The Carbon County Chamber & Economic Development Corp., partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, announce the awardees of the 2024 Annual Awards Gala, to be held at Blue Mountain Resort from 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 15.
“We received dozens of nominations for this years’ awards gala, which were then voted on by committee for a final vote,” said Kylie Adams-Weiss, senior vice president of the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corp. “With the announcement of our awardees, we are excited to celebrate a diverse selection of businesses, organizations and individuals who have made their mark on Carbon County in a great number of ways. Carbon County is filled with inspiring and hardworking people who serve our community day in and out; this event provides an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and their impact on our region.”
Awardees have been announced in the following categories:
Business of the Year: Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Andreas.
The award recognizes a CCEDC member business that has demonstrated achievement and innovation in management, workplace excellence and has committed to growing in Carbon County.
Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, located in Andreas, supports and advocates for agriculture and green space, while reaching beyond our region in their impact. To learn more, visit: www.galenglen.com/.
Rookie Business of the Year: Alchemy Lounge, Lehighton.
The award recognizes a CCEDC member business that has demonstrated enthusiasm, community spirit and excellent customer service and has committed to growing here in Carbon County; two years or less in business.
Alchemy Lounge is a center for well-being that is inspired by the historical concept of alchemy, focusing on transformation and improvement.
Located in Lehighton, Alchemy Lounge offers a variety of alternative and holistic wellness services (such as a salt room, breathe and detox suite, vitality booth, acutonics, color, sound and energy healing, massage, acupuncture, and life coaching. To learn more, visit https://www.alchemyloungepa.com/.
Tourism and Entertainment Business of the Year: No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum, Lansford.
The award honors a CCEDC member business that attracts guests and visitors to provide amusement, recreation, hospitality and/or culture. These businesses include: restaurants, theaters, bed-and-breakfasts, wineries, driving ranges and eco-tourism.
Lansford is home to the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum, the oldest and longest-running, continuously operated coal mine in the world. No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum offers tours to their visitors, taking them well into their deep anthracite coal mine (over 1600 feet into the mountain).
Established in 1855, the mine targeted the rich anthracite coal, a crucial resource that fueled industry throughout the Northeast for decades. In 1992, a nonprofit organization (Panther Creek Valley Foundation) took control of the property and restoration began in 1995, with its first tours being offered in 2002.
Today, it offers tours April through November — dress for the weather, because the mines remain near 50 degrees year-round. Learn more: no9minemuseum.wixsite.com.
Mike Harleman Arts and Entertainment Award: Lynn Shupp, Photography by Lynn, Palmerton.
The award honors an artist, venue or entertainer that supports and gives back to Carbon County.
Lynn Shupp, photographer and owner of Photography by Lynn located in Palmerton, has over 18 years of experience.
Of her work, owner and photographer Shupp says, “My love of photography goes back to the first time looking through my grandfather’s box camera and seeing the world through a different perspective! Once making photography not only my passion, but choosing it as my career, I decided to invest in myself as well as my craft and attend The Art Institute of Philadelphia for photography.”
Shupp’s subject matter ranges from portrait photography to landscapes, commercial work, and more. She is also the newly appointed president of the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce and is involved in countless community initiatives. To learn more, visit: http://www.photobylynn.com/.
Volunteer of the Year: Esther Meier, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Jim Thorpe.
The award is presented to an outstanding individual dedicated to supporting CCEDC and other community organizations through volunteer work and outreach.
Esther Meier has been named the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with the St. Vincent De Paul Society in Jim Thorpe.
Meier works to organize temporary shelter warming stations, helping at risk people in supporting their payments for utilities, and much more.
Young Professional of the Year Award: Kayla Semmel, Carbon County Prothonotary.
The award highlights a Carbon County Young Professional highly involved in CCEDC events and community programs.
Semmel is the Carbon County prothonotary, and was upon her election the youngest elected official in Carbon County. She has been described as bringing dedication and positive energy to Carbon County, compassion for her constituents and is active in volunteer efforts with organizations like Family Promise, the Parryville Fire Company, and more.
William H. Bayer Lifetime Achievement Award: Peter Kern (posthumously)
This award is in honor of the late William H. Bayer and is presented each year to a CCEDC Member that has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to our community.
Peter Kern’s dedication to Carbon County is second to none. Peter began his career at the New Jersey Zinc Company in 1965, representing the company in projects globally.
He resigned from his position of senior vice president in 1988 to become president and CEO of Palmerton Hospital until his retirement in 2000.
Kern was extremely active in community activities; he served multiple terms as a director of the Pleasant Valley School District, served nearly 30 years as Palmerton Area Chamber President and was instrumental in the founding of the Carbon County Chamber.
He was active on the advisory board of St. John Neumann Regional School, as well as with the Palmerton Historical Society.
Tickets are available for purchase and sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information on tickets, visit: ibit.ly/hnOdW.
2024 sponsors include:
Premier Sponsors: St. Luke’s Carbon, Mauch Chunk Trust, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Carbon, Andreas Plumbing & HVAC.
Platinum Sponsor: Blue Mountain Resort.
Dinner Sponsor: PPL Lounge Sponsor: PenTeleData.
Signature Drink Sponsor: ServPro.
Centerpiece Sponsor: The Times News.
Decor Sponsor: Pocono Workforce Development.
Silver Sponsor: Buckno Lisicky & Company, CPAs, Doyle Heffley state representative.
Bronze Sponsor: PSECU, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, First Northern Bank & Trust Co., Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank.
Balloons Sponsor: Robbie’s Balloons & More.
Digital Program Sponsor: EBC Printing.
Supporting Sponsor: Walmart.
Galen Glen is the Chamber Business of the Year. TIMES NEWS FILE PHOTO
Lynn Shupp is being honored with the Harleman award.
Galen Glen
William H. Bayer Lifetime Achievement Award is being awarded to Peter Kern (posthumously)
