers to make an impact quietly, there’s a space for you to plug in.
First Friday Coffee
If you really want to feel the Chamber’s heartbeat, come to First Friday Coffee. It’s our monthly sunrise tradition where hundreds of members pack the room to swap ideas, welcome new businesses, celebrate milestones, and hear what’s happening around town. It’s fast-paced, upbeat, and a little bit like a family reunion — with caffeine. Between the laughter, the door prizes, and the standing ovations for local wins, you can’t help but leave energized and better connected.
A Place for Hope
The Chamber’s heart for community also runs deeper than business. One Hopeful Place — the emergency shelter and transitional housing campus I now proudly serve — actually began as an idea inside these walls. With encouragement from Ted, Chamber members, and local elected officials, it grew from a conversation into a reality that now provides safety and hope for people who need it most. To me, that’s the Chamber at its best: turning vision into action, and action into impact.
Yes, the Kool-Aid
And then… there’s the Kool-Aid. It’s become our running joke that once you’ve “drunk the Chamber Kool-Aid,” you’ll never want to leave. Honestly, it’s not far from the truth. There’s something contagious about the joy and energy here. Cartoonist Rob Smith Jr. captured that spirit perfectly in caricatures that hang proudly on the Chamber’s walls — a reminder that while the work we do is serious, the atmosphere never forgets to stay lighthearted.
And the walls don’t stop there. They’re filled with memorabilia that tells the Chamber’s story — a collection of history, humor, and community pride all in one place. If you haven’t stopped by to see it, you really should. It’s as much a reflection of our community as the people who fill the building every day.
Why I Love It Here
Being part of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber has shown me just how much can happen when people come together with passion and purpose. It’s where history is honored, businesses are celebrated, challenges are faced head-on, and friendships are formed that last a lifetime.
For me, the Fort Walton Beach Chamber is more than an organization. It’s family. It’s community. It’s home.
