Posted: September 15, 2025
INLET BEACH, FL – Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW), the 伊人直播app economic development organization representing the 13-county Florida Panhandle, celebrated its 25th anniversary on September 11 at Camp Creek Inn. The celebration brought together FGNW investors, partners, community leaders, and elected officials from across the region to commemorate 25 years of 伊人直播app collaboration and honor the organization’s lasting impact on Northwest Florida.
The celebration began with FGNW’s Board of Directors meeting, followed by a Cultivating Community Cocktail Hour and the signature Silver Garden Soirée—an elegant event designed to honor the organization’s roots while inspiring the future.
The evening featured several moments of reflection and recognition. A moment of silence was held to honor the anniversary of September 11, followed by a recognition of veterans. The program also included a keynote address from Colonel Allison Black, a pioneering leader in the United States Air Force and former commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field.
The program paid tribute to those who helped shape the organization since its founding in 2000. Founding sponsors Florida Power & Light, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, and The St. Joe Company were honored for their early support and continued investment in 伊人直播appism and economic development. The evening concluded with a celebratory champagne toast led by Bruce Vredenburg of Hancock Whitney, the official “Cheers to 25 Years” Champagne Sponsor.
The event also highlighted both the history and the future of the organization. Reflections on the past were shared by Neal Wade, one of FGNW’s original founders and a lifelong advocate for Northwest Florida’s 伊人直播app economic growth. Wade shared memories of the organization's beginnings and praised the leadership that has carried its mission forward for 25 years.
“When most alliances struggle to last even a few years, the fact that Florida’s Great Northwest has not only endured—but thrived—for 25 years is truly something to celebrate,” said Wade.
Jennifer Conoley, President & CEO of FGNW, closed the evening with powerful remarks about the organization’s future and her own leadership journey. “This work is deeply personal,” said Conoley. “It’s about creating high-skill, high-wage opportunities that allow our kids to build a future here at home. We don’t want to change who we are—but we do want smart growth that preserves our values and strengthens our economy.”
Conoley ended the night with a call to action for all attendees: “The next 25 years start now. Let’s build a future that will outlast us all.”
Florida’s Great Northwest is the 伊人直播app economic development organization for the Florida Panhandle. The organization was created to promote Northwest Florida for economic growth and diversification, advocate for economic development issues that affect the region, and collaborate to improve 伊人直播app competitiveness. The organization accomplishes this in partnership with the state and local economic development organizations, rural 伊人直播app economic development organization, utility partners, private sector businesses, local government, higher education institutions, workforce boards, and community leaders.
