Submitted photos
The following individuals received awards from the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce awards. Kneeling (from left): Rhonda Kelley, Ryan Snyder, Erik Oden and Alyssa Brown; Middle row: Gary Ishler, Mary Sieber, Jenna Spade, Candy Snyder, Christie Holderman, Jennifer Ufema, Cara Harmon, Katy Flood, Amy Oden-Bitner, Lisa Miller, Stephanie Byler, Robin Yetter, Rachel Steinbach and Colette Hartzler; back row: Ben Sieber, Carter Spade, Brandon Sheeler, Brian Sheeler, Vance Varner, Jason Ufema, Steve Flood, Geoff Burke, Dave Becker, Judy Mummau and Judy Fitzgerald.

LEWISTOWN — Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rhonda Kelley said the Juniata Valley is currently experiencing tremendous growth. She attributes that to the individuals, businesses and organizations who invest their time, talents and capital in the community.

The Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce recognizes those difference-makers during its Annual Awards and Leadership Recognition Celebration on Wednesday at Ray Vernon Estate in Milroy.

“Those receiving our chamber awards have proven their love and dedication both in their work and personal lives through sacrifice, volunteerism, entrepreneurism and service,” Kelley said.

Kelley welcomed the 130 in attendance to the event and Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Peter Ort spoke on the importance of events such as this that celebrate the positive things happening in the Juniata River Valley.

The following awards went to:

Community Service Award: Awarded to a person or organization that has demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to their community.

• Jason and Jennifer Ufema, Shy Bear Brewing and Rich Coast Coffee, both in Lewistown; and

• Geoff Burke, Heller-Hoenstine Funeral Homes, Lewistown

Ambassador Award: Celebrates an individual that has fostered a positive image of the chamber within the Juniata River.

• Cara Harmon, Batter & Dough Bakeshop in Lewistown; and

• Judy Mummau, Painting Parties by Judy

Emerging Business Award: New fledgling business that opened the previous year or changed ownership and represents the best of the Juniata Valley’s future.

• Stan’s Coffee Co., Thompsontown; and

• Strodes Run Kennel, McVeytown

Spirit of the Juniata River Valley Award: Honors a business or organization that best exemplifies the qualities of honesty, fairness, ethical business practices and concern for employees and customers.

• Philips Ultrasound, Reedsville

Pride Award: Presented to the business that has made notable physical improvements to their facility community.

• Hungry Run Wine Bar Bistro, Lewistown;

• Wingman Brew N Que, Lewistown; and

• Iron Ridge Brewery, Lewistown

Impact Award: Honoring a person who has an infectious passion for his/her community and strives daily to make it a better place for its residents.

• Mifflin County School District Superintendent of Schools Vance Varner and Juniata County School District Superintendent of Schools Christie Holderman

Community Visionary Award: Honors an organization that has put their vision into action.

• Faith’s House of Hope, Lewistown

Entrepreneur Family of the Year Award:

• Spade of Spade Made Home Improvements, McVeytown; and

• Snyder Family Sliced Deli, Lewistown

Preservation of the Juniata River Valley Award: Honors an individual or business that has worked hard to preserve our local historic landmarks.

• Old Mill Coffeehouse, Richfield; and

• Whitehall General Store, Belleville

#ChooseOptimism Award:

• Dunkin’ Donuts, Lewistown

Presented to a business or organization that has demonstrated their confidence in the future of our community through innovative expansion and growth.

Goose Day Gold Feather Award: Presented to an individual, business, or organization who is not only showing support for Goose Day but is also helping the unique holiday grow and attract visitors.

• Juniata Valley Striders

Chamber Institute

The chamber also conducts an intensive eight-month leadership institute.

Kelley said, “We believe that passionate leadership begins with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history and inner working of one’s community. Through our leadership institute, we cover such topics as history, economic development and entrepreneurism, healthcare and human services, law and government, community leadership, education, and workforce development, as well as tourism, arts and culture.”

The 18 graduates from this year’s class include:

• Lynn Bell, Blue Chip Federal Credit Union

• Braden Card, Geisinger, Lewistown

• Jason Cunningham, Kish Bank

• Roger Drumheller, Beth Harlan, Melissa Stewart, Joy Yetter, Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corp., Yeagertown

• Colette Hartzler, United Way of Mifflin-Juniata, Lewistown

• Cari Kilmer, PA CareerLink Mifflin County

• Abby Krepps, Juniata County Probation

• Shelby Liebegott, Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11

• Katye Long and David Ritter, NuVisions Center

Kathryn Newcamp, East End Coffee Co., Lewistown

• Kelly Rodenbaugh, Mifflin County Library, Lewistown

• Ellen Sheetz, First National Bank

• Jenna Stoner, Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Lewistown

• Kyle Zimmerman, Mifflin County Wireless, Lewistown

The winner of the peer chosen Chamber Leadership Institute Student Leadership Award went to Kathryn Newcamp for her exceptional leadership throughout the program. She was awarded a plaque from the chamber as well as a flag that previously flew over the nation’s capital from Congressman John Joyce.