Ambassadors of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

03/23/2026

I just love our wonderful group of green people! I mean Green Jackets!

After a wonderful breakfast "prepared" by Kari and an uplifting prayer and pledge by Paul, we fastened our seat belts and welcomed Police Chief Robert Bage for a question and answer session. A very unique presentation - so informative and effective. Chief Bage is a gem and a friend to our Community. We definitely need to invite him to return to continue the conversations we were having.

Denise David, our Sunshine Chair distributed birthday cards to be signed for March birthdays. Peter Daniel reported on the Tiger Team and the importance of it, inviting members to join him on his team.

Four Birthday "kids" were honored with the singing of Happy Birthday and of course the lovely Birthday Hat. I liked the upbeat tempo of the song. Thank you, Chamber Singers!

We were reminded that Ambassador name tags are available at the Trophy Center (850-862-8413). New online FWB Chamber store created by Impact Custom Clothing to order Ambassador polos Link: https://fwbchamberofcommerce.itemorder.com/shop/home/

We continue to invite businesses to purchase advertising on the business card holder we are planning to give to businesses at their ribbon cutting. Please contact Dayna to place your business card.

Small Cakes baker extraordinaire Haily Joens received her scissors pin. Our scissor pins draw a lot of attention and look so good on our green apparel.

New businesses are flocking to our area and our ribbon cutting list continues to grow. Please mark your calendars with these important dates. I so appreciate how you show up in your green and sweetest smiles. I know as busy business owners, it's not always easy to make these events, but I am thankful when you can. We definitely make a statement and represent the Chamber very well.

Thank you to Mary and Jodi with Sunshine financial and the prettiest roofer in town Kari and Quality Roofing Solutions for door prizes.

Enjoy the beautiful sunshine brought to us by the Chamber and God.

See you at the ribbon cuttings.

Sent on behalf of Janey Rynearson, 2026 Ambassador Chair
Former First Lady of FWB

02/23/2026

Another wonderful meeting with my favorite green wearing, smiling, dedicated humans! What an amazing start to our day with the delicious breakfast presented by Barbara Britt. What does this lady not do? Thank you so much for sharing your gourmet talents with us, Barbara!

A meaningful prayer by Paul, followed by the pledge and we were on our way to a wonderful presentation by Linda Evanchyk, President of the Fort Walton Beach Woman’s Club marking the Club’s 105th birthday. Linda told of the many accomplishments of the Fort Walton Beach Women’s Club and their many contributions from Camp Walton and continuing to the present Fort Walton Beach. The Club will be celebrating their amazing birthday throughout the next few months at the locations of services they started.

Visitors and hopefully new Ambassadors Allyson Anger and Haily Joens were introduced.

Denise David, Sunshine Chair reported Judy Dunlap was recovering nicely after her recent surgery. Barbara Britt, Mentor Committee, suggested we make a better effort greeting new members and making them more comfortable at the First Friday Coffee. Peter Daniel reported on the Tiger Team. Gerry Gross was our February Birthday Boy, looking very handsome, wearing the birthday hat as we sang to him.

Jodi Ryan has been a faithful Ambassador and received her Scissors Pin.

Ambassadors were reminded of the available advertising space on the ribbon cutting gift book. A full cover ad is $300. and a business card size is $165. Please contact Dayna to reserve your businesses’ space.

The very busy Ribbon Cutting Calendar was presented.

Peter Daniels was the winner of Barbara Britt’s generous donation.

My very special thank you to Dayna, who continues to contribute so greatly to the Ambassadors - the Heartbeat of the Chamber.

See you at the next Ribbon Cutting – wearing green and smiling!

Janey Ryneasron, 2026 Ambassador Chair
Former First Lady of FWB

01/28/2026

What an amazing way to begin our Chamber Ambassador’s New Year with not just one blessing, but three. Thank you to Paul for his wonderful prayer, followed by Gerry’s Hebrew blessing (with translation) and then Donna’s blessing for “firsts”! Our Ambassador group is a blessing in itself - the heart beats of the “heart of the Chamber”. Such a wonderful turn out of members.

Thank you, Amber Jeter representing Mills Heating and Air for a most amazing breakfast! You have certainly set the bar high. I’m hoping the calendar was totally filled in with breakfast sponsors for the future meetings.

Jeff Peters, County Parks and Facilities Director gave a very interesting overview of projects that are ongoing in the County. The Bed Tax Revenue provides abundant funding for the County Commissioners to develop the properties they have been procuring and Jeff is at the helm of the design and development. A “field trip” to some of the sites would be so much fun! Thank you to Jeff for his wonderful presentation.

Next month’s speaker is Ft. Walton Beach Woman’s Club president, Linda Evanchyk.

The Club is celebrating its 105th birthday and Linda will be highlighting the activities the ladies have been participating in since1919.

I hope you and your business will consider participating in the new business card booklet the Ambassadors will present to the business owner at their ribbon cutting. Contact Dayna for details and to sign up to be a sponsor.

At the February First Friday Coffee, our Ambassador of the 4th Quarter 2025 will be announce and celebrated.

Stay warm and hope to see all of you next month.

Janey Rynearson, 2026 Ambassador Chair
Former First Lady of Fort Walton Beach

12/18/2025

A perfect way to close out 2025 with our Chamber Ambassadors. 💚

12/11/2025

12/11/2025

What a heartwarming gift it was to give back and to receive during our Ambassador Holiday Caroling at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. Moments like these remind us why this group is so special.

Thank you to all the Ambassadors who helped make this possible—from the little “green” elves who filled more than 200 ornaments and 75 stockings, to everyone who showed up with smiles, songs, and holiday spirit.

A special thank you to Donna Gross and the Flying Needles Quilt Guild of Niceville, Florida for creating the beautiful handmade stockings that brought so much joy to the HCA staff. Your time, talent, and hearts truly made a difference.

A big thank-you also to Shay and the FWBHS Valhalla Choir for their beautiful singing that brought joy to so many and touched countless hearts throughout the hospital. Your voices made the day feel magical.

And thank you to HCA Hospital for welcoming us in and allowing us to share the Chamber spirit with your staff and with patients spending the holidays in the hospital.

This truly is one of those special experiences where the more you give, the more your own heart fills in return—a reminder that kindness has a way of coming back even brighter.

10/15/2025

Today we met for our FWB Chamber Ambassadors October meeting! Thank you all for attending this incredible meeting!

A special thanks to John Stokes with The Will Lawyer for sponsoring our breakfast this morning and giving us very valuable information about the power of a will! With a little humor added in! Thank you for sharing your profession with us and answering all of our questions!

Many thanks to Kathy Houchins, Life Director at our Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber and Author for speaking to our Ambassadors about your passion for our chamber and the impact you made in it throughout the years! Your story is one for the books! Thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do within our local communities! Thank you for taking your time to share with us today, Kathy!

We reviewed our special programs:
Our Sunshine Program is led by Janey Rynearson and she will be our new Chair of the Ambassadors in 2026! She will be an amazing leader!

Our Mentor Program is led by Barbara Britt and she asked for our ambassadors to help mentor new members whenever they reach out. We have mentored many, so thank you to all of you who volunteer to mentor our newest members!

Our Tiger Team lead is Peter Daniel who gave us an update of all of our heroes within his team as he takes charge and leads well! If you would like to volunteer, please let him know.

Thank you to all of our Team leads! We appreciate all you do!

Our 'Above & Beyond' Award is given to an individual who steps up to represent our Ambassadors well and help in many different ways. This month's award was given to Judy Dunlap. Thank you for your commitment to make a difference and go "Above & Beyond"! Congratulations to you! Well Deserved!

Congratulations to our newest Ambassador, Sharon Thomas! Welcome to the Green Team! Our Ambassador Committee just keeps growing! YAY!

The door prize from Quality Roofing Solutions went to Belinda Holbert. Congratulations! Remember, you can bring a door prize to our meetings along with a new Chamber friend! Great marketing opportunity.

We reviewed our Ribbon-Cutting Calendar. Please wear your chamber green to our ribbon cuttings and to First Friday Coffee to represent us well! And keep promoting our 50/5o tickets! This helps finance our ribbon cuttings!🎉 Invite your co-workers and friends to join our amazing Green Team!

Thank you to each one of you for your commitment to our wonderful Green Team, the amazing Ambassadors of the Greater FWB Chamber! Please know, you make my job so fun with all of your enthusiasm and encouragement! 😍 I am so grateful for each one of you!

Remember: We are "The heartbeat of our chamber!" ❤️~Lisa Jo Spencer

Kari Painter

09/18/2025

Yesterday we met for our FWB Chamber Ambassadors September meeting! Thank you all for attending this amazing meeting!

A special thanks to Kathy McKenney with KEM Publications for sponsoring our breakfast this morning, especially with a hurt foot! Thank you for having Paul share about the recent Groundbreaking Ceremony for Crossroads Center! Thank you! Great new venue!

Many thanks to Catherine Card, Public Information Officer for Okaloosa County School District for speaking to our Ambassadors about your passion for impacting lives of our children and young adults within our local communities! Thank you for sharing the progress we are making using the half cent tax all around! It was very impressive and can see your passion to go beyond your job to help our children. Please keep us informed about ways we can help. Thank you for taking your time to share with us today, Catherine!

We reviewed our special programs:
Our Sunshine Program is led by Janey Rynearson and she is celebrating Dick's Birthday today!

Our Mentor Program is led by Barbara Britt and she asked for our ambassadors to help mentor new members whenever they reach out. We have mentored many, so thank you to all of you who volunteer to mentor our newest members!

Our Tiger Team lead is Peter Daniel who has made it digital! Yay! We will be more efficient with our efforts of contacting new members after they've started their journey with our Chamber. If you would like to volunteer, please let him know.

Thank you to all of our Team leads! We appreciate all you do!

Our 'Above & Beyond' Award is given to an individual who steps up to represent our Ambassadors well and help in many different ways. This month's award was given to Jerel Harris. Thank you for your commitment to make a difference and go "Above & Beyond"! Congratulations to you! Well Deserved!

Congratulations to our newest Ambassador, Ashley Marsh! Welcome to the Green Team! Our Ambassadors also voted for the next Ambassador of the Quarter today! Don't miss the October First Friday Coffee! It might by YOU!

The door prize from Judy Dunlap with Kiwanis Club went to Pam Sparks. Congratulations! Remember, you can bring a door prize to our meetings along with a new Chamber friend! Great marketing opportunity.

We reviewed our Ribbon-Cutting Calendar. Please wear your chamber green to our ribbon cuttings and to First Friday Coffee to represent us well! And keep promoting our 50/5o tickets! This helps finance our ribbon cuttings!🎉 Invite your co-workers and friends to join our amazing Green Team!

Thank you to each one of you for your commitment to our wonderful Green Team, the amazing Ambassadors of the Greater FWB Chamber! Please know, you make my job so fun with all of your enthusiasm and encouragement! 😍 I am so grateful for each one of you!

Remember: We are "The heartbeat of our chamber!" ❤️~Lisa Jo Spencer

Warm Regards,
Kari Painter

08/21/2025

Today we met for our FWB Chamber Ambassadors August meeting! Thank you all for attending this incredible meeting!

A special thanks to Mary Nash & Cindy with Sunshine Financial for sponsoring our breakfast this morning and sharing about all you do and how your business impacts our community! Thank you!

Many thanks to Shane Weddle, Owner of FastSigns & Chair of MAC for speaking to our Ambassadors about your passion for impacting lives of our military within our community and beyond! Thank you for sharing your vision of protecting our area from big government initiatives and speaking on behalf of all of us! Your passion is so evident and we want to help support you! Please keep us informed. Thank you for taking your time to share with us today, Shane!

We reviewed our special programs:
Our Sunshine Program is led by Janey Rynearson. She asked for prayers for Mike Coupe as he is in ICU currently. A special thank you from Dave Parisot for our Get Well card for his recent surgery. A big Praise for Dick completing his radiation treatments recently! Praise God! Thank you, Janey!

Our Mentor Program is led by Barbara Britt and she asked for our ambassadors to help mentor new members whenever they reach out. We have mentored many, so thank you to all of you who volunteer to mentor our newest members!

Our Tiger Team lead is Peter Daniel who has made it digital! Yay! We will be more efficient with our efforts of contacting new members after they've started their journey with our Chamber. If you would like to volunteer, please let him know.

Thank you to all of our Team leads! We appreciate all you do!

Our 'Above & Beyond' Award is given to an individual who steps up to represent our Ambassadors well and help in many different ways. This month's award was given to Mary Florence. Thank you for your commitment to make a difference and go "Above & Beyond"! Congratulations to you! Well Deserved!

The door prize from Sunshine Financial went to Peter Daniel. Congratulations! Remember, you can bring a door prize to our meetings along with a new Chamber friend! Great marketing opportunity.

We reviewed our Ribbon-Cutting Calendar. Please wear your chamber green to our ribbon cuttings and to First Friday Coffee to represent us well! And keep promoting our 50/5o tickets! This helps finance our ribbon cuttings!🎉 Invite your co-workers and friends to join our amazing Green Team!

Thank you to each one of you for your commitment to our wonderful Green Team, the amazing Ambassadors of the Greater FWB Chamber! Please know, you make my job so fun with all of your enthusiasm and encouragement! 😍 I am so grateful for each one of you!

Remember: We are "The heartbeat of our chamber!" ❤️~Lisa Jo Spencer


Warm Regards,
Kari Painter

07/23/2025

Spectacular meeting today for our FWB Chamber Ambassadors July meeting! Thank you all for attending our monthly meeting!

A special thanks to Jackie Blue with The Jay Odom Group for sponsoring our breakfast this morning and making it from scratch! Also, for sharing about all of the exciting growth at Freedom Tech Center and the huge impact you have in our community! Thank you!

Many thanks to the Power Panel of Life Directors: Kathy Houchins, Jeanne Rief and Lisa Jo Spencer for speaking to our Ambassadors about your tenure as Life Directors and your entire membership with our Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber and the impact you each have made throughout the years! Thank you for showing us how we can help make an impact in the chamber by being more involved. You make it look so easy! Thank you all for inspiring us!

Our Tiger Team lead is Dan Cauley and he is officially retiring and Peter Daniel stepped up to take the lead from here! Thank you, Peter! And thank you to all of you who volunteer to contact our newest members to follow up on their membership!

Congratulations to John Stokes on being 'pinned' today as our newest Ambassador! Wear your pins daily to start a conversation about becoming an Ambassador! We welcome you to The Green Team! Invite your co-workers and friends to join our amazing Green Team!

We voted for our Ambassador of the 2nd Quarter today and our winner will be announced at the August First Friday Coffee (next Friday!) Don't miss it!

Our 'Above & Beyond' Award was awarded to Peter Daniel with Belfor Restoration. Thank you for your commitment to make a difference and go "Above & Beyond"! Congratulations! Well Deserved!

Our door prize from Mary Nash with Sunshine Financial went to Jackie Blue. Congratulations! Remember, you can bring a door prize to our meetings along with a new Chamber friend! Let's keep this momentum going!

We reviewed our upcoming Ribbon Cuttings and have one today at our FWB Library. Please wear your chamber green to our ribbon cuttings and to First Friday Coffee to represent us well! As you noticed, we have moved the 50/50 table into the lobby of FFC and love it!! Thanks Trisha & Barbara for making this a great move! Keep promoting our 50/5o tickets! This helps finance our ribbon cuttings!🎉

Thank you to each one of you for your commitment to our wonderful Green Team, the amazing Ambassadors of the Greater FWB Chamber! Please know, you make my job so fun with all of your enthusiasm and encouragement! 😍 I am so grateful for each one of you!

The Ambassadors are "The heartbeat of our chamber!" ❤️~Lisa Jo Spencer

Warm Regards,
Kari Painter

06/18/2025

We had a great meeting today for our FWB Chamber Ambassadors June meeting! Thank you all for attending this amazing meeting! Like Jerel said, "We are like family..." ❤️

A special thanks to Denise David with Define Legacy Group for sponsoring our breakfast this morning and sharing about the value of your business impact in our community! Thank you!

Many thanks to Kelly Jasen, President/CEO of United Way Emerald Coast for speaking to our Ambassadors about your vision of your huge non-profit and the value it brings to our local communities and other local non-profits. Thank you for showing us how we can help make an impact in supporting your vision in many ways. Your passion is so evident and we will continue to support you! Thank you, Kelly!

We reviewed our special programs: Our Sunshine Program is led by Janey Rynearson. She asked for continued prayers for Laura Moore who had a motorcycle accident but is already back on her bike! Yay! And for Farrah Kitchens who recently lost her husband and is mourning his loss of life. Our hearts go out to you and your family, Farrah. We will definitely be praying! Thank you, Janey!

Our Mentor Program is led by Barbara Britt and she asked for an ambassador to help mentor new members, Leah Thompson with Optimize U & Seth Ewing with Operation Tabletop. Thank you Trisha Marks and Mary Nash for stepping up to mentor them!

Our Tiger Team lead is Dan Cauley and he is officially retiring! So Peter Daniel stepped up immediately to take the lead from here! Thank you, Peter! And congratulations on being 'pinned' today! Welcome to the Green Team!

Thank you to all of our Team leads! We appreciate all you do!

Our 'Above & Beyond' Awards were given to the following individuals who have really stepped up to represent our Ambassadors well and help in many different ways: Susan Sharpe & Belinda Holbert. Thank you for your commitment to make a difference and go "Above & Beyond"! Congratulations to both of you! Well Deserved!

We have one new member that earned a Scissor Pin. Welcome Peter Daniel!
Wear your pins daily to start a conversation about becoming an Ambassador! We welcome you to The Green Team!

Our Quality Roofing Solutions door prize went to Ivana Pritchard and the July 4th Basket from Define Legacy Group went to Christine Martinez. Congratulations! Remember, you can bring a door prize to our meetings along with a new Chamber friend! Let's keep this momentum going!

Reminder: Our July meeting is moved to the 4th Wednesday, July 23rd, so please mark your calendars!

Please wear your chamber green to our ribbon cuttings and to First Friday Coffee to represent us well! And keep promoting our 50/5o tickets! This helps finance our ribbon cuttings! 🎉
Invite your co-workers and friends to join our amazing Green Team!

Thank you to each one of you for your commitment to our wonderful Green Team, the amazing Ambassadors of the Greater FWB Chamber! Please know, you make my job so fun with all of your enthusiasm and encouragement! 😍 I am so grateful for each one of you!

We are "The heartbeat of our chamber!" ❤️~Lisa Jo Spencer


Warm Regards,
Kari Painter