From the Director’s Desk

As we welcome the spring season, I would like to take a moment to personally express my gratitude to each of you. Spring represents a time of renewal and growth, and as we move forward into this vibrant season, it provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the strength and resilience of our Chamber community.
I want to thank you for your continued support and participation in our events and initiatives.

The success of our recent Annual Chili, Chowder & Soup Cook-off was made possible by the enthusiasm and dedication of our members. Whether you sponsored, participated, volunteered, donated items or attended the event, I thank you! It’s always inspiring to see so many of you come together in support of local causes, such as the Leadership Meadville program, which benefits from the proceeds of this event.

This month, we will have the privilege of recognizing outstanding members of our community through our annual Diamond Awards ceremony on April 23 rd at the Hotel Conneaut! From the Businesses of the Year to the new Meadville Chamber Community Champion, we look forward to celebrating those who go above and beyond in making a meaningful impact. I encourage you to stay engaged and take pride in the collective accomplishments of our Chamber members.

As always, we are committed to providing you with valuable resources and opportunities to support your business. Our Time Management seminar, facilitated by Gary Svetz of Svetz
Consulting, is one of several initiatives we are offering this spring to assist you in both personal and professional growth. I encourage you to take advantage of these resources to further enhance your business practices.

This season, I will also be out in the community, connecting with as many of you as possible. I would be pleased to meet with you to learn more about your business and discuss how we can continue to build on the many advantages available to you through your Chamber membership. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in scheduling a one-on-one conversation or if you’d like more information on any of our upcoming events.

Finally, as we enjoy the beautiful spring weather, I hope you take time to unwind and enjoy the many recreational opportunities our area has to offer. Whether it’s exploring local trails, golfing, or dining outdoors, there’s no better time to experience all that Meadville and surrounding communities have to offer.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community and the Chamber. I look forward to working alongside you in the months ahead and seeing all that we can accomplish together
continuing to make this the best community in which to live, work and play.

Wishing you a successful and blessed spring season.

Sincerely,

Christa

2024 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 will be announced during the Chamber's Annual Dinner & Diamond Awards at The Hotel Conneaut

on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Purchase tickets here 

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