From the Director’s Desk

'Tis the season, and as we approach the busy holidays and a fresh new year, we reflect on the changes and growth within the Chamber over the past year. In 2024, we bid farewell to two long-time employees who decided it was time to embark on new journeys. We are incredibly grateful for their years of dedication and service to both the Chamber and our community. While we’ll miss them, we are excited to welcome new team members who have seamlessly joined our team, bringing fresh ideas, unique perspectives, and a collaborative spirit. Together, we are ready to embrace 2025 with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose.

In the spirit of change, we’ve also refreshed some of our events, preserving some favorite traditions while adding new elements to make them even better for everyone. We encourage you to take a moment to read through our Chamber newsletter carefully—it's packed with exciting updates, fresh designs, and valuable information about both the Chamber and your fellow members. Be sure to share your company's good news in the Member News section, whether it's a milestone, achievement, or special occasion. This is a wonderful way to celebrate your successes and keep the community informed. Additionally, we offer numerous ways to promote your business throughout the year. For those interested, please contact our new Marketing Coordinator, Julie Panchura, to discuss opportunities. If you're looking to participate in events or plan special celebrations, reach out to Stephanie Beach, our Communications Coordinator, to RSVP for any upcoming events or to organize ribbon cuttings, anniversaries, or grand openings.

We invite you to join us at one of our Chamber Christmas parties this month! On Wednesday, December 4th, we’ll be part of a combined Christmas celebration with the Titusville, Franklin, and Venango Chambers at the beautiful Cross Creek Resort in Titusville. Our own Meadville Chamber Christmas Party & Member Appreciation Evening will follow on Wednesday, December 11th, from 5-7pm at Riverside Golf Course’s Kelly Ballroom. It will be a wonderful time filled with hors d'oeuvres, networking, door prizes, and a chance to win a FREE 2025 membership. As always, we can’t wait to see the delightful dessert masterpiece created by Confections of a Cake Lover!

We’re also kicking off 2025 with a brand-new event, Groove & Glitz, on Saturday, January 11th, from 6-10pm at The Oaks in Conneaut Lake. This exciting event brings together the best of our Chamber Gala traditions with an unforgettable evening featuring live music from The Groove, a bourbon, scotch, craft beer, and wine tasting, plus delicious food and decadent desserts. And this year, we’ve changed the dress code to allow for more personal expression. Whether you choose to sparkle in sequins or come in your favorite sweater and jeans, we promise a fun and relaxed evening you won’t want to miss.

The holiday season is a time of joy for many, but it can also be difficult for others. As we celebrate, let’s remember to be kind, patient, and understanding. We may never fully know what
others are going through, but a little compassion can go a long way. Take time to cherish your loved ones, your friends, and even yourself. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy,
healthy start to the new year. May it be filled with joy, laughter, and love. I look forward to seeing you soon and to closing out 2024 on a high note while welcoming a bright new beginning in 2025!

Sincerely,

Christa

2024 WOMEN IN BUSINESS EXPO

MEADVILLE MASTER THE MIC

  Chamber of Commerce Presents 2024 Annual Dinner & Diamond Awards

The Meadville-Western Crawford County Chamber of Commerce recently held their annual Annual Dinner and Diamond Awards at Saegertown's Pampered Palate Catering and Conference Center.

Christa Lundy, Executive Director of the Chamber says, "The Chamber is delighted to be honoring these deserving individuals, nonprofit organizations and businesses that are doing so much for our community. There are so many wonderful acts happening. That is why we always look forward to recognizing these Chamber members who have been doing remarkable things."

One of the biggest highlights of the evening is the recognition of the prestigious Governor Raymond P. Shafer Award for Distinguished Community Service, presented by the Chamber, Allegheny College and Shafer Law Firm. Rob Smith was honored as this year's recipient based on his decades-long volunteer service in Meadville. Among his contributions over the past 30 years, Smith, in addition to being the former President and Owner of Acutec Precision Aerospace, has served on the Crawford Central School Board, on the Board of Trustees of Allegheny College, the NTMA Board, The Chamber of Commerce Board and serves on the Women's Services Board, the Meadville Medical Center Board, the Academy Theater Board and the Board of Corporators for the Economic Progress Alliance and MMC just to name a few. He remains on the Board of Directors for Acutec Precision Aerospace and is active with the National Tooling and Machining Association, the Meadville Literary Union and is bringing his vision of revitalizing the Meadville Community with the Cussewago Square project. This project is an active renovation of the former Race Street Lumber Co. property being redeveloped with restaurants, a community theater, an artist studio and gallery space and more in hopes to become a destination draw.

The esteemed Lew and Ellie Davies Award for Outstanding Community Service was bestowed on Ashley Tipton, an Allegheny College junior. Tipton was nominated for her work with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mentoring Program at Meadville Area Middle School. She's worked with the Tamarack Wildlife Center and as a tutor with Operation Reads and the MAMS Saturday Study Help program, with the Fourth Graders as Scientists Program and Crawford County 8th Grade Career Awareness Fair. Honorable mention recognition was presented to Bianca Sanchez, a senior who was nominated for her service as a four-year project assistant with Creek Connections, a program that supports regional K-12 schools in turning their local waterways into outdoor environmental laboratories. She is active with Green Students of Color Society and with the Center for Political Participation as an Andrew Goodman Foundation Ambassador. She formerly served as the Director of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs for Allegheny Student Government. 

The highlight of the evening was the awarding of the 2024 Diamond Awards. And the winners are:

Emerging Leader, Male - Adam Prenatt, UniFirst Corp.

Emerging Leader, Female - Jayne Martin, Bayshore Homes Inc.

New Business - You Matter, LLC

Small Business - Confections of a Cake Lover

Mid-Sized Business - Inspire Salon & Spa

Small Non-Profit - Hunters Sharing the Harvest

Large Non-Profit - Family & Community Christian Association (FCCA)

The Emerging Leader Award is presented to an individual in the early years of their career who has demonstrated leadership qualities within their businesses and community. The Emerging Leader Award was established to foster young leadership and enhance retention of young professionals in our community. All nominees have demonstrated professional leadership and a commitment to community service. 

Both the Small and Mid-Sized Business Awards are issued to recognize local businesses that have achieved success and to support initiatives and organizations that enhance the quality of life in the Meadville-Western Crawford County area. All nominated businesses have demonstrated admirable performance, growth, innovation, creativity, and community involvement.

The Small Non-Profit and Large Non-Profit of the Year Awards celebrate local organizations that have achieved success while supporting initiatives and projects that enhance the quality of life in the Meadville-Western Crawford County area.

Congratulations, 2024 Diamond Awards Finalists!

Winners were announced during the Chamber's Annual Dinner & Diamond Awards on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Emerging Leader Award, Female
Virginia Dann, Acutec Precision Aerospace, Inc.
Jayne Martin, Bayshore Homes, Inc.
Amber Pfeifer, Anchor Performance Clinic

Emerging Leader Award, Male
Gabe Panchura, Hagan Business Machines of Meadville
Adam Prenatt, UniFirst Corp
Corey Young, French Creek Framing & Fine Art and Hospice of Crawford County

Small Business Award
Blue Canopy Marketing
Confections of a Cake Lover
The Woolen Mill

Mid-Size Business Award
Inspire Salon & Spa
Riverside Brewing Company
The Meadville Tribune

New Business Award
Anchor Performance Clinic LLC
Black Bear Hemp Dispensary
Chalets by the Lake
You Matter, LLC

Small Non-Profit
Hunters Sharing the Harvest
Meadville Community Theatre
The Learning Center K-8 School

Large Non-Profit
Family & Community Christian Association (FCCA)
The Arc of Crawford County
The Meadville Family YMCA