Flagler County, FL – Last year Flagler County’s business community experienced a series of challenges unimaginable before 2020.
From the closing of the 60-year Flagler County Chamber of Commerce as an institution to an unprecedented global pandemic that left business owners reeling and some wondering if they would survive, it was a moment in history when the true character of a community was revealed.
Flagler County saw many step up to help others and in the business community take on a leadership role to support those in need with guidance, funding and a shop/support local philosophy.
Announced by the Professional Women of Flagler County on Thursday, February 4th, Kim Fitzgerald, owner and creative designer of Curley Tail Design was presented with the 2020 Business of the Year award for her work with local businesses. 
“PWFC Business of the Year was awarded to Curley Tail Design, owned by Kim Fitzgerald, for their practices and professional conduct contributing to a sense of cooperation within the entire business community within Flagler County,” said PWFC president Danielle Silva.
Over the past 23 years Fitzgerald has developed a reputation for quality and a heart for the community. Her work with local businesses and nonprofits can be seen just about anywhere, from logos to brochures and promotional items.
“It was an honor and quite surprising,” she said of receiving the recognition from one of the few professional women’s organizations in Flagler County.
“We’re all business women helping each other,” said Fitzgerald, hoping that others would be inspired by the message. “Hard work and being good to your community pays off in the long run.”
With a heart for the arts, Amelia Fulmer, director of the Flagler Auditorium also sprang into action during the pandemic, holding a fundraiser to help support arts organizations in Flagler County, and ensured the Veteran’s Day Celebrations would take place by hosting them at the Flagler Auditorium.
Collaborating with local businesses and networking organizations, Fulmer helped create the 2021 Community Celebration Series, keeping the programming’s focus on showcasing local businesses and organizations.
Fulmer’s efforts earned her the 2020 Woman of the
Year award on Thursday for her contribution to empower and support Flagler County, according to Silva, and Fulmer was humbled by the recognition.
“I am truly honored to receive the award. I admire so many of the PWFC members for their work and commitment to the community. This group inspires me to celebrate and elevate the professional women in Flagler County,” said Fulmer.
“This group has persisted and supported each other more than anyone really knows, as 2020 has brought many obstacles. The leadership of this group is to be commended, I value the opportunity to join them in making this community a better place for women to thrive, grow and learn together.”
Working with both women for a number of years, fellow PWFC member Cindy Dalecki was excited for her colleagues.
“I have worked with Kim Fitzgerald for nearly two decades and have seen firsthand how she quietly/behind the scenes supports and raises up not only our local business community, but so many women-owned companies in Flagler County and beyond,” said Dalecki. “This award is more than well-deserved.”
“I’ve also worked with Amelia Fulmer ever since she became director of the Flagler Auditorium in 2019. Her passion for the arts, the students, and bringing the arts community together in Flagler County, shines through in all she does. Coupled with her commitment to professional development in this area, she is a shining example of how doing what you love not only fosters young leaders, but brings people together for a common goal of building a strong community.”
Demonstrations of extraordinary leadership and a commitment to Flagler County like those by Fitzgerald and Fulmer are shared values for members of the organization and an example worthy of recognition according to Silva.
“Professional Women of Flagler County (PWFC) understands the power of women uniting and having a community of support. Study after study shows women who support women are more successful in business, and we prioritize these relationships that are sure to make a difference in the future of the business community in Flagler County,” said Silva.
“We understand the power of having a business mentor, so PWFC connects women that exchange ideas, valuable referrals, and that go out of their way to help other professional women, realizing that collectively we make a positive impact, and as we raise each other up, the entire community benefits.”
For more information on the
Professional Women of Flagler County – PWFC, visit www.professionalwomenflagler.org.
