From the Director’s Desk

As we step into 2025, I can’t help but reflect on how quickly 2024 seemed to fly by. Time has a way of moving faster with each passing year, and yet it also reminds us to cherish the moments and milestones that make life meaningful.

We kicked off 2025 with an unforgettable start! Our 1st Annual Groove & Glitz was a tremendous success, thanks to all of you. Changing things up from our traditional Gala was a bit of a leap, but your overwhelming support made it all worthwhile. My heartfelt thanks go out to our sponsors, especially Exelliq, US Meadville for making our entertainment, The Groove, possible. To our vendors, staff at The Oaks, and every single attendee—you made the evening truly special. Mark your calendars now, as the 2nd Annual Groove & Glitz is set for Saturday, January 10, 2026. Tickets will be limited again, and you won’t want to miss it!

As we move forward, our calendar remains as dynamic as ever.

• January: Nearly 50 of us will escape the winter chill on the Chamber trip. I’m looking forward to sunshine, gourmet dining, catching up with friends and getting to know our new travelers. Networking at its finest, on the beach or by the pool in the sun!
• February 21: The sweetest event in town—our Chocoholic Frolic at the Italian Civic Club. Join us for a delicious evening of desserts, a VIP sponsor hour with chocolate cocktails, and an exciting auction. Be sure to vote for your favorite chocolate masterpiece!
• March 20: It’s time for the Annual Chili, Chowder & Soup Cook-Off, also at the Italian Civic Club. This Leadership Meadville15-planned event is not just about great food—it’s about supporting future leaders through scholarships and development.
• April 23: We’ll celebrate excellence at the Annual Diamond Awards at the beautiful, newly renovated Hotel Conneaut. This evening of recognition and community will be one to remember. Stay tuned for nominations opening soon!

2024 brought growth and change to the Chamber, and I couldn’t be prouder of the progress we’ve made. With the incredible efforts of Stephanie Beach, our Communications Coordinator, and Julie Panchura, our Marketing Coordinator, we’re set to bring you innovative and exciting experiences in the year ahead.

On a personal note, this past year also inspired me to make changes in my own life. Not a resolution, but small steps—eating better, taking the stairs, and pausing to appreciate life’s simple joys like sunsets and quiet moments. I’m learning to prioritize myself a bit more and encourage you to do the same. Slow down when you can, savor the little things, and take care of yourself.

Thank you for being part of this journey, for your support, and for contributing to our vibrant community. I hope to see you soon, whether at an event, around town, or just for a friendly chat. If you ever have questions or ideas, don’t hesitate to stop by or reach out.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2025 for us all!

Sincerely,

Christa

2024 WOMEN IN BUSINESS EXPO

MEADVILLE MASTER THE MIC

  Chamber of Commerce Presents 2024 Annual Dinner & Diamond Awards

The Meadville-Western Crawford County Chamber of Commerce recently held their annual Annual Dinner and Diamond Awards at Saegertown's Pampered Palate Catering and Conference Center.

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. There are so many wonderful acts happening. 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. Rob Smith was honored as this year's recipient based on his decades-long volunteer service in Meadville. Among his contributions over the past 30 years, Smith, in addition to being the former President and Owner of Acutec Precision Aerospace, has served on the Crawford Central School Board, on the Board of Trustees of Allegheny College, the NTMA Board, The Chamber of Commerce Board and serves on the Women's Services Board, the Meadville Medical Center Board, the Academy Theater Board and the Board of Corporators for the Economic Progress Alliance and MMC just to name a few. He remains on the Board of Directors for Acutec Precision Aerospace and is active with the National Tooling and Machining Association, the Meadville Literary Union and is bringing his vision of revitalizing the Meadville Community with the Cussewago Square project. This project is an active renovation of the former Race Street Lumber Co. property being redeveloped with restaurants, a community theater, an artist studio and gallery space and more in hopes to become a destination draw.

The esteemed Lew and Ellie Davies Award for Outstanding Community Service was bestowed on Ashley Tipton, an Allegheny College junior. Tipton was nominated for her work with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mentoring Program at Meadville Area Middle School. She's worked with the Tamarack Wildlife Center and as a tutor with Operation Reads and the MAMS Saturday Study Help program, with the Fourth Graders as Scientists Program and Crawford County 8th Grade Career Awareness Fair. Honorable mention recognition was presented to Bianca Sanchez, a senior who was nominated for her service as a four-year project assistant with Creek Connections, a program that supports regional K-12 schools in turning their local waterways into outdoor environmental laboratories. She is active with Green Students of Color Society and with the Center for Political Participation as an Andrew Goodman Foundation Ambassador. She formerly served as the Director of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs for Allegheny Student Government. 

The highlight of the evening was the awarding of the 2024 Diamond Awards. And the winners are:

Emerging Leader, Male - Adam Prenatt, UniFirst Corp.

Emerging Leader, Female - Jayne Martin, Bayshore Homes Inc.

New Business - You Matter, LLC

Small Business - Confections of a Cake Lover

Mid-Sized Business - Inspire Salon & Spa

Small Non-Profit - Hunters Sharing the Harvest

Large Non-Profit - Family & Community Christian Association (FCCA)

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. 

Both the Small and Mid-Sized Business 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.

Congratulations, 2024 Diamond Awards Finalists!

Winners were announced during the Chamber's Annual Dinner & Diamond Awards on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Emerging Leader Award, Female
Virginia Dann, Acutec Precision Aerospace, Inc.
Jayne Martin, Bayshore Homes, Inc.
Amber Pfeifer, Anchor Performance Clinic

Emerging Leader Award, Male
Gabe Panchura, Hagan Business Machines of Meadville
Adam Prenatt, UniFirst Corp
Corey Young, French Creek Framing & Fine Art and Hospice of Crawford County

Small Business Award
Blue Canopy Marketing
Confections of a Cake Lover
The Woolen Mill

Mid-Size Business Award
Inspire Salon & Spa
Riverside Brewing Company
The Meadville Tribune

New Business Award
Anchor Performance Clinic LLC
Black Bear Hemp Dispensary
Chalets by the Lake
You Matter, LLC

Small Non-Profit
Hunters Sharing the Harvest
Meadville Community Theatre
The Learning Center K-8 School

Large Non-Profit
Family & Community Christian Association (FCCA)
The Arc of Crawford County
The Meadville Family YMCA