February 27, 2026

Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 Community Improvement Awards

The Chamber was proud to co-host the Annual Dinner for the Huntingdon County Planning Commission at the beautiful Greenland's Lodge, where we once again partnered to present the 2025 Community Improvement Awards

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These awards recognize the individuals, organizations, and projects that are shaping the future of Huntingdon County through thoughtful development, preservation, and community leadership. This year, five outstanding recipients were honored across the categories of New Construction, Community Spirit, and Special Merit.

New Construction Award

The New Construction Award recognizes exemplary new building projects of all types.

Camp Kanesatake was honored for the construction of their new dining hall — a dynamic, multi-functional space that will serve campers and staff for years to come. Through dedication, vision, and unwavering belief in what was possible, they transformed an idea into a space that strengthens community and enhances the camp experience.

Community Spirit Awards

The Community Spirit Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to community development in Huntingdon County.



The East Broad Top Foundation received recognition for their innovative Take a Train to School Day program. Students had the unforgettable opportunity to ride a historic steam locomotive to school, demonstrating that local history is not only worth preserving — it is meant to be experienced. Their work proves that when preservation meets purpose, the result is transformational.

The Huston Bros. Store was also recognized for breathing new life into a treasured landmark. Their efforts have restored more than a building — they have revitalized a gathering place and strengthened a sense of shared identity and pride. This project stands as a powerful example of what small towns can accomplish when vision and commitment come together.

Special Merit Awards

The Special Merit Award honors outstanding achievement based on the unique merits of a project, group, or individual.

The Historic Building Preservation Foundation was recognized for its extraordinary work preserving and celebrating the architectural history of Huntingdon County. Their dedication ensures that future generations will not simply read about our past — they will walk through it, experience it, and appreciate it firsthand.

CHAMP was also honored for its inspiring mission and impact over the past 12 years. CHAMP has demonstrated that no family should fight alone, and that students have the power to change lives. Their leadership and compassion continue to transform hardship into hope throughout our community.

Gratitude to Our Partners

We extend our sincere appreciation to Kish Bank for once again serving as the sponsor of these impactful awards. Their continued support makes it possible to recognize and celebrate the work that strengthens Huntingdon County.

We also offer special thanks to B. Fisher Creations for their exceptional craftsmanship in creating the awards. Each piece beautifully reflected the pride, excellence, and dedication represented by this year’s honorees.

It was an inspiring evening filled with celebration, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant Huntingdon County.

Kati Aumiller Appointed Residential Lender for Huntingdon and Mifflin Counties

REEDSVILLE, PA - February 24, 2026 - Kish Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Kati Aumiller, AVP, to Residential Lender, serving homebuyers and homeowners across the Huntingdon and Mifflin County markets. In her new role, Aumiller will provide purchase, refinance, and construction financing with Kish Bank's hallmark personal guidance and local decision-making.

With Kish since 2006, Aumiller brings 20 years of experience in banking and lending to her role. She served Mifflin County as a Regional Teller and Personal Banker before joining Kish's mortgage department in 2012, where she advanced through roles supporting clients and lending teams, building extensive experience in mortgage operations and personalized client service. She was promoted to Retail Underwriting Manager in 2019 and was appointed Assistant Vice President in 2020.

"Kati brings process expertise and a genuine commitment to local families, said Holly Johnson, VP, Mortgage Banking Manager at Kish Bank. "By joining our experienced, customer-service-driven residential lending team, she strengthens the knowledgeable, dependable support homebuyers rely on in Huntingdon and Mifflin counties."

To continue reading this press release, please click here.

McCormick Announces Another Summit, This One Focused On Defense Tech

Chloe Jad, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

February 24, 2026

Sen. Dave McCormick is hosting another summit later this year, this time focused on the intersection of defense and innovation, he announced Tuesday. "This city was the heart of the arsenal of democracy during World War II, and today it stands as one of the nation's leading research and development hubs, home to world class universities, advanced manufacturing, robotics, AI, and a skilled workforce that knows how to get things done," Mr. McCormick said. "That's why revitalizing Pennsylvania's defense industry is core to our transformation agenda for the Commonwealth." He did not reveal the location or date of the summit. Brian Kennedy, an executive of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, said leaders are vying for Pittsburgh to host. In July, Mr. McCormick and his wife, Dina Powell McCormick, organized the Energy and Innovation Summit, which brought together top cabinet secretaries, leading industry executives and President Donald Trump at Carnegie Mellon University. Around $92 billion in commitments to the Commonwealth were announced at the summit.

To continue reading this article, please click here.

The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce joined 600+ organizations that signed a coalition letter urging the U.S. Senate to build on the House of Representatives' progress and pass bipartisan, comprehensive permitting reform.

To read the letter we signed and has been shared with all U.S. Senate offices, please click here.

Why Pennsylvania's Top Leaders Think They Can Avoid a Budget Impasse - Despite a $4.3 Billion Budget Shortfall

Gillian McGoldrick, Philadelphia Inquirer

February 23, 2026

Pennsylvania's top leaders want to avoid another ugly, monthslong budget standoff, showing resolve this year to begin negotiations much sooner in hopes of approving a spending deal by their June 30 deadline. But that doesn't changes the state's financial predicaments: Pennsylvania is again on track to spend more than it brings in this fiscal year. Gov. Josh Shapiro has pitched spending at least $4.3 billion more than the state is projected to raise in revenue next fiscal year, part of his $53.2 billion budget proposal. Shapiro, who is up for reelection this year and is a rumored 2028 presidential contender, has struggled in budget negotiations since taking office to deliver on his national image as a moderate Democrat willing to work across the aisle while leading the sate with a GOP-controlled Senate and narrow Democratic House majority. And after last year - when lawmakers couldn't agree on a state budget deal for months, leading to a bitter impasse and negotiations stretching into November while schools and counties went unfunded - the governor is trying a new strategy.

To continue reading this article, please click here.

State Adopts First Higher Education Plan in 20 Years

Maryann Pugh, MyChesCo

February 22, 2026

Pennsylvania now has its first statewide strategic plan for higher education in more than two decades after the State Board of Higher Education voted unanimously last week to adopt a roadmap aimed at improving affordability, boosting degree attainment, and strengthening the state's workforce. The newly adopted plan, titled Driving a Prosperous Pennsylvania: A Statewide Agenda for Higher Education, is intended to align colleges, universities, and technical schools under a shared framework for economic and workforce development. Governor Josh Shapiro said the plan builds on reforms initiated two years ago when the Commonwealth created the State Board of Higher Education. "This strategic plan - developed with extensive input from the higher ed sector - reflects exactly the kind of bold, commonsense vision we need to drive systemic, impactful, and lasting change to make higher education in Pennsylvania more affordable and accessible," Shapiro said. With the strategic plan now formally adopted, board members say the focus will shift to implementation, coordination among institutions, and tracking progress towards the plan's stated goals.

To continue reading this article, please click here.

There are still three days left to enjoy Raystaurant Week! Don't miss Fried Day, Saturday Live and our Sunday Celebration!

For more information and a full list of participating business, visit: https://raystown.org/raystaurant-week/

Let's eat local and make winter a little more delicious!

The Destination Excellence Awards are presented to individuals or organizations that demonstrate excellence welcoming travelers to our destination.

Employee of the Year - The Destination Excellence Award for Employee of the Year honors a non-management employee who goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities. Nominees are judged on outstanding service to their place of employment, customers and the community.

Volunteer of the Year - The Destination Excellence Award for Volunteer of the Year honors exemplary volunteer service by an individual to make Huntingdon County and the surrounding area a clean, safe and welcoming destination for travelers. Nominees are judged on showing outstanding leadership qualities and dedication to service within a volunteer organization, community, or land management agency.

Community Impact Award - The Destination Excellence Community Impact Award celebrates a business's or organization's significant and noteworthy contributions to the tourism industry and community at the local, state, national or global levels.

Tourism Innovation Award - The Tourism Innovation Award recognizes a business, organization or individual that has introduced new ideas, programs, technology or experiences that significantly enhance Huntingdon County’s tourism industry. Nominees demonstrate creativity, problem-solving and forward-thinking leadership that drives growth and visitor engagement.

Lifetime Achievement Award - The Destination Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award honors a person whose lifetime body of work has positively impacted the tourism industry and Huntingdon County as a travel destination.

Trail Excellence Award - The Trail Excellence Award recognizes a trail, trail system or trail organization that demonstrates outstanding quality, visitor appeal and long-term value to Huntingdon County’s tourism experience.

More information about the Destination Nominations can be found here: https://raystown.org/tourism-summit/desties/

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Use the form below to nominate individuals or organizations for any of our six award categories. You can submit as many nominations as you like. Please submit one form per nomination. Self-nominations are accepted.

Nominations close March 10, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Awards will be presented at the 2026 Tourism Summit. Information coming soon!

Women’s Conference 2026: Agenda & Speaker Lineup Announced

The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce is excited to officially unveil the full agenda and speaker lineup for our Inaugural Women’s Conference 2026!

Leading As You Are: Confidence in Leadership & Life – Encouraging Authenticity & Courage in Leadership will take place on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ellis Ballroom, Juniata College (registration opens at 8:30 a.m.).

This full-day experience will feature dynamic keynote speakers, an engaging lunch leadership panel, networking opportunities, exhibitor visits, door prizes, and meaningful conversations centered around confidence, service, personal growth, and stepping boldly into leadership roles.

Registration includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, a special Chamber/Sponsor gift, and access to four impactful conference sessions.

Registration Rates:

• $75 – Chamber Members

• $150 – Non-Members

(Half-day options are available upon request.)

Please register by February 27th. Space is limited, and we encourage early registration.

To register online, ensure you select the correct rate at checkout. You may also email your completed form to trinity@huntingdonchamber.com or call the Chamber office at (814) 643-1110 for additional information.

We look forward to bringing together women from across our community for a day of connection, inspiration, and leadership development.

We're beyond thrilled to announce our inaugural Women's Conference presented by Geisinger, Leading As You Are: Confidence in Leadership and Life, focused on encouraging authenticity, confidence, and courage in leadership.

The conference will take place on Friday, March 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Ellis Hall Ballroom at Juniata College. (We thank Juniata College for their partnership on this event!)

As we prepare for this exciting event, we are seeking businesses and organizations interested in investing in the professional development of women. This conference will bring together women from across our community for a full day of inspiration, learning, and meaningful connection - and your support can help make a lasting impact.

We would the opportunity to partner with you and highlight your commitment to leadership, growth, and community engagement. Sponsorship opportunities offer visibility, connection, and the chance to directly support women as they lead in business, organizations, and life.

Thank you for considering being part of this impactful event. We look forward to connecting with you.

Please click here for the full pdf version of the investment package.

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