2008 Archives

Harrisburg Regional Chamber & Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) Holds Annual Meeting

ALLEN WESTBROOK AND SUZANNE YENCHKO HONORED FOR THEIR SERVICE; CATALYST AWARD GIVEN TO RON DRNEVICH; CREDC CAMPAIGN LAUNCH (2009-2012)

HARRISBURG (March 20, 2008) Over 500 members of the regional business community were in attendance at the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC (HRC/CREDC) 2007 Annual Meeting, featuring a keynote address from Jon Gordon, author of "The Energy Bus". It was the 94 th Annual Meeting for the organization incorporated as a Chamber of Commerce in 1914. The program's agenda included the announcement of the Catalyst Award to Ron Drnevich, retired Chairman & CEO of Gannett Fleming, a year in review summary, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC Boards of Directors recognition of outgoing Chairs and the launch of the 2009-2012 CREDC Campaign.

The event recognized Allen Westbrook of UGI Utilities, Inc. 2007 Chair of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber Board of Directors and Suzanne Yenchko of Pennsylvania American Water, 2007 Chair of CREDC for their service as Chairs guiding the organization to a successful and productive year.

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & Capital Region Economic Development Corporation 's (CREDC) accomplishments were summarized in their annual report that was distributed to attendees. The 2008 CREDC Campaign was also launched at the event by a presentation by campaign co-chairs - Bub Manning, The Quandel Group and Jennifer Delaye, JDK Catering, Inc.

Ronald J. Drnevich, P.E., was the recipient of the Catalyst Award. He retired as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gannett Fleming, Inc. on January 4, 2008. He served 44 years with the company.

William Stout, current Chairman and CEO of Gannett Fleming, Inc. stated, "Ron Drnevich always exhorted us at Gannett Fleming "to make things happen". It is certainly a mantra by which he has lived. This "just do it" attitude has made him a catalyst for countless community, industry, and company endeavors."

Video testimonials for Drnevich, in the surprise presentation, included Sandi Loy Bell, President & CEO of Skelly and Loy, current first vice-chair of the Chamber Board; Don Bliss, Colonel, U.S. Army Retired, Vice Chair of the Chamber's Military Liaison Committee of which Drnevich serves as Chair; Bob Dietz, President and Chief Operating Officer Gannett Fleming, Inc. and Stout.

The following individuals and group have received the Catalyst Award since its inception in 1990. It is the only award presented at the Annual Meeting to an individual or groups who have made outstanding contributions to the region:

Benjamin Olewine III (2006)
Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (2005)
Susquehanna Regional Airport Authority Board of Directors (2004)
Edna Baehre, Ph.D., Harrisburg Area Community College (2003)
Michael Brenner, Brenner Family of Dealerships (2002)
David Schankweiler, Journal Publications, Inc. (2001)
Harold A.B. McInnes, formerly of AMP Inc. (2000)
Christopher Gulotta, Cumberland County Housing & Redevelopment Authority (1999)
Richard Miller, Benatec Associates (1998)
Francis Haas, Esq., McNees, Wallace, & Nurick (1997)
Clifford Jones (1996)
Nancy Besch, Cumberland County Commissioner (1995)
Matthew M. Douglas, Capital Region Chamber of Commerce (1994)
Stephen R. Reed, Mayor, City of Harrisburg (1993)
Ralph Peters, Benatec Associates (1992)
Edward First, McNees, Wallace & Nurick (1991)
William Alexander, H.B. Alexander Enterprises, Inc. (1990)

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties by providing a unique blend of business, community and economic development and advocacy services under one roof to boost our economic vitality and livability as a region. HRC/CREDC has been accredited with four stars from the United States Chamber of Commerce.