ANDOVER — The Pymatuning Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its annual Community Awards, with nominations due Monday, Sept. 14.
The awards recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership and commitment to the Andover community, according to Lara Reibold, chamber president.
The awards breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at First United Methodist Church, 181 S. Main St., Andover. The cost is $20 per person.
Anyone may nominate a candidate for any of the four awards.
Pam Jordan, chamber treasurer, explained the awards and what they recognize.
The Brenda Merrill Award honors the legacy of Brenda Merrill, a lifelong educator, historian and civic leader whose dedication helped shape the Andover community.
Merrill supported the establishment of the Andover Public Library and worked to preserve and share the community’s history.
The award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in volunteering and serving the community.
“We just look for somebody who goes above and beyond to volunteer for the community,” Reibold said
The Chuck Thobaben Award is named for Charles “Chuck” Thobaben, a journalist, civic leader and advocate for Andover.
After retiring to the area in 1980, Thobaben became active in numerous community organizations, particularly the Chamber of Commerce, where he worked to strengthen connections among local government, businesses and residents.
The award recognizes nonprofit organizations that demonstrate collaboration, public service and community pride.
“We give it to nonprofits that, again, go above and beyond to help out in the community,” Reibold said.
The Pat and Robert Harvey Award, introduced in 2024, recognizes businesses that demonstrate exceptional customer care and community-minded service.
Pat and Bob Harvey built Harvey Homes into a respected family business through hard work, integrity and relationships with customers and the community.
The award carries on their legacy of hospitality, service and community involvement.
“It’s all focused on the same concept,” Reibold said.
New this year is the Youth Impact Award, which recognizes an outstanding young person whose leadership and community involvement reflect the promise of Andover’s future.
The chamber hopes the new award will encourage students to become more involved in community service and recognize young people who take initiative and make a positive difference.
“We’re trying to encourage more student volunteerism,” Reibold said.
Nominations are reviewed by an awards committee consisting of Jordan, Reibold and two other chamber members.
The committee reviews the nomination forms, considers the qualifications of the candidates and votes to select the recipients.
Nomination forms are available by contacting the chamber at contact@pymatuningchamber.org. The same email address may be used to submit nominations or RSVP for the awards breakfast.
