Walton County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Recap

The Walton County Chamber of Commerce hosted our highly anticipated 77^th Annual Banquet on January 23^rd, which was an afternoon filled with celebration and recognition. This event brought together business leaders, community members, and local officials to honor the incredible individuals and organizations that contribute to Walton County’s success.

From the wonderful setting to the warm camaraderie among attendees, the afternoon was a true testament to the strength and unity of our local business community. The Annual Banquet not only provided us with an opportunity to reflect on the past year's achievements but to also set the stage for another year of growth and collaboration within the Walton County Chamber of Commerce.

Reflecting on 2024: Our Best Year Yet!

The Annual Banquet provided us with the opportunity to celebrate the incredible year 2024 was for the Chamber. Last year, the Chamber achieved something truly remarkable: our best financial year yet!

A significant contributor to the year’s success is our Boost Campaign, a new business model the Chamber introduced in 2023. This campaign was created to help our members strategically plan marketing and sponsorship investment opportunities. Through Boost, members can secure sponsorships, social media marketing, support for education programs, and event tickets—all in one streamlined process. This new approach has made it possible for local businesses of all sizes to boost their visibility, connect with our community, and more.

And that’s just the beginning. The 77^th Annual Banquet also highlighted some of the incredible things we achieved together this year:

• Through the Walton Forward Education Foundation, we’ve made a lasting impact on the future of Walton County with programs like Walton Proud, Reality Check, the STAR Banquet, Principal for the Day, Youth Leadership Walton, Adult Leadership Walton, and the Career Connections Expo in partnership with Walton Works.
• We continued to support local businesses through the Buy Local campaign.
• The 2nd Annual Business Solutions Summit, with the support of Meta, was a huge success.
• We connected with local women leaders through the EmpowerHER Summit and other Women in Business programs.
• We celebrated our members with a Holiday Appreciation Event and encouraged connections through three active Referral Groups.
• The launch of the Minority Business Council Group allowed us to help members explore better ways to connect with and support diverse business owners.
• We hosted more than 60 committee meetings and 75 membership meetings, including luncheons, breakfasts, and signature events that brought us together, with the help of over 100 volunteers!
• From groundbreaking ceremonies and ribbon cuttings to Membership Luncheons, Eggs & Issues Breakfasts, Coffee & Connections, and our signature events like the 29^th Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament, the 2^nd Bourbon & BBQ, and the 6^th Battle of the Burgers, it was a year filled with major milestones and unforgettable memories.
• Plus, we are also proud to have announced that we are now over 750 members strong!

A Time of Recognition and Leadership Transition

The banquet featured an inspiring program, beginning with remarks from Dr. Nathan Franklin, the outgoing Walton County Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, who played such an impactful role in leading the Chamber over the past year. Nathan passed the gavel over to incoming chair Susan Sykes, who expressed her gratitude and excitement for the year ahead.

Susan also took the opportunity to recognize Teri Smiley, our incredible President & CEO, who celebrated 30 years with the Chamber on February 5^th! Teri’s dedication and leadership have been instrumental in the Chamber’s growth and success. Her passion, commitment, and tireless work have made a lasting impact on the businesses and community members of Walton County. We congratulate Teri on this remarkable milestone!

Honoring Excellence: 2024 Chamber Award Winners

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Annual Chamber Awards by Teri Smiley. These awards are a great opportunity to celebrate outstanding individuals and organizations who are making a difference in the Walton County community and beyond.

Ambassador of the Year: Chandler Farmer

The Chamber Ambassadors serve as the face of the Chamber and play a major role in membership retention and community engagement. This year, the Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Chandler Farmer with Patti Souther, State Farm Insurance.

Chandler stood out among a fantastic group of Ambassadors, including top finalists Michelle Small with Southern Classic Realtors and Kelly Vonk with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Chandler’s dedication to welcoming new members, assisting with Chamber events, leading a referral group, and actively participating in community outreach made him an exemplary choice for this honor.

Member of the Year: Piedmont Walton

Recognized for their exceptional contributions to the community, Piedmont Walton was named 2024 Member of the Year.

Piedmont Walton has consistently demonstrated its strong commitment to the health and well-being of Walton County residents. Beyond providing outstanding healthcare, they are deeply involved in the community, supporting schools, organizations, and Chamber events.

Congratulations to all the Quarterly Award Winners who were also recognized:

• Our Family Health
• Pest Force
• Paul’s Heating & Air

Public Servant of the Year: Elizabeth Jones

A true advocate for historic preservation and community service, Elizabeth Jones was honored as Public Servant of the Year.

Elizabeth’s dedication to preserving Walton County’s history through organizations like the Monroe Museum, Historic Preservation Commission, Pilot Park, and Zion Hill Cemetery has made a lasting impact in the community. She demonstrates a true servant leader heart in the Walton community by sharing the stories and heritage of our community that will be preserved for generations to come.

J.L. McGarity Citizenship Award: Coleman Landers

One of Walton County’s most influential leaders, Coleman Landers, received the prestigious J.L. McGarity Citizenship Award.

With an impressive record of service that includes the United States Navy, founding director of the Walton County Boys and Girls Club, Walton Chamber Board of Directors member, and the Walton County Board of Education member, Coleman has dedicated his life to serving others. His leadership and passion for education, economic development, and the local community make him an invaluable Walton County resident.

Woman of the Year: Heather Allison

Announced earlier in the year at the EmpowerHER Summit, Heather Allison was recognized again at the Annual Banquet for her incredible contributions to the community. Her leadership, dedication, and inspiring work continue to uplift women and businesses in Walton County.

Why The Annual Banquet Matters for Walton County

The Annual Banquet is more than just an afternoon of awards – it’s also a celebration of the businesses, leaders, and volunteers who make Walton County a great place to live and work. This is also a celebration dedicated to recognizing the hard work, commitment, and leadership of those who help Walton County thrive.

Attendees got to experience a touching reminder of how businesses, organizations, and individuals coming together can drive economic growth, strengthen our local community, and create lasting change. Plus, the Annual Banquet provides a unique opportunity for networking and inspiration.

By recognizing outstanding community contributions and setting the vision for the year ahead, the Annual Banquet is a great opportunity to renew our commitment to supporting local businesses, advocating for growth, and creating a stronger Walton County for all.

If you missed this year’s banquet, we hope you’ll make a plan to attend next year! It is the perfect opportunity to network, be inspired, and witness firsthand the incredible work happening in our community.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Chamber Events

The Walton County Chamber of Commerce has an exciting calendar of events planned for the coming months. Here are a few upcoming Chamber events you won’t want to miss:

• Membership Luncheons and Coffee & Connections: A fantastic way to network in a relaxed setting while supporting local businesses, these events happen monthly.
• Ribbon Cuttings: Celebrate new businesses and expansions happening right here in Walton County with regular ribbon cuttings all across the county.
• EmpowerHER Summit 2025: A must-attend event celebrating women in business and leadership that will take place this fall.

A Special Thanks to Our Chamber Family

The 2025 Annual Banquet was an unforgettable afternoon, made possible by the dedication and hard work of so many people. We’d like to say a special thank you to our board members, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who attended and made this a memorable event. We are so grateful for your support that continues to fuel the mission of the Chamber, and we look forward to another incredible year ahead.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

A huge thank you to our generous sponsors who made this event possible:

• Awards Sponsor: Meta
• Gold Sponsor: Oglethorpe Power
• Juice Bar Sponsor: Paul’s Heating & Air
• Coffee Bar Sponsor: Social Circle ACE

Table Sponsors:

• The Development Authority of Walton County
• Northside Hospital Cancer Institute
• Peach State Federal Credit Union
• Pinnacle Bank
• State Farm Insurance – Patti Souther
• The Walton Tribune

Additionally, we extend our gratitude to:

• The Engine Room owners and staff
• Up in Smoke for the delicious brunch
• DCR Media for sound, lighting, and staging
• Our Chamber staff and ambassadors for organizing and setting up this wonderful event

And finally, a special thanks to Blake Watts, CEO of Piedmont Walton, for his remarks and video presentation. We truly appreciate Piedmont Walton for sponsoring this incredible event.

Remember, by being involved with the Walton Chamber, you create Relationships that Last a Lifetime.

See you at next year’s banquet!