The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to a retirement reception honoring Bernard Johnson, a longtime leader in Okaloosa County’s business and civic community, on Thursday, October 1st, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Home2 Suites at Freedom Tech Park.

• The event is free and open to the public, and no RSVP is required. Johnson’s final day with Florida Power & Light is September 30th.

Johnson’s career has been defined by decades of service to Okaloosa County’s business community. He is believed to be one of the only individuals to have served on the board of directors of every chamber of commerce in Okaloosa County, in addition to serving on dozens of other boards throughout his career.

For the past 20 years, Johnson has served as the primary point of contact for Gulf Power and, more recently, Florida Power & Light, building relationships with elected officials and military leadership across the region.

“Bernard Johnson is a business icon in Okaloosa County, and his impact on our community over the past several decades is undeniable,” said Ted Corcoran, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. “With his retirement now upon us, we wanted to create an opportunity for the community to come together and simply say thank you. That is the heart of this event, celebrating Bernard, recognizing his service and giving the people and organizations he has worked alongside for so many years an opportunity to honor him.”

The reception will feature light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, with a program beginning at 6 p.m. It will bring together community members, business leaders and longtime colleagues to recognize Johnson’s decades of service and leadership in Okaloosa County.

The reception is sponsored by Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson, Northwest Florida State College, and One Okaloosa Economic Development Council.