Community shines during inaugural Best of Riverbend Gala

Danny Federico

editor@riverbendnews.org

Riverbend News was honored to formally recognize the people, businesses and organizations that make Suwannee, Hamilton and Lafayette Counties some of the best areas in North Central Florida on Saturday, Jan. 31, during its inaugural Best of Riverbend People’s Choice Awards Gala.

The evening, held at the Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center in Live Oak, brought together nominees, winners, sponsors and community members from all across the three counties. Designed as a community-driven awards ceremony, Best of Riverbend honors were determined entirely by the public, providing citizens the opportunity to nominate and vote for the best of the best throughout the region.

The gala began with hors d’oeuvres and mingling as attendees arrived. Attendees were welcomed by Riverbend News manager, Amber Moore, then joined together for an invocation delivered by reporter Christian Peterson. Attendees then enjoyed a delicious dinner.

The evening’s keynote speech was presented by Emerald Greene, co-founder of Riverbend News. Greene spoke about her family’s history in the newspaper business. She also spoke about how Riverbend News was formed and the role local journalism plays in keeping the community informed.

Following her speech, Peterson returned to the stage, joined by Riverbend News owner Cheltsie Holbrook, to present the awards, recognizing winners from each county in every category.

The evening ended with music, dancing and a silent auction, which raised money for Riverbend’s future journalism scholarship.

“I want to say thank you and congratulations to Amber Moore, who put together a wonderful inaugural Best of Riverbend Awards Gala,” said Holbrook. “And thank you to all of the Riverbend News staff members who came together to make it a successful evening. It was a wonderful night of fun and fellowship, highlighted by the community coming together to celebrate each other.”

“I am truly humbled by the incredible turnout and support from our community,” Moore said. “Seeing everyone come together from all three counties made all the hard work that went into this event all the more satisfying. It was definitely a great reminder of why we do all we do for our community.”

2025 Best of Riverbend Winners

Small Business of the Year – This award recognizes a locally owned business with 10 or fewer employees that demonstrates outstanding service, integrity and community involvement.

Hamilton County: Sweets on Hatley
Lafayette County: Traditions BBQ Food Truck
Suwannee County: The Old General Store of Branford

Large Business of the Year – This award honors a business with 10 or more employees with a large footprint and an even bigger heart.

Hamilton County: Jasper Ace Hardware
Lafayette County: Lafayette State Bank
Suwannee County: Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative

Best Business in Customer Service – This award celebrates a business that consistently delivers exceptional service. From the first interaction to the final follow-up, these nominees go the extra mile to make every customer feel seen, valued and cared for.

Hamilton County: Jasper Ace Hardware
Lafayette County: Daddy’s Gun Shop
Suwannee County: Ellianos Coffee

Best Individual in Customer Service – This award recognizes a standout individual who truly defines what it means to serve others. Whether behind a counter, on the phone, or out in the field, this person brings kindness, professionalism and a personal touch to every customer interaction.

Hamilton County: Alex Murphy of Murphy Farms
Lafayette County: Josh Peterson of Traditions BBQ Food Truck
Suwannee County: Stephanie Rae of Downtown Cafe

Non-Profit of the Year – This award honors a non-profit organization that has made a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through compassion, commitment and tireless service, these nominees tackle real issues and uplift our communities - often with limited resources, but unlimited heart.

Hamilton County: Woman’s Club of Jasper
Lafayette County: 2nd Alarm Project
Suwannee County: Helping Hearts of Suwannee County

New Business of the Year – This award celebrates a rising star in the local business world. These nominees are less than two years old, but they've already made a big impact. With fresh ideas, a strong work ethic, and a clear commitment to community, they're shaping the future of local enterprise.

Hamilton County: Downhome Nutrition
Lafayette County: Pearl Candle Company
Suwannee County: Chick-fil-A

Young Professional of the Year – This award honors a young adult (typically under 40) who shows remarkable promise, leadership and initiative. Whether in business, education or public service, these nominees are making waves – and making their hometown proud.

Hamilton County: Seth Adams of Suwannee River Peanut Company
Lafayette County: Devin Hingson of Florida Farm Bureau Insurance
Suwannee County: Christy Tuckey of Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year – This award celebrates a community member who gives their time and talents without expecting recognition. These nominees are the behind-the-scenes helpers, the extra hands, and the heartbeats of local initiatives. They serve selflessly – and inspire others to do the same.

Hamilton County: Christina McCulley
Lafayette County: Lynne Buchanan
Suwannee County: Becky Skipper

Hometown Hero of the Year – This award honors someone whose actions, character and courage have had a powerful impact on their community. Whether through bravery, resilience or quiet acts of service, these nominees remind us what true heroism looks like – right here at home.

Hamilton County: Sheriff Brian Creech
Lafayette County: Sheriff Brian Lamb
Suwannee County: Chief Deputy Sheriff Buddy Williams

The final award of the evening was the Best of the Best honor, given to the nominee receiving the most votes across all categories. The winner of this prize went to Chick-fil-A of Live Oak.

Riverbend News would like to extend its sincerest appreciation to the support received from local sponsors. The 406 served as the title sponsor, with Security Safe as the entertainment sponsor. Farm Bureau Insurance – Devin Hingson sponsored hors d’oeuvres, while Ellianos Coffee served as the bar sponsor.

Gold sponsors included 321 Venue, which provided catered dinner and décor, Pirate’s Gold Adult Arcade, Lafayette State Bank and RapidFiber Internet. Silver sponsors were First Federal Bank, 3 Dawgs Productions, Backwoods Photography, Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative and H&E Photography. Friends of Riverbend sponsors included Poole Realty and Odiorne Insurance.

Thank you to all the community members who nominated and voted in this first-ever awards recognition, and thank you to all the attendees who came out to support the gala.

Keep an eye out, though, as nominations for the 2026 Best of Riverbend People’s Choice Awards will be open in just a few months!

Hamilton County Winners

Small Business of the Year