47th Annual Awards & Installation Gala - "There's No Place Like Home"

The Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Awards and Installation Gala “There’s No Place Like Home” will take place on Friday, January 31, 2020 at 6 pm at the Navarre Conference Center.

Join us as we celebrate an amazing year of service to the Navarre Community, and help us welcome our newly inducted 2020 Board of Directors.



The evening will also recognize outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals who are a positive influence in the Navarre area through our Annual Awards.



The following nominees have played an important role in the vitality of our community by providing for the needs of residents, supplying jobs, turning local dollars and supporting civic and social causes.

Navigator of the Year:
• Craig Born / Risen Savior Lutheran Navarre
• Gretchen Carter / Organized Occasions Concierge
• Michael Simpson Coldwell Banker Residential and Commercial Real Estate
• Edward Jones -Financial Advisor: Monica Meyer

Volunteer of the Year:
• Robert Levison / Systems of Sound
• Frankie & Barbara Gibbs
• Diane Waschenko, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Navarre
• Mike Sandler
• Rick Seevers

Spirit of Navarre:
• Dave Piech
• Frankie & Barbara Gibbs
• Life's A Beach Publications
• Navarre Beach Fire Rescue & Navarre Beach Lifeguards
• Navarre High School Raider Battalion ROTC
• Navarre Press
• Sheila Walker / RE/MAX Total Properties

Non-Profit of the Year:
• Emerald Coast Exceptional Families
• Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society
• The Miracle League of Santa Rosa
• American Legion Post 382
• Navarre Beach Area Chamber Foundation
• Risen Savior Lutheran Navarre
• United Way of West Florida

Member of the Year:
• Andy Epstein
• Diane Waschenko, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Navarre
• Dr. Sarah Skelly / Santa Rosa Medical Group
• Gretchen Carter / Organized Occasions Concierge
• Edward Jones -Financial Advisor: Monica Meyer
• Nancy Sandler

Business of the Year:
* Bluewater Flooring
• Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate
* Hampton Inn & Suites-Navarre
• Juana's Pagodas and Sailors' Grill
• Move It Self Storage
* Primelending
• Rx Express Pharmacy Of Navarre
• Santa Rosa Medical Group
• Independent Scentsy Consultant - Ann Levison
• SitePro Home Inspections
• Windjammers on the Pier Restaurant & Bar

Citizen of the Year:
• Frankie & Barbara Gibbs
• Mike Simpson - Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate
• Ms. Caroline Buechner / Navarre High School & Santa Rosa County District Schools, Florida's Teacher of the Year 2019
• Staff of Navarre Press
• Tamara Fountain

Corporate Citizen of the Year:
• Juana's Pagodas and Sailors' Grill
• Michael Simpson Coldwell Banker Residential and Commercial Real Estate
• Okaloosa Gas
• Santa Rosa County Animal Services
• Stripes Pub & Grill
• Windjammers on the Pier Restaurant & Bar

Lifetime Achievement Award:
- Ira Mae Bruce / CENTURY 21 Island View Realty

This formal event will feature cocktails, dinner, entertainment and lots of fun as we highlight the Chamber’s rich 47-year history, major accomplishments, traditions and will be a night to be remembered and the talk of the town for many years to come.

The “Glinda Good Witch Welcome Reception”, sponsored by Mike Simpson-Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, begins at 6 pm. Appetizers will be provided by Where Y'at Seafood Market / Mudbug Express and Buh's BBQ - Dry Memphis Style Rub and BBQ Sauces. Gala Brew (aka “Chamber Brew”) will be available compliments of Ye Olde Brothers Brewery. Guests can follow the Yellow Brick Road sponsored by the Florida SBDC at UWF and University of West Florida to find a special cocktail is being provided by Murder Creek Distillery. Everyone will enjoy it all while networking with Business and Community Leaders in the Navarre area. Attendees can also be entertained with a game of chance with the Wicked Witch Wine Pull sponsored by Centennial Bank, and they can also visit the Wizard's Wine Bar sponsored by Warren Averett CPAs & Advisors.

All attendees will receive an “Over the Rainbow Gold Swag Bag”, compliments of Gulf Power Company, will be full of goodies that will keep the memories of this fabulous night going on throughout 2020.

All attendees will enjoy a plated dinner catered by The Cutting Board, and after dinner will enjoy the Munchkin Land Dessert and Coffee Bar sponsored by the Chamber Foundation. And, to toast the award winners and incoming Board Members, guests will enjoy a Sparkling Champagne Toast sponsored by Plastic Engraving and Monica Meyer/Edward Jones.

Special thanks to all of our sponsors!