Business & Merchant

Last Updated on Monday, 28 March 2016 16:51

The Greater Rostraver Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Recognition Dinner on Thursday, April 21st at The Willow Room. The celebration, which started as the Founder’s Dinner, will mark the 41st year of honoring the best from our community.

This year’s honorees are Keystone Bakery – Legacy Award; Jennifer Carota, The Counseling House – Visionary Award; and Casey Clark, Off the Wall Arts – Young Professional of the Year.

Keystone Bakery, which celebrates 90 years in business, is truly deserving of the Legacy Award. The business is a community icon and, while experiencing growth, has remained consistent through the years. The Keystone Bakery has been family owned since 1926 when Costas Croussouloudis emigrated from Greece. In 2007, JJ Georgagis, nephew of Croussouloudis, took over the business, which employs 36 people. In addition to the traditional bakery items, The Keystone Bakery has expanded products and offers take and bake pizzas, and pierogis and raviolis to prepare at home.

The Visionary Award was created for a forward thinker and someone who has made contributions to ensure inclusion and equity in their community or business. Jennifer Carota exemplifies these traits and more with her involvement in community projects like Records for a Reason, The Puppy Connection, and Belle Vernon Area Reality Tour.

Young Professional of the Year honors a young professional or entrepreneur who has displayed growth, expansion, employment opportunities and advancement within their business or industry. Casey Clark, owner of Off the Wall Arts in Charleroi, started her own business while employed full-time. Over a short period of time, she was able to fully concentrate on building her own business and soon became self-employed. Casey now employs several team members and has purchased a building, which houses her studio for painting events.

Invitations for the Recognition Dinner have been mailed to all current GRC members and guests. If you would like to receive an invitation, please call 724-929-3329.