Emerging Business of the Year

This award is open to businesses who started in the last two years and have had success introducing their product or service. Businesses recognized in this category are run by great leadership, show a promising vision for the future, and have created a mission statement that aligns with their core values.

Winner:

• WolfGang LLC

Runner Up:

• SCI Health Metrics

Micro-Business of the Year

This award is open to businesses who have less than ten employees and operate efficiently with a small team while positively impacting the local economy. Businesses considered for this award can clearly explain what makes their product or service unique, how they measure success and what opportunities they provide their employees.

Winners:

• Vivid Bridge Studios
• 3SIXTY Marketing

Medium/Large Business of the Year

This award is open to businesses that have more than 50 employees that have been able adaptable to change over the past year, have displayed economic growth, and provide opportunities for their employees to improve their skills in an ever-changing environment.

Winner:

• Bear General Contractors

Runner Up:

• Landrum HR

Employer of the Year

This award is for businesses with an outstanding and supportive work environment with a focus on great training programs, an understanding of work-life balance, and career progression. Employers recognized in this category inspire and motivate their growing, diverse staff with equal opportunity programs.

Winners:

• Clark Partington Attorneys at Law
• Office Pride

Non-Profit of the Year

This award recognizes a nonprofit organization that shows dedication for improving the quality of life in the community through volunteering, partnerships, or fundraising. Winners will be able to share how they have effectively used these skills to further their mission and improve the community.

Winner:

• Embrace Florida Kids

Runner Up:

• Food Raising Friends

Rodney Jackson Minority-Owned Business of the Year

This award recognizes a minority-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement while showing social responsibility, creativity, and leadership; all to improve and grow the community.

Winner: 

• Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce

Runner Up:

• In Her Physique

Veteran-Owned Business of the Year

This award recognizes a veteran-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement while showing social responsibility, creativity, and leadership; all to improve and grow the community.

Winner:

• Pensacola Air Flight School

Runner Up:

• UKnightedXP, Inc.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

This award recognizes a small business owner who has successfully launched and grown their business before the age of 30. This person demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit by applying business knowledge, growth potential and success in the operation of their business. They also prove to be a great example to other young individuals.

Winners:

• Ryan and Alexis Ford

Runner Up:

• Abraham Sculley

Excellence in mentorship award

This award recognizes a person who has dedicated themselves to helping others through mentoring. Their level of experience affords them the ability to have a significant impact on the professional development and career advancement of those they mentor. 

Winners:

• Bob Hart
• Andrew Rothfeder

The John Myslak Award for Servant Leadership

This award is given to a leader who enriches the lives of others, builds better organizations, and ultimately helps create a more just and caring world. That is what our friend and colleague John Myslak did in our community, and we honor his memory by recognizing others who live their lives as fully as he did.

Winner:

• Marty Moore