WILLIAMSPORT – Congratulations to Kaufman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., named the 2026 Green Business of the Year by the Central PA Chamber of Commerce.
Each year, on Earth Day, the Chamber names a recipient of the award, based on the green business recognition applications received through its web site over the prior 12 months. All Central PA Chamber members that complete the form are eligible to win.
Applicants are given a score based on their “green” efforts. Kaufman Funeral Home & Cremation Services scored high in many of the program’s categories, including: Solid Waste Prevention, Recycling, Purchasing, Transportation, and Energy & Water Conservation. These scores are then combined with an essay section that provides more details about “green” efforts.
Specifically, Kaufman’s has instituted the use of formaldehyde-free embalming chemicals, creating both a less hazardous workplace and environmentally friendly service options. Kaufman’s has taken the lead in offering 100% organic burial services to our region. According to their essay submission, a traditional burial produces approximately 250 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) while a green burial has an estimated negative carbon footprint.
The Central PA Chamber was able to surprise Scott Kaufman, Funeral Director, Owner & Supervisor, his wife, Leanne and daughter Ann, also a Funeral Director, with a custom, hand-made Tree of Life from fellow Chamber member, Thomas Beall-Ellersieck of HandyCrafts, LLC. Each year, Beall-Ellersieck creates a personalized award for the winner. We were also glad to be joined by Jason Welliver of Phoenix Filtration and Plumbing, the sponsor for this year’s Green Business Award.
Learn more about this year’s winner at www.kaufmanfuneralhomes.com and follow them on Facebook.
The Central PA Chamber thanks all members who completed the Green Business Recognition Application. The Chamber staff’s decision is never easy because of the extensive conservation measures being taken by so many applicants. For those who haven’t completed the form, visit www.centralpachamber.com, click the “Membership” tab and open the Green Business Recognition page. Who knows, you may be next year’s winner!
Green Business is good business! In addition to helping the environment, it can save your business money, and your customers and employees will value your efforts.
Cutline: Ann Kaufman-Workman, Funeral Director; Jason Welliver, Phoenix Filtration & Plumbing Marketing & Sales Manager; Leanne Kaufman (seated), Funeral Assistant; Tea Jay Aikey, Central PA Chamber of Commerce CEO & President; and Scott Kaufman, Funeral Director, Owner & Supervisor.
*Please note: Central PA Chamber of Commerce Communications Director, Ryan Workman, who coordinates the Green Business Recognition Program, is married to Ann Kaufman, and abstained from the selection process for this year’s Green Business Award winner.
