Every year, the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce looks forward to its annual dinner and awards ceremony, according to Chamber President and CEO Briana Tomack.
This year is no different.
The chamber will host its 77th annual event on Monday, Oct. 24 at Saint Vincent College’s Fred Rogers Institute.
The ceremony will honor four awardees who are making a difference in the Latrobe and Laurel Valley region.
The 2022 Small Business of the Year award will go to The Paper Heart, a party venue in downtown Latrobe that opened its doors in June. Co-owner Emily Pasqualino, who previously operated The Paper Heart Social Goods and Event Studios, said she wants her new venue to be “a destination” and “something different” in the city.
Retired Derry Area School District educator David McCleary is the 2022 Volunteer of the Year. McCleary serves as Action for Animals Humane Society board president and frequently volunteers for the chamber.
He also spearheaded the chamber’s book drive.
Nonprofit of the Year is Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region, an organization that pairs Westmoreland and Fayette children with adult mentors. In 2021, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America named the regional branch as its national Agency of the Year in the “Small Agency” category.
This year’s Community Service Award will go to State Farm Agent Sarah Crispin Thomas, who has helped obtain grants to support the Derry Area School District and annually sponsors the car show at the Great American Banana Split Celebration.
“It’s always tremendously gratifying to see our community gather together to join in celebrating the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of our award winners,” Tomack said.
A cocktail and social hour will kick off at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. After dinner, the chamber will celebrate this year’s awardees.
Those who wish to attend the event can purchase tickets on the chamber’s website or by calling the chamber’s office at 724-537-2671.
