Chamber Celebrates Growth at 2026 Annual Meeting & Impact Awards Ceremony
WILLIAMSPORT – The Central PA Chamber of Commerce held its 2026 Annual Meeting and Impact Awards Ceremony at Farrington Place on Thursday, October 22. The event was attended by over 200 business, nonprofit, and community leaders from across the region to celebrate the past year of growth and accomplishments by both the Central PA Chamber and its members.
After some introductory remarks by Central PA Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Tea Jay Aikey, the official program began with the playing of the National Anthem by violinist, Jason Hurwitz, representing the Williamsport Music Club. Pastor Dilonna Coran, Executive Director of Greater Hope Care Center and the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life, gave an invocation.
After the luncheon, attendees participated in an interactive keynote address with Dan Manetta. Manetta, a Williamsport native, professional educator, serial entrepreneur, and published author, brought his impressive resume and experience to bear in a humorous presentation he called “Life, Leadership, and the Dragonfly.” Manetta explained how most of the life of a dragonfly is spent underwater in egg and nymph form before completing metamorphosis and taking flight. In his concluding remarks, Manetta urged the audience, “It doesn’t matter if you have more years behind you, than ahead of you. You can still have more life ahead of you than behind you.”
The theme for this year’s Annual Meeting was “Growth.” Aikey discussed how Farrington Place, a new venue for the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, was selected. “Lycoming County now represents the third largest number of Central PA Chamber members after Northumberland and Union Counties, respectively.” She also revealed how for each of the past 15 years, the Central PA Chamber of Commerce has experienced growth in membership and impact. From humble beginnings in 1905 as “The Milton Board of Trade” with just a handful of original members to nearly 700 members in multiple states and over 100 zip codes. The theme was also reflected in Forget-Me-Not planters gifted to each of the attendees to grow at their home or office.
The program concluded with the 2026 Impact Awards presentations. Impact Awards are given to Central PA Chamber Members who have made a positive impact on not just the Chamber, but the community at large. They make a positive influence by their everyday actions, not just a one-time gesture.
Finance & Membership Director, Jessica Beaver, presented the first Impact Award to Susquehanna Fire Protection Company. Susquehanna Fire Protection Company is a multi-generational, family-run business that has provided fire equipment sales and services to the region for 75 years. They also offer trainings and instruction for fire suppression to local schools and organizations.
Communications Director, Ryan Workman, presented the next Impact Award to Intrada Technologies. Workman noted the ever-evolving nature of today’s business climate because of technology, including artificial intelligence, and how it is more necessary than ever to have, not just an IT department or provider, but an IT partner. Intrada Technologies has been partnering with businesses and organizations to support the technology needs of their clients for 26 years. Intrada invests in worthy causes across Pennsylvania and encourages their employees to participate by offering paid volunteer hours.
Aikey presented the final Impact Award to Steven Beattie, Executive Director of SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority. Beattie has been a loyal volunteer and supporter of the Central PA Chamber for the past 18 years. He is currently serving his third, three-year term on the board of directors and has previously served as both the vice chair and chair of the board. Beattie lends his talent and time as the Chamber’s Building Maintenance Support, always willing to help with projects that keep the Chamber’s headquarters in perfect condition for members’ use. Aikey noted, “there is one quality I value most about this remarkable individual, it’s his commitment to follow through. His word means something. His actions back it up. Steven has given his time, talents, and energy to help make the Central PA Chamber and our community better places to work, live, and grow.”
