From the Director’s Desk

It’s hard to believe spring is almost here! After a busy and exciting start to 2026, our Chamber momentum continues as we head into one of our most active seasons of the year.

We kicked things off with a fantastic Chamber trip in January, followed by our Annual Chocoholic Frolic at the ICC. With more than 250 attendees enjoying decadent sweet treats, the energy in the room was incredible. This year’s People’s Choice Award ended in a tie — congratulations to Finney’s Chocolate Shoppe and Parkhurst Dining! Most importantly, proceeds from this sweet evening will benefit our Leadership Meadville Program and our K–12 initiatives under the Chamber Foundation. Thank you to everyone who sponsored, volunteered, competed, and attended. Your support makes these programs possible.

Now, we’re turning up the heat!

🌶️ Annual Chili, Chowder & Soup Cook-Off - Thursday, March 19

Organized by our Leadership Meadville class, this is truly one of the hottest tickets in town. Local restaurants, caterers, and anyone with a ServSafe-certified kitchen are invited to compete for “Best” or “Most Creative” in the Chili, Chowder, and Soup categories. Not only is it a delicious night out but proceeds directly support the future of our Leadership Meadville Program. Be sure to check this newsletter for event details and sponsorship opportunities!

💎 Annual Diamond Awards - Wednesday, April 22 | Hotel Conneaut

Our biggest night of the year is quickly approaching! The Diamond Awards celebrate the individuals, businesses, and organizations that are going above and beyond to strengthen our region. We will honor emerging leaders, nonprofit organizations, small and large businesses, and our Raymond P. Shafer Award recipients.

This event is known to sell out, so I encourage you to reserve your seats early. Sponsorship opportunities are also available and included in this newsletter.

While these signature events bring our community together in exciting ways, I also want to remind you that your Chamber offers much more throughout the year. We host monthly networking and professional development opportunities designed to help you connect and grow.

After Hours Networking — Join us March 11 at Chippers Pub as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary.

Businesswomen’s Roundtable — Informal monthly gatherings that connect, support, and highlight women-owned businesses while planning our annual Women in Business Expo.

Hot Topics in the Workplace — Held the fourth Tuesday of each month at Hoss's Steak & Sea House, featuring expert-led discussions on timely business issues.

These are just a few of the FREE benefits included with your membership.

As always, I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events or monthly meetings. If you can’t attend but would like to connect, I always welcome the opportunity for a one-on-one conversation. Our Chamber exists because of you — and we are here to support you.

I wish you a productive and successful spring season. Thank you for investing in the Chamber. I truly appreciate you.

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