United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) will host the 2025 Choctaw County Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, sponsored by Georgia-Pacific, on Thursday, September 4 at 5:30 PM at Ezell’s Fish Camp (776 Ezell Road, Lavaca, AL 36904). Doors open at 5:00 PM. The event celebrates the people and partners helping create lasting impact throughout Choctaw County.

The evening will feature keynote remarks from Tommy Blaylock, Vice President of Manufacturing for Georgia-Pacific’s Consumer Products South division at the Naheola Mill. Blaylock brings more than three decades of experience in the pulp and paper industry and currently oversees manufacturing operations and strategic growth at the Naheola site. He is a strong advocate for operational excellence and local partnerships that strengthen rural communities.

During the event, UWSWA will recognize outstanding individuals and organizations who have shown exceptional commitment to advancing United Way’s mission in Choctaw County. Awards include:

• Heart of Gold Award – Dee Ann Campbell, Executive Director of the Choctaw Chamber of Commerce and Editor for the Choctaw Sun-Advocate
• Outstanding Community Champion – Brett Allred, Manager of Public Affairs & Communications, Georgia-Pacific
• Outstanding Community Partner – Williams
• Outstanding Campaign Award – Alabama Bulk Terminal – Hunt Refining

The annual meeting highlights United Way’s focus on its four key impact areas: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Communities, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Together, these priorities guide efforts to build stronger, more equitable communities throughout the region.

Space is limited. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by August 29. To register, visit https://volunteer.uwswa.org/event/detail/?event_id=111981 or contact United Way at 251.400.7770.