Business & Merchant

Last Updated on Monday, 30 September 2019 21:10

Five Mon Valley Business Owners were honored at the 2019 Annual Mon Valley Regional Chamber (MVRCC) Awards Banquet. Nearly 120 guests gathered for the celebration which was held at the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Center at Monongahela Valley Hospital.

Pictured (L to R): Leanna Spada, Executive Director of MVRCC; Armand Ferrara, President of MVRCC; Donna and Sonny Russo, Owners, Charleroi Sweeper Center; Carrie Richardson, Executive Director, CASA for Kids, Washington County; Ron Helsel, Owner, Lesleh Precision Inc.; Kim and Shaun Coulson, Owners, Coulson’s Sales and Service; Mark Alterici, Dee’s Cricket

The 2019 ‘Excellence in Business Award’ was presented to Sonny and Donna Russo, owners of Charleroi Sweeper Center. The Russo’s have been in business for 64 years, making it one of the oldest businesses in the area. The 2018 Excellence in Business Award was given to Shaun and Kim Coulson, owners of Coulson’s Sale and Service, a 3 generation family business. Since the Coulson’s were unable to attend last year’s event their award was presented in this year’s lineup.

The ‘Regional Service Award’ went to CASA for Kids, Inc. Carrie Richardson, Executive Director, accepted the award. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which advocates for neglected and abused children has over 206 volunteers and served 754 children in Washington County just last year.

The ‘Outstanding Business Development Award’ went to Lesleh Precision, Inc. This award is given to a business that has successfully expanded a product line and shown significant growth and employment to our area. Lesleh Precision is based in Rostraver Township and produces 50% of the parts for Henry USA Rifles & Shotguns.

The top honor of the night went to Mark Alterici, the recipient of the ‘Shining Star Award.’ Mark has served on several boards and committees for MVRCC, Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Washington County Board of Tourism. He is a trustee for the Charleroi Community Park, belonged to several clubs and has been mayor and is a current councilman in Charleroi. When something needs done, Mark is there to help or find help. Mark is the true definition of a volunteer serving in many ways to the community.