St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce announced the 2020 Leadership Awards will be presented virtually. Pre-COVID-19, the Chamber held a signature event in the fall to recognize and thank the volunteer leaders for their donation of time and expertise.
The Chamber began its virtual presentation at the Dec. 4 virtual Economic Development Breakfast. Mark Nighbor, the Chamber’s 2019-2020 chairman of the board, presented the Chamber Member of the Year to Northrop Grumman and First Coast Technical College for their “outstanding collaboration and efforts in workforce development.” He also awarded Joy Andrews, deputy county administrator, St. Johns County, with the Chairman’s Award for her outstanding leadership and support of St. Johns County businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mike Koppenhafer, chair, executive committee, Economic Development Council, 2019-2020, presented the Fred Schroeder Economic Development Council Member of the Year award to Firehouse Subs for outstanding corporate stewardship to St. Johns County, the First Coast and the nation through COVID-19.
All 2020 award recipients will be recognized on the Chamber’s social media platforms. The other winners are: Small Business of the Year Award, St. Augustine Distillery; President’s Award: Skip Marsh, Flagler Health +; Public Policy Member of the Year: Michael Scine, Scine CPA Advisors; Chamber Ambassador of the Year/ Gene Morse Award, David Permenter, N2 Publishing; and Ponte Vedra Beach Division Ambassador of the Year/Grace Hayes Award: Kari Zerrahn, Anderson Agency of NE Florida. Also honored for their significant contributions: Past Chairman of the Board, Mark Nighbor and Past Chairman, executive committee, Economic Development Council, Mike Koppenhafer.
Chairman of the board for 2020-2021, Dr. Erika Hamer, commented that the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is poised to succeed due to the efforts of these awardees.
“We have endured a challenging year,” she said. “Our members are resilient and will continue thriving due to the incredible support shown by these volunteer leaders.”
