This post is paid advertising by Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce Community Builder Award is presented to an individual who has made an impact on the community by providing volunteerism, guidance, and leadership. The 2020 recipient is Guadalupe Barba. Guadalupe will be honored at the Chamber’s annual membership meeting this Friday, December 18 from 8:00-9:00 a.m. This virtual meeting is open to the public but registration is required by visiting here.

Guadalupe Barba, founder of Juntos de Lebanon and co-owner of La Placita de Lebanon, has always been an involved community leader but doubled down in 2020. Guadalupe was a huge advocate for the 2020 Census, sharing information to neighborhoods throughout the City of Lebanon. She hosted informational events and helped city residents fill out census forms. She promoted the Census in her restaurant and through social media, encouraging all to be counted.

Beyond the Census, Guadalupe spent countless hours working with city businesses to provide guidance in applying for the Lebanon County CARES Grants (and others). She and her husband Sergio sat with business owners while they filled in their applications. She became a liaison between the Chamber and applicants especially for those who may have had a language barrier.

Guadalupe has been an advocate for our community to get flu shots and has provided outreach for employees looking for COVID testing. She has also promoted and assisted in job fairs for regional employers.

None of this even touches on the work she does in assisting so many in our community with citizenship tests, ESL classes, cultural dance lessons, business mentoring, and more.

Guadalupe is a true asset in our community and we are grateful for her leadership.