'A better place because of them': 12 win Somerset County Chamber of Commerce awards
SOMERSET, Pa. – A Somerset businessman whose lodge is drawing tourists, an educator preparing students for in- demand jobs and an innovative Windber Research Institute co-founder were all recognized Thursday by Somerset County Chamber of Commerce.
The group was among 12 people or organizations honored for their community efforts during the chamber's annual SoCo awards.
The list included a mix of first-time and lifelong change-makers. 'Entrepreneur of the Year' Michele Fochtman was awarded for her successful launch of Top-Notch Prep Academy last year, while Nick Jacobs was named 'Outstanding Person of the Year' for his decades of community service.
'If these people weren't part of our community ... there'd be a huge void,' Chamber Executive Director Ron Aldom said. 'We're a better place in Somerset County because of them.'
Jacobs is a former Windber Hospital president who co-founded what has since become the Chan Soon-Shiong Institute of Molecular Medicine. He spent years in health and tourism and worked as executive director for Laurel Arts.
But it's his tireless devotion to the county and innovative spirit that makes him so deserving of the award, Aldom said.
'Everywhere he's been he's been successful,' Aldom said, noting Jacobs left a positive mark every time.
Aldom noted Jacobs led an effort to build walking trails around Windber Medical Center to boost community health and once introduced the aroma of cinnamon rolls through the hospital after learning the aroma improved patient outcomes.
He worked with Riggs Industries to develop a traveling mobile arts center for Somerset County students, too – but Jacobs joked that his 'dream big' ideology haven't always guaranteed success.
'I had an idea to run elevated gondolas from the Georgian Place to Uptown Somerset ... but that didn't work out,' he said with a laugh.
Aldom said Jacobs 'never stops' taking on new projects to improve the community – including ongoing efforts to mark the nation's 250th anniversary in Somerset County.
Somerset County Technology Center Administrative Director Karen Remick was awarded the 'Workforce Education Star' for her innovative efforts to prepare local students with ever-changing careers in demand.
The technology center was first among its Pennsylvania peers to launch an aviation maintenance program this year during a point high-paying careers in the field are plentiful.
The center's welding program, meanwhile, has grown to the point its spurring plans forward for an advanced maintenance building.
Within Somerset County's longest- serving industry – agriculture – Somerset County Farm Bureau President Megan Hostetler received the Somerset County Agriculture Award from the Chamber Thursday.
Longtime member Dennis Hutchison credited Hostetler for propelling the farm bureau – and agriculture – forward.
She's rejuvenated the bureau's Young Ag Professionals Committee, developed the strongest Farm Bureau member retention rates in the state and fostered new relationships with local economic development agencies, he said.
'It's wonderful to be in a county that embraces us as much as Somerset County does,' Hostetler said.
Aldom said Fochtman won the entrepreneur award for her work turning a former newspaper building into a multi-story education-focused child care center. She also did so during a time there's an unprecedented need for care providers.
Three people received this year's Betty Haupt Memorial Tourism Award, which is given to county innovators whose efforts further local tourism.
Denise and Chuck Gehringer transformed a historic Meyersdale property into Yoder's Guest House, while Jason Lacko revived an Indian Lake mainstay into The Lodge as a popular venue, bar and restaurant.
Operation BeYoutiful founder Andi Palmer received the Harold W. Wheeler Jr. Memorial Humanitarian Award, going 'above and beyond' to help someone in need. Her nonprofit empowers women struggling with hair loss – often due to cancer treatment – with wigs and wellness during their difficult times.
Grant writer Brooke Sheeler was given the Somerset County Young Gun Award for her community impact as a community member under the age of 40.
Chamber member and longtime real estate professional Mike Boland was awarded the Ambassador of the Year honor.
Somerset and Friedens fire departments received the Community Service Award for their proactive decision to merge into a regional department in 2024, while Somerset Area Ambulance also received the award for its 24/7 dedication to the region.
'All of these award recipients ... I can't imagine our community without them,' Aldom said. 'They all do so much for us.'
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