The awards presented Friday in Blair County were the Athena Award, George Award, GRYP Impact Award, Joseph P. Rosenhamer Chamber Spirit Award, Donna D. Gority Servant Leadership Award, and the Small Business Person of the Year Award.
First Commonwealth Bank sponsored the Athena Award. This award honors an individual who strives toward the highest level of professional accomplishment, is dedicated to devoting time and energy to improving the quality of life for other in the community and is dedicated in assisting women in reaching their full leadership potential. The 2013 Athena Award recipient is Amy Seltzer of Seltzer Financial Strategies.
The George Award, sponsored by Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, is presented to an individual who, through volunteerism, re-establishes a sense of pride within the community through caring about one another and tirelessly tries to improve the quality of life in this area. This award is meant for an individual who recognizes and encompasses the need to help others but is rarely acknowledged for their efforts. This year's George Award was presented to Charles Brenneman of Williamsburg for his exemplary volunteer efforts for his community.
Reliance Bank sponsors the Donna Gority Servant Leadership Award. This award was created to recognize a person in the community who is making a difference by choosing to serve first and then lead. This award is designed to recognize a person in the community who has been accomplishing great things while maintaining a relatively low profile. The 2013 award recipient is William Schirf, Mayor of the city of Altoona.
Altoona First Savings Bank sponsors the Small Business Person of the Year Award. This award puts focus on the incredible contribution that small businesses play in the community. The award was created to recognize the small businessperson that is an owner, partner, major shareholder or key personnel, providing active day-to-day management. The small business person of the year award was presented to Dave Helsel, owner of CTR Supply.
The Joseph P. Rosenhamer Chamber Spirit Award is sponsored by Lytle's Transfer & Storage. This award is named after the late Joe Rosenhamer who was a long-time employee of Lytle's with tremendous regard for the chamber. This award is presented to someone who has shown great involvement in the chamber and has taken great strides to increase the opportunities and advancement for many local businesses. This award was presented to Jim Oswalt of Altoona.
Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation sponsors the GRYP Impact Award. This award was created by the chamber's GRYP (Growth and Relationships of Young Professionals) Program to recognize young professionals who are making positive differences in our communities. The award was presented to Timothy Knob, jr. of Lee Industries.
