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East Broad Top Railroad to Dedicate Monument Honoring the Kovalchick Family
The East Broad Top Railroad will host a special ceremony on Saturday, August 23, at 11:00 a.m. to dedicate a new monument honoring the Kovalchick family for their pivotal role in preserving America's oldest operating narrow-gauge railroad.
In 1956, at a time when much of America's industrial history was disappearing, Nick Kovalchick, an Indiana Pennsylvania salvage dealer, purchased the East Broad Top Railroad and Coal Company. The quaint railroad reminded him of a model train he never had, inspiring him to keep the railroad intact and eventually reopen part of it for public excursions in 1960. His son, Joe Kovalchick, affirmed, "When my father bought the company, it was never his intention to scrap the railroad". For decades, Nick and the Kovalchick family maintained and protected the railroad's infrastructure - including its 33-mile mainline, original steam locomotives, freight cars, roundhouse, and machine shops - preserving a complete 19th-century industrial site virtually untouched by modern alteration. Even during periods when trains were not running, the family continued to safeguard the property from decay and vandalism, ensuring that future generations could one day see it come alive again.
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SEPTA funding shortfall could trigger cuts to Amtrak routes from Harrisburg to Philadelphia, New York
Keith Schweigert, Harrisburg FOX 43
August 19, 2025
Amtrak officials warned this week that Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) funding shortfalls, which have been exacerbated by the delay in passage of a new state budget, could potentially trigger disruptions for those who ride Amtrak lines across the sate. That's because SEPTA has proposed cuts to regional rail lines it runs on tracks that are owned by Amtrak. Without money from its partnership with SEPTA, Amtrak might not be albe to maintain the line. "The potential reduction in SEPTA's financial contribution will have a negative impact on Amtrak's ability to reinvest in the rail network," Amtrak said in a statement. "This could lead to a deterioration in infrastructure condition and authorized train operating speeds, negatively impacting Amtrak-operated, PennDOT-sponsored Keystone Service and Pennsylvania service between Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh, as well as Northeast Corridor services," the statement continued. The Keystone Service makes frequent daily round trips between Harrisburg and New York with stops in Lancaster and Philadelphia, along with several smaller communities in southcentral and southeastern Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvanian route travels daily from Pittsburgh to New York, also with stops in between at Philadelphia, Lancaster, and other smaller destinations.
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| | We're excited to announce that we've once again partnered with Dale Carnegie to provide essential training for our members! This will be a FREE virtual session on September 23 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. | | |
Pa. counties, school districts prepare for service cuts if a state budget isn't delivered soon
Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital-Star
August 18, 2025
Across Pennsylvania, counties and providers of essential human services are bracing for what many fear will be a protracted state budget standoff in Harrisburg that's already nearly seven weeks past the deadline. For many, it's brining up fears of another impasse like in 2015, when lawmakers went nine months without finalizing a spending plan. While most Pennsylvanians won't have noticed any change in their day-to-day lives so far, for some of the most vulnerable people in the state, that may soon change. That's because, until a budget is signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro, state payments for county-run services - like child welfare enforcement, senior citizen care, county health department programming, and more - are effectively on hold. So, county governments are beginning to dip into their reserves. Now, officials and the nonprofits they contract with are rushing to develop contingency plans for when those run dry. According to reporting by Spotlight PA, more than $2.5 billion in state payments for education and human services will be delayed in the coming weeks if lawmakers don't come to an agreement. While the Democratic-led House rejected a stop-gap budget passed by the Republican-controlled Senate earlier this month, the House also passed a budget bill in July, which stalled in the Senate. Leaders of both parties have blamed the other for the impasse, while emphasizing negotiations continue.
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At our August Business After Hours, we gathered at the breathtaking Moe's Mountainside Entertainment Venue for an evening of networking, fun, and unforgettable moments.
Guests enjoyed mouthwatering bites from Cassville Country Store, toured the stunning property (including their recently renovated cabins for rent), and had the chance to chat directly with one of the owners, Robert Payne.
And the highlight? A surprise visit from their beautiful peacock—talk about a showstopper!
It was truly a magical evening filled with great food, meaningful connections, and a one-of-a-kind setting. A huge thank you to Moe’s for hosting and to everyone who joined us!
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Now Accepting Nominations for the
2025 Annual Awards Gala
The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that nominations are now open for our Annual Awards Gala taking place on October 2, 2025. At this prestigious event, we will recognize seven exceptional individuals, businesses, and organizations that make our community thrive. We encourage you to submit nominations for the following awards:
David K. Goodman Jr. Community Service Award
Sponsored by Huntingdon Elks Lodge #976
Honoring an individual or organization that has shown outstanding dedication of time and resources to improve our community.
Customer Service Award
Sponsored by Bonney Forge Corp
Celebrating a business that exemplifies excellence in delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Business of the Year
Sponsored by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Recognizing a business that has significantly contributed to the economic growth and development of Huntingdon County.
Educator of the Year
Sponsored by Juniata College
Awarded to a passionate educator who goes above and beyond to inspire and serve students and the educational community.
Entrepreneurial Success Award
Sponsored by Cassville Country Store and Restaurant
Honoring a small business owner (minimum of three years in operation) who demonstrates innovation and a strong commitment to community advancement.
Volunteer of the Year
Sponsored by Arize Federal Credit Union
Recognizing a Chamber member who has provided outstanding service in support of the Chamber's mission and initiatives.
ATHENA Award
Sponsored by Arize Federal Credit Union, Bumgardner & Flasher Oil, Inc., Community State Bank, Homewood Living at Spring House, Lincoln Caverns, Inc. & Whisper Rocks, MiCamp Solutions, LLC., MJEM's Photos, and TEAM Chevrolet GMC
This internationally recognized award honors a woman or man who exemplifies professional excellence, community service, and who actively supports women in achieving leadership and success. Please help us honor a deserving leader with this prestigious recognition.
Deadline for all nominations is August 27, 2025. Nominations should be submitted directly to MacKenzie at mhuntsman@huntingdonchamber.com and may be on the official nomination form or attached as a Word document.
Let's celebrate the people and businesses who make Huntingdon County exceptional - sumbit your nominations today!
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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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Annual Membership Luncheon
Thursday, August 14, 2025
11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Westminster Woods
Business After Hours
Thursday, August 21, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Moe's Mountainside Entertainment Venue (Rentals)
Talent Discovery Workshop
Thursday, August 28, 2025
7:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Huntingdon County Career & Technology Center
Sporting Clay Tournament
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Registration at 2:30 p.m.
Shooting at 3:00 p.m.
Shenecoy Sportsmen
Business After Hours
Thursday, September 18, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Mutual Benefit Group
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Annual Awards Gala
Thursday, October 2, 2025
5:30 p.m. Reception
6:00 p.m. Dinner
Trophy Mountain Lodge
Business After Hours
Thursday, November 6, 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.
Location TBA
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 29, 2025
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. | | | | |
