Chamber honors local residents

The Somerset County Chamber of Commerce has announced its annual award winners.

“Generally, this would have happened at the end of 2020 with our annual dinner, however we had to make adjustments, due to COVID. While the dinner did not happen, we still want to honor some local residents for their efforts. In a year that brought hardship and uncertainty to all of us, we felt it was important to start 2021 on a positive note by presenting the awards,” Ron Aldom, executive director of the chamber, said.

“Nomination forms were sent out in the fall and we encouraged everyone to nominate someone who they felt has made a difference in our county and region. We did receive a number of nominations, which were presented to the Awards Committee for review and selection. Finally, the committee made their recommendations and here are the winners:”

Outstanding Person of the Year Award

Winners: All 12 local public school administrators, Karen Remick, administrative director, Somerset County Technology Center, and superintendents: David F. Reeder, Berlin Brothersvalley; Thomas “T.J.” Kakabar; Conemaugh Township Area; Tracey A. Karlie; Meyersdale Area; Louis M. Lepley, North Star Area; Mark Bower, Rockwood Area; Joseph Renzi, Salisbury-Elk Lick; John Krupper, Shade-Central City; Samuel J. Romesberg III, Shanksville-Stonycreek; Krista S. Mathias, Somerset Area; Joseph Kimmel, Windber Area, and Nicole L. Dice, Turkeyfoot Area.

This award is presented annually to a Somerset County resident(s) in recognition of outstanding accomplishments that had a profound positive affect on Somerset County. The recipient(s) may be recognized for volunteer efforts, although it may also recognize people who have went above and beyond in their profession and whose tireless efforts truly made a difference. In all cases, this award highlights the leadership and tireless efforts of the award winner.

While everyone faced hardships during the pandemic, school superintendents had extraordinary hardships trying to work through all the issues relevant to the pandemic, while making sure students were receiving the proper education. They had to communicate with teachers, students, government officials, bus transportation and many other areas. Issues like lack of broadband and home education were all of a sudden, key issues during this year. While everyone involved in education faced the hardships, including teachers, support staff and parents: the superintendents were ultimately the key decision makers and were responsible for the outcomes. It was a unanimous decision to award the Outstanding Persons of the Year to the superintendents, although it really is for everyone involved in public education, including teachers, students, parents and all others.

Grant B. Miller Award

Brian Whipkey, Daily American

This award is given in memory of Grant B. Miller, a former director and dedicated volunteer of the Chamber. The selection is based upon any accomplishment within a business or profession, if it had a rather direct effect and benefit to the area or it may be based upon any accomplishments generally beneficial to the area and its residents. Although the award is presented to a member of the chamber, their accomplishments need not have come while working for the organization or within its framework.

Whipkey was nominated by a group of people for all that he has done for Somerset County. Beyond his role as editor of the Daily American for 17 years and his overall 31 years there, he has a wonderful history of volunteering and supporting local nonprofits and other community initiatives, including: Somerset County Mobile Food Bank, local emergency planning committee for Somerset County, Somerset County Foundation for Higher Education, Salvation Army, Ramps R Us and the Somerset County Chamber. He is an active member of the Rotary Club of Somerset and Beulah United Methodist Church in Friedens. Brian is an outstanding choice for this award and truly exemplifies the legacy of Grant B. Miller.

The Betty Haupt Memorial Tourism Award

911 Memorial Trail-Thomas Baxter, director

This award is given in memory of Betty Haupt, former director of the Somerset Historical Center, and a former member of the Chamber’s Tourism Committee. It is given to a county resident or business that has made a significant effort to further tourism in Somerset County.

One of the great stories in 2020 was the groundbreaking ceremony in Garrett for the link from the GAP to the Flight 93 Memorial. It is a key part of the 911 National Memorial Trail, which will ultimately connect all 3 memorial sites through a 1,300-mile bike trail. This trail will attract even more bicyclists to our county, which has a profound economic impact for our county and region.

Harold W. Wheeler, Jr. Memorial Humanitarian Award

Volunteers of the Somerset County Mask Project

Presented annually to an individual, business or organization to honor their humanitarian efforts in helping someone in need and how they went “above and beyond” in their efforts. It can be awarded for efforts locally, nationally or internationally. The award is named in honor of Harold W. Wheeler Jr. who was a local business owner, benefactor and humanitarian, who left behind a legacy of philanthropy and goodwill in Somerset County and the region.

This award goes to the hundreds of local volunteers, who stepped forward to sew masks during the early months of the pandemic, when supplies were low or even non-existent. Their masks were distributed free to anyone who needed a mask, plus many were given to first responders, healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters and other first line workers. Their efforts helped many people get safely through the first months of the pandemic, until suppliers were able to catch up. We know that more than 20,000 masks were produced by this group in two months. It was an incredible number and we are truly appreciative of their efforts.

Somerset County Ag-Business Award

Harold Shaulis

This award is presented annually to a grower, farmer or producer who has played a significant role in branding and promoting Somerset County agricultural products in the region and beyond. Their efforts have helped highlight the value of “Buy Local, Buy Somerset County.”

Shaulis has served on the Chamber’s Agriculture Committee, along with many other regional, state and national committees all focusing on agriculture. He took a lead role in putting together the first major Student Ag Days, which was to be held in May 2020, however it had to be canceled due to the COVID pandemic. It is back to a planning level and we hope to launch it in 2021.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Jennifer Barkman of Jar the Zero Waste Store

This award is presented to a first-time entrepreneur(s) who has launched a consumer-focused business in Somerset County. The business can be making a physical product, operating a retail business, providing a service or anything that constitutes a business, but must be focused on the consumer.

Barkman opened her store during the pandemic, which was quite a feat. She brought something unique and needed to our county with her array of products and the zero waste concept. She continues to grow her client base and is a welcome addition to the Main Street in Somerset. She brings an energy and a high work ethic to our business community.

Somerset County Young Gun Award

Regina Coughenour, Somerset Inc.

This award is presented to an individual under the age of 40 who has made a significant impact on his or her profession or career while making an equal impact on the community and non-profit organizations around the county through his or her volunteer time and leadership skills.

Coughenour brings energy and excitement to Somerset County in her role as the Executive Director of Somerset Inc, however her efforts go far beyond that. She is active on many committees and other initiatives that make a difference in the community. She is always willing to jump in and help and sets a great example for those who follow. In between being a wife and mother to three boys, she finds time to make a difference in this county and truly exemplifies “Lead by Example.”

Workforce Education Star

Shawn Kaufman, Riggs Industries

This award is presented to an individual who has made a significant impact on connecting students to career opportunities while also making an impact on providing skilled workers to local businesses. The award is open to educators and business representatives, and winners are chosen by the Chamber’s Success in Somerset County Committee.

Kaufman leads the charge when we discuss workforce education. He is an active member of our Success in Somerset Workforce Education Program and works collaboratively with all the workforce partners. He serves on the chamber board of directors and was a past president of the board. Kaufman has built a great reputation in all 11 school districts and the SCTC, along with schools outside the county. He has done presentations on an array of workforce issues with the students and teachers focusing on high demand careers in our county and region. Shawn has been asked to speak at state and national workforce initiatives due to his vast understanding of workforce issues. Shawn is employed by Riggs Industries.