From the Director’s Desk

March ushers in a season of celebration and renewal—a month where personal milestones and community traditions converge beautifully. This month, I have the joy of celebrating several family birthdays, including those of my daughters, my father, and a cherished friend who is like family. Their special days remind me of the importance of togetherness and gratitude.

The vibrant spirit of March is also reflected in our community events. St. Patrick’s Day brings lively parades like the Jack Curtin St. Patrick’s Day Parade and captivating performances from the Kiltlifters, making it a time for shared joy and local pride. As warmer days approach, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring on March 20th.

That same day marks the start of our Annual Chili, Chowder & Soup Cook-off at the Italian Civic Club—a highlight for food enthusiasts and community members alike. With local favorite recipes competing for the People’s Choice Award and over 400 attendees expected, this event, organized by our Leadership Meadville class, promises a memorable evening of culinary delights.

We recently experienced another success with our Chocoholic Frolic, where over 300 attendees indulged in an array of decadent sweet treats. The dedication of our sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and attendees made the event a tremendous success, with proceeds benefiting our Leadership Meadville Program and the K-12 Career Education Alliance.
Looking ahead, we invite you to nominate your business colleagues and friends for our Annual Diamond Awards. Scheduled for Wednesday, April 23rd at the Hotel Conneaut, this event will honor emerging leaders, non-profit organizations, and businesses making remarkable contributions to our community. We will also celebrate the distinguished Raymond P. Shafer Award, presented by representatives from the Meadville Chamber, the Shafer Law Firm, and Allegheny College.

As I reflect on these events and the month ahead, I am reminded of the importance of slowing down to cherish the moments that truly matter—family, friends, and community. Life is precious, and every day is an opportunity to live fully, connect deeply, and support one another. I am profoundly grateful for my career, the remarkable people I meet daily, and the chance to promote the best of Crawford County.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for making our community a place where everyone can thrive. I look forward to seeing you, learning more about your successes, and continuing to build the leaders of tomorrow. Enjoy this wonderful month, and I hope to connect with you soon.

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