- June 29, 2024
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Tom Leek and Michael Chiumento. Photo by Brian McMillan
Dr. Erika Equizi and Greg Blose. Photo by Brian McMillan
Stephanie Ellis and Greg Blose. Photo by Brian McMillan
Greg Blose, Kelsie Lombard and Lisa Beyer. Photo by Brian McMillan
Nick Klufas, Kelsie Lombard and Greg Blose. Photo by Brian McMillan
Chelsea Herbert, Greg Blose and Kelsie Lombard. Photo by Brian McMillan
Jeff Annon, Rich Cooper and Laura Gilvary. Photo by Brian McMillan
Michael Chiumento was sworn in as volunteer board chairman at the fourth annual Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce celebration June 26, at Channelside.
“I missed a meeting, so now I’m in charge,” Chiumento quipped.
He continued by encouraging the business community to stay positive about the future and not repeat negative narratives — “jibber jabber, especially in political season” — about growth.
“We are in a huge inflection point,” Chiumento said. “ … Growth is going to happen.”
That growth will lead to jobs that could enable the next generation to remain in the community.
The chamber, which has grown to 230 members, is moving its headquarters to the City Centre building, which also houses Chiumento Law, President Greg Blose announced.
Garry Lubi, of SouthState Bank, will move from board chair to immediate past chair.
He shared Chiumento’s optimism. He said he has lived in this community for 17 years. “I believe the next 17 are going to be more miraculous than ever,” Lubi said.
Lubi also praised President Greg Blose for the creation of the LEAD program, the first class of which graduated at the event. Lubi thanked John Walsh, Chiumento and Chelsea Herbert for their leadership, especially while Lubi was recovering from a health scare.
For the first time, the chamber recognized individual businesses with awards, as follows:
Distinguished Service Award: Stephanie Ellis, Flagler County Education Foundation
2024 Small Business of the Year: Dr. Erika Equizi, Premier Chiropractic
Community Impact Award: Lisa Byer, New York Life
Elected Official of the Year: Nick Klufas, Palm Coast City Council
Entrepreneur of the Year: Chelsea Herbert, 4C’s Trucking and Excavation; Poppy’s True Market; The Landing Strip
Member of the Year: Denise Bales-Chubb, AdventHealth
Three new board members were also installed at the ceremony: Laura Gilvary, Intracoastal Bank; Rich Cooper, Foundation Risk Partners; Jeff Annon, Southern States Management Group.
