An array of Pennsylvania companies — everything from ABEC Inc. in Bethlehem to Zook Motors in Kane — are finalists in the 2014 Governor’s ImPAct Awards.
For the second year, the awards are aimed at celebrating “companies and individuals who are investing in Pennsylvania and creating jobs.” The awards will be given at a May 30 luncheon at Hershey Lodge.
The finalists paint a picture of the Pennsylvania economy — they range from small businesses to vast enterprises, startups to long-established companies, represent geographic diversity and come from a wide array of sectors. Where else would you find Webster’s Bookstore and Café in State College nominated in the same category as financial services giant Vanguard in Valley Forge?
The PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) led the process for nominations and selecting finalists. Two panels of judges from different parts of the state chose the 50 winners. Any size company is eligible, as long as they have significant operations in Pennsylvania and have been in business for at least one year.
The awards will be given in five categories: Community Impact to a company that exemplifies the tenet of “doing well by doing good”; Entrepreneur Impact to recognize leadership via creativity, innovation, managerial ability, leadership skills or turnaround; Export Impact to a company that has significantly increased its export sales and number of new foreign markets since 2011; Jobs First, to recognize consistent job growth and retention; and Small Business Impact to a growing firm of 100 or fewer employees.
Source: DCED and Laura Eppler, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA
Writer: Elise Vider