ORANGE PARK – Halfway into his opening sentence pronouncing this year’s recipient of the most prestigious award during the Clay County Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala on Thursday, Oct. 5, everyone already knew who Ward Huntley was describing.

Huntley said this year’s honoree was the first employee hired by a nonprofit organization 50 years ago. Immediately, heads turned toward Challenge Enterprises of North Florida CEO Nancy Keating.

Huntley gave a fond description of her relentless work that provides adult day training, residential services and employment opportunities for adults with different abilities.

And when he said her name, more than 200 at the “Welcome to the Ranch” event offered a heartfelt standing ovation.

“It’s always surprising and humbling,” Keating said. “What I always remember is it’s not about me. It’s all about the people Challenge Enterprises helped with employment and careers.”

The recognition was the second time Keating was bestowed the Louis Huntley Pacesetter Award. Namesake Louis Huntley was influential in business ventures and politics throughout Clay County and was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1964.

Keating recently announced she will retire at the end of the year.

“I hope my mom and dad would really be proud,” Keating said. “It wasn’t my father’s idea of where I should be, a nonprofit. I told him this is where I should be.”

The cowboy-themed gala allowed members of the Chamber of Commerce to highlight outstanding work from some of its members.

The celebration started with six municipality Small Businesses of the Year honors – Joyce Hall’s The Hall Closet (Orange Park), Capitol City Bank (Keystone Heights), Aaron Group (Middleburg), Community First Credit Union (Oakleaf), Code Ninjas (Fleming Island) and The Corner Pocket (Green Cove Springs).

Other honors went to Helana Comier of Florida Homes Realty and Mortgage (Ambassador of the Year), Dr. Renee’ Pleasant Leadership Consulting (Community Service Member of the Year), Clay County Humane Society (Nonprofit of the Year), Sheena McLevy’s The Rolling Stoves (Young Professional of the Year), Orange Park Mall General Manager Randy Bowman (Board Chair’s Award), Clay County Manager Howard Wanamaker and Asphalt Pavement Alliance President Amy Miller (President’s Award) and Penney Retirement Community President/CEO Teresa Scott (Business Excellence).