PAXINOS - Pennsylvania CareerLink Northumberland County and one of the agency's most recognized faces in Shamokin were among the top winners at the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce's 2011 Awards Dinner Thursday night at Masser's Banquet Hall.
The bittersweet circumstance of the agency's pending departure from eastern Northumberland County was noted, but as John Demsko, Bureau of Workforce Development supervisor with CareerLink, told the crowd, "Despite relocating, we still look forward to working closely with the chamber. We'll be here to serve the community."
On behalf of CareerLink, Demsko accepted the chamber's Community Pride Award from a list of six nominees. Others were Clear Channel Radio, Shamokin; Coal Township Board of Commissioners; Experience Works, Shamokin; Shamokin Area School District; and Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance, Shamokin.
Earning the night's most prestigious honor, the chamber Member of the Year Award, was Harry Morgan, employer services representative for CareerLink, who is employed by Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO) Inc.
Morgan was described by master of ceremonies Warren Altomare as a "go-to guy" for the chamber.
"The winner tonight made the Brush Valley Chamber of Commerce a better place," he said before presenting Morgan with the award. "He brings everything you want in a member of the year to the table."
Morgan expressed how honored he was to win the award, and later said he was sure it wasn't going to be him.
"When you look at the other nominees, there's no doubt they are good people," he said. "I am very pleased to be a part of the chamber and, as a board member, I am privileged to be working with people dedicated to helping the area."
Chamber Director Sandy Winhofer said Morgan is a dedicated board member who goes above and beyond what is asked of him. He's always there when she needs a question answered, Winhofer said, adding with a laugh, "He's not just my Harry, he's all our Harrys."
Other Member of the Year nominees were Pam Burns, First National Bank of PA; Thomas Harlow, Shamokin Area Community Hospital; Kurt Masser, former Northumberland County commissioner and owner of the Wayside Inn; and Steve Minker, community member.
This year's Large Business of the Year Award went to National Ticket, of Shamokin, a family owned business established in 1907. The international company manufactures more than 16 billion tickets and other technology each year for a client base that reaches all 50 states and 80 countries.
Altomare called the company the region's "best kept secret."
"On behalf of all of us, I want to thank you," said National Ticket President Earl Foura.
Other nominees were FNB Bank, Shamokin, and Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Coal Township.
The Small Business of the Year Award went to AREA Services Inc., based in Shamokin. The ambulance service is in its 22nd year of providing basic and advanced life support services to the majority of Northumberland County and parts of Schuylkill, Columbia, Snyder and Union counties.
The family operated business was started in 1989 by Bernie Rumberger, Gia Koshinskie, Eric Rumberger and two other employees.
Michael Rogers, public relations director, accepted the award and said the company will answer more than 17,000 calls this year.
"It's a family operation, but it goes beyond the Rumberger family," he said, noting his own family members employed there and those of other families.
Other nominees were Durdach Brothers Inc., Paxinos; Wealth Professional Inc., Shamokin; and Winnie the Pooh Day Care and Pre-School, Mount Carmel.
The Elected Official of Year Award went to Masser, who resigned his commissioner post late last year after winning election as state legislator for the 107th District. He is also involved in the operation of family businesses, including the banquet facility that hosted Thursday's event.
"I was humbled in November when you voted me to serve you and I'm humbled now," he said in accepting the award.
He said the chamber and the businesses represented by it give him confidence that the region will rebound economically.
"Our best days are ahead of us," he said.
Other nominees were Frank Sawicki and Vinny Clausi, Northumberland County commissioners; and Gene Welsh, Coal Township commissioner.
All winners were decided by the votes of chamber members.
Approximately 90 people attended the awards dinner, which Altomare described as "the best night of the chamber's whole year."