Celebrating Excellence: 2026 Centre County Business Award Nominees
The Centre County Business Awards, Presented by Stuckey Automotive 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 2026 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.
- Eileen Wise
- Sita Frederick
- Rasa Drane
- Denise Sullivan
- Allison Kurtz
- Carol Eicher
- Dr. Scarlett Smith
- Dr. Michel Crowl
Emerging Business of the Year sponsored by College Township Industrial Development Authority (CTIDA)
Celebrating rising businesses making their mark in Centre County with creativity, vision, and growth.
- Nittany Valley Events
- Universal Tag Services
- The Whiskey Barber Salon
- Glacian Technologies
- Shaky Hands Coffee Shop
- Lightscline
- Manny’s Live Performance Space
- Jump Dreams
- TDAY Sports
- Medulate
Business of the Year sponsored by Office of the Senior Vice President for Research
Recognizing established businesses that demonstrate excellence, growth, and a lasting impact in Centre County.
- Plum Pristine Clean
- Arize Federal Credit Union
- DiamondBack Covers
- Centre Concrete Company
- Nittany Valley Sports Centre
- Hospitality Asset Management Company/Lion Country Lodging
- X-Pert Communications
- PennTerra Engineering, Inc.
- Lee Industries
- Drucker Diagnostics
- Centre 1st Bank
- Glenn O. Hawbaker
- The Corner Room
Business Leader of the Year sponsored by Reliance Bank
Honoring outstanding leaders whose vision, integrity, and drive move their businesses and our community forward.
- Jonathan Friedman
- Marisa Vicere
- Barndy McAulay
- Blanca Packer
- Jessica McCloskey
- Scott Balboni
- Tara Shaffer
- Tanya Campbell
- Matt Stuckey
- LeeAnne Jefferies
- Michael Croce and Jefferey Sorg
- Liz Grove
- Dr. Sheridan Miyamoto
- Edward Tubbs
- Ara Kervandjian
- Denise Sullivan
Small Business of the Year sponsored by PNC Bank
Highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and community impact of small businesses in Centre County.
- Interiors by J&O Studio
- Comet Properties
- Plum Pristine Clean
- Centre Boot Company
- Whitetail Lane Farm Goat Milk Soap
- Valhalla Business Advisors
- Centre Markets
- Harpers: Fine Clothing for Men & Women
- Colonial Press
Nonprofit of the Year sponsored by Leonard S. Fiore
Recognizing nonprofit organizations whose mission-driven work strengthens our community and supports those who call Centre County home.
- Discovery Space
- Centre Safe
- Think We Not Me Community Food Program
- Jana Marie Foundation
- Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum
- Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts
- Centre County PAWS
- Centre LGBTQ+
- Centre County United Way
- Goodwill Industries of Northeast PA
- Out of the Cold Centre County
- The Downtown State College Improvement District
- Centre Foundation
Finalists will be announced September 17, 2026. Award winners will be revealed at the celebration on Wednesday, October 21 at Nittany Lion Inn.
Join us as we celebrate these outstanding leaders, businesses, and organizations at the 2026 Centre County Business Awards, presented by Stuckey Automotive. Tickets are limited, so don't wait -- get your tickets today!
