2025 PNRC Annual Awards Nominees

2025 Annual Award Nominee Profiles

Distinguished Business Award

The Distinguished Business Award was established to identify a Chamber company or organization demonstrating a commitment to upholding quality and integrity in the product or service that they sell or provide. They exceed all customer service expectations, display honorable and ethical business operations and practices, and are recognized as leaders in their field. Above all, they demonstrate pride in community involvement and exhibit outstanding service to the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber.

Black Bottle IT

Black Bottle IT assesses cyber risk by understanding companies’ sensitive data, where it is stored, how it flows through the organization and how it is protected. They play a key role in securing business systems by monitoring, detecting, investigating, analyzing, responding, and delivering a new level of security to businesses. Black Bottle thrives on learning about businesses, what they do and how they can help protect them from cyber events. They work with companies across nearly every industry, including the PNRC, to stop cyber criminals and secure data, protecting businesses from threats with worry-free network security. Black Bottle understands that a business’s reputation is everything and works to assess cyber risk today while bringing extensive experience to secure a business for tomorrow.

Sechler Law Firm

Sechler Law and all their employees go above and beyond in helping families and individuals prepare for the future. As one of the region’s only Certified Elder Law Attorneys, Tim Sechler and his team assist families from across western Pennsylvania, educating the public and speaking to thousands of people across the region about Elder Law and Estate Planning. They are constantly looking for ways to provide value and education on matters from estate planning to trusts, to business succession, and much more. Building strategic partnerships to provide additional expertise and value, active involvement in the community, and free educational offerings are just a few of the ways Sechler Law Firm helps families and individuals pursue their goals and prepare for life’s twists and turns.

Spectrum Fudge

Spectrum Fudge was founded to create a place where individuals with autism and disabilities could thrive, contribute and be celebrated for their talents. The goal of the business was not just to make the best fudge, but to build a workplace that empowers people to reach their full potential and gain confidence within themselves, regardless of their challenges. Spectrum Fudge is more than just a business; it is a community where passion, inclusion and creativity come together, where they create not just delicious confections, but a place where talents are nurtured and dreams are realized.

Tequila Jalisco

Tequila Jalisco is a unique Mexican-style restaurant with a staff that is friendly, funny and attentive. They serve food that is made fresh daily, using family recipes that have been handed down for generations, with the perfect options to choose from for any occasion, big or small. Not just professional caterers, but also experienced event planners, Tequila Jalisco ensures that each event is bespoken to your tastes and needs, to provide the best experience possible for you and your guests. They have partnered with the PRNC to provide a welcoming environment for the Chamber’s monthly Marketplace Lunch Meetings. At the distinctive setting of Tequila Jalisco, the Marketplace Lunch attendees are able to enjoy food, camaraderie and a sharing of ideas, referrals and best business practices.

Turo Family Chiropractic

Offering advanced technology, precise techniques, personalized care and the relief that patients deserve, Turo Family Chiropractic is happy to help people get healthy and keep them healthy. Turo Chiropractic is not just a business in the community; they strive to be a part of the community every day, giving back and actively supporting the businesses and people in the Pittsburgh North region. The PNRC’s Thursday Chamber Connections networking meetings are generously hosted by Dr. Dan and Erin Turo and their incredibly hospitable staff, providing a welcoming environment for professional networking and discussion on topics of interest to local business professionals and community members. From contributing to local nonprofits and supporting their events and programs, to hosting community events and functions at their location, Turo Family Chiropractic truly believes in giving back and helping the community to thrive.

Prestigious Business Leader Award

The Prestigious Business Leader Award is given to a Chamber member possessing personal and professional characteristics including honesty, sincerity, integrity, benevolence and fairness. This company representative demonstrates outstanding service that results in the advancement and the betterment of the community. Their volunteer efforts have gone above and beyond their business and professional responsibilities to provide assistance to the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber.

Lee Baierl Jr. – Baierl Auto Group

The Baierl family has a history in the Pittsburgh North region of being a long-standing community partner, donating millions of dollars to local universities and nonprofits, and actively seeking out ways to give back to the residents and businesses in the community. Lee Baierl Jr. has been a driving force in the collaboration between Baierl Auto and the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber. Lee has ensured that the company’s relationship with the PNRC has benefitted the community in a variety of ways, from sponsoring the PNRC Educational Foundation Trade Scholarship Program, which is now entering its 10th year, to a multi-year commitment supporting the PNRC with the Baierl Automotive Conference Center at the Chamber’s Wexford headquarters. Lee recognizes the value of investing and being involved in the local community, and he is dedicated to working with the PNRC to support and improve the Pittsburgh North Region for years to come.

Dr. Karen Riley – Slippery Rock University

As the President of Slippery Rock University, Dr. Karen Riley provides a wealth of experience, leadership and vision to SRU students and faculty, and to the surrounding communities. Dr. Riley is dedicated to developing a strong network of students, leveraging the experience of alumni and others within the Pittsburgh North region to create opportunities that go beyond their campus. She is a vocal advocate of the invaluable benefits and many opportunities available to the SRU community through the University’s involvement with the Chamber as one of its Educational Stakeholders. Dr. Riley encourages students to find mentors, explore career options and participate in community engagement opportunities through the PNRC as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Jewel Rozanski – Cultured Travel LLC

Jewel Rozanski has loved to learn through travel ever since she was little and took trips around the U.S. with her family, many rooted in history.  Jewel is passionate about showing people the world and providing opportunities for memorable, life-changing learning experiences. She channels her passion into educating fellow PNRC members on modern, long-distance travel etiquette, and various best practices for travel expense reduction. To her, there is nothing more awesome than bringing amazing people together and creating fun experiences that they will reflect upon with joy forever, and she strives to be a catalyst for the adventure seeker in us all.  Jewel is always looking for opportunities to share her expertise with her fellow PNRC members, and she actively participates in many PNRC events, including the Women’s Leadership Roundtable program.

Cletus Scalo – Total Technology Integration

Cletus Scalo is the President of Total Technology Integration, where he specializes in helping small- and medium-sized businesses with their technological needs, including design, installation, system administration, maintenance and support. With a focus and primary mission to satisfy, but also exceed, clients’ and customers’ expectations for service, support, cutting-edge technologies and equipment, Cletus has a simple philosophy for success: build relationships with his clients, and work hard to earn and maintain their trust. A longtime PNRC member and former Board Chair, giving back and supporting the business community is an integral part of what he does at TTI. As a board member, Cletus helped navigate and implement the merger that formed the PNRC over 10 years ago. He has remained active and involved, always willing to offer his time, knowledge and talents to the PNRC, and continues to serving as a mentor and advisor to past and present board members. If you need him, he is there, and if he doesn’t have the answer, he will find it for you.

Joe Stromei – Dollar Bank

Joe Stromei has over 30 years of banking experience with business and retail clients. A true client advocate, he is proud to build and maintain client relationships for cash management and lending services. As an executive at Dollar Bank, Joe recognizes the value of community partnerships and has helped Dollar Bank establish a large community service footprint throughout the Pittsburgh North region. Dollar Bank has sponsored numerous PNRC Signature Events, including the Awards Gala, the Annual Golf Outing and the Holiday Social, and Joe is a familiar face at many of those same events. He encourages other Dollar Bank employees to lead by example and support the various PNRC community endeavors, events and programs on which Dollar Bank collaborates with the Chamber.

Nonprofit Excellence Award

The Nonprofit Excellence Award recognizes a Chamber nonprofit organization that produces meaningful progress in the community through an outstanding commitment to its mission. They demonstrate an exceptional ability to use their resources for the encouragement and motivation of others to improve the lives of those it serves. This PNRC member nonprofit demonstrates a responsiveness to needs in the community through impactful programs, investment of resources, community dialogue and partnership, and long-term strategies to make a difference. Their contributions in helping others is uplifting and provides an inspiration to other organizations.

The Andrew Effect

The Andrew Effect believes that all children deserve to experience enriching and supportive environments both inside and outside the classroom, and knows that families that struggle to meet basic needs often can not provide their children with quality out-of-classroom activities that stimulate learning. The Andrew Effect works to ignite the imagination of children who would otherwise have limited access to quality, developmentally appropriate toys and activities, giving adults, teachers and after-school providers the resources to make that difference possible. They provide, at no cost, high-quality toys and activities that engage children at their appropriate developmental level from birth to high school. These toys and activities promote STEAM learning, develop gross and fine motor skills, encourage problem-solving and nurture social and emotional well-being. In 2024, TAE launched a pilot Dramatic Play Center program in partnership with Seneca Valley School District Extended Day Kindergarten classrooms, supplying 14 classrooms with dramatic play structures. The Andrew Effect partners with area foster care agencies, transitional housing providers and school districts to identify and serve children in need.

Concordia Lutheran Ministries

Concordia Lutheran Ministries has been serving the Greater Pittsburgh community for well over a century. Beginning with western Pennsylvania religious leaders exploring options for how to address the growing orphan population in the region, the organization has since evolved from a small, safe haven for orphan children to a premier nonprofit aging services network that is a place of caring and healing, and has a strong sense of service to others. Concordia offers a lifetime continuum of care that includes adult day services, home care, hospice, medical and rehabilitation services, memory support, personal care/assisted living, respite care, retirement living, skilled nursing, spiritual care and medical equipment. Concordia has remained true to its mission by providing the community with high-quality caregiving options in a Christian environment and finding ways to serve those with limited funds or other financial difficulties. They know the importance of community, and they offer multiple community outreach events throughout the year.

Dress for Success Pittsburgh

Dress for Success Pittsburgh offers unique services that help women succeed by empowering women across the region to enter or re-enter the workforce with confidence. Dress for Success provides professional attire, career development and a supportive community to help women thrive in their careers. This organization believes every woman deserves the opportunity to realize her potential, and its purpose is to break the cycle of poverty by providing women with the tools they need to secure stable employment and achieve financial independence. Through attire and support, they help women build lasting confidence and the skills to shape their futures. By supporting women, Dress for Success Pittsburgh uplifts families, communities, and future generations, because empowering women creates lasting change both economically and socially. Their vision is a world where women live free from poverty, are treated with dignity and respect and contribute to the growth of their families and communities.

Folds of Honor

Folds of Honor has grown from a vision into a movement, determined to ensure that those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten. The folded flag is a constant reminder of those who have paid the ultimate price for freedom and inspires Folds of Honor to help equip and educate their loved ones in need of support. They provide life-changing scholarships to the families of fallen and/or disabled service members and first responders, impacting the lives of thousands of American heroes and empowering people from every walk of life through education and opportunities.  With 91% of donated funds going directly to scholarships, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 62,000 educational stipends since its inception in 2007. They believe the cost of pursuing their academic dreams should not be an additional burden, and they work to ensure that families who have sacrificed so much for our country and communities receive the education and opportunities they deserve.

Highmark Caring Place

The Highmark Caring Place is a safe place where grieving children and families can come together and be with others who understand what they’re going through. An essential community resource, the Highmark Caring Place offers services at no charge to grieving families throughout the community. They provide peer support from trained adult volunteers so the children and families with whom they work come to know that they are not alone in their experiences and feelings. In addition to these peer support groups, the Caring Place provides educational programs, consultation services, presentations, referral services and resources for schools and other professionals in the community who work with children. Furthermore, the Caring Place continually works to raise awareness of the needs of grieving children and how to respond to those needs.

Women’s Leadership Excellence Award

The Women’s Leadership Excellence Award honors a woman in the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber for their outstanding leadership, achievement, and contributions to the community. They are recognized as an example and inspiration through their mentorship, support and encouragement of other women. Personally and professionally, the Women’s Leadership Award recipient positively impacts and inspires others with their dedication and commitment to uplifting, encouraging, and empowering women in the Pittsburgh North region and beyond.

Pamela Biasca Losada – Pamela Biasca Losada Health & Empowerment Coaching

Pamela Biasca Losada is a psychologist, business owner, coach, speaker, author and immersive guided meditation facilitator with over 20 years of expertise in human behavior and well-being. Pamela specializes in emotional well-being, improving clarity, self-confidence and work-life integration, and navigating decision-making and challenging situations with greater ease. She provides coaching, facilitates workshops and seminars, and has been a guest on several podcasts. Pamela is a frequent presenter for the PNRC, imparting her vast knowledge of personal growth, mindful meditation and stress management. She frequently collaborates with other Chamber members and those in the community to offer workshops that provide information about health and wellness and promote healing. Pamela has been a dedicated member of the Women’s Leadership Roundtable, volunteering as a table moderator at the Women’s Leadership Brunch and supporting Women’s Leadership Roundtable After Hours events. 

Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher – The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania

Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher is a nonprofit leader who is passionate about partnerships, business ethics, philanthropy and women’s leadership.  As the Major Gifts Officer for the local chapter of the United Way, Sherrie excels in fundraising and communication, with a passion for public-private partnerships. As a part of Women United, which brings women together to make real change in the community, she is dedicated to sustainable and equitable community development and elevating and recognizing women in leadership. Sherrie believes in leading by example as a member of the PNRC Board, and she volunteers for many of the Chamber’s activities, even joining the PNRC “Prom Court” to raise funds for the PNRC Educational Foundation, and previously serving as Board Secretary. Sherrie currently leads the PNRC Legislative and Economic Development Committee, helping to educate and inform on important issues impacting the Pittsburgh North region.

Laura Partridge – Provident Charter School

Laura Partridge is the Community Outreach officer for Provident Charter School, which is designed specifically for children with reading challenges in grades 1-8. She prides herself on giving back to the community, serving as a volunteer for numerous organizations, including as an Advisory Board Member for the Alliance for Community Respite Care, an Education Committee Member for Southwestern Pennsylvania Partnership for Aging (SWPPA) and Hope Grows PGH. She is also a Community Advisory Board Member for Gateway Health Plan, and a Membership Committee/Caregiver Education liaison for the Pennsylvania Homecare Association. Laura is a dedicated participant in the PNRC’s monthly Nonprofits North meetings, where she mindfully seeks out other organizations to connect and collaborate with to benefit the greater good.

Dr. Leslie Pasco – Myoway Center for Kids

Dr. Leslie has experienced the dental profession in almost every way: as a general dentist for over 25 years, as a consultant and as a professional speaker to her peers in the healthcare industry. In treating hundreds of thousands of patients over her career and coping with a once-in-a-lifetime global health crisis, Dr. Leslie has made it her mission to develop a plan to provide children with preventive myofunctional therapy. She actively seeks opportunities to partner with others in the community, participating in organizations such as the Women’s Small Business Association and the PNRC’s monthly Women’s Leadership Roundtable. She is dedicated to providing myofunctional therapy options to help children grow and develop their jaws and airways properly so they can breathe right and live better for a lifetime, with programs available locally and virtually so the center can help as many children as possible.

Jamie Vivo-Belaney – Brentwood Bank

Jamie Vivo-Belaney is a highly qualified and successful Senior Banking Leader with over 20 years in the banking industry and a record of accomplishments in sales, financial planning, analysis, customer service and strategic planning. An advocate and champion of women’s leadership initiatives, Jamie is actively involved in Women in Business, an event sponsored by Brentwood Bank that helps women expand their network, build relationships and take their career to the next level. Jamie was instrumental in cultivating a collaboration with the PNRC, resulting in Brentwood Bank becoming the 2025 Presenting Sponsor of all the Chamber’s women’s leadership events.

Bruce Conley Outstanding Volunteer Service of the Year Award

The Bruce Conley Outstanding Volunteer Service of the Year Award honors a Chamber member who has exemplified outstanding volunteer service on behalf of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber. The Volunteer of the Year recognizes the hours devoted to serving on committees, task forces, focus groups, as well as working on events, programs and initiatives. An active member of the community, the volunteer is recognized as an ambassador to the Chamber and its program of work in our economic footprint.

Kyle Beidler – Cranberry Township

Kyle Beidler is an employee of Cranberry Township, where he has shared his expertise and professional interests in strategic planning, community design and municipal development for the last five years. He is a Registered Landscape Architect and Certified Planner, and he recognizes that the PNRC provides businesses and community leaders with a forum to communicate and critical services to help the community thrive. Volunteering for the PNRC is a family affair for Kyle, and he can be found frequently at the Town Square Market, formerly known as the Cranberry Farmer’s Market, with his wife and son, from setup to tear-down, and everything in between. Kyle actively works with the Chamber to build additional partnerships with the local business community.

Robin Golembiesky – PNC Bank

As a Relationship Banker with PNC Bank, Robin works with individuals and small businesses to find solutions for their short- and long-term needs. Robin focuses on providing guidance and working with her clients to help them achieve financial success in their personal and business lives. Robin promotes the value and benefits of the Chamber and encourages others to explore the many events and programs of the PNRC. She is passionate about working with women in business and is a longtime public advocate for the Chamber’s monthly Women’s Leadership Roundtable event, and constantly helping to coordinate the extremely popular Women’s Leadership Roundtable Signature Holiday Networking event, hosted by the McIntyre Square PNC branch. Robin has connected many eventual members with the Chamber, encouraging them to explore the many opportunities it offers, and to channel their passions into their membership.

Carolyn Keller – Curio412

Carolyn Keller is a leading professional in nonprofit and corporate social responsibility consultancy. As the founder of Curio412, Carolyn helps organizational leaders put their purpose into action. A former PNRC Board member, Carolyn supported meaningful Chamber and community initiatives throughout her tenure, which included serving as the PNRC Educational Foundation Chair. She continues to provide her time and expertise for strategic planning and stakeholder engagement and surveys, and by volunteering for Days of Caring and the Town Square Market. Carolyn regularly partners with and supports other businesses in the Pittsburgh North region because she believes every business can have a purposeful and positive social impact, and that communities benefit when that happens.

Al Marschke – BluMars Media

The owner of BluMars Media, Al Marschke coaches businesses and professionals in crafting and delivering their most compelling messages, offering personalized consulting for effective video content creation. He consistently goes above and beyond in his mission of helping businesses and individuals build meaningful relationships through effective communication. He is an active participant in many PNRC events and programs, often sharing his knowledge as a presenter for the PNRC and volunteering his time and expertise on behalf of the Chamber through his videography and photography work, including the Awards Gala, the Annual Golf Outing, Member of the Month profiles and more. A community advocate, Al uses his skills and talents to help nonprofits, including the PNRC, convey their message and attract support as they serve the greater good and share in the success of individuals and communities.

Julie Snider – The JunkLuggers of Pittsburgh

As the Director of Business Development at The JunkLuggers of Pittsburgh, Julie Snider is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and driving meaningful impact. Through programs like their community collection events, Julie cultivates strong relationships with key stakeholders, driving efforts that align with their mission of sustainability and responsible waste management. As a member of the Community Outreach Committee, she helped improve upon the Giving Tree Program, one of the PNRC’s most impactful community programs. She coordinated with the Chamber to have The JunkLuggers help pick up gifts from Giving Tree ambassadors to deliver to nonprofit participants––a tremendous undertaking with over 1,000 gifts and multiple locations involved. Her support and cooperation were invaluable, helping the Chamber enjoy one of the most successful years of its Giving Tree program. “JunkLugger Julie” is passionate about making a difference within her organization and the communities it serves in the Pittsburgh North region.

Young Professional of the Year Award

The Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes the efforts of an outstanding young Chamber member under the age of 40 who demonstrates professional capabilities, leadership and service to the community. Through their participation in the events and programs of the PNRC, the Young Professional Award recipient supports the business growth in our economic footprint.

Amanda French – Passavant Hospital Foundation

Amanda is the Development Coordinator for the Passavant Hospital Foundation, where she helps form strong community partnerships for a greater impact on health and wellness matters in the Pittsburgh North region. Amanda has been an active advocate for the PNRC and its body of work since she was a college student, promoting the mission and vision of the Chamber during her year long tenure as its Special Events Intern. After graduating and taking a position as the Passavant Hospital Foundation Event Coordinator, she continued actively promoting the value and benefits of Chamber, participating in PNRC events, programs and volunteer opportunities. Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, Amanda is passionate about contributing to the community, working to build and support collaboration efforts between the PNRC and Passavant Hospital Foundation to contribute to a happier, healthier Pittsburgh.

Jessie Hoffman – Cranberry Township

As a Multimedia Specialist for Cranberry Township, Jessie Hoffman has found success in a demanding and often volatile profession. Jessie is detail-oriented and highly motivated to continue to learn and grow as a marketing professional. The PNRC has a close collaborative relationship with the Township, and Jessie is a vital go-between for her own team, building and growing such joint ventures between the Chamber and the Township as the Holiday Village Market and the annual Barktoberfest. She continually goes above and beyond in supporting the PNRC, most recently with the complete overhaul and rebrand of the Cranberry Town Square Market. Jessie’s expertise as a graphic designer and communications specialist continue to be invaluable in completely revamping and revitalizing the event to ensure the continued growth and success of a vital and beloved community feature. Her efforts are helping to enhance and improve a project with limitless impact and a lasting legacy of partnership.

Zach Marsh – Variety, The Children’s Charity of Pittsburgh

As the Director of Communications, Development & Special Events for Variety, Zach Marsh leads community outreach efforts throughout 60 counties, including all media relations. Zach acts as a liaison to Variety’s national and international offices, representing the nonprofit at events and meetings globally. For Zach, it starts with being an expert in listening and learning to create the perfect story. He strives to provide successful strategies and delivery of communications that not only achieve the intended goals of Variety, but also have a broader impact. His philanthropic efforts go well beyond his work at Variety, with volunteer efforts at a number of other organizations such as the Highmark Caring Place for Grieving Kids and Adolescents, Beverly’s Birthdays, Homeless Children’s Education Fund, and more. Zach is always looking for ways to support others and make a difference in the Pittsburgh North region and beyond.

Nate Musselman – IXOYE Designs

As the owner of IXOYE Designs, Nate Musselman has a passion for graphic design and making people see and believe what he can make for them. As a business owner, he understands the importance of hard work, time management, constructive criticism and teamwork, which helps him work better both independently and in team environments to achieve goals. Nate’s finest qualities are grace, patience, honesty and integrity, and he enjoys working with like-minded individuals to shape and mold their businesses and organizations to establish their own visual identity, including that of the Chamber. A PNRC Board member, Nate serves as the Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee, leading efforts to address the technological needs of the Chamber and to educate its staff to become better brand protagonists. He has worked tirelessly for and with the Chamber to successfully implement ongoing updates to PNRC marketing materials, brand assets and communication efforts, connecting and building new relationships.

Melanie Williams – Minuteman Press – Cranberry

As the Manager and Designer at Minuteman Press – Cranberry for over 10 years, Melanie Williams has built a loyal base of satisfied customers while managing the busy office of a thriving print operation. With her unmatched attention to detail and commitment to excellence in all that she does, Melanie exudes confidence and professionalism. She routinely exceeds the needs of those customers with her creativity and design expertise, and she has has worked with the PNRC on countless projects, producing everything from programs to handouts, to signage of all shapes and sizes. Whether working with the PNRC, a small business in the community or an individual with a project, Melanie’s hands-on approach has brought ideas to life with products that tell her clients’ unique stories. She is a reliable resource, a leader in her field and an inspiration to young designers who are trying to build careers in the Pittsburgh North region.