J.W. Adkison, owner of Thriftway Supermarket in DeFuniak Springs, was named as the recipient of the 1999 Sam Walton Business Leader Award by the DeFuniak Springs Wal-Mart Store a the Chamber's First Friday Breakfast in October.

The Award is presented annually by Wal-Mart to honor business people who best exemplify the principles of Sam Walton: respect for the individual, service to customers and commitment to excellence. This is the first time the award has been presented in Walton County.

During the presentation, Ricky Bouyva of Wal-Mart noted that Adkison had been selected because of his dedication to his employees and customers, and his life-long contributions to area organizations, both financially and through service. He received a pewter desk medallion and aplaque commending him on his record as a business owner. Additionally, Wal-Mart presented a $500 check to the Chamber to support the organization's programs in Adkison's name.