I am the new president of the Back Mountain Chamber. I never thought I would be this busy when Tom Mosca turned over the reins to me on Jan. 1. It’s been a whirlwind of activity for the last few months. But I am so lucky to have an awesome board of directors helping me to navigate through these last couple of months.

We at the BMC want to help bring value to our community through local businesses and the people who are emerging here. I believe the relationships you form will determine the quality and direction of your life and further the direction your business. For me personally, I am forming new relationships every day with people like Amanda Faneck, & Matt Bradley, (BMC Branding team), Sheri Goldwein (our new BMC sales representative), Raymond Petts (my chamber mentor) and Brenda Pugh, (chairperson/membership committee). These are some of the BMC new members helping to grow the chamber.

Dawn Wiringer, VP and I went out to visit the businesses of our award winners for the Mardy Gras Award Ceremony. Congratulations, winners and thank you for greeting us with open arms:

Above and Beyond Customer Service Award — Luzerne Bank, Bob Edgerton. “We believe the interaction with the community and chamber creates business for all. Our biggest value is our customer service.”

Young Professional Under 40 Award — ENX2, Nicole Farber “Be Amazing! Work hard and be kind, amazing things will come. We are creating change in the world.”

Young Professional Under 40 Award – Joey Landscaping, Joey Irvin. “His customers value his reliability and he is most proud of the people he serves.”

Community Involvement award — 415 Pro Hardware, Kurt “Strong. “Community makes our business thrive.” They thrive to work with the community and the Back Mountain Chamber to make the Back Mountain a better place to live for all.

Non-Profit of the Year. — Rock Solid Academy, Michelle Coe, president. “Ever wonder what the rock-solid difference is? Encouraging students to develop their unique gifts and abilities while growing in wisdom, knowledge, leadership, faith, and service.”

Business of the Year — Caddie LaBar, Larry LaBar. ” We treat all our customers like they are family, with love and respect. We value our customers.”

Entrepreneur of the Year Award — Founder and CEO of Special, Kristopher D. Jones. “An entrepreneur isn’t someone who owns a business. It’s someone who makes things happen.”

Volunteer of the Year Award — Joe Hardisky. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Pride of Place Award — Misericordia University, Dr. Tom Botzman. “Being a member of the Back Mountain Chamber, was developed to have a common purpose, working together to better all.”

New and Emerging Business of the Year — Dymonds by Kate, Kate Evans. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, a cup of soup, a home cooked dinner, or maybe the best cinnamon rolls in town, then stop into the bakery.

Mark your calendars and see for yourself the buzz around the chamber. Visit the 10th annual BMC Business Expo, located on the beautiful campus of Misericordia University, from 4 to 6 p.m. April 24. You can meet our local business owners, taste some delicious food and enter to win one of several prizes:

Private party valued at $1,500 for 50 people at Damien’s On The Lake

Free one-night’s stay at a Hilton Garden Inn (several regional locations available)

Huntsville Golf Club golf package valued at over $600

Indoor Golf Simulator gift certificate at Twin Stacks Golf Center

On behalf of the Back Mountain Chamber BOD, we look forward to serving you.

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By Cynthia Post Mitchell

For Dallas Post

Cynthia Post Mitchell is president of the Back Mountain Chamber of Commerce. Her column appears monthly in the Dallas Post.