Chamber Announces 2026 Annual Award Honorees
Member businesses and individuals of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce were recognized during the organization’s Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, February 25th, at the HAAS Center for the Arts on Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg's campus.
Over 200 guests attended the evening event, which celebrated outstanding member achievements, elected members to the Board of Directors, highlighted Chamber activities of the past year, and previewed the year ahead.
Nominations for the Chamber’s Annual Awards open each August and remain open through December 31, allowing members ample time to thoughtfully recognize deserving businesses and individuals. Each award category has a dedicated nomination form outlining specific eligibility criteria and impact areas. To ensure consistency and transparency in the selection process, the Chamber utilizes a standardized evaluation rubric aligned with each category’s stated criteria.
Nominations were reviewed by a committee that assesses demonstrated leadership, measurable community impact, innovation, workforce development, economic contribution, and sustained engagement within the Columbia-Montour region. Final award recipients were selected based on the strength of their nomination materials and overall alignment with the award’s purpose.
The Chamber’s five annual awards were presented to organizations and individuals for their extraordinary contributions to the community. The following awards were presented:
Small Business of the Year - Sean Black State Farm Insurance Agency
Sean Black of State Farm Insurance accepts the award for 2026 Small Business of the Year sponsored by Journey Bank.
The Small Business of the Year award is presented to a member business with thirty employees or fewer that has demonstrated business or community leadership evidenced by diversification and creativity in the development of new products, services, and or markets, demonstrated staying power and positive response to adversity, and demonstrated meaningful community involvement.
Sean Black State Farm Insurance exemplifies what it means to be a “good neighbor” in business and in the community. Sean has built a workplace where employees are empowered to grow both professionally and personally. That investment has translated into a thriving agency culture rooted in leadership development, mentorship, and long term success.
Through The Good Neighbor Project and active involvement with the Chamber, Sean and his team consistently lift up local nonprofits, small businesses, and future leaders through financial support, volunteerism, and relationship building. His commitment to engagement, service, and community connection demonstrates the powerful impact a small business can have on a region’s long term success.
Large Business of the Year - Journey Bank
Lance Diehl of Journey Bank accepts the award for 2026 Large Business of the Year sponsored by Post Consumer Brands.
The Large Business of the Year award recognizes companies with more than thirty one employees that exemplify strong leadership, resilience, community involvement, and long term success.
Journey Bank exemplifies what it means to be a strong, community centered financial institution. With more than 200 employees across Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania, Journey Bank provides stable local employment while investing in projects that fuel small business growth, housing development, and community revitalization.
The Bank is deeply committed to employee development, offering year round training, leadership opportunities, and funding for continued education through industry organizations and certifications. Beyond the workplace, Journey Bank’s impact is felt throughout the region through hands on volunteerism, meaningful partnerships, and philanthropic initiatives that support financial literacy, youth development, and community pride. From small business lending to signature programs such as the Journey Bank Teen Star Musical Competition, the Bank continues to strengthen both the regional economy and the communities it serves through leadership, innovation, and genuine connection.
Nonprofit of the Year - Central Susquehanna Opportunities
Megan Bair of Central Susquehanna Opportunities accepts the award for 2026 Nonprofit of the Year sponsored by PNC Bank.
The Nonprofit of the Year award is presented to a 501(c)(3) organization with one hundred or fewer employees that has provided diversified and creative aid to the Columbia Montour region utilizing business, personal, and community resources.
Central Susquehanna Opportunities has been a cornerstone of community support for more than six decades, addressing critical needs such as food security, housing stability, workforce development, and economic mobility. Through innovative initiatives including its nationally recognized mobile food pantries and comprehensive self sufficiency programs, CSO removes barriers and delivers services directly to those in need.
The organization’s extensive public and private partnerships amplify its regional impact while fostering long term, sustainable solutions. CSO’s holistic approach continues to empower individuals and families while strengthening communities across Columbia and Montour Counties.
Community Progress - Geisinger
Dawn Zeiger and Ann Blankenhorn of Geisinger accept the 2026 Community Progress Award sponsored by Press Enterprise Commercial Printing.
The Community Progress Award recognizes a member business or organization that has improved the internal or external appearance of a commercial property through new construction, renovation, restoration, or remodeling within the past three calendar years.
Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Danville represents a significant regional investment addressing the growing need for accessible inpatient mental health services. Opened in 2025 following a $49 million investment, the facility expands behavioral health capacity while allowing other regional hospitals to enhance medical care services.
Designed as both a treatment and teaching facility, the Center supports workforce development by training future healthcare professionals. This project fills a critical care gap while reinforcing Geisinger’s long standing commitment to community health, economic impact, and keeping care local.
Outstanding Citizen - Liz Strauss
Liz Strauss accepts the 2026 Outstanding Citizen Award sponsored by B.I.D.A.
The Outstanding Citizen award is presented to an individual who is an employee or volunteer of a member organization and who is involved in civic activities beneficial to the Columbia Montour region while projecting a positive community image.
Elizabeth “Liz” Strauss has dedicated more than five decades to strengthening Columbia County through visionary leadership, volunteerism, and advocacy. As a co founder of the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, she helped establish a cultural and educational institution that enriches families, supports local businesses, and attracts visitors to the region.
Her service on numerous boards and committees reflects a lifelong commitment to education, accessibility, and intergenerational support. Liz’s steady leadership, mentorship, and dedication have left an enduring legacy of resilience, opportunity, and community growth across the region.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere congratulations to all nominees for this year’s awards. Each nominee represents the strength, innovation, and generosity that define our regional business community. Being nominated is a meaningful recognition of leadership, service, and impact, and we are grateful for the countless ways these individuals and organizations contribute to the vitality and success of Columbia and Montour Counties.