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Last night, we were honored to host our 24th Annual Awards Gala at the stunning Trophy Mountain Lodge. It was an evening filled with celebration, recognition, and community pride. Guests enjoyed a beautifully prepared meal by Checkers Grill, featuring an elegant selection of appetizers, fresh salad, warm rolls, stuffed chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and a delightful variety of pies for dessert.
The highlight of the evening was celebrating the remarkable businesses, organizations, and individuals who make Huntingdon County such a vibrant place to live, work, and thrive. Their hard work, vision, and dedication embody the values of excellence, leadership, innovation, and service. Each honoree has contributed in unique ways to strengthening our local economy and enriching the quality of life we enjoy here.
This year, we were proud to present seven awards in recognition of outstanding contributions:
Sponsored by Juniata College, presented by President Jim Troha
Recipient: Erin Cornelius, Mount Union Area School District
- David K. Goodman, Jr. Community Service Award
Sponsored by Huntingdon Elks Lodge #976, presented by Past Exalted Ruler Jim Angelo
Recipient: Dee Dee Brown, Friend of the Chamber
- Entrepreneurial Success Award
Sponsored by Cassville Country Store & Restaurant, presented by Barbara Covert
Recipient: Stuckey Automotive
- Volunteer of the Year Award
Sponsored by Arize Federal Credit Union, presented by Taylor Schmidt
Recipient: Marissa Davis, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Sponsored by Bonney Forge Corporation, presented by Michael Simone
Recipient: Best Way Pizza
- Business of the Year Award
Sponsored by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, presented by Doug Roles
Recipient: IFC Services
Sponsored by Arize Federal Credit Union, Bumgardner & Flasher Oil, Community State Bank, First National Bank, Homewood Living Spring House, Lincoln Caverns, Inc. & Whisper Rocks, Merakey Pennsylvania, MiCamp Solutions, MJEM’s Photos, and TEAM Chevrolet GMC; presented by 2018 ATHENA Award Recipient Jinny Cooper
Recipient: Helen Cohenour
We extend our warmest congratulations to each award recipient for their achievements and their unwavering commitment to Huntingdon County!
This incredible evening would not have been possible without the support of our generous Gala Sponsors:
- Premier Sponsors – Arize Federal Credit Union and Westminster Woods
- Gold Sponsors – Lake & Country Real Estate and Mutual Benefit Group
- Reception Sponsor – John R. Wald Company, Inc.
- Beverage Sponsor – Keller Engineers, Inc.
- Silver Sponsors – Community State Bank, Geisinger, Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center, and Kish Bank
- Centerpiece Sponsor – Penn Highlands Huntingdon
- Patron Sponsor – Huntingdon Vision Center
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate, to our sponsors for their generosity, and to all who worked behind the scenes to make the Gala such a memorable success. Together, we continue to build a stronger, brighter future for Huntingdon County.
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Pennsylvania braces for impact as federal shutdown takes effect
Tom Lehman, Harrisburg WGAL 8
October 1, 2025
Pennsylvania and its more than 100,000 federal employees are preparing for the effects of the government shutdown, which coincides with a delayed state budget, affecting local nonprofits and state-funded positions. Many of the more than 66,000 federal civilian workers in Pennsylvania may face working without pay or furloughs. Local governments and nonprofits are also grappling with the absence of a state spending plan. Gov. Josh Shapiro said Wednesday that Pennsylvania may have to backfill pay for some 7,800 federally funded positions in state government. "That would present a challenge for us that we'd have to meet to determine if we could fund their salaries," Shapiro said. Republican U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker of Lancaster County voiced his concern about the potential for mass layoffs of federal employees during the shutdown and expressed hope for a resolution.
To continue reading this article, please click here.
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Governor Josh Shapiro has officially recognized October 2025 as Local Chamber of Commerce Month in Pennsylvania!
We're proud to be part of the network of chambers across the Commonwealth working every day to support businesses, strengthen our communities, and grow Pennsylvania's economy.
Thank you, Governor Shapiro, for recognizing the vital role chambers of commerce play in creating opportunities and driving local success.
Join us in celebrating Local Chamber of Commerce Month - supporting businesses, building connections, and shaping the future together.
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Federal workers, business leaders concerned about lengthy government shutdown
Tom Lehman, Harrisburg WGAL 8
October 2, 2025
With the U.S. government shutdown stretching essential workers thin and furloughs threatening to halt work at some federal agencies, business leaders and workers warn of a widening ripple effect across key sectors of the economy. Industries including agriculture, banking and construction could face mounting delays and costs if lawmakers in Washington do not end the shutdown soon, according to the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. "This is the job that constituents have elected our senators and representatives to do. And they should do that job," said Luke Bernstein, the chamber's president and CEO. Bernstein said large construction projects that employ hundreds of private sector workers, for instance, can grind to a half if federal permits of inspections aren't processed, or if a business loan is delayed. "These are things that have major impacts on businesses because those delays cost money, money means jobs and investment into local communities."
To continue reading this article, please click here.
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Pictured left to right: Britta Corle, Joe Keller, Jeff Wos, Chris Fuska, Diana McClure, and Adam Charles
Keller Engineers Annual Golf Outing Raises $13K for American Rescue Workers
On October 1, 2025, Hollidaysburg, PA - Keller Engineers, Inc., recently presented a check containing the proceeds from the 21st Annual Keller Open/Paul Kirby Jr. Memorial Golf Outing to Chris Fuska, Director of the American Rescue Workers. Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, contributors, volunteers, and golfers, this year's check totaled $13,000! One hundred percent of this donation stays in the region to help those in need with food, clothing, household items, and more.
See the press release by clicking here.
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We're thrilled to announce that Small Business Saturday 2025 is just around the corner - and this year, we're giving away THREE amazing gift baskets!
We're currently reaching out to local businesses to join the fun. Participating businesses simply need to let their customers know about the giveaway and how to enter on Small Business Saturday, November 29th.
Over the next couple of months, we'll be announcing all participating businesses, so you can plan your shopping, support local, and enter for your chance to win! Each gift basket will be packed with local and regional goodies - perfect for treating yourself or a loved one.
Mark your calendars - it's a day of shopping, supporting our community, and celebrating our amazing local businesses that you won't want to miss!
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Maybe you can't afford a celebrity endorsement like Taylor Swift, but there are still plenty of lucrative opportunities to do something on a local scale. Influence marketing is changing. While businesses once chased celebrity endorsements and mega-influencers with millions of followers, smart companies are discovering that their most powerful brand ambassadors might already be customers or people sitting in the next booth at the local coffee shop.
The Importance of the Micro-Influencer
Micro-influencers (commonly considered individuals with 1,000 to 100,000 followers, although some groups refer to those with follower counts under 10,000 as nano-influencers.) are reshaping how business approach marketing. Unlike their celebrity counterparts, these local voices carry something money can't buy-authentic trust within their communities. Their followers aren't passive observers; they're engaged neighbors, colleagues, and friends who genuinely value their opinions.
Research consistently shows that micro-influencers generate higher engagement rates than macro-influencers. A study by Influencer Marketing Hub found that influencers with fewer than 10,000 followers achieve engagement rates of 7%, compared to just 1.7% for those with over 100,000 followers. More importantly for local businesses, 82% of consumers are highly likely to follow a recommendation made by a micro-influencer.
Since these micro-influencers are part of the community the buyer lives in, they're likely to feel more connected and act on their suggestions because doing so requires minimal effort. Imagine a digital nomad telling you all the great places to visit in Thailand. If you're located in Iowa, following in their footsteps is going to require saving for that trip and a lot of planning. On the other hand, if the influencer is giving tips about places in your community, you're more likely to act immediately and often.
To continue reading this article, please click here.
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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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Budget & Legislative Update
Coffee Connection
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
7:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Huntingdon Country Club
Business After Hours
Thursday, November 11, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Stuckey Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Seminar: Designing Space for Humans: How community principles help attract, retain & empower every generation
Thursday, November 13, 2025
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Comfort Inn
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Talent Discovery Workshop
Friday, November 14, 2025
7:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Huntingdon County Career & Technology Center
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 29, 2025
State of the County Address
Coffee Connection
Thursday, February 19, 2026
7:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Huntingdon Country Club
Women's Conference
Friday, March 13, 2025
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location TBA
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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. | | | | |
