Industry Appreciation Celebration

The Bay County Chamber of Commerce’s Industry Appreciation Celebration was a resounding success, recognizing some of the region's most innovative and impactful businesses. From sustainable fuel initiatives led by the City of Panama City to Central Moloney’s remarkable expansion, each award winner showcased excellence and commitment to the community. The Newcomer Award highlighted Duplin Winery’s impressive investment in Panama City Beach, while Innovations Financial Credit Union demonstrated the power of local financial leadership through their strategic merger. We extend our deepest congratulations to all honorees, and a special thanks to our sponsors for making this amazing experience possible:

Breakfast Sponsors >> Presenting Sponsor: Florida Power & Light

Gold Sponsors: Innovations Financial Credit Union and White Construction Company // Table Sponsors: Central Maloney, City of Panama City, Eastern Shipbuilding, Pancare, and Trustmark

Sporting Clay Sponsors >> Presenting Sponsor: Florida Power & Light

Station Sponsor: BGN Contractors and Landrum

Lunch Sponsor: Trustmark // Refreshment Sponsor: Borusan Berg Prize Sponsor: Brock // Chance to Win Sponsor: New Venture Research Tournament Sponsors: Panama City Toyota and Waste Pro Cart Sponsor: Pancare THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Innovation Award

The City of Panama City, in collaboration with the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Suzuki Marine USA, is enhancing access to sustainable marine fuel for recreational boaters in the Florida Panhandle. For the first time in Florida, high-performance, ethanol-free, 93-octane Hyper fuels are available at St. Andrews Marina and downtown Panama City Marina.

The City of Panama City is being recognized for its innovative approach to sustainable fuel, offering a 93-octane ethanol-free fuel, surpassing the typical 87-89 octane options found at other marinas. This synthetic blend is more sustainable than traditional ethanol blends derived from agricultural products like yellow dent or field corn. The use of this synthetic blend reduces life-cycle carbon emissions, lowers critical pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter, and contains renewable or partially renewable content, reducing fossil fuel consumption.

Newcomer Award

It’s a familiar story: once you feel the sand between your toes, you can’t help but fall in love with Panama City Beach. That’s exactly what happened to Jonathan and David Fussell, the brothers and owners of Duplin Winery, when they sought to expand their brand in Florida. The journey to open the Panama City Beach location began in 2020, culminating in its 2023 opening with a total capital investment of over $20 million.

Expansion is already on the horizon for this new Panama City Beach attraction. Duplin Winery plans to create an additional fifty jobs by further developing the site, with plans including a distillery, wedding venue, and restaurant.

Newcomer Award – Manufacturing

Starting operations in May 2023, Central Moloney (CMI) specializes in manufacturing pole-mounted electrical transformers that convert high-voltage electricity from distribution lines to a lower voltage suitable for use in homes and businesses. Based in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, CMI is expanding with a new facility in Bay County, which will enhance their ability to deliver quality products on time, backed by professional service and reliability at every stage.

Central Moloney’s President and CEO, Chris Hart, states, “Recent years have taught us many lessons. As our customer base continues to grow, so does our commitment to them. As this happens, it becomes even more important to welcome them into our family.”

CMI takes pride in its focus on employees, offering above-average wages, comprehensive benefits, 401(k) programs, and generous paid time off.

The company treats its employees like extended family and is dedicated to retaining and attracting talent by fostering career growth from within. This commitment is vital to the ongoing success of the organization.

Hart adds, “We firmly believe that the only way to coast is by going downhill. Our mission is not to coast. We will continue to grow, and we will do it the right way. Our story is just beginning.”

Business Expansion Award

In August 2024, Innovations Financial Credit Union accomplished the unprecedented by acquiring a local bank, and successfully merging a bank and a credit union. This strategic move was crucial to accommodate a growing membership base and enhance operational efficiency. The increase in membership necessitated more space and resources to uphold service standards, streamline workflows, improve team communication, and boost productivity. This merger also reflects IFCU's commitment to Bay County’s economic development, supporting local businesses and residents, and aligns with its mission to deliver exceptional financial services.

The expansion allows Innovations Financial Credit Union to achieve several key objectives. Firstly, it strengthens their presence in Bay County, solidifying their foundation and positioning them for future growth into new regional markets. Additionally, the acquisition offers the customers of the acquired institution access to a broader range of loan and deposit products that were previously unavailable. This move not only expands IFCU's service offerings but also enables them to reach new customers and tap into emerging market opportunities, ensuring continued growth and success.

Small Business Award

Since opening in 1986 with just two employees, the Glass Center has grown to over thirty-five employees in its 39 years of operation. The Glass Center’s biggest challenge is finding a qualified workforce, but they overcome this by focusing on providing exceptional service to their existing customers and maintaining the high-quality construction they are known for. Notably, they are one of the few local companies selected to install glass for the new build at Tyndall Air Force Base, ensuring the work remains local.

The Glass Center offers more than just glass installation. They have a full-service department specializing in window and sliding glass door repairs, fogged glass replacements, shower doors and enclosures, glass tabletops, and mirror installations. Additionally, their retail department provides custom cut-to-order glass and mirrors to meet a wide range of customer needs.

Manufacturer of the Year Award

Kraton operates two refineries in Panama City, FL, that specialize in producing crude tall oil (CTO) and crude sulfate turpentine (CST)-based pine chemicals and specialty resins. These biobased alternatives to fossil-based materials offer superior performance and a reduced carbon footprint, catering to a wide range of industrial applications and end markets, including adhesives, road marking, tires, oilfield, metalworking, coatings, solvents, and emulsions. From 2021 to 2023, Kraton's Panama City plant produced over 68 million pounds of these products each year, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. During this period, the plant also expanded its workforce, providing more jobs and contributing to the local economy in Bay County.

Kraton's success is driven by its focus on people—both employees and customers—and its dedication to environmental stewardship. As a leading supplier of biobased chemical solutions, Kraton aims to deliver innovative products that meet market demands, enhance performance, and address environmental concerns. The company's core values—Safety & Integrity, Creativity, Courage, Ownership, Teamwork, and Agility—serve as the foundation for its operations and inspire a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. By adhering to these principles, Kraton develops sustainable products that deliver exceptional value to customers and contribute positively to society.

Kraton is also committed to fostering a positive work environment that encourages employee satisfaction, growth, and loyalty. The company's initiatives to attract and retain employees include engaging and empowering staff, investing in skills and training, improving communication, and recognizing employee contributions. As the demand for sustainable materials continues to grow in response to environmental concerns and climate change, Kraton's innovative product portfolio provides biobased alternatives that reduce carbon footprints and offer superior performance across numerous industries. With nearly 90 years of operation in Panama City, Kraton's flagship facility continues to provide valuable solutions while supporting the local community and economy.