From the Director’s Desk

November is a time to be thankful, and I find myself reflecting on just how much I have to be grateful for— my faith, my family, my friends, good health, and a career I love. I am incredibly blessed to work in a role that allows me to connect with amazing people every day. Not everyone can say they look forward to going to work, but I am one of the lucky ones who can.

Recently, I returned from our Chamber trip to Italy along with more than fifty travelers — and what an incredible experience it was! It truly was a bucket-list trip filled with breathtaking architecture, beautiful sights, incredible food, and, of course, plenty of gelato. I was blessed to spend quality time with dear friends and to make wonderful new ones. Many of our travelers were first time travelers with the Chamber, yet it felt as if we had all known each other for years. The warmth and camaraderie made the trip even more special. Be sure to watch for highlights and photos from our Italian adventure in next month’s newsletter. We’re already planning our next trip, so stay tuned for details!

Last month, we also celebrated a fantastic evening at the Women in Business Expo held at the Meadville Country Club. Thirty vendors showcased their businesses to more than one hundred and fifty women who enjoyed delicious food, desserts from Finney’s Chocolate Shoppe, and two inspiring keynote speakers.

• Bonnie Kuhn, of Kuhn Tool & Die and the first woman president of the National Tooling & Machining Association, shared her remarkable journey and how she continues to pave the way for women in manufacturing.
• Kathleen Layer, of Kathleen Layer Coaching, spoke candidly about the unrealistic expectations women often place on themselves and the importance of self-acceptance and self-love.

Both women left a lasting impression and reminded us of the power of authenticity, courage, and confidence.

Now, we’re turning our attention to our biggest event of the year — the Chamber Auction! Join us on Wednesday, November 12th at the Movies at Meadville for an evening of fun, great deals, and community spirit. This is our main fundraiser of the year, and it’s an excellent opportunity to pick up some amazing items while supporting the Chamber’s work.

Auction items include:

• Website design services
• Company logo merchandise
• Marketing tools
• Trips
• Spa and golf packages
• Venue spaces
• Catered meals
• Radio, television, digital, and print advertising

We’re still accepting donations, so think creatively — what unique item or experience might others bid on? Donations are a great way to showcase your business while giving back to the community. Our emcees, David Gordon, Chamber Board President, and Adam Prenatt, Chamber Board Vice President, will keep the evening lively and entertaining. Bring a friend and be entered to win a FREE 2026 Chamber membership!

As November comes to a close, I encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate the blessings in your life. Be mindful of those who may be struggling or alone during the holidays. Reach out, offer a helping hand, or simply share a kind word. Sometimes, the smallest gestures mean the most. I wish you a joyful and blessed Thanksgiving — and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Christa

2025 WOMEN IN BUSINESS EXPO

MEADVILLE MASTER THE MIC

  Chamber of Commerce Presents 2025 Annual Dinner & Diamond Awards

The Meadville-Western Crawford County Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its Annual Dinner and Diamond Awards at the beautifully renovated Hotel Conneaut.

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. 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. Dan Crandall was honored as this year's recipient based on his decades-long volunteer service in Meadville. Among his contributions over the years, Dan, in addition to being the owner and operator of Fine Print Commercial Prints in downtown Meadville for decades, Dan has long believed in giving back to the community where he lives and works. His volunteer work spans a wide range of local organizations. He currently serves on the boards of Active Aging Inc, the Iroquois Boating and Fishing Club, is chairman of ONE Federal Credit Union, is active in the Meadville Coin Club and a member of the Rotary Club of Meadville, in addition to serving on many past boards in our community. Dan was a past recipient of the Chamber's Small Business of the Year Award and the Jack Curtin Spirit Award. 

The esteemed Lew and Ellie Davies Award for Outstanding Community Service was bestowed on Leslie Briseno and Gloria Ulloa-Soto, both Allegheny College Seniors. Leslie was nominated for her service with Women's Services as a certified volunteer and advocate and through the Special Olympics as a certified coach for 4 years. She has volunteered through the on-campus coffee shop Grounds for Change and through Culture to Culture as a lead mentor for international students. Leslie has dedicated numerous hours to support the Teach Global Health program as well as the community health needs assessment in conjunction with MMC. Gloria was nominated for her service with Center for Family Services and with Special Olympics over the last 4 years as well as supporting FCCA for 3 years. She has dedicated her time as a student leader on campus through clubs like Union Latinx and Green SOCS. Gloria has regularly supported off-campus volunteer programs such as Service Saturdays and Make a Difference Day.

The highlight of the evening was the awarding of the 2025 Diamond Awards. And the winners are:

Emerging Leader, Male - Gabe Panchura, Hagan Business Machines of Meadville

Emerging Leader, Female - Virginia Dann, Acutec Precision Aerospace, Inc

New Business - Eternal Glow

Small Business - Lakeside Tranquility Massage & Spa

Mid-Sized Business - One Federal Credit Union

Large Business - Home Instead

Small Non-Profit - Meadville Area Free Clinic

Large Non-Profit - Meadville Family YMCA

Meadville Chamber Community Champion - Emily Courson

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. 

Business of the Year 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.

And the newly founded Meadville Chamber Community Champion Award symbolizes our commitment to acknowledging those unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, dedicating themselves to the greater good without seeking recognition and the award recipient exemplifies everything this award stands for - service, resilience, and extraordinary impact. 

Congratulations, 2025 Diamond Awards Finalists!

Winners were announced during the Chamber's Annual Dinner & Diamond Awards at The Hotel Conneaut on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (* Denotes the winner in each category.)

Emerging Leader Award, Female
Jessica Hilburn, Crawford County Federated Library System

Kati White-Hartman, Bush Investment Group

* Virginia Dann, Acutec Precision Aerospace, Inc.

Emerging Leader Award, Male
Casey Dickson, Crawford County Planning Office

* Gabe Panchura, Hagan Business Machines of Meadville

Joshua Sherretts, Crawford County Historical Society

Nick Novosel, Howard Hanna Bainbridge Kaufman Real Estate

Dr. Ryan Pfeifer, Anchor Performance Clinic

Yoda Botka, Good Karma Jiu Jitsu Academy

Small Business Award
Finney's Chocolate Shoppe

Kathleen Layer Coaching, LLC

* Lakeside Tranquility Massage & Spa

Meadville Market House

Save Room for Dessert

Yoga Spot Meadville

Mid-Size Business Award
* One Federal Credit Union

Riverside Brewing Company

The Meadville Tribune

Large Business Award
* Home Instead Senior Care

Interim HealthCare

Juniper Village at Meadville

New Business Award
43 Artisan Co.

Anchor Performance Clinic

* Eternal Glow

Hello Sunshine Children's Boutique

Small Non-Profit
Crawford Central Community Foundation

The Learning Center K-8 School

* Meadville Area Free Clinic

Large Non-Profit
Crawford County Fair Association

* The Meadville Family YMCA

United Way of Western Crawford County