From the Director’s Desk

Spring has arrived, bringing warmer days and a reminder of just how quickly time passes. As the seasons change, I find myself reflecting on how full life has been lately. Between our signature events, ongoing programs, and daily responsibilities, the pace rarely slows—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

People often ask how I manage to stay so busy. The truth is, it’s simply what I know. Like many of you, I juggle a variety of responsibilities, face challenges along the way, and keep moving forward. It’s a shared experience that connects us all.

Recently, I’ve been especially mindful of how fortunate I am. I am grateful for my health, my family including my three wonderful children who are thriving, and my two beautiful granddaughters. I’m blessed with a loving partner and surrounded by incredible friends. These are the things that ground me and remind me what truly matters.

I also feel incredibly fortunate in my career. When asked what I enjoy most about working at the Chamber, my answer is always the same—the people. The relationships built here, the friendships formed, and the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated, community-minded individuals make this role deeply rewarding. Every day, I continue to learn more about our region and the remarkable people who make it special.

Our community is something truly unique. In a small town like ours, people come together to support one another—especially during times of need. Through the Chamber, we are proud to promote local businesses, highlight events, and provide meaningful resources. Our K-12 Program introduces students to the many opportunities available right here at home, while our Leadership Program helps individuals grow both personally and professionally. We also offer valuable opportunities to connect through our monthly meetings and events.

Looking back, last month’s Chili, Chowder & Soup Cook-off was a wonderful success, thanks to the Leadership Meadville Class and all who participated. The event not only showcased our local restaurants but will also support the program for years to come.

We now look ahead to our Annual Diamond Awards on April 22nd at the Hotel Conneaut—a special evening dedicated to celebrating the achievements of our members and recognizing those who go above and beyond in our community. I hope you will join us for this memorable night.

As we prepare for summer, we are excited for the return of our annual Golf Outings and the debut of our new event, the Tool City Summer Fest, taking place the first weekend in August.

Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber. Your involvement, enthusiasm, and commitment make everything we do possible. I am truly grateful and look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

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