HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) has officially opened nominations for the 2025 Catalyst Awards, the region’s premier recognition of business and community leadership.
Each year, the Catalyst Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that are driving positive change and creating opportunities across Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties. Award categories highlight excellence in entrepreneurship, government service, diversity advocacy, professional leadership and small business innovation.
“Through the Catalyst Awards, we celebrate bold, visionary leaders who are shaping a brighter future for the Harrisburg region,” said Ryan Unger, President and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. “Each award reflects a powerful story of the individuals and organizations driving progress and leaving a lasting mark on our community. These honorees embody what it means to be a catalyst.”
The 2025 awards include:
- The Catalyst Award – The most prestigious award given by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, the Catalyst Award honors an individual or group of individuals whose leadership, business or governmental activities and community service have best exemplified the organization’s goal of being a Catalyst for our region in making it a better place to live, work and play.
- The ATHENA Leadership Award – The ATHENA Leadership Award celebrates exemplary leadership and is reflective of a quote by Plato: What is honored in a country will be cultivated there. Over 7,000 Recipients have been honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award since the program’s inception in 1982. Presented to leaders across professional sectors, the ATHENA Leadership Award’s rich history, international scope and focus on mentorship distinguish it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive.
- Diversity Leader of the Year – The Diversity Leader of the Year is someone who works in their community and/or organization to promote diversity and inclusion. This individual or group of people has shown exemplary leadership in ensuring that all individuals are included. They have supported or pioneered projects or programs involving the advancement of diversity and inclusion.
- Entrepreneur of the Year – The Entrepreneur of the Year Award honors an entrepreneur(s) who has taken a risk and demonstrated creativity, self-motivation and strong vision.
- Government Leader of the Year – The Government Leader of the Year Award is a special recognition for someone who has made a difference over the past year, or perhaps even over a lifetime of service to the region.
- Small Business of the Year – The Small Business of the Year Award honors a small business that demonstrates staying power and innovation and has a strong commitment to the community.
Nominees do not need to be members of the Chamber & CREDC to be eligible. All nominations must be submitted through the organization’s website. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Open to All: Every award category is open to all nominees without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Winners will be celebrated at the 2025 Catalyst Awards celebration on December 10, 2025, at the Hilton Harrisburg from 5:30pm – 8:00pm.
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Media Contact:
Paige Shope
Communications & Marketing Manager
Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
pshope@hbgrc.org
