One Okaloosa EDC received the 2026 “Deal of the Year” award from the Florida Economic Development Council during the organization’s annual conference in Orlando on May 14.
- One Okaloosa submitted the Williams International project for consideration by the FEDC Awards Review Panel earlier this year. The organization received the award in the urban category — one of three categories FEDC recognizes annually alongside rural and regional. Awards are evaluated based on the overall economic impact of the project and the degree of expertise needed to facilitate the deal.
Williams International is currently building the first phase of a 1 million-square-foot gas turbine engine manufacturing plant at the Shoal River Industrial Park near Crestview.
The project represents a total capital investment of more than $1.04 billion, making it one of the largest in the state’s history. The company has committed to hiring 336 individuals at an average wage of $69,434.
“We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious recognition from the Florida Economic Development Council,” said Nathan Sparks, One Okaloosa EDC executive director. “While our organization’s name may be on it, this is truly a team award. Without Williams International’s belief in our community — and without incredible partners like the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners, FloridaCommerce, Triumph Gulf Coast, Space Florida, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, Northwest Florida State College, the University of West Florida, Okaloosa Technical College, Okaloosa County School District and so many others — this monumental success simply would not have been possible.”
One Okaloosa EDC was founded in 1989 as the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County. The 501(c)(6) nonprofit public-private partnership serves Okaloosa County and its nine municipalities as the community’s lead economic development organization.
