The theme of the night, according to chamber CEO and President Wico van Genderen, was “acceleration,” referring to the rapid pace at which business continues to grow in the Wilkes-Barre area.
Businesses from all over the Wyoming Valley were represented at the dinner, with 15 different businesses and organizations being recognized for their achievements over the past year with special awards presented to them by various community leaders.
The ceremony was kicked off by van Genderen and his staff, introducing four women who represent the board chairs of the Chamber of Commerce: Mary Erwine, chair of the Chamber of Commerce, Liz Graham of the Chamber of Business and Industry, Teri Ooms, the chair of the Industrial Fund, and Tara Mugford Wilson of the Chamber of Development corporation.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Gerry O'Donnell was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in the area's business leadership and economic development.
O'Donnell's list of business accolades and accomplishments includes stints with Junior Achievement, the Osterhout Library, the Board of American Diabetes Association and advisory roles at King's College, Luzerne County Community College and Keystone College.
“I'm the only thing standing between you all and the door,” O'Donnell joked with the crowd during his acceptance speech, remarking that his wife told him to be “short and funny.”
Legacy Business of the Year:
Eye Care Specialists
The award for Legacy Business of the Year was introduced by Times Leader Media Group Publisher Mike Murray and presented by Barbara Maculloch, the Pennsylvania president of Community Bank, to Eye Care Specialists. The award was accepted by Dr. Richard Roth.
Times Leader Media Group was honored with the award last year.
Eight awards were handed out as the highlight of the event:
Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania (Charitable Organization of the Year)
Mobiniti (Emerging Business of the Year)
Pennsylvania American Water (Diversity Champion Business of the Year)
Pride of Place Awards:
Borton-Lawson
FNCB Bank
The Jewish Community Alliance of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Misericordia University
Woodspring Suites Wilkes-Barre.
Healthy Workplace Awards:
Luzerne County Head Start
PA CareerLink of Luzerne County
Riggs Asset Management
Sundance Vacations
Regional Partner Achievement Award:
Kevin O'Donnell won the Regional Partner Achievement Award for his work as president of Can Do Inc., the greater Hazleton area's economic development agency
“This is really a special honor,” O'Donnell said. “I really appreciate the recognition.”
