Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence at
the Annual Awards Gala
The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated its 25th Annual Awards Gala, honoring the outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations that make our community a wonderful place to live, work, and do business.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients and thank you to the sponsors who made each award possible!
- Educator of the Year — Mikara Anderson Price, Southern Huntingdon County High School
- Sponsored by Juniata College
- David K. Goodman Community Service Award — Jim Bair
- Sponsored by Huntingdon Elks Lodge #976
- Entrepreneurial Success — Bello’s Café, Family Restaurant, Bar & Ice Cream
- Sponsored by Cassville Country Store
- Volunteer of the Year — Tom Yoder
- Customer Service — Huntingdon Vision Center
- Sponsored by Bonney Forge
- Business of the Year — Weis Markets, Huntingdon
- Sponsored by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative
- ATHENA Award — Rachelle Hopsicker
- Sponsored by Amanda Jenkins, State Farm Agency; Arize Federal Credit Union; Bumgardner & Flasher Oil, Inc.; Community State Bank; Homewood Living Spring House; Lincoln Caverns, Inc.; MJEM’s Photos; and Team Chevrolet GMC.
The Chamber extends its sincere gratitude to all our award and event sponsors, volunteers, and Chamber Board and Committee members whose generosity, time, and dedication helped make this milestone celebration possible.
Special thanks to Emily and the team at Checkers Grill for providing a wonderful meal, Juniata Brewing Company for joining us for the evening, and Mary Jane Smith for capturing the special moments and memories.
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this memorable event. We are grateful to celebrate 25 years of recognizing excellence, leadership, innovation, and service throughout Huntingdon County, and we look forward to many more years of celebrating the people who make our community shine!
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Youth Leadership Huntingdon County
Welcomes Class of 2027
Youth Leadership Huntingdon County welcomed its newest incoming 10th-grade class last Friday for a Meet & Greet to kick off an exciting year of leadership development and personal growth.
Participants spent the morning engaging in fun activities designed to break the ice, build connections, and help them get to know one another before their conference in March. These early experiences lay the foundation for teamwork, collaboration, and lasting friendships throughout the program.
We look forward to watching these future leaders build confidence, strengthen their leadership skills, and discover new ways to make a positive impact in their schools and communities. We’re excited to see what the Class of 2027 will accomplish!
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A Spooktacular Evening at
The Playhouse at McConnellstown
On Tuesday evening, Chamber members gathered at The Playhouse at McConnellstown for a festive Halloween-themed After Hours event! The Playhouse did a marvelous job transforming the space into a spooky and fun atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Attendees had the opportunity to tour the theater, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and connect with fellow members. The evening wrapped up with entertaining ghost stories and a special giveaway, with one lucky attendee taking home a wonderful gift basket!
Thank you to The Playhouse at McConnellstown for hosting such a memorable evening and providing a fun opportunity for our business community to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the Halloween spirit together!
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How you can help:
- Complete the survey yourself.
- Share it with the individuals and families you serve.
- Forward it to colleagues, staff, employers, and community partners.
- Share it through your organization’s newsletters, social media, and networks.
- Encourage participation from people whose voices are not always included in community planning.
You do not have to be in recovery to participate. We welcome insights from everyone who cares about strengthening our communities.
Complete the FIRST CARES Community Survey here:
https://redcap.link/firstcares
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The Top Ten Lifestyle Benefits Employees Use Most (And Why They Matter)
As healthcare costs continue to rise, many mid-sized employers are discovering that some of the most appreciated benefits aren’t medical at all. Lifestyle benefits…often voluntary and low-cost, can dramatically improve employee satisfaction by supporting real, everyday needs. Here are the ten lifestyle benefits employees actually use most.
First, mental health and wellness platforms consistently rank at the top, especially virtual therapy, coaching, and mindfulness tools. Second, financial wellness benefits, including budgeting tools and one-on-one coaching, help reduce stress that spills into the workplace. Third, flexible work arrangements, including hybrid schedules and flexible hour, remain one of the most valued “non-insurance” benefits.
Fourth, pet insurance has surged in popularity as pet ownership has grown. Fifth, legal services plans are heavily used for wills, estate planning, and family matters. Sixth, identity theft protection provides peace of mind in an increasingly digital world.
Seventh, student loan assistance or refinancing support resonates strongly with younger and mid-career employees. Eighth, caregiver support benefits, including elder-care and childcare resources, address a rapidly growing workforce challenge. Ninth, accident and critical illness coverage helps employees manage unexpected financial shocks. Finally, fitness and lifestyle stipends, from gym memberships to wellness apps, offer flexibility employees appreciate.
The common thread is simple: these benefits solve real problems. For employers with 50-150 employees, offering the right mix of lifestyle benefits can significantly boost perceived value, engagement, and retention…often without increasing employer-paid costs.
The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at hccc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Craig Pritts at (800) 377-3539.
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The Huntingdon Chamber is once again partnering with the Huntingdon County Planning Commission to recognize the people, businesses, organizations, and projects making a positive impact throughout Huntingdon County.
Projects completed during 2026 are eligible for consideration in this year’s Community Improvement Awards, which will be presented during the Planning Commission’s Annual Dinner on February 25, 2027.
Awards will be presented in four categories:
- New Construction
- Preservation: Historic & Reuse of an Existing Building or Lot
- Community Spirit
- Special Merit
Do you know of a project that deserves recognition? Nominate it! Whether it transformed a space, preserved an important part of our community, brought people together, or went above and beyond, we want to hear about it.
Nominations are due by December 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
For nomination guidelines and the nomination form, click here.
Once a nomination is submitted, an application will be sent directly to the nominee to complete the process.
Help us celebrate the people and projects helping make Huntingdon County an even better place to live, work, and do business!
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Interested in advertising in our enews?
Contact MacKenzie at mhuntsman@huntingdonchamber.com.
The cost is $25.00; $10.00 for 501(3) organizations. Yearly rates are available.
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AI Productivity and Efficiency In The Workplace Seminar
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Zoom
Business After Hours
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Huntingdon Community Center
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Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Business After Hours
Thursday, December 3, 2026
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Comfort Inn Huntingdon
Women's Conference
Friday, March 12, 2027
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Juniata College
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MEMBERS ONLY: Download our logo to use on your website. Click the logo for more information. Feel free to link the image on your website to our website, huntingdonchamber.com.
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If you are hiring, please send position information to mhuntsman@huntingdonchamber.com or login to the member section of our website to post your jobs.
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Did you know........
Small businesses represent the largest segment by number of most local chamber membership rolls. Results in the research study by The Shapiro Group, Inc. and Market Street indicate the impact of local chamber membership on small businesses is very powerful. If a consumer knows a small business is a member of its local chamber, the business enjoys a 44 percent increase in its consumer favorability rating, a 51 percent increase in consumer awareness, a 57 percent increase in its local reputation and a 63 percent increase in the likelihood that consumers will patronize the business in the future.
Research indicates that chamber membership stimulates business-to-business commerce in the local community. Other businesses in town are more likely to do business with you and your company if you are a member of the local chamber. Because a major part of a small business typically comes from business-to-business services, it is essential to maintain a positive standing within the local business community.
MEMBERS may download our logo to use on your website. Click the logo for more information.
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Looking for more ways to promote your business?
| | Huntingdon, PA Promotions & Activities | | Looking to start an endowment or to support community efforts? Click the logo above to learn more about the Huntingdon County Foundation. | | | | |
