HEADLAND, Ala. (WDNews) — The Headland Area Chamber of Commerce gathered more than 100 business and community leaders for its 6th Annual Gemmy Awards, celebrating excellence and community impact across Headland and the Wiregrass.
The annual luncheon serves as the Chamber’s kickoff event and highlights the accomplishments of its members over the past year. Chamber leaders pointed to record-breaking event attendance, business growth and expanded community partnerships as signs of continued momentum.
Executive Director Adrienne Wilkins centered her remarks on the Chamber’s 2026 theme, “Tied to the Chamber,” focusing on unity and shared purpose.
“Being tied to the Chamber means you believe in something bigger than your own storefront,” Wilkins said. “It means you invest in the quality of place we’re building together. When we host an event, promote a business, advocate for growth, or even make the hard calls, we’re doing it for the long-term strength of this community.”
Wilkins also shared measurable growth from the past year, noting more than 20,000 people attended Chamber events, website traffic more than doubled and social media engagement reached millions.
“That doesn’t happen by accident,” she added. “That happens because people are tied to the Chamber.”
The 2026 Gemmy Award winners included:
Community: Headland Police Department
Agriculture: Headland Peanut Warehouse Co-op
Finance & Insurance: Five Star Credit Union
Food & Beverage: El Dorado Steakhouse
Healthcare & Wellness: Headland Urgent Care
Manufacturing & Utilities: Headland Roasting Company
Advertising & Media: Notorious Ink Printing and Design
Automotive Services: Tri-State Commercial Tire
Real Estate & Construction: Voak Construction
Recreation: Estepe Music
Retail: Diann’s Florist & Gifts
Services: Wright Funeral Home & Crematory
Individual honors went to Dwight Gamble as Man of the Year and Melissa Elmore as Woman of the Year. Allissa Armstrong received the Diamond Club Award, and Hannah Lamb and Lilly Carnes were named Volunteers of the Year.
The luncheon was catered by The Headland BottleTree, and guests enjoyed a photo booth provided by The Social Firm. Attendees left with themed gift bags and bows symbolizing the Chamber’s 2026 message and its continued focus on growth and collaboration in HEADLAND.
