STATE COLLEGE — The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County’s 2017 Excellence in Business Awards event was held Dec. 7 at the Nittany Lion Inn. The awards recognize the best of Centre County’s business and entrepreneurial community in six categories.
Winners included:
■ Technology Company of the Year — EnergyCAP
■ Startup Company of the Year — ConidioTec LLC
■ Business Leader of the Year — Patrick Irwin, vice president of construction, Leonard S. Fiore
■ Corporate/Community Impact — West Arete/Contributary platform
■ Small Business of the Year (retail, service/professional service, hospitality, restaurant/caterer) — Tait Farm Foods
■ Young Professional of the Year — Amanda McClellan, Doing Better Business
A total of 48 businesses and individuals were among this year’s nominees. Winners were chosen by an independent selection committee made up of local and area business leaders.
The CBICC/Centre County Economic Development Partnership also recognized Dr. Jeff Fortin, Penn State associate vice president for research and director of the Office of Industrial Partnerships, as the 2017 Economic Development Champion. Previous honorees included State College Borough manager Thomas Fountaine and Penn State University President Dr. Eric J. Barron.
“The Excellence in Business Awards are a wonderful opportunity to showcase the strength and diversity of Centre County’s business community,” said Vern Squier, CBICC president and CEO. “We welcomed the opportunity to celebrate local business while specifically acknowledging the achievements of this year’s finalists and winners.”
Bernie Swain, co-founder and chairman of the Washington Speakers Bureau, served as keynote speaker. Forever Broadcasting radio personality Jeff Brown was as emcee.
Excellence in Business Award sponsors included PSECU, FirstEnergy, First National Bank, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Homeland Manufacturing Services, CPI Foundation, Miller, Kistler & Campbell, Invent Penn State, RJ Lee Group, Doing Better Business and AmeriServ.
