By Lori Leath Smith
A true local, Tricia Brunson, Niceville Valparaiso Chamber President and CEO, was raised in our area and has served as a Chamber of Commerce executive for more than 24 years investing in the local business community. This has led the Chamber to persevere and thrive even through challenging times due to her experience, helping others and a passion for forging relationships. That’s why, when our communities began to experience business challenges due to Covid-19, Tricia went to work strategizing and finding avenues of innovation for our area’s businesses. “As concerns grew over COVID-19, we continued to monitor the situation alongside Okaloosa County officials and our partners at the Florida Department of Health,” says Tricia. “The situation is evolving and seems to change daily. Therefore, we attempt to provide links to information sources that are continuously updated based on information provided by county, state and federal sources. One of our utmost concerns was keeping our partners and businesses informed so that they could make valuable decisions in knowing what was best for their companies.”
On even a normal work day, Tricia continually works with city and county leaders to set goals and identify needs of the community from a business aspect. She also works closely with other area chambers and organizations to ensure positive community relations.
But her passion to help our community is evident by the way she pursues and is successful in making things happen; especially when people are in need. Through the years, she has organized assistance in times of natural disaster including hurricanes where, in the aftermath, she has facilitated the collection of supplies, clothing, medical supplies and more.
A graduate of Niceville High School and Northwest Florida State College alumna, Tricia early on worked as a volunteer for the Florida Department of Education and the Okaloosa County School District. There she worked with teachers presenting workshops for schools and helping parents who have children with special needs to communicate effectively with educators, caregivers and medical providers to create a positive and cooperative plan to enhance their quality of life. “I believe that life is what you make it and that we each have the opportunity to create our own joy and well-being,” says Tricia. “I am happiest when helping others find happiness and contentment in their lives.”
Since then, Tricia has participated in numerous service activities and leadership roles such as Commissioner of the East Niceville Fire District (2013 – 2016) and helped establish the Friends of the Niceville Library Foundation Board. Through the years, she has been instrumental in helping people and businesses in the community. She applied for the Restore Act Grant and received approval to improve a parcel of land near the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber to make an outdoor multi-use facility to allow better use of the property. She worked to establish the Civic Hall of Fame which inducts community leaders and is designed to preserve the historic integrity of the leaders of our business community and the impacts they have made throughout the years; she serves as mentor and provided oversight of founding the Niceville Young Professionals, the largest group of young professionals in Okaloosa County.
Recently, whether the chamber is assisting in business grant facilitation, distributing complimentary masks, conducting virtual breakfasts or simply helping businesses facilitate openings, expansions or re-openings, Tricia is right there to make sure all are informed and have the tools they need. Through the years, Tricia has kept the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber moving forward, keeping in mind this quote from Anne Frank: “What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.”
You can reach Tricia at 850-678-2323 or triciabrunson@nicevillechamber.com.
