CBICC Awards Honor Local Businesses and Leaders. Here Are the Winners

The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County on Wednesday honored businesses, nonprofits and individuals for their outstanding efforts and contributions to the local community.

Winners of the six Centre County Business Awards for 2026 were announced during a ceremony at the Nittany Lion Inn.

“What makes Centre County special isn’t any one business or institution. It’s the people who take a risk on an idea, invest and grow right here, mentor others, and work every day to improve the lives of their neighbors,” said CBICC President and CEO Greg Scott, who emceed the event. “When we recognize excellence and support one another, we help create an environment where more businesses can succeed and our entire community benefits.”

Awards were presented to the following recipients:

• ATHENA CHAMPION LEADERSHIP AWARD
Honors individuals who inspire, mentor and create paths of leadership for women in the community. The award is internationally recognized by ATHENA International, which provides development initiatives and honors for women leaders worldwide.

Winner: Carol Eicher

“Throughout her career, Carol Eicher has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to leadership, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others, particularly women,” the CBICC wrote. “As a human resources professional at Penn State and a longtime community leader, Carol has dedicated more than two decades to making Centre County a more welcoming and inclusive place to live and work.”

Eicher co-founded the Community Diversity Group in 2001. She also helped establish mentoring programs and the Cultural Empowerment for Women Luncheon Series, to connect women from diverse backgrounds with resources, relationships and opportunities to grow.

“What makes Carol’s leadership so special is her belief that everyone deserves to be valued, included, and empowered to contribute,” according to the CBICC. “Through her tireless volunteerism, mentorship, and community leadership, Carol has opened doors for countless individuals and helped strengthen the fabric of our community.”

Other finalists: Michele Crowl, Rasa Drane

• NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
Recognizes organizations whose work strengthens the community and has made a significant impact through its programs, services and dedication to its mission.

Winner: Discovery Space

“Since opening in 2011, Discovery Space has grown from a children’s science center into an extraordinary community resource, inspiring curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning,” the CBICC wrote. “With more than 210,000 visits and over 60,000 children and families reached through outreach and after-school programs, its impact extends well beyond Centre County.”

The chamber credited Discovery Space for the efforts of its STEM programming and community makerspace The Rivet to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators, while also supporting workforce development, entrepreneurship and local businesses. It also noted that the State College nonprofit makes opportunities accessible to all families, regardless of financial circumstances.

“Discovery Space demonstrates how a nonprofit can continually evolve to meet the needs of its community, opening doors to learning, discovery, and opportunity for people of all ages,” according to the CBICC.

Other finalists: Centre Foundation, Discovery Space

• EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Celebrates rising businesses established the last three years that are making their mark in Centre County with creativity, vision and growth.

Winner: Justin Leusner Media

The startup founded by founded by Penn State alumnus Justin Leusner has grown into a sports media company that reaches millions of fans across the country and has racked up more than one billion video views. Justin Leusner Media has built a digital media brand that works with organizations including the NBA, Disney+, YouTube and Gatorade.

Receiving support from Penn State’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and organizations like Happy Valley LaunchBox and Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Justin Leusner Media turned an idea into a thriving business with national reach. The company continues to provide opportunities for Penn State students to gain valuable real-world experience.

“Justin Leusner Media is a great representation of the next generation of entrepreneurship right here in Centre County,” the CBICC wrote.

Other finalists: Glacian Technologies, The Whiskey Barber Salon

• SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Highlights businesses with 10 or fewer full-time employees that have demonstrated exceptional customer loyalty, a dedicated and engaged team and visionary leadership committed to sustainable growth and future success.

Winner: Harpers

Celebrating 100 years of serving the community this year, Harpers has grown into one of downtown State College’s most recognizable and beloved businesses, with the fine clothing store now under the direction of third-generation owner Brian Cohen and his wife, Lisa.

Harpers has innovated and grown to continue to invest in the community over the past century, including expanding into a new downtown location in 2017 and adding a second shop inside the renovated Nittany Lion Inn in 2024.

“But beyond its success in retail, Harpers represents something even more meaningful: generations of family commitment, community involvement, and a belief in the importance of supporting the place they call home,” according to the CBICC. “One hundred years in business is an incredible achievement, and Harpers is a wonderful example of the enduring strength of locally owned businesses.”

Other finalists: Centre Markets, Comet Properties

• BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Honors individuals who have guided their organization to success with vision, integrity and drive, enhancing its reputation through operational excellence, innovative programs and a strong commitment to employee and community engagement.

Winner: Edward Tubbs

As CEO of Hospitality Asset Management Company and Lion Country Lodging, Tubbs “has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to investing in Centre County,” according to the CBICC.

“With nearly $100 million in hospitality development underway, Edward is helping transform our region’s lodging and tourism landscape,” the chamber wrote. “From the recently opened Tru by Hilton near Bellefonte, to the new Home2 Suites under construction near Shiloh Road, and plans for additional development along the Bellefonte Waterfront, his investments are creating jobs, strengthening our visitor economy, and demonstrating tremendous confidence in Centre County.”

Tubbs also serves as a member of the CBICC board and various other volunteer boards in the community.

“Edward represents the kind of visionary leadership, long-term commitment, and willingness to invest that helps move our entire region forward,” according to the CBCC.

Other finalists: Brandy McAulay (Universal Settlement Services of Pennsylvania), Ara Kervandjian (PrimeCore Properties)

• BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Recognizes established businesses that demonstrate excellence, growth and a lasting impact in Centre County, aligning with CBICC’s mission to promote community well-being and economic development while striving to maintain a high quality of life.

Winner: DiamondBack

Beginning as an idea at Penn State, DiamondBack has grown into a manufacturing success story in Centre County. The company manufactures its innovative truck bed covers in Philipsburg, employing about 150 people, shipping its products to customers in all 50 states and generating more than $50 million in annual revenue.

DiamondBack in 2025 launched an employee ownership program that gives team members a direct stake in the company’s future. It also commits 1% of its annual revenue to charitable giving, invests in developing future leaders and provides employees with opportunities to give back through volunteer service.

“What makes DiamondBack especially deserving of this recognition goes well beyond its business success,” according to the CBICC. “DiamondBack is a shining example of how business success, investment in people, and a commitment to community can go hand in hand.”

Other finalists: Drucker Diagnostics, Glenn O. Hawbaker

The 2026 awards program drew a record number of nominations, which were reviewed by a panel of community and business leaders serving on the Awards Selection Committee.

Wednesday’s ceremony served as a celebration of all 18 finalists, which the chamber said reflect the range of what drives the local economy.

“This is always one of the most special evenings of the year. We have an extraordinary business community, filled with people who are building successful companies, creating jobs, supporting their employees, and finding new ways to give back,” Cheryl Johnson, CBICC board chair, said.