As the largest business organization in Blair County, the Chamber serves as a lead advocate for business issues and works to create a business-friendly environment in our community —representing the interest of business on a local, state and federal level.
Through our Programs, Committees and Events, we provide educational opportunities, professional development, networking and public policy development that meet the needs of our membership
The Chamber hosts several marquee events throughout the year. Plan ahead and mark your calendars to attend these valued educational and networking opportunities.
Monthly Events
Breakfast Club is a monthly opportunity to welcome new Chamber Members, network, and enjoy a brief educational and informative presentation on issues facing Blair County’s business community.
Business After Hours continues to be The Chamber’s premier networking event. Chamber Members host these monthly events at their businesses to encourage networking in an informal atmosphere complemented by food and beverages.
Business Before Hours was developed by The Chamber’s Retail Roundtable. This Chamber program encourages early morning networking as members visit host companies to learn more about those companies and take advantage of special discounts.
Events Through The Year
January
The Annual Meeting brings together the Blair County Alliance for Business and Economic Growth, to report on the previous year’s accomplishments, the state of the economy and project on future trends. Keynote speakers address relevant topics important to the Blair County economy and business community.
February
Blair County Home Garden & Healthy Living Show is a collaborative effort between The Chamber and the Blair-Bedford Builders Association. As the longest running home show in Central Pennsylvania, the Home Garden & Healthy Living Show offers a wide variety of products and services from more than 130 exhibitors. The show continues to draw more than 4,000 attendees each year. The event is supported by the Home, Garden and Healthy Living Advisory Committee.
February
Blair County Home Garden & Healthy Living Show is a collaborative effort between The Chamber and the Blair-Bedford Builders Association. As the longest running home show in Central Pennsylvania, the Home Garden & Healthy Living Show offers a wide variety of products and services from more than 130 exhibitors. The show continues to draw more than 4,000 attendees each year. The event is supported by the Home, Garden and Healthy Living Advisory Committee.
May
Chamber Golf Classic is a day of networking for the serious and not-so-serious golfers. This event, held in May, offers a day of fun and competition on the links. The Golf Classic is supported by members of the Chamber Golf Classic Planning Advisory Group.
June
Awards GALA is the Chamber’s prestigious red-carpet event, celebrating individuals and businesses making a positive impact within our community. The evening is filled with live music, gourmet food, and the presentation of several distinguished awards, including…
June
Awards GALA is the Chamber’s prestigious red-carpet event, celebrating individuals and businesses making a positive impact within our community. The evening is filled with live music, gourmet food, and the presentation of several distinguished awards, including…
October
Business Excellence “Hall of Fame” Dinner is designed to call attention to the importance of outstanding achievement within the business community over an extended period.
November
The Farm-City Dinner is an annual event recognizing the vital role agribusinesses play in Blair County’s economy. The dinner, held each fall, features the presentation of the Agricultural Community Excellence (ACE) Award.
November
The Farm-City Dinner is an annual event recognizing the vital role agribusinesses play in Blair County’s economy. The dinner, held each fall, features the presentation of the Agricultural Community Excellence (ACE) Award.
All June Events
Awards GALA is the Chamber’s prestigious red-carpet event, celebrating individuals and businesses making a positive impact within our community. The evening is filled with live music, gourmet food, and the presentation of several distinguished awards, including the ATHENA Award, the Small Businessperson of the Year Award, Donna D. Gority Servant Leadership Award, George Award, and the Joseph P. Rosenhamer Chamber Spirit Award. (Click HERE to view all of the awards criteria). Note: This will open a new page and won’t be included in navigation.
ATHENA Award – Presented nationally by chambers of commerce, the ATHENA Award honors individuals who embody the Athena Leadership Model, having achieved professional excellence, contributed to improving the community’s quality of life, and actively assisted others, especially women, in realizing their leadership potential. The ATHENA Award is proudly sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank.
Business of the Year – Awarded to a business with 51 or more employees, recognized for its contributions to the local economy through growth, achievement, and customer satisfaction. The award highlights a business’s operational integrity and community involvement. This award is sponsored by Altoona First Savings Bank.
Small Business of the Year – Honoring a business with 50 or fewer employees, this award recognizes significant contributions to local economic development, growth, and customer satisfaction, while maintaining business integrity and community involvement. Sponsored by First National Bank.
Non-Profit Spotlight – Recognizes a not-for-profit organization or event that has shown resilience and delivered impactful programs in Blair County. Eligible nominees must have been in operation for at least two years. The Non-Profit Spotlight is sponsored by Hometown Bank.
Donna D. Gority Servant Leadership Award – This award honors those who demonstrate ongoing servant leadership in Blair County. It highlights individuals who choose to serve first, then lead, as a means of expanding their service to others. Reliance Bank sponsors this award.
George Award – Given to an individual who has significantly improved the community through volunteer efforts without seeking recognition. The award is sponsored by Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries.
Joseph P. Rosenhamer Chamber Spirit Award – Paying tribute to a longtime Chamber Member who embodies the qualities of altruism, ethics, and selflessness. This individual actively participates in Chamber programs and advocates for the Chamber within the business community. Sponsored by P. Joseph Lehman, Inc., Consulting.
Judith A. Rossi Educator of the Year Award – This award honors an educator who has positively impacted students, schools, or educational systems, contributing to the success of the business community and workforce. Sponsored by DelGrosso Companies.
The Extra Mile Award – Selected by the Chamber staff, this award recognizes an individual or business that has gone above and beyond in supporting Chamber programs, events, and committees. Sponsored by Berry Solutions Group.
