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Catalyst Awards

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 (5:30 PM - 8:00 PM) (EST)

Description

Deadline to register is December 5th, 2024!

Celebrate Excellence at the 2024 Catalyst Awards!

Join us for the 2024 Catalyst Awards on December 11th at Hilton Harrisburg! Every year, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC honors the bold, visionary, and dynamic leaders and organizations creating change in the Harrisburg region at the annual Catalyst Awards. These awards are presented to those making a difference in our communities, creating more opportunities for businesses and building a brighter future for our region.

Event Agenda:

5:15 p.m. - Doors Open

5:15 - 6:45 p.m. - Heavy Hors D’oeuvres Networking Reception

6:45 p.m. - Welcome Remarks & Board Chair Recognition

6:55 p.m. - Awards Presentation

Volunteer of the Year Award
Government Leaders of the Year Award
Diversity Influencer of the Year Award
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Small Business of the Year Award
Athena Award
Catalyst Award

8:00 p.m. - Closing Remarks

Exclusive Platinum Sponsor

What are the Catalyst Awards?

The Catalyst Awards are an annual celebration hosted by the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC to honor the exceptional individuals, businesses, and organizations that drive positive change and growth in the Harrisburg region. Each year, we recognize leaders who embody vision, innovation, and commitment to community and those who inspire progress, create opportunities, and make our region a better place to live and work.

These awards highlight achievements in fields like business, diversity, entrepreneurship, government, and community service. The Catalyst Awards shine a spotlight on the people and organizations that fuel Harrisburg's growth, showing us all what's possible when dedicated leaders work together to shape a stronger future.

Whether you’re a Chamber member or simply a proud member of the community, the Catalyst Awards invite you to join in celebrating the impact and resilience of our region’s changemakers.

Why Should I Attend?

The Catalyst Awards is your chance to experience the energy and impact of Harrisburg’s most influential leaders. Here’s why you won’t want to miss this inspiring evening:

Inspiration in Action: Hear powerful stories from all our honorees, leaders and organizations who are making meaningful contributions across our region. Their journeys reflect courage, vision, and commitment to creating positive change in our community.

Network with the Region’s Best: Connect with professionals, innovators, and community leaders from diverse sectors, including business, healthcare, government, and non-profits. It is the perfect opportunity to expand your network and collaborate with those dedicated to regional progress.

Celebrate Community Success: Join us in honoring the spirit, resilience, and creativity that define Harrisburg. This is a night to take pride in our community and support those who are shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Meet the 2024 Catalyst Award Honorees

Athena Award
Barb Bowker
PSECU (retired)

Barb Bowker, formerly PSECU’s Chief Member Experience Officer, retired in May 2024 after a 37-year career. Barb serves on the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania Board and the PA Chamber of Business and Industry Board. She is past Chair of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber Board, Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education Foundation Board, and the Capital Region American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Other accolades include: 2014 YWCA’s Women of Excellence Honoree, 2015 Central Pennsylvania Business Journal’s Woman of Influence Honoree, 2024 PA Central Top 100 People list, and the 2022 City and State Impact 50 List. In 2018, Barb returned to her alma mater, Shippensburg University, to serve as keynote speaker for its Winter Commencement Ceremony.

Athena Award Sponsor

Catalyst Award
Joe Massaro
Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association

Joe Massaro joined the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association as President & CEO in 2022, after more than three decades with the Hilton Harrisburg. Joe was part of the Hilton’s 1990 opening team and over the next 30 years progressed into various senior leadership positions until he was promoted to general manager in 2006. In 2017, Joe was promoted to regional director of operations, responsible for supervising eight hotel, restaurant, and catering operations for the company, while simultaneously performing his GM duties. Joe has served on numerous boards for statewide and local hospitality, business, and tourism organizations, helping to foster future leadership for our community.

Catalyst Award Sponsors

Diversity Influencer of the Year
Dr. Kimeka Campbell
Young Professionals of Color of Greater Harrisburg

Dr. Kimeka Campbell is an Executive Consultant, Talk Show Host, and Community Activist based in Central PA, dedicated to amplifying Black voices in Harrisburg since 2015. She provides consulting in Political, Healthcare Operations, and Non-Profit sectors across the U.S. Previously, she was the Revenue Cycle Director at Hamilton Health Center. Dr. Kimeka Campbell co-founded Young Professionals of Color—Greater Harrisburg, which empowers professionals of color through workshops, networking, and community projects, including the successful Juneteenth HBG celebration. She became a talk show host in 2021 with the launch of the Black NewsBeat, and her work has been featured in various media outlets.

Diversity Influencer of the Year Award Sponsor

Entrepreneur of the Year
George Fernandez
Color & Culture | Latino Connection

George Fernandez is the President & CEO of multiple, multimillion-dollar organizations tied together with the common thread of elevating the voices and meeting the needs of multicultural, underserved communities. Combining his authentic experience with a passion for solving complex social issues, George Fernandez equips organizations to drive social and economic transformation by celebrating cultural identities. He is the innovative mind behind Color & Culture (the parent company of Latino Connection and PPO&S), Fernandez Realty Group/Fernandez Realty Affordable Housing, and the Latino Connection Foundation. His journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in business and society.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award Sponsor

Government Leaders of the Year
Representative Thomas Kutz, 87th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Co-Chairs - Pennsylvania Future Caucus

Rep. Thomas Kutz is a lifelong Cumberland County resident elected to serve the 87th District. During the 2023-24 Legislative Session, he is serving on the House Appropriations, Housing and Community Development, Finance and Insurance Committees. Thomas holds degrees from Grove City College and Widener University Commonwealth Law School. A licensed attorney, Thomas has served in various legislative positions, including as a staff member for the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee and a policy director in the state Senate. Thomas was named to City and State PA Forty under 40 in 2023. Thomas and his wife Allie live in Mechanicsburg.

Representative Justin Fleming, 105th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Co-Chairs - Pennsylvania Future Caucus

Justin Fleming was elected in November 2022 to represent the 105th Legislative District in Dauphin County. Justin has called Dauphin County home for nearly all his life, attending Susquehanna Township High School, worshiping at local religious services and supporting Dauphin County businesses. As a young child, he grew up in poverty, relying on public housing, free and reduced lunches and food stamps. His family used those public benefits as a bridge to the middle class. The quality public education he received, and the availability of subsidized student loans allowed him to attend and graduate from Millersville University. Justin has spent nearly 18 years in and around state government as a public servant and as an advocate to expand mental health care and provide more resources for children in Pennsylvania. Before becoming a state Representative, Justin served as the Susquehanna Township Commissioner for the 8th Ward. As a state Representative, he will work with other legislators to provide better education for all children. He will also support social and economic justice and support working families by reducing income inequality and providing access to health care to make life-saving medications more affordable. He lives with his wife and two children in Susquehanna Township.

Government Leader of the Year Sponsor

Small Business of the Year
Nothing Bundt Cakes - Camp Hill

For 27 years, our bakeries have been more than just a place to get dessert—we’re where you turn when you want to give a little more, so others can feel a little more. Where traditions are baked and joy is always on the menu. It all started with two moms in 1997, Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz, and a shared dream: to bake happiness into every bite. Fueled by friendship and an entrepreneurial spirit, they whipped up the brand’s very first Bundt Cakes in their Las Vegas home kitchens. The reaction? Pure joy. That joy quickly became contagious, spreading from their ovens to bakeries nationwide. Love is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll taste it in our innovative flavors, thoughtful designs and unwavering commitment to make every moment unforgettable. Because we believe all celebrations—big and small—deserve a special touch. And that love shows in every delectable crumb, from just-the-right-size, blissful Bundtlets to showstopping Decorated Cakes and beyond.

Small Business of the Year Award Sponsor

Volunteer of the Year
Josh Eisner
Penn State Health

Josh Eisner serves as the Associate Director of State Health Relations for Penn State University and Penn State Health, representing the University on healthcare-related matters in Harrisburg since 2017. Prior to joining Penn State, Josh worked as a government relations professional for the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) as well as Greenlee Partners in Harrisburg. He is a two-time Penn State graduate with a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Economics. Josh served as Co-Chair of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber’s Government Relations Committee from 2021-2023 and provided essential leadership transition to the Chamber’s Policy Advisory Council in 2024. Josh is a native to Harrisburg, PA, and currently resides in Paxtang Borough with his wife, Cathy, and their daughter.

Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsor