From the Director’s Desk

Summer has finally arrived, and with it comes the vibrant energy and excitement that warmer days bring to our community. From outdoor events to meaningful gatherings, this season is always a special time to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate everything that makes our corner of the world such a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
We recently gathered at the newly renovated Hotel Conneaut for our Annual Diamond Awards—a beautiful evening that honored outstanding members of our community. With more than 250 guests in attendance, delicious food from Julian’s, sweet treats from The Original Strudel Factory, and heartfelt speeches from our honorees, the night was truly one to remember. Congratulations again to all the nominees and this year’s award recipients. Your contributions help shape the heart of our community.

Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for our Women’s Golf Outing on Wednesday, June 4th at Mt. Hope Golf Course. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or swinging a club for the first time,
this event promises fun, laughter, and a little friendly competition. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase your business by sponsoring or donating a prize basket. We hope to see you there!

And mark your calendars for Thunder in the City on Friday, August 1st and Saturday, August 2nd! We're bringing back fan favorites like the car and jeep shows, local crafters,
vendors, and food trucks—plus exciting recent additions like the Thunder Power Wheels Race and the Meadville Master the Mic singing competition. We're especially excited to revive the Tool City Cruise-In, a nostalgic nod to the days when many of us cruised through town and gathered around Diamond Park. We invite you to relive the memory—bring your car, your
stories, and your community spirit!

This season also marks a milestone for Leadership Meadville Class 15, as they prepare to graduate on Friday, June 13th at The Oaks in Conneaut Lake. Please join us in celebrating
their achievements and hearing from Gabe Panchura of Hagan Business Machines of Meadville, one of our 2025 Emerging Leaders and our featured speaker.

As we move through May, we are reminded of the deeper meaning this month holds—Mother’s Day, a time to honor the women who shape our lives, and Memorial Day, a moment to
remember those who gave everything in service to our country. For me, both hold deep personal significance. I lost my mother far too young, but the legacy of her love lives on, especially through my own journey as a mother to three incredible children. These holidays remind us to slow down, reflect, forgive, and cherish what matters most. Whether it's a phone call, a handwritten note, or simply taking a walk with someone you love—make the time. Tomorrow is never promised.

I am incredibly grateful—for a career I love, for good health, for family and friends, and for this amazing community. Thank you for being part of it. Let’s continue to build each other up and make this a summer to remember.

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