More than 20 FLEX members were in attendance at the Venango Chamber’s Annual Dinner in February. It was awesome to have so many local young professionals represented and it was also a great opportunity for all of us to witness the many successful people and organizations of our region.

This year’s Citizen of the Year, Dr. David Wagner, serves the community through his optometry practice and volunteers his time in the community and even globally through mission trips. 2020 Citizen of the Year, Lisa Winger, was also recognized at the dinner. She works for a hospice company and brings compassion and comfort to families, while serving multiple community organizations in her free time.

The Business of the Year, Morrison Funeral Home, has been in business for nearly 100 years and goes above and beyond for both their clients and the community. The Partner in Business of the Year, the United Way of Venango County, focuses on health, education, and income for our community, and funds 23 programs throughout 15 different agencies, while also running eight of their own programs. Rebecca Beach, FLEX member and volunteer, was also recognized that evening as the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year.

These are just a handful of the many people and organizations in our region who make a huge difference and show that amazing things can be done in our area. Even looking at just young professionals in attendance, we had entrepreneurs, engineers, county commissioners, a mayor, educators, doctors, a police officer, photographers, and so much more. While we often hear that people need to move away to find success, we know that that is anything but true, and we are so proud of the people in Venango County.

We will be recognizing excellence again in April at our Annual FLEX Presents event. We hope you’ll help us celebrate the many amazing young professionals of our region by submitting a nomination for the young professional of the year (due March 4), sponsoring the event, and/ or joining us at the in-person event (details coming soon).

Learn more about FLEX Presents at venangochamber.org/flex-presents.

This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) March 2022 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.