Eglin Federal Credit Union has announced a $50,000 gift to the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, a major investment aimed at upgrading and repairing the Chamber’s longtime home.
The announcement came during the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber Breakfast this month, where Eglin Federal Credit Union served as the event’s premier sponsor.
According to comments made at the breakfast, the $50,000 contribution is designated specifically for capital improvements, with an emphasis on exterior repairs to the Chamber facility. Chamber leaders described the funding as a key step toward preserving and improving a building that has served as a hub for the business community for decades.
The credit union framed the donation not just as a building project, but as an investment in the broader economic life of the Niceville-Valparaiso area.
“We are very proud to invest in an organization that spent seven decades championing local businesses, fostering economic growth, and strengthening our communities,” Eglin FCU CEO Cathie Staton said. Staton personally joined the chamber when she helped to open Eglin’s Bluewater Bay Branch in 1997.
Longtime Chamber Partner
The gift comes during a milestone year for the organization. The Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 70th anniversary, and Eglin Federal Credit Union has been part of that story for the majority of the Chamber’s history.
Eglin Federal Credit Union first joined the Chamber on September 1, 1973, making it a 53-year member and one of the Chamber’s longest-serving partners. During the breakfast, Chamber President Tricia Brunson noted that the credit union is the fifth-longest-tenured member, behind the two cities, Northwest Florida State College, and the Housing Authority.
Investing in Community and Members
Eglin Federal Credit Union tied its ability to make such a sizable gift directly to the support and loyalty of its members.
“Our credit union’s ability to support local initiatives, invest in our communities, and remain a strong, sustainable financial institution is made possible because of the loyalty and trust of our membership,” Staton added “At Eglin Federal Credit Union, we’re proud to support the needs of our community partners, and in turn, we rely on our community partners to help support and grow Eglin Federal Credit Union.”
The credit union has expanded its footprint in recent years into Walton and Santa Rosa counties, but emphasized that its core mission remains unchanged: to provide “five-star service, support, and solutions” that simplify the financial lives of its members.
The announcement at the Chamber breakfast also included a moment of recognition for first responders and military personnel in the room, as the community approaches the anniversary of September 11. The Eglin Federal Credit Union representative asked them to stand and thanked them for their service, connecting the organization’s community investment with a broader sense of civic appreciation.
Supporting a Chamber at a Turning Point
The Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber is in a period of transition and celebration. In addition to its 70th anniversary, the Chamber is in the midst of a CEO search and recently recognized longtime CEO Tricia Bruson for 30 years of service. The capital investment from Eglin Federal Credit Union comes as the Chamber honors its history and prepares for its future.
By directing the funds toward structural and exterior improvements to the Chamber facility, the gift is expected to help ensure the organization’s physical home reflects its central role in the business community.
As the Chamber continues to support local businesses, host networking events, and collaborate with community partners, Eglin Federal Credit Union’s $50,000 contribution stands out as a significant show of confidence in the Chamber’s next chapter and in the long-term vitality of Niceville and Valparaiso’s business community.
