Photos from the 2024 Catalyst Awards

ABOUT THE AWARDS

The Catalyst Awards recognize the organizations and individuals across Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry Counties who embody what it means to drive economic prosperity. They are inclusive in their approach, collaborative in their work, and unapologetically positive about our region. Recipients are chosen by a panel of local business and community leaders deeply rooted in our region.

Open to All: Each 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.

Both members and non-members are encouraged to apply. Members of the organization’s Executive Committees (board leadership) are ineligible to be nominated.

  

AWARDS HONORING INDIVIDUALS

The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to a person who is honored for professional excellence,
community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence
and leadership skills.

NOMINATION FORM

Recent Honorees:

  • 2025: Sheilah Borne
  • 2024: Barb Bowker
  • 2023: Virginia Roth
  • 2022: Kathleen McKenzie
  • 2021: Lisa Stokes
  • 2020: Sharon Ryan

Recognizes an individual who has shown exemplary leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion within their organization and community through pioneering programs, initiatives, and/or advocacy.

NOMINATION FORM

Recent Honorees:

  • 2025: Dr. Roosevelt Allen
  • 2024: Dr. Kimeka Campbell
  • 2022: John “Ski” Sygielski
  • 2020: George Fernandez

Honors an individual who assumes financial and operational risk to create or grow a business enterprise.

NOMINATION FORM

Recent Honorees:

  • 2025: Christina Milano-Damaskos (Athlon)
  • 2024: George Fernandez (Color & Culture, Latino Connections)
  • 2023: Jonathan Bowser (Steelworks Construction)
  • 2022: Derek Dilks (Dilks Enterprises)
  • 2021: Amma Johnson (AMMA JO)
  • 2020: Todd Phillips (True Legends Barbershop)

Recognizes a public servant or elected official whose leadership has meaningfully advanced the region’s economic prosperity, quality of life, or community well-being.

NOMINATION FORM

Recent Honorees:

  • 2025: Cumberland County Commission for Women
  • 2024: Representatives Justin Fleming and Thomas Kutz
  • 2023: Senator Greg Rothman
  • 2022: Nathan Silcox
  • 2021: Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor
  • 2019: Representative Sheryl Delozier

AWARDS HONORING ORGANIZATIONS

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. The Small Business of the Year must be a locally owned and operated for-profit entity, headquartered in Cumberland, Dauphin, or Perry counties. Total employment may not exceed 100 and annual revenue cannot exceed $20 million.

NOMINATION FORM

Recent Honorees:

  • 2025: TheBurg
  • 2024: Nothing Bundt Cakes – Camp Hill
  • 2023: Burn30
  • 2022: Cornerstone Coffeehouse
  • 2021: Macris Chocolates
  • 2020: Viscul Creative

Recognizes a business, non-profit, association, community group, or other organization that has made a measurable impact on the region’s economic prosperity through a specific project or initiative.

NOMINATION FORM

This is a new award for 2026.


THE CATALYST AWARD

The Catalyst Award is the Chamber’s highest honor, recognizing an individual, group, or organization whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to collaboration have made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to the region’s economic prosperity and quality of life.

NOMINATION FORM

Recent Honorees:

  • 2025: Goodwill Keystone Area
  • 2024: Joe Massaro
  • 2023: Corrie Lingenfelter
  • 2022: M&T Bank and Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University of Science & Technology
  • 2021: George Nahodil
  • 2020: Joe Arthur

SPONSORSHIPS

Interested in sponsoring this event?

ADDITIONAL SPONSORSHIP LEVELS:

*EXCLUSIVE INDIVIDUAL AWARD SPONSORSHIPS – $4,500

Gold level benefits plus:

    • Opportunity to present award onstage

    • Sponsor highlight on Chamber & CREDC social media

    • Company logo placed in Chamber & CREDC event emails, virtual invitation and post event email survey

For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities contact Heather Eyster, Sr. Director of Investor & Member Engagement.