Don't miss out in November...

Monday - Wednesday, November 17 - 19, 2025

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

Seven Springs, PA

The 2025 event is being hosted by the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce.

We've got a great conference lined up for you with the following sessions:

Governance and Working with Boards - Bob Harris, CAE

Strategic Plans that Work - Bob Harris, CAE

Breakout Sessions - Impact of AI, Board Engagement, Non-Dues Revenue, and Branding & Marketing

"Ask Us Anything" Breakfast

Trends & Influences: How External Forces Shape Chambers - Amy Shields, ACCE

CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

We are excited to announce the date & location for our 2026 conference…please be sure to save this on your calendar for next year:

2026 PACP Chamber Professionals & Leadership Conference

for all chamber staff members

Monday – Wednesday, October 26 – 28, 2026

Penn Harris Hotel

Camp Hill, PA

Hosted by the West Shore Chamber of Commerce

Celebrate the Power of Small Business: Nominate a Candidate for the “PA Small Business of the Year Award”!

As local chamber leaders, you understand the vital role small businesses play in shaping Pennsylvania’s culture, economy, and communities. From the corner coffee shop to the cutting-edge tech startup, entrepreneurs who have the grit and determination to launch their own ventures fuel our state with jobs, innovation, and leadership. The PA Chamber is committed to working with our local chamber partners to support and celebrate these economic drivers.

To that end, the PA Chamber is proud to announce the inaugural “PA Small Business of the Year Awards,” a statewide initiative recognizing excellence in small business across the Commonwealth. Click here for more information.

As the holiday season approaches, it's time to shine a spotlight on Blair County's amazing small businesses! We have created a digital catalog to showcase the best deals, sales and events for the holiday season and Small Business Saturday! This was an opportunity for the business community to highlight special offers and gain visibility. Each participating business has a dedicated page in the catalog for free, making it easy for customers to find them during the holidays. To view the catalog, visit discoverblaircounty.com or blairchamber.com. 

The Chamber's Breakfast Club on November 6 at the Blair County Convention Center will offer a first look at an exciting lineup of events celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary. Blair County will be joining communities all across Pennsylvania and the United States in helping to plan an E.P.I.C. celebration for this milestone anniversary, the Semiquincentennial, in 2026. Providing an overview of events for Blair County will be a panel comprised of America250PA Blair County committee members A.C. Stickel, Jim Lowe, and Glenn Nelson. The event will be moderated by Amy Mearkle.

The Chamber is pleased to welcome Justin Vanderpool as their new Executive Director.

The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC), the Centre County Airport Authority (CCAA), The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB), and The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) today announced the creation of the State College Air Service Alliance (“the Alliance), a formal partnership to maintain and grow air service at the State College Regional Airport. The Alliance will work collaboratively to strengthen access to airline networks, drive job creation, and support economic development, tourism, and quality of life in Centre County. Click here to read more.

The Chamber has a new name - they are now known as the Montco Gateway Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber closed out October on a cresting wave of momentum. Our fall Young Americans Golf Classic drew a fantastic turnout and generous support from businesses across the Valley. Beyond a great day on the course, the purpose was clear: invest in local students and future leaders. Thanks to our golfers, sponsors, and volunteers, we’re doing exactly that. That investment is already at work. We’ve officially kicked off the Class of 2026 Young Americans Program, now in its 60th year. Few programs in Pennsylvania have recognized and encouraged achievement, character, service, and leadership in young people for six decades. This year, we’re thrilled to expand the program’s reach into even more school districts. That same spirit of building for the future guided our Board of Directors during a recent strategic planning session. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to tackling our region’s most urgent needs: workforce development, employee recruitment and retention, and effective public affairs outreach at the local, state, and federal levels. The Chamber’s priority is connecting employers with talent, strengthening our pipeline of leaders, and making sure the business voice of the Greater Susquehanna Valley is heard in every decision room. Our 104^th Annual Meeting is coming up on November 19^th. Registration and additional details are available at gsvcc.org. 

Laurie Ryan, President of the Exton Region Chamber, has accepted the role of President and CEO of the Greater West Chester Chamber to begin November 3.

The Chamber has named Lisa Smartnick as their next President. Lisa is an experienced professional and community leader currently serving as the Interim President of the Chamber. A graduate of Yough School District and Westmoreland County Community College, Lisa has a strong foundation in both education and community service. With 15 years of experience in the banking industry, she made the transition to the Chamber, where she continues to make a positive impact on local businesses and residents.

The Chamber is excited to announce the return of the Very Perry Holidays program! This initiative encourages and rewards local shopping throughout the holiday season—while helping to attract customers and promote our local businesses. The program runs November 28 (Black Friday) through December 31^st.

The Chamber is extremely proud to announce the 2025 Chamber Award winners. On October 23, the staff were honored to celebrate the heard work and dedication of each of the nominees, with 200 guests at Mountain Valley Golf Course in Barnesville.

• Business Man of the Year: Bill Metzinger, Metz Properties, Inc. / Red White and Blue Autos
• Business Woman of the Year: Sandy Hess, Hess Catering Inc.
• For-Profit of the Year: Bowers Home Improvements
• Nonprofit of the Year: St. Joseph Center for Special Learning
• Small Business of the Year: 5 Star Heating & Air
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Allie Doran, Arrow Studio & Events / Miss Allie's Kitchen
• Young Professional of the Year: Hannah Corbaci, HC Digital Agency / The Rosalia Hotel

Save the Date - #ACCE26 Annual Convention has been set for July 20-23, 2026 in New Orleans, LA.

The U.S. Chamber Foundation's Institute for Organization Management has announced their 2026 program dates. CLICK HERE to see the sites and dates for 2026.