Local Organizations Improve Teens’ Mental Health
United Way Emerald Coast's Women United hosted their second EmpowHER Teen Mental Health Seminar presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union Saturday, Nov. 4 at Walton High School. This event is part of a series aimed to empower local teenagers with mental health resources and education. Women United selected Defuniak Springs as the location due to the high caseloads carried by counselors and the stigma surrounding mental health in the area. The event featured interactive workshops and presentations from
Destin Chamber Trustees Invite Local First Responders to Appreciation Cookout
The Destin Chamber Trustee members are celebrating and thanking local first responders with a free cookout on Monday, Sept. 11. They will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and serving BBQ sliders and brisket at Destin Fire Station #9 at 848 Airport Road, in Destin, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. All police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, beach safety, EMS and military are invited. Trustee membership is the highest membership level in the Destin Chamber, and it shows a significant commitment to and
Teri Broxson Receives Eglin Federal Credit Union's 5-Star Employee Award for the 2nd Quarter
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Certified IRA Specialist Teri Broxson has been selected as the 5-Star Performer for the second quarter of 2023. Teri has been employed with the Credit Union for 26 years and currently resides in Fort Walton Beach. Member Service Supervisor Vanessa Cicchiani-Taylor said, “Teri is dedicated and proactive in helping our membership. She has also immersed herself in the community by volunteering to teach classes at the Center for Lifelong Learning at the
Eglin Federal Credit Union and Okaloosa Saves Partner in the Teach a Child to Save Campaign
Eglin Federal Credit Union partnered with Okaloosa Saves for the annual Teach a Child to Save campaign April 1 – June 30. Youth were encouraged to set a savings goal and make a deposit into a savings account at EFCU. This year there were 114 youth under the age of 18 who participated with deposits totaling $23,335.81. Their names were entered into a random drawing for six children to win a $50 deposit into their EFCU account from Okaloosa Saves. Since the program began in 2004, 2,286 children made deposits
Eglin Federal Credit Union Opens New Location in DeFuniak Springs
Eglin Federal Credit Union today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its DeFuniak Springs ATM/Video Teller Drive-thru located at 677 Highway 90. The first phase of this site is now open. A full-service branch will open at this location later in 2024. Members have the ability to speak with a live teller over two-way video during regular business hours. Video Tellers are available Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. These personalized tellers assist members
Eglin Federal Credit Union recognizes Fort Walton Beach Teller Bonnie McIntosh for 25 years of service
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to recognize Fort Walton Beach Teller Bonnie McIntosh for 25 years of service. Bonnie currently resides in Fort Walton Beach. “We congratulate Bonnie on becoming a member of the National Association of Federal Credit Union’s Quarter Century Club in recognition of her 25 years of service to the credit union industry,” said SVP/COO Kim Nauta. “Bonnie is a favorite with a lot of our long-time members, and we appreciate her knowledge, dedication and commitment to EFCU and
Eglin Federal Credit Union recognizes Senior Vice President/Chief Payments Officer Dawn Oravetz for 35 Years of Service
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to congratulate Senior Vice President/Chief Payments Officer Dawn Oravetz for her 35 years of service. “Dawn has been an integral part of our team over the past 35 years, and we value her contributions to our growth,” said President/CEO Jerry Williams. “We are grateful for the loyalty, expertise and commitment she has shown, and the years of service she has dedicated to our organization.” Dawn joined the Credit Union in May 1988 as a Computer Aide in Data Processing.
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Okaloosa County Public Schools Foundation Inaugural Pickleball Smash a Success
The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) held its inaugural Spring Pickleball Smash April 28 thru 30 at Mooney Tennis & Pickleball Courts in Fort Walton Beach. The three-day tournament raised over $15,000, which will support and extend educational opportunities for the Take Stock in Children (TSIC) scholarship program, which currently provides two-year college scholarships and one-on-one mentoring for academically deserving high school students from low-income families. In addition, the money will also
Okaloosa County School District Hosts Take Stock in Children STARS Ceremony
The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) is in its 26th year of sponsoring Take Stock in Children (TSIC) and celebrated the accomplishments of our 14 graduates and the potential of our 17 newly selected scholars on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the Niceville Community Center. Special guest speakers included TSIC alumna, Justice Woods, and TSIC Leader 4 Life Fellow, Tyniyah Haughton, who shared a few words about their Take Stock experience and the impact the program and their mentors have had on their life.
OAA Announces Student Poster Contest Winners
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance would like to thank all the Okaloosa County School students that participated in the 14th annual OAA Okaloosa County School Poster Contest. This year the theme was “What art means to me”. Although we were not able to make everyone a 1st place winner, all 105 entries are on display at Enlightened Studios through May 6, 2022. Enlightened is located at 142 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Photo gallery also available online at
Eglin Federal Credit Union Partners with the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation to bring a ''Reality Check'' financial education program to Laurel Hill students
The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation and Eglin Federal Credit Union have teamed up to bring a financial education experience called Reality Check to Okaloosa County for the first time. Approximately 60 high school students from the 9th to 12th grades participated in lessons facilitated by EFCU Financial Education Specialist Courtney Dollson at Laurel Hill School April 12 and 19 with the final Reality Check simulation at the Crestview Community Center April 26. The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation
Kelsey Mitchell receives Eglin Federal Credit Union's 5-Star Employee Award for the 1st Quarter
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce HR Training and Development Coordinator Kelsey Mitchell has been selected as the 5-Star Performer for the first quarter of 2023. Kelsey has been employed with the Credit Union since July 2012 and currently resides in Fort Walton Beach. "Kelsey has consistently proven to be a valuable team member within the HR Department and EFCU as a whole,” said HR Manager Daniel Anderson. “She practices patience when assisting her EFCU team members, displays the core
OAA Poster Contest & Okaloosa's Got Talent
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) invites all Okaloosa County school students from K-12th grade to enter the 14th annual poster contest. The deadline to enter the poster contest is this Friday, April 21st by 3 pm. Posters will be on display at Enlightened Studios from April 22- May 6th. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for elementary school students (K-4th), middle school students (5th-8th), and high school students (9th-12th) in Okaloosa County. Poster winners will be chosen by a panel of
Eglin Federal Credit Union Recognizes Mary Esther Head Teller
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to recognize Mary Esther Head Teller Kimberly Stovall for 25 years of service. Kimberly currently resides in Fort Walton Beach. “We congratulate Kimberly on becoming a member of the National Association of Federal Credit Union’s Quarter Century Club in recognition of her 25 years of service to the credit union industry,” said SVP/COO Kim Nauta. “She does a great job building trusted relationships with our members, and we appreciate her five-star service and commitment
Eglin Federal Credit Union recognizes Mastercard Specialist Gail Evans for 45 years of Service
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to recognize Mastercard Specialist Gail Evans for 45 years of service. She currently resides in Ft. Walton Beach. “We would like to thank Gail for her 45 years of service to Eglin Federal Credit Union,” said President/CEO Jerry Williams. “She plans to retire from EFCU this year, and we recognize and appreciate her loyalty and dedication to the Credit Union and in turn, our members.” Gail started her career at the Credit Union in 1978 as a Loan Typist. She was promoted
Eglin Federal Credit Union recognizes Member Service Counselor Rita Crusett-Vogel for 30 years of service
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to recognize Member Service Counselor Rita Crusett-Vogel for her 30 years of service. She currently resides in Niceville. “We would like to thank Rita for her 30 years of service to Eglin Federal Credit Union,” said President/CEO Jerry Williams. “Dedicated, long-standing employees like Rita contribute to our success and help us achieve our mission.” Rita joined the Credit Union in 1993 as a Teller in Fort Walton Beach. She transferred to Bluewater Bay in 1997 where
Eglin Federal Credit Union Named Large Business of the Year by the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce
Eglin Federal Credit Union was named the Large Business of the Year by the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce at their annual awards celebration held at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Feb. 9, 2023. Chamber Chair of the Board Dr. Michael Mosley of Rocky Bayou Christian School announced, “This company has been everywhere you look over the past year or more. It seems like they are always there to support military causes, non-profit organizations, including all the Chambers of Commerce. With us, they have
Juliana Powell Receives Eglin Federal Credit Union's 5-Star Employee Award for the 4th Quarter
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Loan Services Representative Juliana Powell has been selected as the 5-Star Performer of the 4th Quarter of 2022. Juliana has been employed with the Credit Union since September 2013 and currently resides in Navarre. “Juliana promotes the values of EFCU daily with her team and our membership,” said Call Center Ops Manager Ruth Fennell. “She is respected by her peers, trusted, dedicated and stays engaged with staff. During our recent auto loan promotion,
Destin Chamber Awards Outstanding Members of 2022
On Dec. 13, Destin Chamber members celebrated the holidays and the Chamber’s most outstanding individuals and businesses, during the Annual Holiday & Awards Party Presented by Trustmark. Amid poinsettias, twinkling lights and Christmas trees at the Destin – Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, 2022 Destin Chamber Chairman Jennifer Gutai Comella of Hand Arendall Harrison Sale and Destin Chamber President & CEO Shane A. Moody, CCE, FCCP led the awards presentation. Alan Gieseman, CEO of White-Wilson Medical
November 2022 Update from One Okaloosa EDC
By Nathan Sparks, CEcD Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC Is it just me, or does time seem to speed up this time of year? It is truly hard to believe that Thanksgiving is now less than a week out and - in the blink of an eye - Hanukkah, Christmas and a brand new year will be squarely upon us. Of course, like many organizations, our “new year” actually began on Oct. 1, as we transitioned to FY 2023 – which many of you helped us celebrate at a festive reception held at the Hilton Garden Inn on Oct.
Joy Huckaby Receives Eglin Federal Credit Union's 5-Star Performer Award for the 3rd Quarter
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Accounts Payable Specialist/Fixed Assets Specialist Joy Huckaby has been selected as the 5-Star Performer of the 3rd Quarter of 2022. Joy has been employed with the Credit Union since October 2005 and currently resides in Navarre. Senior Vice President of Accounting Carlene Grant said, “Joy has been part of the Accounting Department since 2007 and is a valuable part of our team. She’s an expert in her job and is relied upon heavily by the other departments
Eglin Federal Credit Union Donates $6,000 to Adopt All 17 Classrooms at Silver Sands School in Fort Walton Beach
Eglin Federal Credit Union was honored to present Silver Sands School a check in the amount of $6,000 at the Fort Walton Beach Chamber breakfast on Friday, Oct. 7. EFCU is adopting all 17 classrooms at Silver Sands School for the academic year through the EFCU CARES program. Silver Sands Principal Stephanie Wheat said, “Our faculty at Silver Sands School are so appreciative of the support from EFCU. This funding will go directly into the individual classrooms and will provide each teacher with the
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Eglin Federal Credit Union Names Bron Ringstad VP of Branch Operations
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Bron Ringstad of Niceville has been named the VP of Branch Operations. Ringstad earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Florida State University and has been a manager for the Credit Union since 2009. In his new role, Ringstad will continue the work he has been doing by providing employee development and support to branch personnel while focusing on financial education of products and services, membership growth, and positive member
Eglin Federal Credit Union Named 2022 Finest on the Emerald Coast in four categories
Eglin Federal Credit Union was voted best Credit Union, Financial Planning Services, Mortgage Lending Company and Personal Loan/Title Company in the 2022 Finest on the Emerald Coast’s Official Community Choice Awards. Locals choose the best businesses in town through nominations and voting. Read the announcement. Eglin Federal Credit Union has won a community’s choice award every year since the Northwest Florida Daily News started the competition in 2010. “Eglin Federal Credit Union is very proud our
United Way Emerald Coast Recognizes 2022 Class Of ‘40 Under 40’ At Awards Celebration
United Way Emerald Coast (UWEC) hosted its ‘40 Under 40’ awards celebration on Friday, September 16 at The Island Resort. Presented by Florida Power & Light, nearly 200 people attended the sold-out awards celebration which recognized Okaloosa and Walton counties’ top young leaders. “FPL is honored to partner with United Way Emerald Coast as the Presenting Sponsor of the ’40 under 40’ event to recognize our local up and coming leaders,” offered Bernard Johnson, Florida Power & Light’s Regional Manager. “The
Eglin Federal Credit Union breaks ground on its new Freeport Branch
Eglin Federal Credit Union held a groundbreaking ceremony today at its new Freeport Branch, making it EFCU’s first location in Walton County. As part of the Credit Union’s growth and expansion efforts, property was recently purchased at intersection of Riverwalk Boulevard and US Highway 331, south of the Publix shopping center in Freeport. La Macchia Group is the design/build firm for the new Freeport Branch, Pace Branch, the Operations Center and the recently-announced DeFuniak Springs and Gulf Breeze
Destin Chamber Trustees Invite Local First Responders to Free Cookout on September 9
The Destin Chamber Trustee members are celebrating and thanking local first responders with a free cookout on Friday, Sept. 9. They will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and serving BBQ sliders at Destin Fire Station #9 at 848 Airport Road, in Destin, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. All police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, beach safety, EMS and military are invited. Trustee membership is the highest membership level in the Destin Chamber, and it shows a significant commitment to and investment in the
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Eglin Federal Credit Union to add a location in Gulf Breeze
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce it will start developing a property located on the corner of Tiger Lake Drive and Highway 98 in Gulf Breeze. The short-term plan is to install two drive-thru ATM/Video Tellers in 2023. This will look similar to the drive-thrus currently being constructed near Niceville High School as well as the site at Jonquil Avenue NW and Mary Esther Cutoff NW in Fort Walton Beach, and the recently-announced location in DeFuniak Springs. Construction of a full-service
EFCU's Chairman William ''Bill'' Rone Inducted into the Defense Credit Union Council's Hall of Honor
Eglin Federal Credit Union’s Chairman of the Board of Directors William “Bill” Rone was inducted into the Defense Credit Union Council’s Hall of Honor at their annual conference held in San Antonio, Texas on Aug. 4, 2022. The Defense Credit Union is a trade association representing more than 180 nonprofit defense credit unions with over 30 million members and $400 billion in assets. Bill is one of three honorees who were selected from a very competitive field of nominees by the Hall of Honor Selection
Eglin Federal Credit Union to add a location in DeFuniak Springs
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce it will start developing a property located at 677 Highway 90 in DeFuniak Springs. The short-term plan is to install two drive-through ATM/Video Tellers. This will look similar to the drive-throughs currently being constructed near Niceville High School as well as the site at Jonquil Avenue NW and Mary Esther Cutoff NW in Fort Walton Beach. Construction of a full-service branch in DeFuniak Springs is expected to begin in late 2023 or early 2024. La Macchia
Quentin Youngblood Receives Eglin Federal Credit Union’s 5-Star Employee Award for the 2nd Quarter
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Procurement Specialist Quentin Youngblood has been selected as the 5-Star Performer of the 2nd Quarter of 2022. Quentin has been employed with the Credit Union since January of 2012 and currently resides in Fort Walton Beach. President/CEO Jerry Williams said, “Quentin displays exemplary leadership and dedication to members and fellow Credit Union employees. He has a wonderful, cooperative attitude and is an excellent team player.” Manager Kathey Mitchell
10th Annual Paddle at the Park Features Standup Paddle Board Races for All Age & Skill Levels
The 10th Annual Paddle at the Park Sponsored by HCA Florida Destin Emergency, a standup paddle board race event, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 20, in the beautiful emerald-green Gulf waters at Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, Fla. It offers races for all age and skill levels, with its Kids’ Fun Paddle, 1-Mile Beginner Ride, 3-Mile Recreational Race, and 6-Mile Elite Race. The weekend fun begins on Friday, Aug. 19, with a Racer Welcome Party at BOTE, an international paddle board
Eglin Federal Credit Union and Okaloosa Saves Partner in Summer Youth Savings Campaign
Eglin Federal Credit Union partnered with Okaloosa Saves for the annual Teach a Child to Save campaign April 1 – June 30. Youth were encouraged to set a savings goal and make a deposit into a savings account at EFCU. This year there were 108 youth under the age of 18 who participated with deposits totaling $18,685. Their names were entered into a random drawing for six children to win a $50 deposit into their EFCU account from Okaloosa Saves. Since the program began in 2004, there have been 3,386 children
Eglin Federal Credit Union Breaks Ground on its New Pace Branch
Eglin Federal Credit Union held a groundbreaking ceremony today at its new Pace Branch location. This will be the second Eglin FCU branch located in Santa Rosa County. The Navarre Branch opened nearly 15 years ago. As part of the Credit Union’s growth and expansion efforts, property was recently purchased at 4413 US-90 in Pace. La Macchia Group is the design/build firm for the new Pace branch, the Operations Center and the recently announced Freeport branch, all expected to be completed in 2023. “On behalf
Eglin Federal Credit Union Named Florida's Credit Union of the Year by League of Southeastern Credit Unions and Affiliates
Eglin Federal Credit Union was recognized by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions and Affiliates as Credit Union of the Year in Florida for 2021 in the category of more than $500 million in assets. LSCU & Affiliates selected Eglin FCU for our outstanding service to members and the communities we serve. The award ceremony took place at the 2022 Southeastern Credit Union Conference and Expo in Orlando on Thursday, June 16. “Eglin Federal Credit Union is very proud of being named the large Credit Union of
Okaloosa Arts Alliance Announces 2022 School Poster Contest Winners
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance would like to thank all the Okaloosa County School students that participated in the 13th annual OAA Okaloosa County School Poster Contest. This year the theme was “Sparking the Arts”. Although we were not able to make everyone a 1st place winner, all 218 entries are on display at Enlightened Studios (Grades 5th-12th) and the FWB Library (K-4th) through May 20, 2022. Enlightened is located at 142 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, and the FWB Library is
Eglin Federal Credit Union to Add a Branch in Pace
Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce a new branch will be added in Pace, Fla., making it the second location in Santa Rosa County. As part of the Credit Union’s growth and expansion efforts, property was recently purchased at 4413 US-90 in Pace. Construction is expected to begin in a few months and be completed in 2023. La Macchia Group is the design/build firm for the new Pace branch, the Operations Center and the recently announced Freeport branch, all expected to be completed in 2023. “We
Neko Stubblefield Honored as Destin Chamber’s Business Person of the Month
During the Destin Chamber’s April 8 Business Before Hours Sponsored by HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Neko Stubblefield, Vice President of Membership and Community Development at Eglin Federal Credit Union, was honored with the Chamber’s Business Person of the Month Award. This award is presented directly from the Chamber’s Board of Directors to a Destin area businessperson showing vision for his or her business and leadership in our community. Stubblefield has been in the area for more than
Team Hurlburt Announces Honorary Commanders 2022-2023
Congratulations to those chosen as Hurlburt Honorary Commanders for 2022 - 2023! 1 SOW: Neko Stubblefield, Vice President/Membership and Community Development, Eglin Federal Credit Union1 SOW/CCC: Brian Squire, Executive Vice President, Hays Companies1 SOMDG: Ann Hill, Executive Director, Emerald Coast Healthcare Coalition; Director of Administration, Florida One DMAT, Inc.1 SOMSG: Aaron Bacchi, City of Mary Esther, Mayor Pro Tem1 SOG: Megan Rutherford, Financial Planner, Northwestern Mutual
Eglin Federal Credit Union Participates in United Way EC's 28th Day of Caring
Eglin Federal Credit Union is proud to once again support the United Way Emerald Coast’s 28th Annual Day of Caring. Twenty-three employees painted and landscaped at the Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach and at the Crestview Manor in Crestview on Friday, Jan. 14. This year’s Day of Caring aligned with Martin Luther King Day’s National Day of Service celebrated on Monday, Jan. 17. “In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing
Destin Chamber Awards Outstanding Members for 2021
On Dec. 14, Destin Chamber members celebrated the holidays and the Chamber’s most outstanding individuals and businesses, during the Annual Holiday & Awards Party Presented by Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital. Surrounded by the festive décor of Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village, 2021 Destin Chamber Chairman Jerry Sullivan of Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican and Destin Chamber President & CEO Shane Moody led the awards presentation.For going above and beyond in service to the Destin
December 2021 Update from One Okaloosa EDC
Submitted by Nathan Sparks, CEcDOne Okaloosa EDC Executive Director Happy Holidays! With Thanksgiving squarely in the rearview mirror, Hanukkah already underway and Christmas and New Year’s Day right around the corner, we now all find ourselves in the proverbial “Sprint to the Finish” that comes our way this time each and every year. Inevitably, this is the time of year that our internal deadlines begin to mount as the companies and consultants we are working to assist look to achieve end of year
Radio Station 'Aims High' With ''Bikes Or Bust''
In order to make sure every needy child along the Emerald Coast gets a new bike this Christmas, Highway 98 Country is once again doing the highly successful “Bikes or Bust” event for a 10th year. On air personality Bo Reynolds will spend 98 hours camping out 30 feet in the air atop a mechanical lift with only a tent and sleeping bag to protect him from the chilly nights. Bo, who serves as host of the highly rated “Bo Show” mornings on Highway 98 Country, hopes the event will encourage listeners, community
