July 10, 2026

The arrival of Union Pacific's Big Boy 4014 was more than just a train passing through Huntingdon County—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brought our community together in an extraordinary way.

While visitors saw the excitement and celebration on event day, what happened behind the scenes was equally remarkable. In less than a month, the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce staff, volunteers, and community partners worked tirelessly to transform Hunt Tower into a safe, welcoming, and accessible destination for thousands of visitors. From planning logistics and improving the grounds to coordinating parking, accessibility, and guest experiences, every detail was driven by one goal: creating an unforgettable event for our community.

Accessibility was a top priority, and thanks to the generosity of Carl Locke of Pappy L's Workshop, a wheelchair-accessible ramp was constructed in less than a week, allowing even more visitors to experience this historic moment from Hunt Tower.

The Chamber extends its heartfelt gratitude to our incredible volunteers, whose dedication ensured guests were welcomed, assisted, and kept safe throughout the day. We are also deeply thankful to the East Broad Top Railroad for their outstanding partnership, including clearing the viewing area, assisting throughout the event, and providing complimentary hot dogs to attendees.

A special thank you goes to the Borough of Huntingdon, the Huntingdon Police Department and the Huntingdon County Sheriff's Department for their unwavering support. From helping prepare the Tower grounds to coordinating parking, traffic control, street closures, and accessibility accommodations, their partnership was invaluable to the event's success.

Most importantly, thank you to the people of Huntingdon County and the thousands of visitors who joined us. Your enthusiasm, patience, and appreciation reminded us why we do what we do. Seeing families, friends, rail enthusiasts, and first-time visitors come together to witness history made every hour of planning worthwhile.

Events like this are never the result of one organization alone. They succeed because an entire community works together toward a common goal. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who volunteered, partnered with us, attended, or supported this effort in any way.



Thank you for helping us make history. It is a day—and a community spirit—we will never forget.

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Closing In On Budget Deal

Dennis Owens and George Stockburger, Harrisburg ABC 27

July 10, 2026

There are growing signs that Pennsylvania lawmakers are closing in on a budget deal. State Senators have been called to Harrisburg for the weekend after departing earlier this month for the July 4 holiday. In a memo Wednesday, members were told progress has been made, so a return to session is warranted. ppropriations and Judiciary Committee members will be at the State Capitol on Friday night, and all other members should be ready to vote over the weekend. The State House announced a voting session beginning at noon on Sunday. The state’s budget was due June 30; however, that deadline has been missed many times in recent years. Key issues in this year’s budget include regulating skill games, which the state’s Supreme Court ruled are illegal slot machines, minimum wage, and the rate of state spending.

To continue reading this article, please click here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Carolyn Donaldson

VP, Community Engagement and Relationship Development

Kish Bank

814-996-7454

carolyn.donaldson@kishbank.com

 Kish Bancorp, Inc. Welcomes Tracy Wilkinson as Chief Credit Officer; Ric Sarfert Sets Retirement Date

STATE COLLEGE, PA, July 7, 2026 – Kish Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: KISB) (“Kish” or the “Company”), parent company of Kish Bank, today announced that Tracy Wilkinson has been hired as Senior Vice President and incoming Chief Credit Officer, effective June 1, 2026. This hire follows Ric Sarfert’s decision to transition from his current role as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer in August 2026, before retiring completely in April 2027.

“On behalf of our entire organization, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Ric as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement after 10 incredible years with Kish and 40 years in the financial services industry,” commented Gregory T. Hayes, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Ric’s unwavering commitment to excellence, sound judgment, and principled leadership have been instrumental in building the strong foundation Kish stands on today.”

Click here to continue reading this press release.

House and Senate Go Different Way on Municipal

Bridge Projects

Robert Swift, Capitolwire

July 8, 2026

The House and Senate are going different ways to free up more state money for municipal bridge projects. The two chambers passed separate bills tapping different money pots for that purpose. The House acted most recently approving House Bill 2437 by a unanimous vote on June 9. The bill sponsored by Rep. Nathan Davidson, D-Dauphin, allows a portion of Marcell Shale drilling impact fee revenue to fund county and municipal bridge repairs. The bill, if enacted, would let counties make repairs to local bridges before they reach critical risk. The Senate last year voted 49-1 for Senate Bill 1070 and voted unanimously for Senate Bill 205 sponsored by Sen. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland, addressing bridge projects. SB 1070 lets counties use money from a bridge account in the state Motor License Fund to pay for municipal bridge projects. Currently, counties can only use the account for county-owned bridges. SB 205 lets counties supplemental bridge funding and liquid fuel allocations for municipal bridge projects as well. State transportation funding laws enacted in 2013 and 2007 appropriate $5 million annually for county bridge repairs.

To continue reading this article, please click here.

The Hidden Cost of Caregiver Stress

Many employees are balancing their careers with the responsibility of caring for aging parents, spouses, children with special needs, or other family members. While these responsibilities occur outside the workplace, their impact is often felt throughout the organization.

Caregivers frequently face competing demands on their time, unexpected emergencies, and ongoing emotional stress. As a result, employers may experience increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, higher healthcare utilization, and greater turnover risk.

Because caregiving challenges are often personal and rarely discussed openly, many organizations underestimate how many employees are affected. Yet as the population ages, caregiver responsibilities are becoming increasingly common across all workforce demographics.

Forward-thinking employers are beginning to view caregiver support as a workforce strategy rather than simply an employee benefit. Flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs, mental health resources, and caregiver support services can help employees better manage their responsibilities while remaining engaged and productive.

Organizations that recognize and address caregiver stress may be better positioned to improve retention, support employee well-being, and strengthen overall workforce performance.

The hidden cost of caregiver stress extends beyond the individual. For employers, it represents a growing workforce challenge that deserves greater awareness and a proactive response.

The hidden cost of caregiver stress extends beyond the individual. For employers, it represents a growing workforce challenge that deserves greater awareness and a proactive response.

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.

It's hard to believe it's already time to begin planning for our Annual Awards Gala! This year's celebration will take place on October 8 at Trophy Mountain Lodge, and we're currently seeking sponsors for our prestigious ATHENA Award and Volunteer of the Year Award.

The internationally recognized ATHENA Award honors an individual who demonstrates professional excellence, community leadership, and a commitment to empowering and mentoring women in their pursuit of leadership and career success. ATHENA sponsors receive recognition in all event publicity, the Awards Gala program, and during the award presentation.

The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a Chamber member who has gone above and beyond in service to the Chamber, exemplifying dedication to our mission and supporting our members. The award sponsor will be recognized in all event publicity and the Awards Gala program, have their name featured on the award, and be invited to present the award during the Gala.

If your business is interested in supporting one of these meaningful awards while gaining valuable community recognition, please reach out to MacKenzie at mhuntsman@huntingdonchamber.com.

The Chamber is accepting nominations for the Awards that will be presented at the October 8, 2026 Annual Awards Gala. Seven awards will be presented to outstanding businesses, organizations and members of our community.

David K. Goodman Jr. Community Service Award

This award recognizes an individual or organization who has demonstrated exemplary dedication of time or resources for the betterment of the community. This award is sponsored by Huntingdon Elks Lodge #976.

Customer Service Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize a business for their excellence in providing quality customer service. This award is sponsored by the Bonney Forge Corp.

Business of the Year 

The purpose of this award is to recognize a business which has contributed to the economic growth of the community and has helped to develop Huntingdon County. This award is sponsored by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Educator of the Year 

The purpose of this award is to recognize an active educator in the county who has demonstrated "above and beyond" commitment and service in the field of education. This award is sponsored by Juniata College.

Entrepreneurial Success Award 

The purpose of this award is to recognize a community member who has been in business for a minimum of three years, who individually owns and operates a business initially launched as a small business who has shown innovation and aided in the advancement of the community. This award is sponsored by Cassville Country Store and Restaurant.

Volunteer of the Year

This award recognizes a Chamber member for “above and beyond” service to the Chamber. This individual must be a Chamber member or work for a Chamber business and demonstrate support of the mission and goals of the Chamber. Sponsor needed.

ATHENA Award 

This Award is presented to a woman or man who is recognized for professional excellence, community service, and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

Please help us recognize a deserving individual for this prestigious world-wide award. Responses to the questions asked on the nomination form can be submitted either on the form or a word document. August 21 is the nomination deadline.

A special thanks to our sponsors:

Arize Federal Credit Union

Bumgardner & Flasher Oil, Inc.

Community State Bank

Homewood Living Martinsburg

Lincoln Caverns, Inc. & Whisper Rocks

MJEM’s Photos

Team Chevrolet GMC

Click here for the ATHENA Award Nomination Form.

Click here for the form to nominate in the other categories.

Click here for the list of past Award Recipients. 

The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce invites you to be part of one of our signature events as we gather to reflect on the past year, celebrate our accomplishments, and look ahead to the opportunities that await our business community.

This year's luncheon is especially meaningful as we also recognize and celebrate America's 250th Anniversary—honoring the spirit of innovation, resilience, leadership, and community that has shaped our nation and continues to drive our local economy forward.

• Celebrate the Chamber's achievements from the past year
• Learn about our goals and vision for the year ahead
• Connect with fellow business and community leaders
• Commemorate America's 250th birthday with us

Whether you're a longtime Chamber member or simply interested in the future of Huntingdon County, we invite you to join the conversation and be part of what's next.



• Thursday, August 13, 2026
• 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
• Westminster Woods, Huntingdon

Reserve your seat today and help us celebrate our progress, our future, and 250 years of the American spirit!

Celebrate Huntingdon County Night at PNG Field!

Join us on Saturday, August 15 at 6:00 PM as the Altoona Curve take on the Akron RubberDucks during a special Huntingdon County Community Night benefiting the Huntingdon County United Way! This exciting evening will bring our community together for baseball, fireworks, and a chance to showcase the pride and spirit of Huntingdon County.

We know it’s also the final evening of the Huntingdon County Fair, but we hope families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers will still be able to make the trip to PNG Field to enjoy a fun summer night together while supporting a great cause. Whether you attend with your business team, your family, or a group of friends, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our county and give back to the United Way programs that make a difference throughout our communities.

Businesses and individuals alike are encouraged to support the event through sponsorships or ticket purchases. Every donation helps strengthen local programs and services that benefit Huntingdon County residents year-round.

Let’s pack the stands, celebrate Huntingdon County, and make it a night to remember!

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.

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.

Contact Us

MacKenzie Huntsman

President/ CEO

mhuntsman@huntingdonchamber.com

Trinity Smith

Program Director

trinity@huntingdonchamber.com

500 Allegheny Street

Huntingdon, PA 16652

Phone: 814-643-1110

Fax: 814-643-1115

www.huntingdonchamber.com