Leo Lynne & Verla Price

Maryette Huntinghouse, Bob & Beth Culkeen, Patrick Dawson

Loretto & Justin Sullivan

Lance & Jenna Cook

Nicole Partridge & Brigitte Moten

Sara Lefevers & Ashlee Simpson

E

very year, the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the PACE Awards.  
“PACE” stands for Pensacola Area Commitment to Excellence. On Wednesday, 
February 21, the Greater Pensacola Chamber hosted the 58th annual PACE Awards 
to recognize the rising stars in Pensacola. Recipients of these awards have been 

known to come from varying backgrounds and are dedicated to pursuing the advancement and 
growth of Pensacola businesses and opportunities for all citizens. The Chamber is committed 
to honor the incredible individuals in Pensacola who have made an extra special impact in the 
community. WEAR’s own Sue Straughn, recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. “Living the 
Dream” award, was on hand to introduce presenting sponsors, including JC Lowe and WEAR, 
Cox Communications, Landrum Staffi ng, Sacred Heart and West Florida Hospitals, and Florida 
Blue. 

The 2018 award winners are: Business Leader of the Year, Andrew Rothfeder with Studer 

Properties. Community Leader of the Year, Connie Bookman with Pathways for Change.  
Advocate of the Year, Janet Pilcher with Studer Education. Emerging Leader of the Year, Doug 
Bates with Clark Partington Attorneys at Law.  Leader in Education, Ed Ranelli with University 
of West Florida. Spirit of Pensacola Award, John Hutchinson with Hutch-Touch Consulting.  
Professional Leader of the Year, Bill Wein with IMS Expert Services. Pioneer Award, Michael 
Ferguson with US Army and McDonald Fleming Moorhead.

photos & story by

 

Kristina Wright 

Lisa & Doug Bates

   VIP Pensacola at Hilton Garden Inn

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