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
12 | VIPPensacola.com
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