Small Business of the Year: NFPCi
BUSINESS AWARDS
2025 Business of the Year Dinner
Honoring Resilience Suwannee County Celebrates Businesses of the Year
By Hayli Zuccola
Every fall, the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce takes a moment to celebrate the businesses and organizations that help the community thrive. From large employers and small businesses to nonprofits working behind the scenes, each plays a role in shaping the county. The annual Business of the Year banquet brings those contributions into the spotlight.
The 2025 event, held Oct. 2 at the Suwannee County Coliseum, was especially memorable, with Congresswoman Kat Cammack joining the celebration to recognize the county’ s businesses and wish them another year of success.
Sponsored by Suwannee County Economic Development and RIVEROAK Technical College, the evening began with a cocktail hour in the coliseum, which was decorated by Epic Events. The event was open to the entire community, not just Chamber members, and guests enjoyed a catered dinner from 11th Street Kitchen before the Business of the Year winners were announced.
Walt’ s Live Oak Ford took home the Large Business of the Year award. The dealership offers new and pre-owned vehicles, lease specials and financing options and has become a fixture in the community. General Manager Bryan Blair brings more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry to the dealership, which emphasizes customer service both on the sales floor and in its service center.
“ We are beyond thankful and thrilled to be a part of our community,” the dealership shared on social media following the award.
Rapid Fiber Internet was named Medium Business of the Year for its work expanding reliable fiber infrastructure throughout rural communities. The company was created with the goal of providing high-speed broadband access to members of Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, regardless of where they live. That connectivity has helped residents work and learn from home while giving local businesses, farmers and communities greater access to modern technology and new opportunities.
Michael McWaters, CEO of Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative and chairperson of the Rapid Fiber Internet Board of Managers, credited the company’ s employees, contractors, board members and community leaders for helping make the project possible.
“ This award is not simply recognition of a company— it is recognition of a community-wide effort to invest in the future of our members. We are grateful to the Chamber for this honor and remain committed to delivering exceptional service and creating
Small Business of the Year: NFPCi
120 SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT | 2026-2027 opportunities that will benefit our region for generations to come,” he said.
North Florida Printing Company was recognized as Small Business of the Year. The family-owned commercial printing, signage and promotional products company has operated in the area since 1967 and has grown from its original Live Oak location to a second location in Lake City.
For Coy Howell, who took over the business from his parents 15 years ago, the recognition was unexpected.
“ It was definitely an honor to be nominated, never expected to win,” Howell said.
He credits the company’ s continued success to its commitment to keeping business local, providing strong customer service and giving back to the community that has supported it.
The Faith Project received the Nonprofit of the Year award. Founded by Allison Johnson, who was also named the 2025 Citizen of the Year, the organization works to support individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. Its efforts include helping people experiencing homelessness, raising funds for families struggling to make ends meet, providing Thanksgiving meals and distributing 300 backpacks filled with school supplies during a back-to-school bash.
The 2026 Business of the Year banquet will be held on October 15 with tickets available at suwanneechamber. com for $ 40 per person.