PANAMA CITY, Fla. — The Bay County Chamber of Commerce officially kicked off Membership Appreciation Month during its September First Friday event on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at the Holley Academic Center at Florida State University Panama City.

Presented by United Way of Northwest Florida, September’s First Friday marked the beginning of a month dedicated to recognizing the businesses, organizations and individuals whose involvement and investment help strengthen Bay County.

“Membership Appreciation Month is one of my favorite times of the year because it gives us the opportunity to put the spotlight where it belongs—on the businesses and organizations that make up the Bay County Chamber,” said Lisa Moore, Vice President of Events & Foundation for the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. “Our members give their time, talent and resources to make this community stronger, and we want them to know how much they are appreciated. September First Friday is a fun way to kick off a month that is all about celebrating them.”

Chamber Welcomes New Members

The program began by officially welcoming the Chamber’s newest members:

Alliance Investigations, Inc.; Beach 95.1; Berry Wellness Group; Burning Passion Media; Donatos Pizza; Golden Corral; Kaleidoscope Theatre; MainStreet Family Care; Mighty Mouse Solutions; O'Connell & Associates Consulting Engineers, LLC; Stonebrook Exterior; Wicked Garden – Stone Temple Pilots Tribute Band; and Yume Ramen.

Aimee Bright, Executive Director of the Bay Education Foundation, then provided attendees with an update on the Foundation’s work and its ongoing impact on students and schools throughout Bay County.

2026 Membership Appreciation Award Nominees Announced

One of the morning’s highlights was the announcement of nominees for the Chamber’s 2026 Membership Appreciation Awards, which recognize outstanding businesses, organizations and community leaders for their contributions to Bay County.

The nominees are:

Young Professional of the Year

• Ashley Seekins, Panama City Coca-Cola
• Derrick Malnar, All In Credit Union
• Hanna Smith, Buffalo Rock/Pepsi

Ambassador of the Year

• Beth Klein, Bay Building Industries Association
• Jeremy Moore, Huntington Bank
• Marcia Croom, Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center

Minority-Owned Business of the Year

• FrameShaping, LLC
• The Soul Space Wellness Cafe & Shoppe
• Veterans Housing Solutions & Community Development Inc.

Veteran-Owned Business of the Year

• Kinetic Leadership Consulting
• Gear One
• Diaconia

Military Affairs Committee Member of the Year

• Arthur Cullen
• Shane Boyett, Florida Power & Light
• Terry Campbell, Mobile Communications of America

Businesswoman of the Year

• Angela Klopf, Habitat for Humanity
• Becca Hardin, Bay County Economic Development Alliance
• Karen Tayes, Elysian Med Spa

Businessman of the Year

• Chase Christianson, HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital
• Tim Prather, Hancock Whitney
• Zach Sanchez, THINK Real Estate

Small Business of the Year

• Anderson Construction Company
• Champions First Credit Union
• Hutt Insurance Agency

Community Organization of the Year

• Bay Building Industries Association
• Rooms with a Purpose
• The St. Joe Community Foundation

Organization of the Year

• Chevron
• Innovations Financial Credit Union
• Panama City Beach Event Center at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort

The winners will be recognized during the Chamber’s Membership Appreciation Awards Luncheon on Sept. 17 at the Holley Academic Center at FSU Panama City.

Local Businesses Recognized for Community Investment

The Chamber also presented two local businesses with its Apple of Our Eye Award, which recognizes Chamber members that demonstrate a conscientious effort to improve the appearance of their properties and, in turn, enhance the image of the Bay County community.

AMI Food Mart received the Apple of Our Eye Award for New Construction, while L & R Beauty was recognized for Renovation.

The awards reflect the Chamber’s appreciation for businesses that invest not only in their own properties, but in the continued improvement of the community as a whole.

Membership Appreciation Month activities will continue throughout September, providing opportunities to recognize, connect with and celebrate the businesses and organizations that make up the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.

About the Bay County Chamber of Commerce

Established in 1913, the Bay County Chamber of Commerce serves businesses throughout Callaway, Lynn Haven, Mexico Beach, Panama City, Panama City Beach, Parker, Springfield and unincorporated Bay County. The Chamber works to strengthen the local business environment, promote economic growth, develop community leadership and support the military installations that play a vital role in Bay County.

Through advocacy, connections, programs and strategic partnerships, the Chamber works alongside its members to create opportunities for businesses and the community to grow and prosper.

Building a Better Bay, together.