From the Director’s Desk

It’s hard to believe that I am writing the final newsletter article of 2025. This year has flown by and has been filled with growth, change, and many meaningful moments. As the holidays approach, I am looking forward to some much-needed quality time with family and dear friends, while also holding space in my heart for those loved ones who are no longer with us.

It has been a wonderful year for the Chamber. Our new staff members have transitioned seamlessly, bringing fresh energy and ideas to our team. We introduced new concepts within our signature events, expanded our reach across social media platforms, and continued to see steady growth in our membership. Our finances remain strong, and we look ahead to 2026 with optimism and excitement.

Even as the year winds down, we have not slowed our pace. This next month includes three ribbon cuttings with new businesses and two Christmas parties, and we couldn’t be more excited for our Groove & Glitz event to kick off the new year! Be sure to review the December and January calendars included in this newsletter for all upcoming activities.

Please note that Groove & Glitz is no longer a semi-formal event — it’s a relaxed and festive celebration to welcome the new year on a cold winter evening with friends and business colleagues. Enjoy delicious appetizers, a surf & turf dinner, and a delightful dessert showcase from Warner’s Bakery. Dance the night away to one of the best bands in our region, The Groove from Erie, featuring jazz and blues classics alongside newer favorites. Dress up in sequins or come comfortable in your jeans — the most important thing is that you join us for a memorable evening.

Our Leadership Class is already one-third of the way through its journey and continues to learn more about themselves and our community. They will soon be planning the Chili, Chowder & Soup Cook-Off. Please mark your calendars for Thursday, March 19th at the Italian Civic Club. This beloved event brings friendly competition among local restaurants and caterers while raising funds for scholarships for our Leadership Meadville class.

The holiday season is a time when many of us feel especially blessed to gather with those we love. It is also a time when some may be experiencing loss, loneliness, or financial struggle. I encourage you to take a moment to express gratitude, reach out to someone who may need encouragement, and share kindness wherever possible. Shop locally, explore our downtown, and discover the many hidden gems our community has to offer. As I grow older, I find myself valuing experiences and connection far more than material things. Life is precious — embrace it, make memories, give back, and cherish the people who matter most.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am deeply thankful for so much — my faith, my family, my friends, a career I love, my hometown community, my Chamber family, and most of all, you, our Chamber members. Your continued support allows us to do the work we do every day, and I am truly grateful.

Cheers to the memories of 2025 and the possibilities of the year ahead. I look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,

Christa

2025 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