On November 20, the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Member Appreciation Breakfast at Stonehedge Golf Course and Events Center. This event brought together more than eighty local leaders and chamber members to reflect on a year of accomplishments and celebrate those who have made meaningful contributions to our community.
The breakfast served as an opportunity to share updates on the chamber’s programs and initiatives that foster connections between commerce and the community. Chamber President Gina Suydam spoke about the chamber’s ongoing efforts in leadership development, student engagement, and economic growth. Gina highlighted initiatives like Leadership Wyoming and their community projects over the past 2 years funding Interfaith Friends’ Back-to-School Shoe Program and the Revitalize Riverside basketball courts. Gina boasted about the remarkable success of Youth Opportunities Uncovered (YOU), emphasizing the importance of fostering future leaders and driving positive change in our community.
A thank you goes out to our event sponsors—Meshoppen Stone, Endless Realty, and The Wright Center. Sponsors and the support of our Champion Investors make gatherings like this possible and strengthen the bonds that unite Wyoming County.
This year, one of our proudest achievements was being named the 2024 Chamber of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP). Mat Shaffer, 2024 Board Chairman, expressed the board’s gratitude for the staff. He commended the collaboration of the board and the staff to formalize the partnership with the Wyoming County Community Alliance. Matt welcomed PA Senator Lisa Baker and PA State Representative Tina Pickett, who presented the chamber with a citation and certificate of recognition for our ongoing commitment to fostering economic & community growth in the region.
Matt Shaffer continued to express his sincere appreciation for the Chamber staff, board of directors, and especially our loyal members for the support of our Chamber. Matt discussed the Chamber’s strong future vision & leadership. He also recognized three board members—Frank Sorokach, Mike Narcavage, and Maria Sherwood—whose terms are coming to an end. Their dedicated service has been vital to the chamber’s success. Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that Neil King will assume the role of Board Chairman in 2025, continuing the legacy of dedicated leadership.
The highlight of the morning was honoring three exceptional individuals who have left a lasting impact on Wyoming County.
Lindsay Shalata, Executive Director of the Wyoming County Healthcare Center, received the regional Young Professionals HERO Award, presented by the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber. This award recognizes her outstanding efforts in expanding healthcare services within our community. We were thrilled to be joined by The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber President/CEO, Lindsay Boylan to present Mrs. Shalata with her award at the breakfast. Ms. Shalata is a determined advocate for rural healthcare and collaboration and Wyoming County is fortunate to have her leadership.
Bob Baker, the recently retired editor of the Wyoming County Press Examiner, was recognized for his two decades of journalistic excellence and unwavering service to our community. Bob’s compassionate reporting has shaped Wyoming County’s narrative and brought us closer together during challenging times. To honor his contributions, Bob was presented with a clock, symbolizing the timeless impact of his work.
The late Pat Brown, a founding member of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, was remembered for her extraordinary dedication to shaping our community. To commemorate her legacy, the chamber announced the creation of the Endless Opportunities Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will support a Tunkhannock Area High School student who has completed the YOU Leadership Program and plans to pursue higher education. A plaque was presented to Pat’s family as a tribute to her enduring contributions to Wyoming County.
The event concluded with Matt expressing the Chamber’s gratitude to our sponsors, members, and supporters. Their involvement and commitment are the backbone of the chamber’s work and the successes we celebrate together.
The Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce is proud to be part of a community that values connection, growth, and giving back. Together, we are building a brighter future for Wyoming County. Thank you for your continued support and for being an integral part of this journey.
