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By Staff Reports

The Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce held its 79^th annual Gala on Jan. 25 at Wind Creek Casino and Hotel.

The annual event is held to recognize chamber members and trustees, and give awards to citizens and businesses that have helped the community over the last y ear.

Current chamber officers made remarks, the 2025 board of directors and staffs were introduced and the chamber ambassadors were recognized.

Chamber President Dawn Vaughan spoke about the different chamber programs it promotes.

“We’re going into 2025 excited to see what the chamber has in store for the new year,” Vaughan said. “Let’s come together, and in 2025 make Atmore even better.”

Vice President Tripp Ward said the chamber has experienced some adversity, but it wouldn’t have been able to overcome it without community’s support.

Ward recognized Vaughan and Past Presient David Dobson for their support.

He also thanked Executive Director Addison Long as well.

“We’ve got the right one to lead this chamber of commerce,” Ward said about Long.

During the awards portion of the evening, a member of the community introduced each award.

The 2025 Business of the Year award went to Wind Creek Hospitality.

Hooper Matthews introduced the award.

“It’s hard to imagine Atmore without this business,” Matthews said.

Wind Creek Hospitality opened in 2009, and it’s the largest employer in Atmore, Matthews said.

Each year, Wind Creek team members volunteer at the Salvation Army Toy Distribution Center, helping fulfill their Angel Tree Christmas program needs. WCH is also a sponsor of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Gulf Coast.

Additionally, WCH provided a chef and team to prepare all the food for the chamber’s Farm to Table event, and provided hand for Main Street Atmore’s first ever Bourbon Tasting event.

WCH officials thanked the company’s team members at home and abroad for their efforts.

The 2025 Citizen of the Year award went to Terrence Breckenridge.

“He’s a person of action, and gives 100 percent,” William Smith said. “He has an uncanny ability to help others, and works in the background.”

The 2025 Lifetime Business of the Year award went to Atmore business Tot Shop.

Owner Carl Anderson said it’s a real pleasure doing business in Atmore.

“I wanted to come back home, and I’m sure glad I did,” Anderson said.

The 2025 Lifetime Achievement award went to Kenny Smith.

Smith worked more than 30 years at West Escambia Utilities, and recently retired.

“I really enjoyed my time there,” Smith said. “I’ll still be around.”