Awards gala celebrates Huntingdon’s current success and bright future
The Annual Awards Gala hosted by Huntingdon County Business and Industry celebrated successful startups and longtime staples in the community. Photo: Provided.
The past year’s progress and a preview of upcoming projects were on display at the Annual Awards Gala hosted by Huntingdon County Business and Industry on Thursday, September 22 at the Huntingdon County Country Club.
Huntingdon County’s Startup Alleghenies coach Christa McGeary said the evening drew more than 100 guests to enjoy speakers and awards.
“The community support here is unrivalled. We are a small, rural town, and because of that the community loves to support the businesses housed inside of it.”
Two Entrepreneur Awards were presented to Startup Alleghenies clients—Robbie Pearce of Robbie’s Diesel Doctor and Karley Miller of Rebelz Mobile Cuisine. The Keystone Award was presented to The Daily News for celebrating 100 years as a central part of the Huntingdon community. The East Broad Top Railroad was awarded the Reinvention Award recognizing its progress in making the railroad a destination attraction for locals and tourists.
Karley Miller of Rebelz Mobile Cuisine with her family. Photo: Provided.
Robbie Pearce of Robbie’s Diesel Doctor with his family. Photo: Provided.
McGeary said, “The community support here is unrivalled. We are a small, rural town, and because of that the community loves to support the businesses housed inside of it. Being so small, the only thing that we can do is grow!”
“With significantly lower overhead costs than other areas, a business with a unique idea can serve a market that has been underserved in the past,” McGeary shared.
She added that Lake Raystown attracts nearly 2 million tourists each year. “The lake and the growth we are seeing with the East Broad Top Railroad provide immense opportunity for businesses that want to start and grow here.”
McGeary also hinted at more exciting developments: “Even though I can’t talk about the specifics yet, I can say that we have a lot of valuable resources and programs through Startup Alleghenies. And we have fun initiatives like Huntingdon for the Holidays making it easier and fun to support local businesses during the holiday season.”
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
