From the Director’s Desk

Summer has arrived in full force, and with it comes the buzz of activity and excitement that fills our community this time of year. From warm evenings and family outings to live music and classic cars, it’s a season to reconnect, recharge, and celebrate what makes our region so special.

One of our favorite community traditions — Thunder in the City — returns the first weekend in August, and we can’t wait to welcome you. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we’re proud to offer this fun-filled weekend completely free for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're coming for the music, food, cars, or simply the energy of downtown Meadville, there's truly something for everyone.

This year, we’ve added something a little extra — the Tool City Hot Summer Night Car Cruise, kicking off the event Thursday, July 31st! For those who remember cruising downtown and around the Diamond years ago, it’s a bit of nostalgia brought back to life. Lineup starts at 6 p.m. on Main Street, with the cruise running from 7–9 p.m. around Diamond Park and downtown. It’s the perfect way to start the weekend — music playing, engines humming, and people gathering in lawn chairs to soak it all in.

We’ll have live music from start to finish, thanks to Dave Stone of Firehouse Tap & Grille, with support from Street Track & Trail and Bayshore Homes. Grab something tasty from one of the local food trucks or one of our wonderful downtown restaurants. Stroll among classic cars, bikes, and jeeps, browse local vendors and crafters, and enjoy the community atmosphere that makes this event so special.

Friday is also 1st Friday, with sidewalk sales, and the always-fun Thunder Power Wheels Grand Prix Race in the Diamond for the kids and kids at heart. It’s a weekend that brings everyone out — families, friends, visitors, and neighbors — and it reminds us just how vibrant and connected our town can be.

Looking ahead, we’re also preparing for our Fall Golf Outing on Wednesday, August 27, at Mt. Hope Golf Course. After a fantastic turnout for last month’s Women’s Outing — with around 20 teams enjoying sunshine, good food, and even better company — we expect this next one to fill up quickly. If your business is interested in a sponsorship or team registration, now’s the time. It’s a great way to network, unwind, and support community programming.

We also recently celebrated a proud moment as Leadership Meadville Class 15 held its graduation. Special thanks go to Will DeArment of CHANNELLOCK, our Premier Sponsor and a proud LM alum, for sharing his perspective on leadership and growth. And a huge shoutout to Gabe Panchura of Hagan Business Machines, who wowed the audience with his passion and honesty — proudly owning the title of “Board Room Baby” as one of the youngest voices at many leadership tables. Both are reminders of the strong, rising leaders we’re fortunate to have in this community. Class 16 starts this August, and we’re still accepting applications.

As we embrace the heart of summer, I want to encourage each of you — take time for yourself. Walk, bike, explore a new trail, or visit one of our small towns you haven’t seen in a while. Support a local artist, eat at a family-owned restaurant, or listen to live music. Be present. Step away from the screen when you can. Make memories with the people you love. Because in the end, balance isn’t just a goal — it’s a way to thrive, in work and in life.

From all of us at the Chamber: we’re here for you. We hope to see you at Thunder in the City, on the golf course, or simply out and about enjoying everything this region has to offer.

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