CRESTVIEW — Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce members attending the organization's Annual Installation and Awards Banquet on Saturday received an introduction to the 2015-2016 theme, "Building a strong community, in perfect harmony."
Members welcomed Marian McBryde as the chamber's new chairman, along with its various committees' new officers, and bid a fond farewell to now past chairman Alicia Booker — who held the role for 2014-2015 — during the music-themed event at the Crestview Community Center.
In addition, Crestview chamber members gave an emotional goodbye to CEO Wayne Harris, who resigned from his position after 15 years to focus on running for Rep. Matt Gaetz's State House of Representatives seat.
Harris thanked his mentors, former Crestview mayor George Whitehurst, and business leader and chamber pioneer Foy Shaw, along with his staff's and members' support in his final address.
SEEN ON SCENE: See photos from the Installation and Awards Banquet>>
"You have allowed me to take hold of this ship but the captain is only as good as the people who run the ship and that's you folks out there," Harris said.
Harris said "probably the hardest decision" was giving up his chamber presidency to run for the House of Representatives. "But it's what I have to do if I'm going to devote 100 percent of my time to winning so I can devote 100 percent of my time to representing you.
"With no B.S., straight from my heart, with every conscious being in me, I'm going to do what's right for this community."
He said someone once asked him what separates Crestview from other places, to which he replied, "The people in Crestview are just downright real people. They work hard, they go home, they praise their God and they take care of their families.
"… I am so proud that I live in Crestview, Fla., and so proud that I live in Okaloosa County."
Throughout the evening, a number of awards were presented, including, among others, the Dr. W.J. “Doc” Burrows Citizen of the Year Award, Alison Broxson; Robert L.F. “Bob” Sikes Patriot of the Year Award, Rita Smith; Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year, Derek Lott; President Emeritus Award, Tom Moody; Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award, Legacy Insurance of Northwest Florida, LLC; and Star Performer Award, Ryan Mabry.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Chamber welcomes new officers, says goodbye to long-time president