Peggy Shields Honored As 2007 Volunteer of the Year
Filed Under Thought for the Day
Peggy Shields was tapped as the chamber’s 2007 Volunteer of the Year. At left is Maria Culp of the chamber. (Photo by Jeff Shaffer)
Chamber presents annual awards
By Jeff Shaffer, Standard-Journal
Fri Feb 29, 2008
Reprinted with permission.
WATSONTOWN — Good food, good company and some shiny pieces of recognition made up another year of the Central Pa. Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and awards ceremony.
“It’s the culmination of a year that’s been incredibly productive,” said Maria Culp, president and CEO of the chamber. “We can show the Valley we have incredible community members.”
Some of those people were recognized Thursday at the event, held at Norman’s Watson Inn.
A highlight included the 2007 President’s Award, given to an emotional Jim King (at left with Bruce Smith), the executive director of the Northumberland County Industrial Development Authority who has provided more than 20 years of outstanding leadership, service and mentoring.
“Mr. King puts more mileage on his vehicle within the borders of Northumberland County than any other county resident,” said Culp. “His extensive knowledge of existing buildings and properties that are available within the county borders at any given time makes him the ‘go to’ guy for all things Northumberland County, yet he understands the importance of working in a regional manner with his counterparts (in other area counties).”
A surprised King said it was a great honor.
“You do what you can and when someone recognizes it, it’s special,” he said.
The NCIDA leader said he does what he does because he cares and gets the opportunity to meet the kind of people who attended the awards ceremony.
“It’s an honor to work with these kind of people,” King said.
Also lauded for its efforts as a strong business of 50 or more employees was Kuhns Bros. Enterprise. It received the 2007 Business of the Year Award based on its staying power, innovation of products or service, response to adversity, chamber involvement and involvement in the community.
“It’s an honor to receive this recognition,” said Brian Elsasser, CFO (left). “It’s really a reflection of the employees; they are our assets.”
Netting the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award, for firms with fewer than 50 employees, was Lewis Barlett Klees. Notably, the business is celebrating its 25th anniversary. It has offices in Milton, Lewisburg and Bloomsburg.
“I’m very surprised, but pleased,” said Mike Klees (left), who runs the Bloomsburg office. “It’s good to be recognized, especially since we try to help (other businesses) grow.
“If they grow, we can grow. It’s a win-win.”
Jilline Bond was awarded the 2007 Business and Education Award for demonstrating the vision of the chamber’s business and education committee. The unique looking award has a significant meaning. The three points of the triangle represent business, educators and the workforce of the future, supported by the chamber.
“I was in shock, I’m honored,” said Bond (left), who is a senior pastor with her husband, James, of Revival Tabernacle, West Milton. “I believe in the Susquehanna Valley, I enjoy being with its people and putting forth the effort.
“They should know you don’t have to leave the area to find a great place to live and work.”
Last and certainly not least among the major awards was Peggy Shields of Projects by Peggy, who was the recipient of the 2007 Volunteer of the Year Award. The chamber depends a lot of volunteers and Shields has been up to the task, officials said.
“It’s fun to get rewarded for doing what you enjoy,” said Shields, who re-designed the chamber’s Web site and continues to work extensively maintaining it.
As for volunteering, Shields said she just likes to give. “If I could do my job and give it away I would,” she said.
Retiring board members were recognized at the meeting as well. They included Vell Holcombe of Milton Steel, Amy Moyer, publisher of Standard Journal, and Greg Trautman of Trautman Associates/On Fire Promotions. The new members include Steven Beattie of Herbert, Rowland & Grubic (HRG), Ann Hilliard, a realtor, and Rich Sands of Weis Markets.
Story and photos by
Jeff Shaffer: 570-742-9671
jeff@standard-journal.com