PCF Chamber Annual Awards Highlight Business Leader Achievements
During the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber’s (PCF Chamber) 4th Annual Meeting, business leaders were recognized for their community leadership, business acumen and more. Below are the 2024 award winners and the story behind how they earned their recognition:
L.E.A.D. Flagler Class #1 Graduates 13 Business, Community Leaders:
The PCF Chamber created and launched our L.E.A.D. Flagler (Leadership, Education. Advancement. Development.) leadership program, which graduated 13 local business and community leaders. The 9-month leadership program is designed to provide participants with exclusive access to the inner-workings of Flagler County’s leading businesses, local government agencies and more. Below are the 13 graduates of L.E.A.D. Flagler Class #1:
- Brittany Wright, Quantum Electric
- Vincent Sullivan, Chiumento Law
- Deanna Wilson, #MIP, Me In Progress
- Derrick Hardin, SouthState Bank
- Stephanie Ellis, Flagler County Education Foundation
- Dr. Erika Equizi, Premier Chiropractic
- Jeff Annon, Southern States Management Group
- Kaitlyn Stier, Palm Coast Observer
- Nina Guiglotto
- Olga Wengert, Ameris Bank
- LaTonya Daniel, American Red Cross
- John Aguiar, Intracoastal Bank
- Melanie DiMartino, UF Health
Distinguished Service Award: Stephanie Ellis, Flagler County Education Foundation
Stephanie Ellis was a part of the committee that created and launched the PCF Chamber’s first-ever leadership program. Additionally, Stephanie helped secure event venues, tours and transportation for several L.E.A.D. Flagler events. Stephanie’s commitment to the success of our L.E.A.D. Flagler program is why she earned this award. Thank you, Stephanie!
2024 Small Business of the Year: Dr. Erika Equizi, Premier Chiropractic
The PCF Chamber met with Dr. Equizi when she started her practice in Palm Coast, FL. Beginning as a small team, Dr. Equizi has led Premier Chiropractic through transformative change, including a move to a larger office and the addition of new services with partnerships from other businesses. Dr. Equizi’s relentless pursuit of providing quality chiropractic care and her commitment to running a successful (and growing) business, is why she earned Small Business of the Year. Congrats, Dr. Erika!
Community Impact Award: Lisa Byer, New York Life
No member of the PCF Chamber has volunteered more to help make the Chamber successful than Lisa Byer with New York Life. Over the past year, Lisa has been Chair of our SpringFest event, has worked as an Ambassador welcoming new members, served on the Hispanic Business Alliance and Small Business Council. Lisa’s effort has directly impacted hundreds of local businesses and entrepreneurs and that’s why we recognized her with our 2024 Community Impact Award.
Elected Official of the Year: Nick Klufas, Palm Coast City Council
Over the past year, the Palm Coast City Council has worked hard to prepare the city for future growth, improve connectivity and work to diversify the economy. Through it all, Palm Coast City Councilmember Nick Klufas has been a consistent voice of calm. Always well-prepared for meetings and regularly supporting Chamber-backed issues and initiatives, Nick earned the 2024 Elected Official of the Year Award.
Entrepreneur of the Year: Chelsea Herbert, 4C’s Trucking and Excavation; Poppy’s True Market; The Landing Strip
In addition to being a leader on the PCF Chamber’s Board of Directors, Chelsea leads the 4Cs Trucking & Excavation team. Over the past year, Chelsea has been recognized by the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners for her commitment to quality government infrastructure construction, helped launch The Landing Strip Restaurant at Flagler Executive Airport and cut the Ribbon on Poppy’s True Market, a facility for local entrepreneurs to share a building with other businesses. Thank you for your leadership on our Board and in the community, Chelsea!
Member of the Year: Denyse Bales-Chubb, AdventHealth
The PCF Chamber chose to recognize AdventHealth CEO Denyse-Bales Chubb as our 2024 Member of the Year. In the past three years, AdventHealth’s launch of the Palm Coast Parkway hospital and the new cancer center coming soon not only creates hundreds of construction jobs, but has helped create 1,200 new healthcare jobs in Flagler County! Furthermore, AdventHealth’s support of the PCF Chamber is significant, with several tours of both local hospitals coordinated with the PCF Chamber L.E.A.D. Flagler program and Junior Chamber. Thanks to Denyse and all her colleagues at AdventHealth for supporting the PCF Chamber!
