Navarre Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes outstanding members, citizen of the year

Williams

The Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a "sold out" Installation and Awards Banquet on Friday, January 19, at the Navarre Conference Center.

The Honorable Robert Hilliard officially installed incoming board members and officers for 2007. Outgoing board members recognized for their contributions included Phil Babiak, Century 21 Island View Realty (2001-2006), Rick Cantin, Richard H. Cantin, CPA, PA (2004-2006), Tony Hughes, Beach Community Bank (2004-2006), Dorothy Slye, ERA Navarre Beach Agency (1997-2006) and Ed Taylor, Gulf Power (1998- 2006).

2006 President Bart Pullum presided over the annual awards program. The Ambassador of the Year was presented to Charlie Enghauser, for his dedication in representing the Chamber at special events and ribbon cuttings. The Emerging Leader of Navarre Award was presented to Dayna Reggero, for her instrumental work in forming and coordinating the E m e r g i n g Leaders of Navarre, a group specially created for chamber members ages 21-39. Two Volunteer of the Year awards were presented, with honors going to Irene Williford; for her years of service both in the chamber office as well as many special events sponsored by the chamber, and Keith and Peggy Elwood.

The Spirit of Navarre award was presented to Beta Sigma Phi Alpha Sigma Sorority for their time and energy spent rebuilding the Navarre Children's Park, now known as the John Duncan Memorial Park. Navarre Press and Navarre Beach Realty both received the Gold Sponsor award for their unending commitment and support of the chamber and the Navarre community. Business of the Year honors went to The Club at Hidden Creek for their sponsorship of the 2006 Fun Fest, Golf Tournament and other events throughout the year. Director of the Year was presented to Stacy Dahlberg, for her consistent leadership. The President's Award was presented to Ed Taylor of Gulf Power. The Legends Award stands out as recognition for a long-term commitment to the Navarre Chamber, as well as the Navarre community, and was presented to Sandi Kemp, publisher of Navarre Press. The grand finale of the program featured a new level of recognition, sponsored by Chamber member Whitney Bank. The Citizen of the Year award, presented to Santa Rosa County Commissioner Gordon Goodin.

"This award represents the highest honor the Chamber can present to a citizen of Navarre, and the committee could not think of a more deserving person, than Commissioner Goodin" said Bart Pullum, President. Goodin was singled out not only for his commitment as county commissioner, but for his efforts to get Navarre Beach renourished, as well as his ongoing efforts with the Navarre Town Center.

The Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce's 2007 Executive Board consists of: Mark Williams, President, Realty Associates of Santa Rosa, Inc.; Stacy Dahlberg, President-Elect, AmSouth Bank; Sandi Kemp, Vice President, Navarre Press; Jon Kagan, Secretary- Treasurer, Raymond James Financial Services and Bart Pullum, Past President, Bill Pullum Realty. In addition to the Executive Board, the 2007 Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are Ed Betts, Publix Super Markets, Inc.; Donald Cloninger II, Joyce Enghauser, Frankie Gibbs, Holly Hernandez, Individual; Cinnamon Holderman, Abaca Mortgage; Yancey Langston, Moore, Hill & Westmoreland, P.A.; Robert Miodus, UBS Financial Services; Marcia Monti, Realtor; Chris Shelnut, The Club at Hidden Creek; Chad Volland, Cocodrie's Restaurant; and Freddie Wright, Gulf Power.