Organizations and Individuals Recognized at Annual Awards Ceremony
Member businesses and individuals of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce were recognized during the organization’s Annual Awards Ceremony, sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities, on Wednesday, February 27, 2025, at the Frosty Valley Resort in Danville.
Approximately 250 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.
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 - Sponsored by Journey Bank
Awardee: Troop 47 Trading Company
Large Business of the Year - Sponsored by Post Consumer Brands
Awardee: First Keystone Community Bank
Nonprofit of the Year - Sponsored by PNC
Awardee: The Good Samaritan Mission
Community Progress Award- Sponsored by Press Enterprise Commercial Printing
Awardee: Outta Boundz
Outstanding Citizen - Sponsored by Berwick Industrial Development Association
Awardee: Rich Kisner
The Small Business of the Year award is presented to a member business of 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/or demonstrated community involvement.
Scott and Annie McCarty accept the Small Business of the Year Award from Journey Bank Danville Branch Manager Kara Aurand on Thursday February 27th.
Troop 47 Trading Company- Trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, cheerful, and kind. If these values sound familiar to you it’s likely that you heard them from the mouths of local Scouts. So did Annie McCarty, who, along with her husband Scott, named the Danville-based shop in honor of her father’s connections, values, and legacy in Scouting and the Danville community. Nominated for a second consecutive year, Troop 47 Trading Co., is a rally point for events in Downtown Danville, as shown by her recent Galentine’s Day event, which collected shampoo for fellow award nominee The Good Samaritan Mission. It’s a rally point for good reason - Annie knows and loves her community as much as she knows her store and her customers, having hand-picked or handcrafted every item on the shelf.
The Large Business of the Year award: This award recognizes companies with more than 31 employees that exemplify strong leadership, resilience, community involvement, and long-term success
Employees of First Keystone Community Bank accepting the Large Business of the year award at the 2025 Annual Awards Ceremony.
First Keystone Community Bank For more than 160 years, First Keystone Community Bank (FKCB) has been a pillar of strength and financial expertise in Pennsylvania with a network of branches spanning Columbia, Luzerne, Montour, and Schuylkill counties. More than just a bank, First Keystone is a true advocate for the communities it serves. Through sponsorships, charitable contributions, and active employee volunteerism, they continually support local non-profits, schools, and businesses. First Keystone Community Bank exemplifies what it means to be a true community partner—empowering individuals, strengthening businesses, and uplifting the communities it calls home.
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.
Terry Brown, board member, Nicky Outt board chair, Carin Warton, Executive Director and Lisa McCarty, office assistant from Good Samaritan Mission accept the Nonprofit of the Year award at the Annual Awards Ceremony.
The Good Samaritan Mission For nearly three decades, The Good Samaritan Mission has been a beacon of hope for individuals and families facing hardship in Danville, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas. They have a strong support system—including 75 dedicated volunteers, two staff members, and the Young Samaritans middle and high school volunteer club—the organization delivers critical services to the community. The Good Samaritan Mission provides crisis financial assistance, hygiene products, clothing, and adult education workshops that address poverty. Additionally, the mission supports students in the Danville Area School District by packing 150 food bags each week for students who face food insecurity on weekends and extended breaks from school as well as providing new beds for children without adequate sleeping arrangements. In addition, the mission also supports students in the Danville Area School District and Columbia Montour Vo-Tech with tuition/educational assistance. Through these efforts and a committed network of community partners, The Good Samaritan Mission continues to make a lasting impact in Central Pennsylvania.
The Community Progress Award goes to a member business or organization that showed improvement in the internal or external appearance of a commercial property through either new construction, renovation, restoration, or remodeling, and completed that construction within the last three calendar years or by December 2023.
Outta Boundz for their facility Renovation- Outta Boundz has redefined family entertainment with its thrilling mix of upscale, gamified activities, state-of-the-art facilities, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a night of bowling, arcade excitement, laser tag, or hatchet throwing, Outta Boundz offers a one-stop destination for unforgettable experiences. Dhalas Robbins and his family transformed the former Skatetown Hysteria space into a modern entertainment hub, bringing upscale, gamified bowling, two-story laser tag, hatchet throwing, duckpin bowling, a full bar, and an expanded arcade to the Bloomsburg area. They also enhanced their party and event hosting services and improved the exterior appearance of their 20-year-old roller rink, making it a fresh and exciting destination for guests of all ages.
The Outstanding Citizen award is presented to an individual that is an employee or volunteer of a member organization who is involved in civic activities beneficial to the Columbia-Montour region and who projects a positive community image.
Rick Kisner - Executive Director of Community Strategies Group (CSG) in Bloomsburg, PA, is a driving force behind innovative community development and housing initiatives in the region. With a passion for creating sustainable, inclusive communities, Rich has dedicated his career to addressing critical housing, economic development, and social equity challenges. Under his leadership, CSG has expanded its reach and impact, helping individuals and families access affordable housing and resources that foster long-term stability. His work ensures that Bloomsburg remains a place where families and individuals can thrive. Rich also serves on many boards and community organizations that contribute to the overall health and wellness of our community.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that represents more than 400 businesses and organizations from the Columbia-Montour region.
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