Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber gala honors local business
CRANBERRY TWP — To recognize the accomplishments within the business community, the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce handed out six awards Thursday evening, May 2, at the Pittsburgh Marriott North with hundreds of chamber members and local business leaders in attendance from around the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Chamber members also had the chance to honor and say their praises to president Jim Boltz, who announced he will be retiring this summer after 10 years as president.
“Today is kind of bittersweet,” Boltz said. “I’m going miss what this event means to the chamber and to the members.”
Led by Sheila Hyland, of FosterHyland & Associates, as the master of ceremonies, the event also featured Michael B. Ross with HBK CPAs & Consultants as keynote speaker.
During her speech, Hyland pleaded for employers to recognize their employees and give them constructive feedback to help fuel their career aspirations.
“When you give feedback be specific,” Hyland said. “Tell them what’s unique about what they do. Let them know they are valued. You don’t have to give them a plaque — just a pat on the back.”
The chamber, which has a presence in Butler, Beaver and Allegheny counties, presented the following awards: Young Professional of the Year, Nonprofit Excellence, Distinguished Business, Prestigious Business Leader, Women Entrepreneur Excellence and Outstanding Volunteer Service of the Year.
“This is one of my favorite events,” Boltz said. “There are so many individuals here who do so much for the area.”
The Nonprofit Excellence Award was given to So Many Angels of Harmony, which helps provide encouragement and hope to children battling life-altering or life-threatening medical conditions and diagnoses and their families through photography.
“It was really cool to see people voted for us,” said founder and executive director Matt Meiers. “I always tell people you never know who is paying attention. We want these kids to inspire themselves. It means a lot to me to be able to share their stories.”
Fun Fore All Family Fun Park of Cranberry Township took home the Distinguished Business Award for its support of other local businesses and organizations throughout 2023.
Several educational institutions and nonprofits benefited from the business’s efforts, including The Highmark Caring Place, The Miracle League of Southwestern PA and Rowan Elementary Parent Teacher Association.
“There were a lot of amazing companies up there for this,” Fun Fore All owner Chris Camp said. “We partnered with The Caring Place a few years ago. We have been fortunate through the help of our guests to raise a lot of money for them. They help families going through the loss of a loved one.”
Kathleen Kuznicki, a patent attorney at The Lynch Law Group in Cranberry Township, was presented the Outstanding Volunteer Service of the Year Award.
Kuznicki has been a member of the chamber since 2019, with several roles including board secretary, educational foundation chair and currently as the legislative and economic development committee chair.
“I’m surprised and very grateful to be recognized by my peers,” Kuznicki said. “I’m proud of our Workforce Development videos on YouTube with the chamber for different entities describing various means of trying to enhance the workforce in our region.”
The Women Entrepreneur Excellence award went to Amanda Laichak, regional vice president for Commonwealth Charter Academy at its Homestead, Allegheny County, office.
Laichak supports CCA’s success by functioning as a brand ambassador for the academy in the southwestern Pennsylvania region representing the second largest K-12 school district in the state.
Julie Campbell, senior vice president and regional manager with PNC Bank, took home the Prestigious Business Leader Award.
Over the past year she has helped develop and inspire the next generation of community leaders through various programs and activities.
Maggie Giel, the director of outreach and recruitment with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, received the Young Professional of the Year Award.
Through her work with the organization, she has helped develop programs that offer mentoring experiences to local youth.
Giel was not in attendance Thursday night as she was attending a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America event.
