PRESS RELEASE – The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce honored the winners of the 2015 Annual Awards on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at the Schuylkill Country Club in Orwigsburg. The winners were chosen from candidates submitted by their employees and/or peers for consideration. The Awards Committee, Chaired by Jeff O’Neill, Schuylkill Chamber board Treasurer and Executive Committee member, vetted the candidates extensively before choosing the winners. The winners were announced at the Schuylkill Chamber’s 97th Annual Luncheon on May 1, 2015 at Seasons Restaurant at Mountain Valley.
2015 Business Woman of the Year – Award Sponsor: Waddell & Reed
The 2015 Business Woman of the Year is Eileen Kuperavage of Schuylkill Area Community Foundation.
Eileen has a dynamic personality, coupled with a hands on attitude that helps her keep everything in a positive perspective. She is dedicated to providing support for non-profits and community partners in Schuylkill County, working with them to create a better quality of life for all county residents.
Eileen demonstrates excellence in her professionalism by working tirelessly to strengthen and promote charitable giving in Schuylkill County, while working diligently with donors and Non-Profits.
A successful businesswoman and leader, she articulates her vison for philanthropy to encompass all levels in the community. Eileen is a board member of NEPA Alliance, an advisory committee member of the Schuylkill County Youth Summit, a committee member of Lasting Legacy of Pottsville, a committee member of the Schuylkill County Bicentennial Court House Commons, is involved with the Arnold Delin/Schuylkill IU Diversity Programs, as well as being involved in various fundraisers and activities for her family and church.
2015 Business Man of the Year – Award Sponsor: M&T Bank
The 2015 Business Man of the Year is Brian Rich – President of Jack Rich, Inc., Lehigh Engineering and Reading Stove Company.
Brian is no stranger to hard work and innovation. His forward thinking philosophy and innovation keeps his various companies vibrant, strengthening our local economy and improving the quality of life for his employees.
Brian has demonstrated excellence in his business profession for years. In 2014 alone, he was responsible for building a state of the art raw coal sizing plant and created North American Premium Anthracite in Gilberton. In doing so, Brian brought anthracite coal to the forefront and is blazing new trails to overcome those opposed to fossil fuels. While coal companies across the nation are closing, Brian Rich’s innovative thinking has ignited our local coal industry, stimulating and strengthening our local economy.
Staying true to his coal mining roots, Brian also built a coal bagging plant, Summit Packaging. This endeavor revitalized the bagged coal industry and doubled bagged coal sales with a state-of-the art retooled and innovative robotic packaging process.
In addition, Brian has paved the way for two businesses to build locations here in Schuylkill County at the Coal Creek Commerce Center – Taco Bell and Aspen Dental. These improvements have enhanced the quality of life and stability of the residential and business community.
Brian is involved in multiple charities throughout Schuylkill County and beyond, including Boy Scouts of America, MDA and the Elegance at Hershey.
Through his vision, contributions and demonstration of excellence, Brian epitomizes business and community leadership. He is a businessman whose accomplishments and successes have been omnipresent in Schuylkill County for many years.
2015 For Profit Organization of the Year – Award Sponsor: Boyer’s Food Markets, Inc.
The 2015 For Profit Organization of the Year – Alfred Benesch & Company
Alfred Benesch & Company has been serving its clients since 1946. This employee-owned firm is united in their commitment to quality and engineering excellence. Alfred Benesch & Company specializes in providing civil and structural engineering services to their clients in transportation and infrastructure development. They have successfully completed thousands of design and engineering projects throughout the United States ranging in size and complexity from large scale, high-profile public improvements to smaller, more focused assignments.
Benesch employs more than 550 professionals and support personnel across the country. They employ engineers, scientists, construction managers and designers that rank among the highest in their professions. Numerous professional accolades have been awarded to their employees for outstanding contributions in their fields.
Benesch is consistently ranked among the Top 500 consulting engineering firms in the United States by Engineering News Record.
Locally, Benesch actively supports education by providing job shadowing opportunities, internships, scholarships and annual MathCounts competitions The employees conduct annual toy and food drives with all proceeds donated to Schuylkill County non-profit organizations. They participate in the Schuylkill United Way Day of Caring and members of the staff are active in various community organizations, such as Schuylkill County Vision, Schuylkill Women in Crisis, Schuylkill County Special Olympics, Hillside SPCA and the Salvation Army.
Whether it’s through engineering tasks, sustainability, or community outreach programs, Benesch is continuously striving to build lasting and strong relationships with clients locally and nationwide in order to constantly improve our communities to make them a more gratifying place to call home.
2015 Non-Profit Organization of the Year – Award Sponsor: Schuylkill United Way
The 2015 Non-Profit Organization of the Year is SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY (SCMA)
Schuylkill County Municipal Authority (SCMA) has been providing the residents of Schuylkill County with clean, abundant potable water and reliable sanitary sewer service since 1834. Services are provided to over 35,000 residents in 25 municipalities in the County. The Authority, created in 1961 after the purchase of the former Pottsville Water Company, celebrates 181 years in the water and wastewater industry.
Over the years, a total of $121 million dollars has been invested into infrastructure, promoting economic development and the creation of over 6,000 jobs, consequently generating sustainable economic development opportunities for the future.
Recognized not only by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, In 2013 and 2014, SCMA and its employees were recognized for their success and leadership with the
following award presentations:
• 2014 Pennsylvania Rural Water Association Wastewater System of the Year
• 2014 Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Association Employer Excellence Award for Expansion
• 2014 Pennsylvania Rural Water Association Decision Maker of the Year:
• 2013 American Council of Engineering Companies of PA Diamond Award for Engineering
They are a primary sponsor for the annual Schuylkill County Envirothon, and a contributor to the Schuylkill County Youth Summit and the Schuylkill YEA! programs. Annually, SCMA awards 10 Environmental Stewardship Scholarships to county high schools.
Through strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, and effective partnering, SCMA has proven to be a model non-profit. They are a successful partner to local government and private industry and are the source of safe drinking water and a reliable sewer service to both the residents and business of Schuylkill County.
2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Award Sponsor: Ashland Technologies, Inc.
The 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Is Greg Header, Solar Innovations
Greg Header and Solar Innovations have been innovating to stay ahead of the curve and the competition for years. The continual product improvements and new product developments within Solar Innovations have been the life-blood of this organization.
In 2014, Greg developed 6 new door and window systems. He currently holds 9 patents, with another 14 patents pending. Quoted in the Wall Street Journal and multiple trade publications as an authority in his industry, Solar Innovations saw an impressive 43% growth in sales in 2014. Recognized not only by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, Greg has also received the following recognitions:
• The Governor’s Impact Award – Winner of the Jobs that Pay category for the Northeast PA PREP region.
• One of the Greater Reading Top 50 businesses for 2015
• The 2015 Product Innovation Award for Manufacturing Excellence by MAEA
Greg has always been a proponent of the team atmosphere and is willing to participate in any part of any project to make sure both the internal and external customers receive the best service possible. His focus is always on the big picture – thinking six or seven steps ahead. Greg’s desire to ensure an adequate succession plan is the focus of company training and development within every department of Solar Innovations.
Greg has been able to cultivate a manufacturing culture with more than just green awareness, but continued participation in waste prevention. The current LEED Gold Certified, Solar Innovations, Inc. corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility currently operates 85% off the grid – including manufacturing and recycles 97% of waste generated.
Greg provides local non-profits with reduced product costs for their facilities and is actively involved with the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and local food banks.
He is a true entrepreneur who has complete dedication to his company, its employees and the environment.
The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce’s website is http://www.schuylkillchamber.com/.
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