Local business leaders honored during Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber gala
CRANBERRY TWP — To give thanks and recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations within the business community, the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber handed out six awards Thursday evening, May 8.
During the organization’s annual awards gala event at the Pittsburgh Marriott North, hundreds of chamber members and local business leaders were in attendance from around the Greater Pittsburgh area to honor the winners.
Denise Martin, who took over as chamber president in July of 2024 for Jim Boltz, said this past year the chamber has been working on some positive things for the community and coming up she is looking forward to the first day of the chamber’s Town Square Market, formerly known as the Cranberry Township Farmer’s Market, which will open June 6 at the Cranberry Municipal Building.
“That is in partnership with Cranberry Township,” Martin said. “Every Friday in June, July and August with the exception of two days (July 4 and Aug. 29) we have a farmers market. We are bringing in vendors from all over the region. Fresh produce, artisan items and baked goods as well as live music.
“We just want to create an environment where families can come, shop local, sit on the lawn and listen to music. We have been putting a lot of time and energy into this.”
Martin said there will be about 50 vendors and the chamber anticipates more to sign up.
The chamber, which has a presence in Butler, Beaver and Allegheny counties, presented the following awards: Young Professional of the Year, Nonprofit Excellence, Distinguished Business, Prestigious Business Leader, Women Entrepreneur Excellence and Outstanding Volunteer Service of the Year.
“We are so blessed with the most amazing members and businesses,” Martin said. “The nominees are so unique and special and give so much time and attention to this community. Whether it’s a single person or a business, it’s amazing to see how much they contribute to the community. I wish they could all win because they are all amazing.”
Karen Riley, president of Slippery Rock University was honored with the Prestigious Business Leader Award for being a vocal advocate of the benefits and opportunities available to SRU through her involvement with the chamber as an educational shareholder.
“I’m really accepting this honor on behalf of Slippery Rock University,” Riley said. “We are so honored to be a member of the chamber and to be a part of an effort that is advancing our students and higher education generally.”
The Women Entrepreneur Excellence award went to Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher, major gifts officer with United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Dunlap Gallagher works out of United Way’s Butler office at 124 Hollywood Drive, where she works closely with the nonprofit’s leadership-level donors, those who donate $1,000 to $9,999 per year.
“The chamber is very women focused and driven,” Dunlap Gallagher said. “It’s wonderful to be in a space where you can grow and thrive. I don’t have time to address all the incredible mentors I’ve had in the past 15 years. One of the greatest female leaders is my mom. She takes care of my girls so I can continue to work and be involved in the community.”
Dress for Success Pittsburgh was given the Nonprofit Excellence award and was represented by Liz Mims and Leora Fox, whose organization focuses on empowering women who are reentering the workforce with professional attire, career development and community support.
“The bravery it takes for the women to that come through our doors to say ‘I trust you’” Mims said. “I tell people we don’t do nonprofit work because it feels good. We do it because it is right and it has to be done.”
Turo Family Chiropractic of Pittsburgh took home the Distinguished Business award and was represented by owners Dan and Erin Turo.
“When your body is functioning at it’s best, that’s when things happen on a health and healing level that you may never expect,” Dan Turo said. “We are so thankful for being here.”
The Bruce Conley Outstanding Volunteer Service of the Year award went to Robin Golembiesky of PNC Bank who works with individuals and small businesses to find solutions for their short and long term needs.
“While this award might have my name on it, it reflects the spirit, teamwork and dedication that makes the chamber of commerce so special,” she said.
Zach Marsh of Variety, the Children's Charity of Pittsburgh received the Young Professional of the Year Award. He has been with the organization for over 12 years.
“I feel I have really dedicated my life to nonprofits and have really been under the radar,” Marsh said. “This means a lot because our CEO, Tom Baker, has helped us to grow and develop ourselves as leaders.”
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Rakesh Unnithan speaks ahead of award presentations during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Rakesh Unnithan receives an award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Lisa Hunt receives a tiara and award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Rakesh Unnithan receives an award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Lisa Hunt receives a tiara and award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Chamber President Denise Martin speaks after award presentations during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Chamber President Denise Martin speaks ahead of award presentations during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Erin Turo of Turo Family Chiropractic reacts to receiving the Distinguished Business Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Rakesh Unnithan receives an award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Lisa Hunt receives a tiara and award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Liz Mims and Leora Flax of Dress for Success Pittsburgh react to receiving the Nonprofit Excellence Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Chamber President Denise Martin speaks after award presentations during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Erin Turo of Turo Family Chiropractic makes an acceptance speech after receiving the Distinguished Business Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Dan and Erin Turo of Turo Family Chiropractic react to receiving the Distinguished Business Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Lisa Hunt receives a tiara and award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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All awardees and staff of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce pose for a group photo after the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Zach Marsh of Variety, the Children's Charity of Pittsburgh, makes an acceptance speech after receiving the Young Professional of the Year Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Liz Mims and Leora Flax of Dress for Success Pittsburgh react to receiving the Nonprofit Excellence Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Robin Golembiesky of PNC Bank reacts to receiving the Bruce Conley Outstanding Volunteer Service of the Year Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Dan and Erin Turo of Turo Family Chiropractic make their acceptance speech after receiving the Distinguished Business Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania makes an acceptance speech after receiving the Women's Leadership Excellence Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Robin Golembiesky of PNC Bank reacts to receiving the Bruce Conley Outstanding Volunteer Service of the Year Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Robin Golembiesky of PNC Bank reacts to receiving the Bruce Conley Outstanding Volunteer Service of the Year Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Liz Mims of Dress for Success Pittsburgh makes an acceptance speech after receiving the Nonprofit Excellence Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Zach Marsh of Variety, the Children's Charity of Pittsburgh, reacts to receiving the Young Professional of the Year Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Zach Marsh of Variety, the Children's Charity of Pittsburgh, reacts to receiving the Young Professional of the Year Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Dr. Karen Riley of Slippery Rock University makes an acceptance speech after receiving the Prestigious Business Leader Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Zach Marsh of Variety, the Children's Charity of Pittsburgh, reacts to receiving the Young Professional of the Year Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Liz Mims and Leora Flax of Dress for Success Pittsburgh react to receiving the Nonprofit Excellence Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Liz Mims and Leora Flax of Dress for Success Pittsburgh react to receiving the Nonprofit Excellence Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Dan and Erin Turo of Turo Family Chiropractic react to receiving the Distinguished Business Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania reacts to receiving the Women's Leadership Excellence Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Robin Golembiesky of PNC Bank makes an acceptance speech after receiving the Bruce Conley Outstanding Volunteer Service of the Year Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania reacts to receiving the Women's Leadership Excellence Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
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Dan and Erin Turo of Turo Family Chiropractic make their acceptance speech after receiving the Distinguished Business Award during the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala at Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle