Commerce & Coffee Networking Breakfast Sponsored By: LIVE Oak Fiber

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE Navarre Beach Chamber of Commerce Teachers of the Quarter
Sponsored by: Kool Breeze of Northwest Florida, LEGACY PARTNER

East Bay K-8 – Sandra Kale, Kindergarten Teacher

East Bay K-8 proudly recognizes Sandra Kale as our Teacher of the Year! As a seasoned kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kale creates a warm, engaging “Camper Classroom” where students explore and learn to be kind, helpful, and resourceful. She connects academics to real-world experiences, fostering curiosity and confidence. With her loving patience and respect for every child’s voice, students thrive, love school, and begin their K-12 educational journey with excitement. We are honored to have Sandra Kale represent East Bay K-8 with professional excellence and heart.

Holley Navarre Intermediate School – Anna Prindle

Anna Prindle is in her fourth year of teaching at HNIS and has taught for twenty years across multiple states and overseas. She is an exceptional educator whose passion for innovation is unmatched. Anna has led our STEAM Team for the past two years and has facilitated our Family STEAM Nights in addition to our Defined Learning- One School, One Project lessons completed each semester. Through her involvement with Florida State University’s InSPIRE Initiative and in collaboration with area businesses, Ms. Prindle offered engaging opportunities for our students and families as they learned of various career opportunities at our STEAM/Career Night in October. Anna is always looking for new ways to engage our Seahawks and is well-known for this phrase delivered to administrators, “Please just say “yes”; I have an idea.”

Holley Navarre Middle School - Brian Meeker

HNMS is proud to have as their Teacher of the Year Mr Brain Meeker. Mr. Meeker is a retired Air Force Veteran who began his teaching career at HNMS in 2018, and since then he has become an integral part of the HNMS family. Currently he is teaching 6th and 8th grade Social Studies He has served the student at HNMS by sponsoring Student Council; he is always ready to assist in any way for example, he has substituted as coach for basketball tournaments; he volunteers for car duty; and helped a Chamber function held at HNMS. His communication with parents is regular and meaningful and many students say he is their favorite teacher. We are lucky he chose to be part of the Bulldog Family.

Holley Navarre Primary – Erin Lanpher

Erin Lanpher, a dedicated behavior coach at HNP, empowers teachers to manage challenging classroom behaviors and teaches students strategies to regulate emotions. Her compassionate guidance and practical interventions have been instrumental in reducing discipline referrals schoolwide. Erin’s supportive presence, patience, and collaborative approach strengthen classrooms, fosters student resilience, and creates a calmer, more productive learning environment.

Navarre High School – Lou Barnard

Navarre High School is proud to recognize Lou Barnard! Lou is a passionate educator who goes above and beyond for her students. She invests extra time and energy to meet the unique needs of her special education learners, ensuring individualized supports and meaningful growth. Lou works tirelessly to make sure every student has the tools and confidence to succeed in the classroom and beyond high school – preparing them for life, independence, and future opportunities. Her dedication, compassion, and high expectations make her a truly deserving Teacher of the Year.

West Navarre Intermediate School – Charity Forsberg

Mrs. Forsberg exemplifies excellence in teaching and learning. She consistently designs engaging, standards-aligned instruction that meets the diverse needs of her students. Through purposeful planning, data-informed decision-making, and a deep commitment to student growth, she creates a classroom environment where learners are challenged, supported, and inspired to succeed. Now in her 20th year of teaching, Mrs. Forsberg continues to make an incredible impact as a 3rd-grade teacher, modeling best instructional practices and positively influencing colleagues across our campus. Her passion for teaching, reflective practice, and unwavering dedication to students truly embody what it means to be an outstanding educator.

West Navarre Primary School – Tracey Strength

We are thrilled to celebrate Mrs. Tracey Strength as West Navarre Primary’s Teacher of the Year! Tracey has dedicated 20 incredible years to WNP, teaching second and first grade, serving as a reading interventionist, and mentoring new teachers as a TIP leader. Her

classroom is a place where students thrive academically, feel a true sense of community, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Woodlawn Beach Middle School – Brian Paradise

Brian Paradise is in his fourth-year teaching at WBMS, after a successful career in the United States Air Force. Brian’s service in the Air Force has positioned him to bring unique and real-world experience to his Civics and US History students. Brian has high expectations for his students, and he works closely with each of them to bring out their very best. Brian is a valued member of the faculty. He is the consummate team player, always willing to go the extra mile. We are fortunate to have Brian as a part of the WBMS family.

📢 You’re Invited to January's Commerce & Coffee Networking Breakfast Sponsored By: LIVE Oak Fiber! ☕

Kick off 2026 with Santa Rosa County's largest monthly networking event!

📅 Date: 3rd Friday of Each Month

⏰ Time: Networking begins at 7:30 AM

📍 Location: St. Sylvester Catholic Church, 6464 Gulf Breeze Parkway

💡 This Month’s Sponsor: LIVE Oak Fiber

🎉 

🤠 Guest Speaker/Presentation: Christian Wagley

Building Better Communities: Lessons for Navarre

Residents of northwest Florida are increasingly frustrated with the impacts of new development on the region, including traffic clogged roadways, unattractive streetscapes and the loss of forests and farmland. Yet progress is being made across the area in creating better, more attractive and economically stronger communities. Join us as we consider lessons from across the region and the South that can help Navarre seize opportunities to improve the quality and attractiveness of the community, while recognizing the economic returns that come from better development patterns. 

Our presenter is Christian Wagley, a community advocate working to create better communities in Pensacola and northwest Florida. In 2018 he had had the honor of selecting and recruiting speakers for CivicCon, a series of educational presentations that bring to Pensacola some of America’s leading authorities on creating thriving communities. He currently serves as chair of the CivicCon Advisory Committee. He previously worked on green building and development issues in both the public and private sector, including as environmental manager for the new town of Alys Beach in Walton County. He has served as an environmental advisor on the transition teams of Pensacola’s last two mayors—Grover Robinson and D.C. Reeves.   

In addition to his community advocacy work, Christian Wagley works full time with Healthy Gulf, a nonprofit organization working on water quality, energy, endangered species and climate issues along the coast of NW Florida and South Alabama. He holds a master’s degree in biology/coastal zone studies from the University of West Florida.
 

Who Should Attend? Everyone!

• Whether you’re a:
  • ​Current Chamber Member
  • Prospective Member
  • Neighbor interested in learning more about the Navarre Business Community and activities.
  • Everyone that loves Navarre, Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast Region

What to Expect:

   •      Energetic Networking

   •      Popular Member Showcase Tables will be limited

   •      Discover volunteer and sponsorship opportunities

   •      Door Prizes 🎁

   •      50/50 Raffle 🎟️

BONUS:
Bring business cards, door prizes, and be ready to:

✅ Promote your business

✅ Make connections

✅ Exchange ideas

✅ Explore partnerships

✅ And have FUN!

Admission Details:

Navarre Chamber Members:

• $15 - Pre-paid Admission (or pay at the door)
• $120 Annual Passes Now Available online

Prospective Members & Guests:

• $30 - Admission (Pre-Paid)

🎟️ Pre-purchase tickets online or pay at the door.
RSVP if possible to help us plan!

 
Navarre Chamber Members can also reserve a Member Showcase Table for an additional $25 to promote a new product, service and/or just to give your business/organization a little extra exposure at the event.

• Reserve your Showcase Table online
• Pay the additional $25 ($20 Entry Fee + $25 Showcase Table = $45)
• A Showcase Table will be provided, and you will just need to bring the info/products you are wanting to showcase (doors open at 6:30 am, and we ask that you be set up by 7:15 am)
• Be prepared to meet face to face with all attendees that bring their Showcase Form by for your signature and to learn more about your business/organization.
• Bring a door prize to be given away from the Commerce & Coffee Stage at the end of the program

Why Attend Commerce & Coffee?

   •      Build your network

   •      Share challenges and solutions

   •      Connect with local business professionals

   •      Stay informed about chamber and community happenings

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

Become a sponsor and showcase your business with microphone time, table promotions, and more.

📸 Note: Cameras will be in use at this event. By attending, you agree to be photographed or recorded for Chamber promotion.

Start your morning right—networking, learning, and gearing up for a great year!

RSVP Now and don’t miss out on the area’s best networking event!