The Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce recognized outstanding individuals and businesses in the community during its Annual Awards Celebration on Thursday, February 9, 2023. 

• The event took place at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center with the Master of Ceremonies for the evening being Dave Morrow, of The Ryland/Morrow Allstate Agency.

2022 Chair of the Board Dr. Mike Mosley, Rocky Bayou Christian School, kicked off the evening by recognizing the contributions of several area businesses and individuals. The Chamber’s awards program honored recipients in several categories, including Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.

“This company has been everywhere you look over the past year or more. It seems like they are always there to support military causes, non-profit organizations, including all the Chambers of Commerce,” said Dr. Mike Mosley. “With us, they have sponsored Golf Classic, lunches, breakfasts, Niceville Young Professionals Golf Tournament, Sequins and Suits, the Education Committee and much more!” 

• “They sit on numerous Boards throughout the area in order to support and stay in tune with the needs of local organizations,” he continued. “EFCU recently helped launch an Okaloosa County Schools suicide prevention program with the Hope Squad and partners with Okaloosa Saves. They have been in our area since 1954, and they are always seeking opportunities to serve the needs of our communities. This business is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of members and in our communities.”

In response to being named Business of the Year, EFCU CEO and President Jerry Williams stated how proud and honored he was to win this award. 

“We have a great team, and this award belongs to all of the employees of Eglin Federal Credit Union,” he stated. “I’d also like to congratulate Natalie Davis who was awarded the Young Professional of the Year Award. She is the daughter of our employee, Diana, and the EFCU family is very proud of her. We are so blessed to work with so many dedicated individuals who are focused on making Niceville/Valparaiso a great place to live and work.”

Here are the rest of the winners:

Small Business of the Year: 
Eyewear Unlimited Charles, Ashley & Cathy Henriott 

Young Professional of the Year: 
Natalie Davis, Niceville Insurance Agency 

Large Business of the Year: 
Eglin Federal Credit Union 

Volunteer of the Year: 
Debbie Elliott, Synovus 

You Rock: 
Marion Riley Taylor, Crosspoint 

Community Enrichment: 
Kiwanis Club of Niceville Valparaiso 

Rev. Dennis Brown Servant Leadership Award: 
Lannie Corbin, City of Niceville 

Chair’s Award: 
Lee Lewis, P.E., AVCON, INC. Engineers & Planners