July 2, 2026

In observance of the Independence Day holiday, the Chamber office will be closed on Friday, July 3rd.

As we look ahead to America’s 250th birthday, we’re especially proud to join our community and nation in honoring 250 years of freedom, progress, and unity.

We wish everyone a safe, meaningful, and celebratory holiday weekend as we reflect on the spirit of 1776 and the journey that continues today.



The Chamber office will reopen during regular business hours after the holiday.

From the office of Senator Judy Ward:

Here are a few noteworthy programs currently open for applications:

• Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Local Initiatives - Closes July 14
• Erie Insurance Giving Network - Closes July 17
• COPS Hiring Program - Closes July 23
• Multimodal Transportation Fund - Closes July 31
• School Violence Prevention Program - Closes August 4
• Preparing for Active Shooter Situations - Closes August 4

For additional information on a particular funding program, links are provided in the newsletter. If you have any additional questions on these or other funding opportunities for your projects, please feel free to contact Michele Ivory in my Hollidaysburg Office (814-695-8386 or mivory@pasen.gov) or John Breneman in my Lewistown Office (717-210-5700 or jbreneman@pasen.gov).

Click here for the full newsletter.

Pennsylvania Budget Deadline Passes Without Deal As Negotiations Continue In Harrisburg

James Corrigan, Harrisburg FOX 43

June 30, 2026

Pennsylvania lawmakers missed another state budget deadline Tuesday, with negotiations continuing between Senate Republicans, House Democrats and Gov. Josh Shapiro over a spending plan for the 2026-27 fiscal year. While no agreement has been reached, leaders from both parties say talks have made significant progress and remain optimistic that a final budget deal can be completed in the coming days. Republican leaders in both chambers remain focused on the overall size of the state budget, saying they hope to keep total spending below the $53.3 billion proposal Gov. Shapiro introduced in February. Despite the missed June 30 deadline, leaders on both sides of the aisle say they want to avoid a repeat of last year's prolonged budget negotiations, which stretched 135 days beyond the constitutional deadline. Although the Senate has adjourned for the remainder of the week, the Pennsylvania House still has voting sessions scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday as budget negotiations continue.

To continue reading this article, please click here.

PATHS is offering more than 25 training courses in July highlighting fireworks and wildlife safety month. We also will be offering a training session on responding to active shooter situations. Click on the links below to view the training objectives and register.

Just to Highlight a Few!

1 Ticks and Lyme Disease 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

2 Fireworks Safety 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

7 Snakes 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

8 Rabies 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

16 Camping Safety 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

21 Active Shooter Training 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Certified Workplace Safety Committee (CWSC) Member Training

2 CWSC Member Training 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

8 CWSC Member Training 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

15 CWSC Member Training 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

21 CWSC Member Training 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

29 CWSC Member Training 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

PATHS is a statewide service providing employers and employees with easy access to cost-effective health and safety resources. Services provided by PATHS empower participants in the workers' compensation system to foster safer and more proactive workplace environments.

Training is provided onside by request, or you may register for online webinars on a wide range of topics through the PATHS Training Calendar. Visit our website PA.gov/dli/bwc/PATHS for other safety-related resources.

Last Friday, we had the pleasure of partnering with the incredible The Playhouse at McConnellstown for a special Chamber performance of Muffed: A Recounting of Farmington, Maine's 43rd Annual Chester Greenwood Day, devised by the Members of the Meaningful Action Theatre Company.

This hilarious mockumentary-style production had us laughing from start to finish as an ensemble of talented actors brought to life the wonderfully chaotic lead-up to Farmington's delightfully quirky celebration of Chester Greenwood—the inventor of earmuffs. (And yes... Chester Greenwood Day is a real event! )

Before the curtain rose, guests enjoyed an evening reception filled with great conversation, networking, and fellowship, making it the perfect way to connect before settling in for an unforgettable performance.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors and to the amazing team at the Playhouse at McConnellstown for helping make this event such a memorable success. We are grateful for your partnership and for bringing outstanding live theatre to our community.



We’re already looking forward to next year's Chamber Night at the Playhouse and can't wait to see what creative masterpiece takes the stage next!

With Big Boy making its way to Huntingdon, the Chamber staff has been hard at work giving Hunt Tower a well-deserved refresh in preparation for the thousands of visitors expected to enjoy the festivities.

Over the past several weeks, we've rolled up our sleeves and tackled projects both inside and outside the historic landmark. From spreading fresh mulch and planting colorful flowers to touching up areas with fresh spray paint, pressure washing the exterior, sweeping, mopping, dusting, and organizing the upstairs storage areas, every project has helped make Hunt Tower shine.

Let's just say there has been plenty of sweat, a little dirt, a few sore muscles, and more than a few laughs along the way! While some projects were more glamorous than others (we're looking at you, upstairs storage!), every task was worth it to help showcase one of Huntingdon's treasured historic buildings.

We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the Borough of Huntingdon for generously allowing us to borrow their pressure washer. Their partnership and willingness to lend a helping hand made a tremendous difference in giving the exterior of Hunt Tower a fresh, clean appearance.

Although Hunt Tower will not be open for tours during the Big Boy festivities, we encourage everyone to stop by to enjoy the beautifully refreshed grounds and experience all the excitement surrounding the property. The amazing people from East Broad Top Railroad will be joining us as well and we encourage you to chat with them!

While you're in the neighborhood, don't miss another special opportunity! Just across the street, the Swigart Museum will be hosting a special open house featuring one of its vehicle storage locations. It's a rare chance to see part of the museum's remarkable collection that isn't typically on display, making it the perfect addition to your Big Boy weekend itinerary.



We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far and hope everyone enjoys an unforgettable weekend celebrating railroad history, community, and all that Huntingdon has to offer!

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