Chamber Honors Businesses and Leaders for Excellence
April 05, 2018
CHAMBERSBURG, PA – The Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce honored 10 of its members for their outstanding achievements in 2017 with more than 200 people in attendance at the Annual Awards Breakfast this morning, sponsored by M&T Bank.
“It’s truly an honor to recognize and thank our members for their exceptional contributions,” said Stephen Christian, president of the Chamber. “Not only are significant amounts of investments and property improvements happening in the area, but our members are constantly devoting their time and energy to building up the quality of life in our community.”
Janet Pollard, the director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, accepted the international ATHENA Leadership Award to a standing ovation at the Chambersburg Country Club. The award honors an individual who exemplifies professional, community and personal leadership as well as someone who actively assists women in reaching their full leadership potential and/or personal and professional advancement. The Athena award is sponsored locally by Jennings Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and F&M Trust.
For nearly 30 years, Pollard has demonstrated her drive and commitment to Franklin County starting with her love of local history. Her leadership through the years has included writing local historical publications, establishing the Chambersburg Heritage Center & Gift Shop and excelling in her role as the director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau.
Her imaginative leadership has resulted in the creation of many events that drive tourism and interest to our county including the reenactment of the Burning of Chambersburg. Pollard continues to make incredible progress with the organization including the recent creation of the Franklin County 11/30 Tourism Center scheduled for completion in 2018.
Pollard’s exceptional service goes beyond her career to generously giving her time to programs throughout Franklin County. Pollard is an exceptional and driven woman who is absolutely committed to her family and professional pursuits. She constantly encourages others to give back for the betterment of the community and exemplifies the qualities and qualifications of an Athena award recipient.
Also presented at the breakfast awards ceremony were the following awards:
Property Improvement – Rehabilitation over $500,000:
The Shook Home and the Quarters at the Shook constructed a three-story, state-of-the-art Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in downtown Chambersburg. The facility includes a therapy gym for in-patient, short-term rehab residents; an aquatic therapy pool for in-patients and out-patients; another therapy gym and six large private resident rooms for in-patient, short-term rehab residents. The new building is designed to lend itself to future expansion that will enable the Shook Home to meet the changing needs of the community. Chamber members involved with the construction included Brechbill & Helman Construction Co., Inc., Newcomer Associates, Architecture + Engineering, Dennis E. Black Engineering, Inc., Snavely’s Garden Corner, Inc., Ralph E. Tolbert Masonry, Inc., Glessner Technologies, Frank B. Lesher Company, Tele-Plus Corporation and Elect Technology Management.
Property Improvement – Historic Preservation
The Franklin County Library System was honored for their outstanding renovations at the Coyle Free Library located at 102 N. Main St. The new library embraces its original roots as the Chambersburg Post Office and an office for the IRS, and also preserves the original woodwork, marble floors and more. The $5.5 million project, known as the Campaign for Coyle, was completed in December 2017 and has received strong support from the community. Chamber members involved in the project included Noelker and Hull Associates, Inc., David H. Martin Excavating, Inc. and Stouffer Mechanical Contractors.
Property Improvement – Historic Preservation Honorable Mention
Drawbaugh Development, owned by Chris Drawbaugh, was also awarded an honorable mention for his extensive renovation of 1 N. Main St. The building is located on the west side of the square and currently houses the Public Opinion and Square 1 Restaurant. Drawbaugh’s ingenuity in combining modern conveniences while preserving the historical integrity of the structure deserved an honorable mention for the historic preservation of such a vital property on Memorial Square. Chamber members David Black Associates, Inc., Ralph E. Tolbert Masonry, Inc., Fleagle’s Painting LLC and Haldeman’s Construction all contributed to the project.
Environmental Sustainability Award: Landscaping and Horticulture program at the Franklin County Career and Technology Center
Presented by Wilson College and the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce
The Environmental Sustainability Award recognizes a business or nonprofit organization whose operations, processes or products reflect adherence to the principles of ethical, economic and environmental sustainability.
The Landscaping and Horticulture program has designed a number of learning opportunities and activities for their students to stress the importance of sustainable living and conservation of natural resources. Some of those initiatives have included recycling old soil and plants to create outdoor trial gardens as well as planting the downtown Chambersburg hanging baskets that line Main Street. Other student projects include partnering with the Diesel Technology program to plant and sow corn and soybeans to develop renewable bio diesel fuel to operate school maintenance vehicles as a more environmentally friendly alternative to using petroleum based fuel sources.
Innovator of the Year: Dr. David J. Ludwick, M.D. of Ludwick Eye Center
This award recognizes an entrepreneur, business owner or key manager who has succeeded through innovation and risk-taking in introducing new products or services, or growing an existing product line through a unique approach.
Dr. David J. Ludwick of Ludwick Eye Center has demonstrated his innovation by challenging his field and leading the way to provide Franklin County with the best and latest ophthalmic care. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Ludwick has pursued compassionate and quality care while leading the ophthalmic industry in the tristate area. Some advancements he has incorporated include advanced intraocular lens implants to offer a greater range of vision following cataract surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery devices, the opening of the Ambulatory Surgery Center and much more.
Nonprofit of the Year: South Central Community Action Programs
Presented by the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Franklin County
The Nonprofit of the Year award recognizes a nonprofit organization whose innovations address areas of need to improve the prosperity of Franklin County.
South Central Community Action Programs’ mission is to empower families and engage the community to pursue innovative and effective solutions to break the cycle of poverty. Programs like Child Care Information Services and Work Ready focus on keeping Franklin County residents working and able to afford to take care of their families. Other programs include Weatherization to reduce energy usage and help make families better afford their heating and cooling costs long term. SCCAP also has homeless shelter programs, rapid rehousing, homeless prevention and support circles – these are to help families develop a future story and then work to stabilize their lives and reach their goals. The community work that SCCAP does, such as poverty simulations, training on understanding economic/cultural differences and coordinating Franklin Together enable them to work with countless partners to increase their collective results.
Young Professional of the Year: Morgan Neuburger
Presented by the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce and 11/30 Network
The purpose of this award is to highlight and promote the talent of the next generation of leaders in our community. The Young Professional of the Year award recognizes an individual who is pursuing excellence in their career and has made valuable contributions to the community through civic engagement.
Morgan Neuburger started her career in construction with Brechbill & Helman Construction, Co. in 2014. Her capacity to learn and engage in the industry enabled her to quickly advance from a receptionist and administrative assistant to assistant project manager working on the Springhill Suites hotel being built on Gateway Ave. Neuburger is also an active volunteer, and serves as the co-chair of the Sports & Recreation committee of the 11/30 Network. She also volunteers at community events including Scoop-a-Palooza, IceFest, Oktoberfest, CrabFeast, Sip & Savor Soiree, United Way’s Scavenger Hunt and more.
Volunteer of the Year: Angela Quigley
The Volunteer of the Year award is given to a deserving individual who has demonstrated their commitment to serving the community by volunteering with the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce and/or its affiliates.
Angela Quigley has been involved with Downtown Chambersburg, Inc. (DCI) since 2012, including volunteering on committees for IceFest and serving as a member of DCI’s board of directors. Quigley also serves as the treasurer of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation board of directors, and is actively involved in their Leadership Franklin County Community program. After graduating from the program, she has served several years as a project mentor to assist students with their projects. The work she does within the community is exceptional.
Spirit of the Community: Penny Shaul
The purpose of this award is to recognize an outstanding individual who has demonstrated a tireless and unselfish commitment to improving the quality of life in Chambersburg beyond the role of their career.
Penny Shaul, owner of Here’s Looking at You, has become an essential part of the gradual revitalization of downtown Chambersburg. Since she moved to Chambersburg nearly 15 years ago, she started a local business and has shown her commitment by delivering countless volunteer hours as a member of the Downtown Business Council and Downtown Chambersburg Inc. One of her greatest contributions has been her dedication to IceFest, which has grown into the single largest ice festival in Pennsylvania. Hundreds of hours have been devoted to this festival that takes nearly a year to plan – and her commitment allows the success of the event to support local businesses and three nonprofit organizations.
Special thanks to all of this year’s Annual Awards Breakfast sponsors:
###
“It’s truly an honor to recognize and thank our members for their exceptional contributions,” said Stephen Christian, president of the Chamber. “Not only are significant amounts of investments and property improvements happening in the area, but our members are constantly devoting their time and energy to building up the quality of life in our community.”
Janet Pollard, the director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, accepted the international ATHENA Leadership Award to a standing ovation at the Chambersburg Country Club. The award honors an individual who exemplifies professional, community and personal leadership as well as someone who actively assists women in reaching their full leadership potential and/or personal and professional advancement. The Athena award is sponsored locally by Jennings Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and F&M Trust.
For nearly 30 years, Pollard has demonstrated her drive and commitment to Franklin County starting with her love of local history. Her leadership through the years has included writing local historical publications, establishing the Chambersburg Heritage Center & Gift Shop and excelling in her role as the director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau.
Her imaginative leadership has resulted in the creation of many events that drive tourism and interest to our county including the reenactment of the Burning of Chambersburg. Pollard continues to make incredible progress with the organization including the recent creation of the Franklin County 11/30 Tourism Center scheduled for completion in 2018.
Pollard’s exceptional service goes beyond her career to generously giving her time to programs throughout Franklin County. Pollard is an exceptional and driven woman who is absolutely committed to her family and professional pursuits. She constantly encourages others to give back for the betterment of the community and exemplifies the qualities and qualifications of an Athena award recipient.
Also presented at the breakfast awards ceremony were the following awards:
Property Improvement – Rehabilitation over $500,000:
The Shook Home and the Quarters at the Shook constructed a three-story, state-of-the-art Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in downtown Chambersburg. The facility includes a therapy gym for in-patient, short-term rehab residents; an aquatic therapy pool for in-patients and out-patients; another therapy gym and six large private resident rooms for in-patient, short-term rehab residents. The new building is designed to lend itself to future expansion that will enable the Shook Home to meet the changing needs of the community. Chamber members involved with the construction included Brechbill & Helman Construction Co., Inc., Newcomer Associates, Architecture + Engineering, Dennis E. Black Engineering, Inc., Snavely’s Garden Corner, Inc., Ralph E. Tolbert Masonry, Inc., Glessner Technologies, Frank B. Lesher Company, Tele-Plus Corporation and Elect Technology Management.
Property Improvement – Historic Preservation
The Franklin County Library System was honored for their outstanding renovations at the Coyle Free Library located at 102 N. Main St. The new library embraces its original roots as the Chambersburg Post Office and an office for the IRS, and also preserves the original woodwork, marble floors and more. The $5.5 million project, known as the Campaign for Coyle, was completed in December 2017 and has received strong support from the community. Chamber members involved in the project included Noelker and Hull Associates, Inc., David H. Martin Excavating, Inc. and Stouffer Mechanical Contractors.
Property Improvement – Historic Preservation Honorable Mention
Drawbaugh Development, owned by Chris Drawbaugh, was also awarded an honorable mention for his extensive renovation of 1 N. Main St. The building is located on the west side of the square and currently houses the Public Opinion and Square 1 Restaurant. Drawbaugh’s ingenuity in combining modern conveniences while preserving the historical integrity of the structure deserved an honorable mention for the historic preservation of such a vital property on Memorial Square. Chamber members David Black Associates, Inc., Ralph E. Tolbert Masonry, Inc., Fleagle’s Painting LLC and Haldeman’s Construction all contributed to the project.
Environmental Sustainability Award: Landscaping and Horticulture program at the Franklin County Career and Technology Center
Presented by Wilson College and the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce
The Environmental Sustainability Award recognizes a business or nonprofit organization whose operations, processes or products reflect adherence to the principles of ethical, economic and environmental sustainability.
The Landscaping and Horticulture program has designed a number of learning opportunities and activities for their students to stress the importance of sustainable living and conservation of natural resources. Some of those initiatives have included recycling old soil and plants to create outdoor trial gardens as well as planting the downtown Chambersburg hanging baskets that line Main Street. Other student projects include partnering with the Diesel Technology program to plant and sow corn and soybeans to develop renewable bio diesel fuel to operate school maintenance vehicles as a more environmentally friendly alternative to using petroleum based fuel sources.
Innovator of the Year: Dr. David J. Ludwick, M.D. of Ludwick Eye Center
This award recognizes an entrepreneur, business owner or key manager who has succeeded through innovation and risk-taking in introducing new products or services, or growing an existing product line through a unique approach.
Dr. David J. Ludwick of Ludwick Eye Center has demonstrated his innovation by challenging his field and leading the way to provide Franklin County with the best and latest ophthalmic care. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Ludwick has pursued compassionate and quality care while leading the ophthalmic industry in the tristate area. Some advancements he has incorporated include advanced intraocular lens implants to offer a greater range of vision following cataract surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery devices, the opening of the Ambulatory Surgery Center and much more.
Nonprofit of the Year: South Central Community Action Programs
Presented by the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Franklin County
The Nonprofit of the Year award recognizes a nonprofit organization whose innovations address areas of need to improve the prosperity of Franklin County.
South Central Community Action Programs’ mission is to empower families and engage the community to pursue innovative and effective solutions to break the cycle of poverty. Programs like Child Care Information Services and Work Ready focus on keeping Franklin County residents working and able to afford to take care of their families. Other programs include Weatherization to reduce energy usage and help make families better afford their heating and cooling costs long term. SCCAP also has homeless shelter programs, rapid rehousing, homeless prevention and support circles – these are to help families develop a future story and then work to stabilize their lives and reach their goals. The community work that SCCAP does, such as poverty simulations, training on understanding economic/cultural differences and coordinating Franklin Together enable them to work with countless partners to increase their collective results.
Young Professional of the Year: Morgan Neuburger
Presented by the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce and 11/30 Network
The purpose of this award is to highlight and promote the talent of the next generation of leaders in our community. The Young Professional of the Year award recognizes an individual who is pursuing excellence in their career and has made valuable contributions to the community through civic engagement.
Morgan Neuburger started her career in construction with Brechbill & Helman Construction, Co. in 2014. Her capacity to learn and engage in the industry enabled her to quickly advance from a receptionist and administrative assistant to assistant project manager working on the Springhill Suites hotel being built on Gateway Ave. Neuburger is also an active volunteer, and serves as the co-chair of the Sports & Recreation committee of the 11/30 Network. She also volunteers at community events including Scoop-a-Palooza, IceFest, Oktoberfest, CrabFeast, Sip & Savor Soiree, United Way’s Scavenger Hunt and more.
Volunteer of the Year: Angela Quigley
The Volunteer of the Year award is given to a deserving individual who has demonstrated their commitment to serving the community by volunteering with the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce and/or its affiliates.
Angela Quigley has been involved with Downtown Chambersburg, Inc. (DCI) since 2012, including volunteering on committees for IceFest and serving as a member of DCI’s board of directors. Quigley also serves as the treasurer of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation board of directors, and is actively involved in their Leadership Franklin County Community program. After graduating from the program, she has served several years as a project mentor to assist students with their projects. The work she does within the community is exceptional.
Spirit of the Community: Penny Shaul
The purpose of this award is to recognize an outstanding individual who has demonstrated a tireless and unselfish commitment to improving the quality of life in Chambersburg beyond the role of their career.
Penny Shaul, owner of Here’s Looking at You, has become an essential part of the gradual revitalization of downtown Chambersburg. Since she moved to Chambersburg nearly 15 years ago, she started a local business and has shown her commitment by delivering countless volunteer hours as a member of the Downtown Business Council and Downtown Chambersburg Inc. One of her greatest contributions has been her dedication to IceFest, which has grown into the single largest ice festival in Pennsylvania. Hundreds of hours have been devoted to this festival that takes nearly a year to plan – and her commitment allows the success of the event to support local businesses and three nonprofit organizations.
Special thanks to all of this year’s Annual Awards Breakfast sponsors:
- Grand Sponsor: M&T Bank
- ATHENA Leadership Award Sponsors: F&M Trust, Jennings Chevrolet, Buick, GMC
- Table Sponsors: BB&T, Brechbill & Helman Construction Company, Inc., F&M Trust, Keystone Health, Menno Haven, Montessori Academy of Chambersburg, Patriot Federal Credit Union, The Shook Home and the Quarters at the Shook, Smith Elliott Kearns & Co., Summit Health, Wilson College
- Patron Sponsors: First Community Bank of Mercersburg, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., Johnnie's Restaurant & Hotel Service, Inc., LCSi Lehman Construction Services, Inc., Penn National Insurance, Penn State Mont Alto, PeopleReady, Providence Place, SpiriTrust Lutheran
###
Contact:
Lark Plessinger, Communications Manager
lplessinger@chambersburg.org
