“Role Models” Program Set for Thursday
Chamber Board Approves New Members 
Ruth Weaver to Receive “George Award”
ACE Award Honoree to Be Representative Stern
Nominated Anyone for the 2014 Business Hall of Fame?
GRYP Networking, Golf Group Scheduled for May 22nd
Marzoni’s to Host GRYP Lunch ‘n’ Learn
Check-Out The Chamber’s Low-Cost Healthcare Option
Sponsorships Still Available for Business Excellence Dinner
Sign-Ups Continue for Chamber Trip to Tuscany
Congratulations . . .
Blue Card Discounts

“Role Models” Program Set for Thursday
Bobbie Miller of Advantage Resource Group and Bill McKillop of Giant Eagle will be the Blair County Chamber’s next “Role Models” at a program to be held this Thursday, May 22nd from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Blair County Convention Center. The Role Models program was initiated two years ago to provide a forum for business leaders to share their experiences and insights with those still climbing the corporate ladder. The format is strictly Q&A with a moderator asking initial questions to generate discussion and attendees carrying the ball from there. The cost to attend Role Models is $25 for Members and $30 for non-members and includes lunch. To register, call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.

Chamber Board Approves New Members 
On May 15th, the Blair County Chamber’s Board of Directors approved the following new members: Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church of Altoona and the Williamsburg Public Library.

Ruth Weaver to Receive “George Award”
Ruth Weaver of Hollidaysburg, a former trust officer with Hollidaysburg Trust Company and an active volunteer for several area non-profits will be the 2014 recipient of The Chamber’s “George Award.” The George Award, presented annually to a resident of Blair County who has improved the quality of the community through their volunteer efforts, will have its own venue in 2014. The award will be part of the Chamber “Breakfast Club” on June 12th. Once again this year, Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries will partner with The Chamber on the award. To register for the Breakfast Club call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
 
ACE Award Honoree to Be Representative Stern
Although The Chamber’s Annual Farm-City Dinner is still several months away, one of the main focuses of that event has already been determined. State Representative Jerry Stern will be the recipient of the 2014 Agricultural Community Excellence (ACE) Award. The ACE Award was started as a continuation and expansion of The Chamber's successful Farm Family of the Year Award which was initiated in 1970. In addition to farm families, the ACE Award also allows for nominations of agriculturally oriented individuals, agribusinesses and nonprofit organizations. Activity and participation in Blair County community affairs and the promotion of Blair County agriculture were the criteria used for selection. This year’s Farm-City Dinner will be held on November 6th at The Park at Morrisons Cove.

Nominated Anyone for the 2014 Business Hall of Fame?
The Blair County Chamber of Commerce is continuing to accept nominations for its 2014 Business Hall of Fame and General Business Awards of Distinction Program, which honors local businesses that have made contributions to the improvement of the business climate of Blair County. The Blair County Chamber Business Hall of Fame and General Business Awards of Distinction is an evening which honors a select group of businesses who have exceeded the parameters of what most view as successful. Awarding categories include: Hall of Fame, Heritage, Excellence in Small Business, Young Emerging Business, Technology, Committee Choice, Community Service, Safety and Sustainability. Nominate early! Allow your nominee ample time to complete their applications. Nomination forms are available on-line at www.blairchamber.com or by calling 814-943-8151. Nominee completed applications must be returned to The Chamber by Noon, Friday, June 13.

GRYP Networking, Golf Group Scheduled for May 22nd
The next GRYP Networking event will be held on May 22nd at Iron Masters Country Club from 7 – 9 p.m. The event is free for GRYP members/$5 non-members. There will be door prizes, trivia, free appetizers and a cash bar. Also on May 22, GRYP Golf Group starts at 5:30 p.m. The event includes a tee time for 9-holes of golf, cart and one drink ticket included in the price. Prizes will be awarded for skill games. The cost is $20.00 for GRYP members/$30 non-members.   GRYP Golf Group will be held every other Thursday through September 25th. There will also be a one hour group lesson starting at 6 p.m. $10 for GRYP members/$15 for non-members to be held every other Thursday through July 31. Payment for this is to be made directly to Iron Masters Country Club.

Marzoni’s to Host GRYP Lunch ‘n’ Learn
A GRYP Lunch 'n’ Learn will be held at Marzoni’s in Duncansville from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. on May 28th. “Workplace Conflict Resolution” will be presented by Rick Capozzi. Cost is $22 for GRYP members and $30 for non-members, 3 or more from the same business is $17 per person. Price includes a lunch selection from a limited menu. To register, call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
 
Check-Out The Chamber’s Low-Cost Healthcare Option
The Blair County Chamber has partnered with Empower3 Center for Health to offer Chamber-Member employers an affordable community-based health plan for their employees. The plan features level group rates, no deductibles, no pre-existing condition exclusions, substantial prescription drug coverage with co-pays of $10 or less and the opportunity to add dental and vision coverage. Call Maureen Frucella for details.  Her number is (814) 317-5063.

Sponsorships Available for Business Excellence Dinner
On June 9th, the Blair County Chamber will hold its Annual Business Excellence Dinner in which it will honor Bill Thompson, Jr. with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Business Excellence. Sponsorships for that event are still available at various participation levels. Advertisements for the event program book are also available. Interested businesses or individuals should contact Rachel Litzinger at 943-8151 or email her at rlitzinger@blairchamber.com. 
 
Sign-Ups Continue for Chamber Trip to Tuscany
The Blair County Chamber, in cooperation with Classic Travel and Chamber Discoveries, has scheduled a trip to Tuscany from October 20 to 28. If you’d like to be one of the people making this exciting excursion at an almost unbelievable price, call The Chamber at 943-8151 for a brochure.

Congratulations . . .
. . . to Dennis Doll, President and Chief Operating Officer or Reliance Bank who was recently appointed to the bank’s Board of Directors.

Blue Card Discounts
Here are a few of the discounts you can receive with your Chamber Blue Card. Click here to see the full list of Blue Card Discounts. To have an offer listed contact The Chamber at 943-8151.    

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