January 24, 2025

NEW DATE SELECTED!

Join us at 4:45 p.m. to celebrate New Image Gym with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony directly before their After Hours event.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate 20 years of Community Improvement Awards while we review the accomplishments of the Huntingdon County Planning Commission for 2024.

We're honored to co-host the event this year with the Huntingdon County Planning and Development Department.

The event will be held on Thursday, February 27th at the Huntingdon Country Club. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for a networking reception with a cash bar, followed by dinner 6:30 p.m. The menu will include: salad, rolls and butter, grilled chicken, Penne pasta with Alfredo, vegetable medley, potato, assorted pies and beverages.

The Annual Meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a presentation of their Annual Report, and the 2024 Community Improvement Awards along with guest speaker, Lonnie Smith, Jr. A lifelong resident of Huntingdon County, Lonnie is Chairman of the Huntingdon County History & Heritage Round-table and recently appointed Director of the Swigart Museum. He works part-time for the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau and is either on the board of or volunteers for various museums and historical societies in the County, including the Huntingdon County Historical Society and the Huntingdon County Fair Farm Museum. Lonnie is the Huntingdon County Representative for the America250PA initiative. Lonnie is also a Friend of the Chamber.

The cost to attend the event is $34 per person. Payment can be submitted in the form of cash or check to:

The Huntingdon County Planning and Development Department (HCPDD)

205 Penn Street, Suite 3

Huntingdon, PA 16652

RSVP by February 13 via email to planning@huntingdoncounty.net or via phone at (814) 643-5091.

Two Keller Engineers Leaders Promoted to Associates

Keller Engineers, Inc., with locations in Hollidaysburg, State College, and Gettysburg, PA and Haddonfield, MJ is a full-service engineering firm providing client-focused civil and structural engineering and surveying services.

Keller Engineers, Inc. is proud to announce the promotion of Adam M. Charles, PE and Britton A. Burnworth, PWS to the level of Associate.

Adam serves as Keller Engineers' Assistant Director of the Water/Wastewater Division and has experience in water/wastewater treatment plant evaluations, water/wastewater system design, flow metering, permitting, annual reporting, grant application, project funding, water/wastewater plant operation, construction project management and client representation. Adam joined Keller Engineers in 2020 and is a Pennsylvania Registered Professional Engineer, as well as a Licensed Water and Wastewater System Operator. Adam is a 2010 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology.

Britton is Manager of Environmental and Energy Services and has experience in renewable energy, oil and gas development and distribution, mining, and residential/commercial development. Britton's main responsibilities include business development, project management and technical oversite of the environmental group. His project experience includes pipeline routing and permitting, responsible solar site development, threatened & endangered species evaluations, wetland delineation, aquatic resource permitting, and erosion and sedimentation control plans. Britton joined Keller Engineers in 2020 and is a 2000 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Terrestrial Ecology with a minor in Geology.

Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders:

The Foundation for Free

Enterprise Education

The Foundation for Free Enterprise Education (FFEE) is paving the way for a brighter future by equipping Pennsylvania’s youth with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed. Through its innovative programs, FFEE fosters a deep understanding of the free enterprise system while preparing students for personal and professional success.

At the heart of FFEE’s mission is its flagship program, Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW), which has been inspiring high school students for over 46 years. Each summer, students from across the state step into the roles of corporate executives, working in teams to navigate real-world business challenges. Along the way, they develop critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

But PFEW is more than a business program—it’s a life-changing journey. Students leave with newfound confidence, lifelong friendships, and a clearer vision for their future. Many participants describe the week as “transformational,” with alumni often calling it the best week of their lives.

In 2025, PFEW will debut a Reality Fair, an interactive simulation that teaches students how to navigate real-world financial decisions. From budgeting and managing expenses to saving for the future, this hands-on experience equips students with essential life skills to prepare them for adulthood.

FFEE’s programming extends beyond PFEW. The Speaker Series connects students with accomplished professionals from various industries and youth opportunities across the state, offering inspiration and practical career insights. The Stock Market Game™ introduces students to the principles of investing and financial literacy, providing teachers with valuable classroom resources while helping students meet key educational benchmarks. All FFEE programs align with Pennsylvania’s education standards, ensuring they are both impactful and relevant.

However, none of this would be possible without the incredible partners who bring these programs to life. Each summer, dedicated professionals, educators, and community members join PFEW as mentors, company advisors, and guest speakers. Volunteering at PFEW is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people while sharing your expertise and enthusiasm. Volunteers often say the experience is as rewarding for them as it is for the students.

FFEE also relies on the support of local businesses, schools, and community organizations. These partnerships empower the foundation to offer sponsorships, guaranteeing that every student, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to the unique PFEW opportunity. Together, these collaborations are shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators who will drive Pennsylvania’s economy forward.



To support PFEW or to learn more about these vital FFEE programs, visit www.pfew.org or contact VP of Marketing & Development Scott Lee at (814) 833-9576 ext. 8, or scott@pfew.org. Together, we can empower Pennsylvania’s youth to achieve greatness and build a brighter future for all.

PATHS will offer over 50 training sessions in February to educate you on burn awareness and heart health. Click on the links below to view the training objectives and register.

Just to Highlight a Few!

4 Kitchen Safety - Burn and Fire Prevention 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

5 Bloodborne Pathogens 9:30 - 10:30 .m.

7 Governor's Award for Safety Excellence (GASE) 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

11 Managing Emergencies 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

14 Occupational Skin Diseases 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

18 Job Safety Analysis 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

27 Pandemic Preparedness 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Workplace Safety Committee (WSC) Certification

4 WSC Certification Renewal 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.

11 WSC Certification Initial 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

20 WSC Certification Renewal 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

26 WSC Certification Initial 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

PATHS is a statewide service providing employerrs and employees access to cost-effective health and safety resources. Services provided by PATHS will enable participants in the workers' compensation system to create safer, incident-free workplaces.

Training can be provided onsite by request, or you may register for virtual training on various safety topics through the PATHS Training Calendar. Visit our website Health & Safety Division I Department of Labor and Industry I Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for other safety-related resources.

The Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau 2025 Destination Excellence Awards nominations are now open!

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.

Manager of the Year - The Destination Excellence Award for Manager of the Year honors exemplary professionalism and exceptional service by and employee or business owner in a supervisory position. Nominees are judged on showing outstanding leadership qualities and consistently adding to the success of their place of employment.

Volunteer of the Year - The Destination Excellence Award for Volunteer of the Year honor 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.

Event of the Year - The Destination Excellence Award for Event of the Year recognizes a business, organization or community that hosts an exceptional event that contributes to the local economy. Examples may include collaboration with other interests to celebrate a community, culture, arts, historical anniversary, sporting event or others.

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.

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.

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

Nominations close March 11, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Awards will be presented at the 2025 Tourism Summit. Information coming soon!

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

Lorena LaGroue

Program Director

lorena@huntingdonchamber.com

500 Allegheny Street

Huntingdon, PA 16652

Phone: 814-643-1110

Fax: 814-643-1115

www.huntingdonchamber.com