The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County on Thursday honored seven companies and individuals whose efforts have propelled the region’s economic growth and enriched the local community.
The 2023 Chamber Awards were presented at the CBICC’s annual awards celebration at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center.
“This year’s recipients embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and business excellence in Centre County” Greg Scott, president and CEO of the Chamber, said in a statement.
Awards were presented to the following recipients.
Small Business of the Year: Happy Valley Blended Products
Brothers Barry and Danny Gensimore started Happy Valley Blended Products by utilizing the buildings and silos that were originally part of the Pleasant Gap Agway Feed Store & Milling. They have repurposed a former site and made it productive again, bringing new business and jobs to the area.
The Small Business Award is presented to a business that has built a committed customer base, has a team of employees who are dedicated to success and leadership with a vision for the future of the company.
Emerging Business of the Year: Carter’s Table
Inspired by owner Shawn Carter’s childhood, travels and passion for serving people, Carter’s Table started with a food stand serving his popular tacos at the State College Farmer’s Market and grew to a permanent restaurant that opened in January at 407 E. Beaver Ave.
The Emerging Business of the Year award represents a business that has hit the ground running with outpaced results and a determination to succeed every day.
Young Professional of the Year: Blanca Jimenez
In 2018, Blanca Jimenez launched her own cleaning business, now known as Plum, with a mission of being the best of the best. Since then, Plum has evolved into a thriving business with a team of three managers and 18 dedicated cleaners.
The award is presented to a Young Professional who is committed to business excellence and possess an effective work ethic and a positive attitude that invites constructive collaboration.
Employee of the Year: Jenna L. Franks, Esq.
Jenna L. Franks is an attorney and partner at Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and Florida. She joined the firm in 2017 and became a partner in April 2022. Her focus is primarily on estate planning, long-term care planning and special needs planning.
The Employee of the Year award is given to a person who is an integral part of the team, going above and beyond to exceed expectations in the areas of customer service, community involvement and business projects.
Business Leader of the Year was presented to three individuals who adeptly positioned their business for maximum success, bringing outsized exposure to excellently run facilities, programs and / or employee interactions.
Healthcare Business Leader of the Year Award: Kathleen Rhine
Kathleen Rhine is the president and CEO of Mount Nittany Health. Since joining the State College-based health system in 2017, she has advanced the development and execution of a long-term capital investment and expansion project to provide state-of-the-art facilities and technology to meet the changing needs of the community.
Tourism Business Leader of the Year Award: Al Karosas
Al Karosas is the general manager of the Bryce Jordan Center. A Penn State graduate, Karosas has been a part of the BJC since it opened in 1996. He also served as the first general manager for Pegula Ice Arena. Karosas recently was instrumental in negotiating the Luke Combs concert that will be held in April at Beaver Stadium. He has served on the Penn State Coaches vs. Cancer committee and was recently appointed to the Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance board.
Nonprofit Business Leader of the Year: Denise Herr McCann
Denise Herr McCann is the executive director at Centre Helps. The long-running Centre County nonprofit works to empower anyone in crisis or need, with staff and volunteers who utilize comprehensive training to provide 24/7 emotional support and connections to resources. McCann currently serves on the board of Leadership Centre County, the national 988 LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, the Penn State Adolescent Alcohol and Substance Use Advisory Board, and the HOPE Advisory Board. She also consults for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, monitoring Runaway and Homeless Youth programs across the country.
