Trailblazer : Donell Gwinn
Donell Gwinn began his farming career with less than 100 acres to his name but today is renowned for being the co-owner of Gwinn Brothers Farm – a 1,137-acre farm he started with his brother Robert that has been in operation for more than 25 years producing corn , peanuts , watermelons , iron clay peas , Bahia grass seed , hay and beef cattle . Gwinn , and the farm as a whole , is a leader in management practices and conservation strategies that aim to improve water quality , reduce soil erosion and enhance wildlife habitat .
In 2020 , Gwinn was recognized as Outstanding Agriculturist of the Year by the Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents and , alongside his brother , was recognized by the Suwannee County Conservation District as Conservation Farmers of the Year . Outside his farm , Gwinn has been involved in the community in other ways by serving as district supervisor for the Suwannee County Conservation District , adviser to the Suwannee County Farm Service Agency County Operating Committee and served as secretary and treasurer of the Florida Peanut Federation .
With his continued work both inside and outside the farm , it ’ s easy to see why Gwinn was recognized as this year ’ s Trailblazer . Citizen of the Year : Stacy Hart A caring mother of three and grandmother of one ; devoted daughter to her own mom , Chris , and loving wife to her husband , Bob , when Stacy Hart isn ’ t spending time with her family , she pours herself into her volunteer work in the community . Hart is actively involved in the McAlpin Community Center , where she serves as Chairwoman , and at Pinemount Baptist Church , where she sings and coordinates the nursery and children ’ s worship program .
During the holiday season , Hart collects , organizes , and distributes Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets and also works with the Socks for Seniors Suwannee Valley Program to assist in distributing warm socks for senior citizens in the area – all efforts of which led Hart to being named Citizen of the Year .
To learn more about the annual Chamber Gala or to purchase tickets for the 74th Gala celebration , visit the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce website at SuwanneeChamber . com or call the Chamber directly at ( 386 ) 362-1782 .
2022-2023 | SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT 119