Awards handed out at chamber dinner

Jennifer Thomas

The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County honored its own for supporting the chamber, as well as efforts to improve the quality of life and business here, at its annual awards gala Thursday at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.

Recipients were chosen by the chamber membership based on their excellence and impact on the community. Former NFL quarterback and Monday Night Football announcer turned businessman Joe Theismann, offered tales of his football career and advice for success in business as the keynote speaker.

Theismann spoke of making the most of personal opportunities, motivation driven by competition or desire to succeed, customer service and the value of teamwork.

“You cannot, will not, ever even hope to be a success in life if you think you can do it by yourself,” he said.

He encouraged the chamber members to set goals, telling them that attitude is crucial to success, as is educating one’s self about business.

“If you want to change where you are in life, change the amount of energy you put into it,” he said.

Theismann said that this year’s winners should be proud of their accomplishments, but they should continue to move forward.

“You must continue to raise the bar,” he said.

This year’s awards recipients are as follows:

The Small Business of the Year Award went to Kissinger Bigatel & Brower, a State College real estate firm marking its 75th anniversary in Centre County in 2008. The office employs about 50 Realtors.

For the first time, the CBICC presented a Quality of Life Award. It replaced the Athena Award, which recognized re-cipients for excellence, creativity and initiative this year.

ClearWater Conservancy of Central Pennsylvania received the Quality of Life Award.

“I think it’s a validation of what I know in my heart,” said Executive Director Jennifer Shuey.

She said the area is a growing, vibrant community that cares about its natural resources and protecting the environment, something that is shown by the support of “so many of you in the business community.”

Paul and Maralyn Mazza, founders of the South Hills School of Business and Technology, received the Community Service Award for creating the music picnic series.

“We absolutely love doing it,” Maralyn Mazza said. “It’s the funnest thing we’ve ever done in our lives.”

Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. was named the recipient of the Corporate Philanthropy Award.

The Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award went to Sandy and Tom Hood, owners of HoodCo and Total Door Service. The company, which has been part of the community for 20 years, was awarded the Small Business of the Year award about a decade ago.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Sandy Hood, adding she was humbled by the honor.

Piezo Resonance Innovations was named the Outstanding Technology Company of the Year.

Ted McDowell, with AmeriServ Bank, was named outstanding CBICC volunteer, while Chris Magent, manager of the State College office of Alexander Building Construction re-ceived the CBICC Spirit Award for efforts to promote the area and the chamber.

Jennifer Thomas can be reached at 231-4638.