From the Director’s Desk

Fall has arrived, and with it comes so many of the things I love most—cooler weather, back-to-school energy, home football games, fall sports, and cozy bonfires with friends. September has always been one of my favorite months. It’s my birthday month, a time to celebrate a few friends’ birthdays as well, and of course the return of our Wine, Brew & Spirits Walk. It’s also a month of reflection, as I remember my mother’s passing many years ago. With all of that, September is always filled with a mix of special memories, and I’m excited to make many more with family, friends, and our Chamber community. These days, I find myself wanting fewer “things” and more experiences—whether that’s traveling to favorite and new places, enjoying quality time with loved ones, or simply relaxing at home.

August was a busy and fun month for us! We held two After Hours events, one at Easy Does It Customs and another at the Crawford County Fair, both of which were well attended and full of energy. Our Women’s Group, sponsored by Eternal Glow, enjoyed a beautiful evening that even included a ride on Conneaut Lake aboard the Barbara J. To close out the month, we hosted our Fall Golf Outing at Mt. Hope Golf Course. The event was a huge success with a full roster of golfers and even a waiting list. It was such a wonderful day thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, committee members, golfers, and everyone who donated items for prizes and auctions. People left with prizes, full bellies, and smiles—and we reminded everyone to mark their calendars for next year’s outing.

We also launched our 16th Leadership Meadville Class with their orientation in August. Under the guidance of Gary Svetz, the group explored their leadership styles, participated in team-building exercises, and began forming connections that will serve them well throughout the program. Their journey continues in September with History Day, one of the most engaging sessions of the year.

Now we look ahead to one of our signature events, the Wine, Brew & Spirits Walk, which takes place on Saturday, September 13 in historic downtown Meadville. With nearly 30 stops featuring wineries, breweries, and distilleries from across Pennsylvania, it’s always a highlight of the year. Special thanks to Flick’s TV & Appliance for donating the wine fridge we’ll give away as a grand prize. This day also falls on Second Saturday, so downtown will be buzzing with activity from morning until evening.

October brings another favorite event, our Women in Business Expo. With two inspiring keynote speakers and a fantastic lineup of vendors, it’s the perfect chance to learn, connect, and celebrate women in business. Vendor spots are filling quickly, so be sure to secure yours soon.

I look forward to seeing many of you in the months ahead, whether at an event or in a one-on-one meeting. And as we plan for 2026, we’re looking for hosts for After Hours and Women’s Group meetings—if you’re interested, please reach out by phone at (814) 337-8030 or email at info@meadvillechamber.com. Here’s to a September full of memories, connections, and experiences that matter most!

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 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