One Okaloosa News

One Okaloosa EDC Recognized With State “Deal of the Year” Award

Posted May 18, 2026

One Okaloosa EDC was recognized by the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) with the 2026 “Deal of the Year” award 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. FEDC recognizes three “Deal of the Year” recipients annually, with entrants in the Rural, Urban and Regional categories. One Okaloosa EDC was awarded Deal of the Year in the Urban category. Awards are evaluated based on two primary criteria including 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 1,000,000 square-foot gas turbine engine manufacturing plant at the Shoal River Industrial Park near Crestview. The project represents a total capital investment of $1,040,819,000 – 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,” stated 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.”