Business & Merchant
- Last Updated on Friday, 30 September 2016 17:08
It was a cast of superlatives at the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Event on Thursday, September 8, 2016, held at the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center, Monongahela Valley Hospital.
President Jim Protin welcomed 140 attendees and marked the 15th anniversary of September 11 with a moment of silence. Lisa Behanna, owner of UpStage Studio sang the National Anthem. Deb Keefer, Chamber Director, served as emcee for the evening, introducing the awardees with their history and accomplishments, in sync with a photo presentation for each.
The Outstanding Business Development Award was presented to Bart Raitano, Sr. along with his family and employees for Interstate Paper Supply Company. They have been in the paper recycling business since 1950 in the Borough of Roscoe, and Bartolomeo Raitano founded the company with Corning Glass works as their first customer. “He was only 5 foot 4 inches tall,” said the Raitano at the podium, “but he was a giant of a man.”
The Excellence in Business Award was accepted by Nora Ashcraft Muccino, with father George Ashcraft and brother Alan Ashcraft at her side, for Ashcraft Records Management and Storage. Harry (Nora’s grandfather) started the company in 1913, which has evolved over the years, starting out hauling coal with horses and wagons. George, now 83, is president and is involved in the operation every day. The ingenuity in hauling large loads that helped to build the Mid Mon Valley and their adaptability to change was highlighted in the introduction.
The 2016 Regional Service Award was presented to J.K. Tener Library. The importance of their services, their tenacity in raising funds, and the fact that they offer a community center that is open to all ages were highlighted during the presentation. Linda Stennett, Library Board president, acknowledged the Library Board and Library Director Toni Zybl for their dedication to their mission. She said the library is and always has been “a wonderful place to be.”
Eugene A. Vittone II received the Chamber’s 2016 Shining Star Award. His introduction included an impressive educational background and equally impressive public service record, in addition to a few glimpses at his childhood, family life and love of music. “And what sets Gene apart, is his obvious and deep personal commitment to help people,” said Keefer during the introduction. During his acceptance, he emotionally described strong parents who inspired him and his faith in God that sustains him.
The annual event was sponsored this year by PNC Bank, EQT Corporation, cfsbank, and Monongahela Valley Hospital. D.J. Jerry Jericho provided the music and Wayne Ray served as photographer.
Click on "Gallery" to see photos of the recipients.
