The Centre County Business Awards recognize the people, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, innovation, and dedication strengthen our community and drive our economy forward. Each nominee represents a unique story of hard work, vision, and impact, and together, they showcase the talent and resilience that make Centre County thrive.
We are proud to announce the nominees for the 2025 Centre County Business Awards:
ATHENA Champion Leadership Award sponsored by Penn Highlands Healthcare
Honoring individuals who inspire, mentor, and create paths of leadership for women in our community.
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- Alison Kurtz – Ameron Construction Company, Inc.
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- Brandy McAulay – Universal Settlements
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- Brittany Peck – KCF Technologies
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- Centrice Martin – Ferguson Township
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- Pearl Gluck – Centre Film Festival
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- Rebecca Farmer Force – Ben Franklin Technology
Emerging Business of the Year sponsored by Ben Franklin Technology, CTIDA, and Happy Valley Launchbox
Celebrating rising businesses making their mark in Centre County with creativity, vision, and growth.
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- AmpliFLY Video
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- Atlas BioTech
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- Bonfire Old Fashion BBQ
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- Manny’s Live Performance Space / Gorinto Productions
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- Marengo Pass Design
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- Revival Health Rehab
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- Tierney Education
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- Valhalla Business Advisors
Business of the Year sponsored by First National Bank
Recognizing established businesses that demonstrate excellence, growth, and a lasting impact in Centre County.
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- Confer’s Jewelers
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- Envinity, Inc.
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- Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
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- Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
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- Jana Marie Foundation
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- Kish Bank
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- Penn Highlands Community College
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- PennTerra Engineering, Inc.
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- Tierney Education
Business Leader of the Year sponsored by Office of Senior Vice President for Research
Honoring outstanding leaders whose vision, integrity, and drive move their businesses and our community forward.
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- Blanca Jimenez – Plum Pristine Clean
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- Brandy McAulay – Universal Settlement
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- Chad Feather – Timberland Federal Credit Union
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- Cindy Pasquinelli – Strawberry Fields
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- David Rishel – CATA
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- Edward Tubbs – Hospitality Asset Management Company, Inc.
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- Greg Hayes – Kish Bank
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- James Tierney – Tierney Education
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- John Sepp – PennTerra Engineering Inc.
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- Johnathan Friedman – Comet Properties, LLC
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- Katherine Tosto – Re/Max Centre Realty
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- Liz Grove – Pine Grove Hall & Flour and Stone
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- Tiara Snare – Centre County Gazette
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- Victor DeDonato – The UPS Store Print and Business Center
Small Business of the Year sponsored by PNC Bank
Highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and community impact of small businesses in Centre County.
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- Centre County Gazette
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- Centre Markets
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- Colonial Press
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- Giv Local
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- Hello Social Co.
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- Interiors by J&O Studio
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- Plum Pristine Clean
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- Tierney Education
Nonprofit of the Year sponsored by Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
Recognizing nonprofit organizations whose mission-driven work strengthens our community and supports those who call Centre County home.
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- Ben Franklin Technology Partner of Central and Northern PA
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- Centre County Historical Society
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- Centre Film Festival
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- Centre LGBT+
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- Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts
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- Centre Safe
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- Discovery Space and The Rivet
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- Goodwill Industries of NCPA
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- Jana Marie Foundation
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- Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership
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- Out of the Cold
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- Skills of Central PA, Inc.
Join us as we celebrate these outstanding leaders, businesses, and organizations at the 2025 Centre County Business Awards. Tickets are limited, so don’t wait — get your tickets today!
Congratulations to all the nominees!