FIESTA! The 2024 CCEDC Awards Gala

PLEASE NOTE: ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS NOW CLOSED; PLEASE CONTACT KYLIE ADAMS-WEISS AT KADAMS@CARBONCOUNTYCHAMBER.ORG TO REGISTER. 

Join the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation as we celebrate our 2024 Awardees at FIESTA! The 2024 CCEDC Awards Gala at Blue Mountain Resort on Friday, November 15th!  Our annual dinner honors the passionate, hardworking and driven professionals who continue to make Carbon County an incredible place to work, live and grow. 

On this fiesta-themed evening, the CCEDC looks forward to celebrating with you as we recognize community accomplishments, honor many deserving business owners, and enjoy a delicious dinner.
 
This year's awardees have been announced! Join us as we celebrate: 

Business of the Year: Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery (Andreas, PA) Recognizes a CCEDC member business that has demonstrated achievement and innovation in management, workplace excellence and has committed to growing here in Carbon County.
Galen Glen Vineyard Winery, located in Andreas, PA, supports and advocates for agriculture and green space, while reaching beyond our region in their impact. To learn more, visit: www.galenglen.com/ 

Rookie Business of the Year: Alchemy Lounge (Lehighton, PA) Recognizes a CCEDC member business that has demonstrated enthusiasm, community spirit and excellent customer service and has committed to growing here in Carbon County; two years or less in business.
Alchemy Lounge is a center for wellbeing that is inspired by the historical concept of alchemy, focusing on transformation and improvement. Located in Lehighton, Alchemy Lounge offers a variety of alternative and holistic wellness services (such as a salt room, breathe and detox suite, vitality booth, acutonics, color, sound and energy healing, massage, acupuncture, and life coaching. To learn more, visit https://www.alchemyloungepa.com/.  

Tourism and Entertainment Business of the Year: No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum (Lansford, PA) Honors a CCEDC member business that attracts guests and visitors to provide amusement, recreation, hospitality and/or culture. These businesses include: restaurants, theaters, bed & breakfasts, wineries, driving ranges and eco-tourism. 
Lansford is home to the No.9 Coal Mine & Museum, the oldest and longest-running, continuously operated coal mine in the world. No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum offers tours to their visitors, taking them well into their deep anthracite coal mine (over 1600 feet into the mountain!). Established in 1855, the mine targeted the rich anthracite coal, a crucial resource that fueled industry throughout the Northeast for decades. In 1992, a non-profit organization (Panther Creek Valley Foundation) took control of the property, restoration beginning in 1995 and its first tours being offered in 2002! Today, it offers tours April through November - dress for the weather, because the mines remain near 50 degrees year-round! Learn more: no9minemuseum.wixsite.com

Mike Harleman Arts and Entertainment Award: Lynn Shupp, Photography by Lynn (Palmerton, PA) Honors an artist, venue or entertainer that supports and gives back to Carbon County.
Lynn Shupp, Photographer and Owner of Photography by Lynn located in Palmerton, PA, with over 18 years of experience. Of her work, owner and photographer Lynn Shupp says, "My love of photography goes back to the first time looking through my grandfather's box camera and seeing the world through a different perspective! Once making photography not only my passion, but choosing it as my career, I decided to invest in myself as well as my craft and attend The Art Institute of Philadelphia for photography." Lynn's subject matter ranges from portrait photography to landscapes, commercial work, and more. Lynn is also the newly appointed President of the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce and is involved in countless community initiatives. To learn more, visit: http://www.photobylynn.com/.  

Volunteer of the Year: Esther Meier, St. Vincent De Paul Society (Jim Thorpe, PA) Outstanding individual dedicated to supporting CCEDC and other community organizations through volunteer work and outreach.
Esther Meier has been named the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award for her work with the St. Vincent De Paul Society in Jim Thorpe. Of the things mentioned in your nominations, you have made quite an impression in your work to organize temporary shelter warming stations, helping at risk people in supporting their payments for utilities, and so much more.  

Young Professional of the Year Award: Kayla Semmel, Carbon County Prothonotary Highlights a Carbon County Young Professional highly involved in CCEDC events and community programs. 
Kayla Semmel is the Carbon County Prothonotary and was upon her election the youngest elected official in Carbon County. She has been described as bringing dedication and positive energy to Carbon County, compassionate for her constituents and active in her volunteer efforts with organizations like Family Promise, the Parryville Fire Company, and more.

William H. Bayer Lifetime Achievement Award: Peter Kern (Posthumously) This award is in honor of the late William H. Bayer and is presented each year to a CCEDC Member that has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to our community.
Peter Kern's dedication to Carbon County is second to none. Peter began his career at the New Jersey Zinc Company in 1965, representing the company in projects globally. He resigned from his position of Senior Vice President in 1988 to become President and CEO of Palmerton Hospital until his retirement in 2000. Peter was extremely active in community activities; he served multiple terms as a director of the Pleasant Valley School District, served nearly 30 years as Palmerton Area Chamber President and was instrumental in the founding of the Carbon County Chamber. He was active on the advisory board of St. John Neumann Regional School, as well as with the Palmerton Historical Society.