The Lebanon Valley Chamber Business Connection provides an inside look at our Chamber initiatives and the businesses that make our community thrive.
Incredible individuals honored with awards
Our Annual Membership Breakfast and Awards was a special opportunity to celebrate an incredible group of individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication continue to strengthen our community.
Jennifer Kuzo, former president of Visit Lebanon Valley, received the Community Builder Award. Jennifer Thompson, senior HR manager, VF Corp received the Bob Harris Memorial Chairman’s Award. Janelle Miller, development director, WellSpan Health, won the Ambassador of the Year Award. Richard Mahida, commanding officer, accepted the Non-Profit of the Year Award on behalf of the Salvation Army of Lebanon County. Andy Inch, owner of Inch by Inch Construction, was honored as the Small Business Person of the Year.
Susan Blouch, executive director of Lebanon Rescue Mission, was honored as the 2025 ATHENA International Award Winner. Susan is surrounded by past winners, including (from L to R) Emily Guilliams, Todd Snovel, Donna Williams, Maine Keith, Sherry Capello, Kim Kreider Umble, Marianne Turnbaugh, Cheryl Batdorf, and Laurie Funk.
Congratulations to all these deserving leaders!
Please help our downtown business recovery: Gift cards are being accepted now
In the wake of last month’s downtown fire, our focus is on supporting the businesses as they begin the long road to recovery. These small, locally owned businesses are an essential part of our community and now face the difficult task of cleaning, rebuilding, and replacing.
To meet their immediate business needs, we are collecting gift cards for those impacted. Gift cards can be for retailers such as Grocery Outlet, JDM Office Supply, Bombergers ACE of Annville, Staples, Target, Giant, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart, or any other regional business.
If you can help, gift cards can be dropped off at our office or emailed to our President/CEO, Karen Groh. We will ensure all donated gift cards are distributed directly to the affected businesses.
Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference and show our downtown business owners that they are not facing this alone.
Please note, this is not a tax-deductible donation to the Chamber or its Foundation.
Leadership Lebanon Valley Class of 2025 Graduates!
Leadership Lebanon Valley celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2025, recognizing a diverse group of nearly 30 professionals who completed the 11-month program.
Graduates of the 2025 class are Julia Ansel, WEPA Empowerment Center; Kristi Brown, AAA Central Penn; Matthew Bugli, County of Lebanon; Michael Curry, Lebanon Transit; Brittney Gingrich, Members 1st Federal Credit Union; Mandy Harshberger, WellSpan Health; Christina Houser, Lebanon VA Medical Center; Andrew Inch, Inch by Inch Construction; Victoria Jensen, Kountry Kraft; Gretchen Kane, Lebanon VA Medical Center; Alecia Kolar, First Citizens Community Bank; Samuel Light, Lebanon Federal Credit Union; Kyle McGrady, GAF; and Shannon McMinn, Compeer of Lebanon County.
Also, Janelle Miller, WellSpan Health; Rebecca Miller, Byler Holdings; Jesska Moreno Vega, Family First Health; Andrea Murray, Union Community Care; Mario Nardone, Jonestown Bank & Trust Co.; Ryan Newswanger, Jubilee Ministries; Chad Sanders, Lebanon Rescue Mission; Cindy Sandoval, Lebanon Federal Credit Union; Neil Smartschan, Lebanon VA Medical Center; Katrina Tulos, Stricker Insurance; Rachel Vucic, QUEST Inc.; Jennifer Wiest, SCHOTT Pharma USA Inc.; A. Jason Wilson, Northwest Bank; and Gabrielle Zunner, Chrisland Engineering.
Don’t miss out on our great programming for 2026
Last year, the chamber hosted over 125 programs and events, including special events, networking, workshops, and more. This year, we’ve planned a robust program of events. Here are a few for February:
- February 3 – The Event Planning Playbook. This 3-part interactive workshop will deepen your understanding of effective event planning and learn how to elevate your event from good to exceptional.
- February 12 – Chamber 101. Want to learn more about the chamber? Join us for a no-obligation overview of membership benefits.
- February 20 – New Manager Training. This 4-part professional development series provides in-depth training on managing people and becoming a great leader.
- February 26 – Economic Forecast Breakfast. This informative morning features a national economic overview from Ryo Tashiro, Outreach Economist and Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and a regional presentation from Bruce Darkes, CFO at Byler Holdings.
- February 27 – Speed Networking at Noon. Attendees will network one-on-one with up to 30 businesspeople during this fast-paced and rewarding program.
For details about these events and all our programs, please visit here.
NEW Programs for 2026
The Marketing Hour – Every month, we’ll present on a specific marketing topic designed to help small businesses and non-profits.
The Event Planning Playbook – This 3-part interactive workshop will deepen your understanding of effective event planning and learn how to elevate your event from good to exceptional.
Executive Leadership Series – This 5-part program takes high-level CEOs, COOs, and executive leaders to the next level. Limited to 10 participants.
Non-Profit Leadership Conference – Designed for non-profits to connect and advance their operations through keynotes, breakout sessions, and peer-to-peer connections.
Small business support!
Every month, we offer two hours of free Small Business Support. These walk-in sessions provide one-on-one meetings with specialists from the US Small Business Administration, SCORE Business Mentoring, Small Business Development Center, and more.
Additional support is available through bi-monthly small business workshops on a variety of topics. These are free and open to the public.
To find the next free workshops and support hours, please visit here.
No matter the programming, our office is always there to help our business community, regardless of membership, size, or location. Come on in! Bilingual staff are available to assist.
Meeting space available!
Are you looking for a great location to host your board meeting, off-site retreat, business workshop, or training? We have two rooms available for rent, accommodating 5-55 individuals. These rooms feature full presentation technology, hybrid connectivity, and more. Learn more here.
What do our members say?
“Great programs, events, and staff! The roundtable discussions are particularly helpful for me and my business. Their Taste of Summer event is my favorite and offers amazing food and drinks from local businesses. I highly recommend looking into how the LVCC can help you on your business journey!”
John Noll, Jo My Gosh! LLC
Do you have questions about our chamber? Call 717-273-3727 or visit lvchamber.org.
