Panama City, Fla. — The Bay County Chamber of Commerce recognized nine businesses, organizations, and community leaders during its 2026 Membership Appreciation Awards Luncheon, celebrating the people and organizations whose leadership, service, and investment continue to strengthen Bay County.

The luncheon, held at Florida State University Panama City, was part of the Chamber’s month-long Membership Appreciation Month, which celebrates the businesses, organizations and individuals that make up the Bay County Chamber and contribute to the economic and community vitality of the region.

The 2026 Membership Appreciation Award recipients are:

• Outstanding Young Professional of the Year: Derrick Malnar, All In Credit Union
• Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Marcia Croom, Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center
• Minority-Owned Business of the Year: FrameShaping, LLC – Chas Higgins
• Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: Kinetic Leadership Consulting – Dr. Caesar Kellum
• Military Affairs Committee Member of the Year: Terry Campbell, Mobile Communications of America
• Businesswoman of the Year: Becca Hardin, Bay County Economic Development Alliance
• Community Organization of the Year: The St. Joe Community Foundation
• Small Business of the Year: Hutt Insurance
• Organization of the Year: Chevron

Recognizing Leadership Throughout Bay County:

The awards recognize Chamber members whose contributions extend beyond professional achievement to include leadership, community service, economic development and a demonstrated commitment to making Bay County a stronger place to live and do business.

Derrick Malnar of All In Credit Union was named Outstanding Young Professional of the Year for his professional leadership and extensive community involvement. A Leadership Bay graduate who now serves on its Steering Community, Malnar is also President of Beach Care Services and participates in Leadership Northwest Florida. His service has included involvement with the Arc of the Bay, Habitat for Humanity and the Bay Economic Development Alliance Half-Cent Surtax Committee.

Marcia Croom of Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center received the Chamber Ambassador of the Year award for her consistent involvement throughout the Chamber and broader community. A former Ambassador Chair who currently leads the Junior Leadership Bay Committee, Croom regularly participates in ribbon cuttings, Chamber programs and community events while also volunteering with organizations throughout Bay County.

FrameShaping LLC, founded by retired U.S. Air Force veteran Chas Higgins, was recognized as Minority-Owned Business of the Year. Through leadership coaching, team development, workshops and speaking engagements, Higgins helps individuals and organizations strengthen communication, accountability and leadership. His work also includes Leadership Bay and service as a Chamber Ambassador, while his willingness to openly discuss personal challenges has helped encourage conversations surrounding resilience and mental health.

Kinetic Leadership Consulting, led by Dr. Caesar Kellum, was named Veteran-Owned Business of the Year. Drawing from 27 years of military service and extensive leadership research, the organization helps veterans and emerging professionals translate their leadership experience into skills and credentials for the civilian workforce. Kinetic Leadership Consulting has provided or committed approximately $22,500 in professional leadership certification value to veterans, civic leaders and emerging professionals and has supported Leadership Bay, Junior Leadership Bay, and the FSU Panama City Veteran Entrepreneurship Program.

Terry Campbell of Mobile Communications of America was recognized as Military Affairs Committee Member of the Year after more than two decades of service to the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee. A MAC member since 2000, Campbell has consistently represented the Chamber at military ceremonies and events, supported local installations and volunteered for military-community initiatives, including the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show.

Becca Hardin of the Bay County Economic Development Alliance was named Businesswoman of the Year for her leadership in recruiting business investment and employment opportunities to Bay County. Company announcements attributed to economic development efforts during 2025 and 2026 represent approximately 2,760 new jobs, $149 million in annual wages and $305 million in total added value to the local economy.

Tim Prather of Hancock Whitney received Businessman of the Year recognition for his professional leadership and longstanding service to education and community organizations. In 2025, Prather stepped in as Interim Executive Director of the Bay Education Foundation during a leadership transition and currently serves as Chairman of its Board of Directors. His community involvement has also included Rotary, the Tom P. Haney Education Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida and the Panama City POPS Orchestra.

The St. Joe Community Foundation was named Community Organization of the Year in recognition of its significant investment in organizations serving Northwest Florida. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $57 million in grants, including more than $4.6 million in 2026, supporting education, healthcare, environmental initiatives, arts and culture and essential community services.

Hutt Insurance received the Small Business of the Year award for its longstanding commitment to Chamber involvement and community service. The locally owned business has supported Chamber initiatives including the Committee of 100, Military Affairs Committee, Ambassadors, Leadership Bay, Junior Leadership Bay and Chamber events, while also contributing time and resources to numerous civic and nonprofit organizations throughout Bay County.

Chevron was named Organization of the Year for its longstanding economic and community impact throughout Northwest Florida. In addition to supplying approximately 125 million gallons of gasoline, diesel, get fuel and aviation gasoline annually across the Panhandle, Chevron supports education, workforce development, economic growth, environmental stewardship and community resilience initiatives. Its local partnerships include the Bay County Chamber’s Block Party, Hurricane Preparedness Expo, First Responders Appreciation Luncheon and Leadership Bay, as well as numerous community organizations.

Celebrating the Members Who Make Bay County Thrive

The luncheon also featured Griff Griffitts of Visit Panama City Beach as the keynote speaker, joining Chamber leadership and members in recognizing the businesses, organizations and individuals whose leadership, service, and investment continue to strengthen Bay County.

The 2026 Membership Appreciation Awards Luncheon was presented by Eastern Shipbuilding Group.

The Membership Appreciation Awards Luncheon is part of the Chamber’s expanded Membership Appreciation Month under the theme "Celebrating the Members Who Make Bay County Thrive." Throughout the month, the Chamber is highlighting its members, creating opportunities for connection, and recognizing the contributions businesses and organizations make throughout Bay County.

About the Bay County Chamber:

Founded 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 the businesses and community to grow and prosper.

Building a better Bay.