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The Cumberland Valley Business Alliance (CVBA) celebrated the achievements of local businesses and community leaders at the 2025 CVBA Awards Breakfast presented by M&T Bank with more than 200 people in attendance.

The event, held at the Chambersburg Country Club this morning, recognized excellence in innovation, leadership and service, showcasing the remarkable contributions of individuals and organizations that drive the economic and social growth of the Cumberland Valley.

Chris Grimm, the CVBA Board Chair, opened the event highlighting the significance of the award winners in fostering a thriving business community.

“This morning, we come together to honor the outstanding accomplishments of businesses and individuals who embody dedication, innovation and leadership,” Grimm stated. “Their efforts make the Cumberland Valley a vibrant place to live and work.”

Dr. Kimberly Eaton, CEO of the Waynesboro YMCA, accepted the International ATHENA Leadership Award, which was sponsored locally by Jennings Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and F&M Trust. The award honors an individual who exemplifies professional, community and personal leadership as well as someone who actively assists women in reaching their full leadership potential and/or personal and professional goals.

Dr. Eaton has served in many roles including managing co-chair of the Franklin Together Reentry Coalition, which helps individuals transition from incarceration to stable lives. She is also the volunteer coordinator for the Waynesboro Youth Aid Panel, a restorative justice program with exceptional success in reducing the tendency of convicted criminals to reoffend. She has also been a driving force behind youth courts in local school districts and a longtime leader in the Leadership Franklin County Youth program.

Also presented during the ceremony were the following awards:

2025 Innovator of the Year: Brett Frey

Brett Frey was honored for his visionary leadership in expanding Mobile Works beyond its seasonal operations, introducing new year-round services and implementing advanced employee training programs. Through his involvement with the Boys & Girls Club, Brett has invested both time and resources into the community. His team has donated labor to wash community pools, buildings, and parks, as well as installing permanent lighting on the Club’s event trailer. His dedication to innovation and community involvement has solidified Mobile Works as a leader in the pressure-washing and exterior services industry.

2025 Employer of the Year: RKL LLP

RKL LLP received recognition for its outstanding workplace culture, career development initiatives and commitment to employee success. Over the years, the firm has expanded beyond traditional tax and audit services, opening career doors in cybersecurity, HR consulting, international tax, and more. RKL promotes collaboration and recognition among employees through special interest groups like the Women’s Initiative and RISE for emerging leaders. Firmwide events, such as cornhole tournaments and book clubs, foster community, while leadership regularly celebrates employee achievements. Additionally, RKL prioritizes training and professional development at every level.  With structured training programs, mentorship opportunities and a strong emphasis on professional growth, RKL has consistently been named among the Best Places to Work in PA.

2025 Small Nonprofit of the Year: Sweet Grace Ministries

Sweet Grace Ministries, led by Katy Dortenzo, was honored as the Small Nonprofit of the Year for its compassionate support of families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss. The organization was founded in Chambersburg and offers bereavement services, counseling and community outreach. Sweet Grace has recently expanded its impact as far as Alaska with a total of 28 hospitals nationwide.

2025 Large Nonprofit of the Year: Franklin County Library System

The Franklin County Library System was recognized as the Large Nonprofit of the Year for its extensive community programming, educational initiatives and dedication to lifelong learning. Franklin County Library System is a hub of community programming with an impressive 1,084 children’s programs, 92 teen programs and 614 adult and general interest programs. Serving over 157,000 residents, the library system continues to be a vital resource for knowledge and engagement.

2025 Spirit of the Community Award: Heather Kohler

Heather Kohler was honored with the Spirit of the Community Award for her unwavering dedication to community service through the Rotary Club of Chambersburg, the Cumberland Valley Breast Care Alliance and numerous other local initiatives. Her leadership at Gateway Gallery Auction and coordination of events like the Flags for Heroes tribute exemplifies her commitment to the community while honoring and uplifting others.

2025 Emerging Business Leader of the Year: Derek Taylor

Derek Taylor was recognized for his impact at Starr Insurance and his dedication to mentorship, community leadership and business growth in Franklin County. Since stepping into a leadership role at Starr Insurance, Derek has been instrumental in the agency’s growth. His ability to identify talent and create opportunities within his team has fostered a culture of mentorship and advancement. His contributions to local boards like the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce and the Chambersburg Country Club also demonstrate his role as a rising leader in Franklin County.

2024 Event of the Year: Foundations Breakfast by Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County

The 2024 Foundations Breakfast was celebrated for bringing together community leaders and supporters to raise funds for affordable housing projects at the Grant Street Loft. The second annual event hosted over 200 attendees with more than 50 sponsors, collectively raising over $63,000. Those funds are now being used to construct a single-family home in Hamilton Township. The Foundations Breakfast highlighted the power of collective action in addressing regional housing needs.

Special thanks to this year’s CVBA Awards Breakfast sponsors:

  • Grand Sponsor: M&T Bank
  • ATHENA Leadership Award Sponsors: F&M Trust; Jennings Chevrolet, Buick, GMC
  • Table Sponsors: 1st Ed Credit Union; Brechbill & Helman Construction; F&M Trust; Keystone Health; Menno Haven; Patriot Federal Credit Union; RKL LLP*; SEK, CPAs & Advisors; Starr Insurance       *denotes two sponsorships
  • Patron Sponsors: Boys & Girls Club of Chambersburg/Shippensburg; Brightspeed Business; Corning Credit Union; Cumberland Valley School of Music; Franklin County Area Development Corp., Newcomer Associates architecture + engineering; Penn National Insurance; The Good Feet Store – Chambersburg; The Salvation Army; Setas Mushrooms; The Tide Global Media Ministry; Triad Engineering, Inc.

The Cumberland Valley Business Alliance is a partnership between the Chambersburg and Greencastle-Antrim chambers of commerce. CVBA is the largest business advocacy organization in Franklin County with more than 800 members. It is committed to the prosperity of its members while enhancing the quality of life in the Cumberland Valley area. For more information, visit CVBAlliance.org.

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