Chamber News
January 2025
A message from the Deanna,
As we step into a new year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our members, partners, and the entire business community for your unwavering support throughout the past year. Together, we’ve overcome challenges, celebrated milestones, and worked towards a brighter future for our businesses and community.
In 2025, we look forward to continuing fostering innovation, growth, and collaboration. The MLCC remains committed to advocating for its’ members success and providing the resources and connections they need to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. In the same vein, we are focused on providing events and unique experiences for the community to foster our shared desire to live, work and play in the place we all care about.
One upcoming event that the entire community can participate in is our Annual Build-A-Snowman Contest. A button nose and two eyes made out of coal or put your own spin on Frosty, then build an awesome snowman throughout January, February, and March, take a picture and save it to post on the official contest Facebook post from March 17th to the 31st. A winner will be chosen, and they will receive a gift card to Donegal Dairy Queen.
Even though it’s only the beginning of the year, we are starting to plan all our other Chamber events like the Golf Outing, Ladies Day Bash, Kid’s Day, and more. We also have our Student-of-the-Month program which continues through the rest of the school year and believe it or not we are already thinking about this year’s Stocking Stuffer ticket! The winner will be announced on Monday, January 13, 2025.
May the New Year bring you prosperity, growth, and success in all your endeavors. Together, we can achieve even greater things in the year ahead. Wishing you a very Happy New Year and a successful 2025!
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
Decmber 2024
A message from the Deanna,
As we approach the end of another year, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support of our local Chamber of Commerce. Your commitment to strengthening our community—whether through your participation in events, your patronage of local businesses, or your dedication to fostering a vibrant and thriving economy—has made all the difference.
This holiday season, we reflect on the many ways our community has come together to support one another, and we are filled with appreciation. It’s your collaboration, hard work, and shared spirit that continue to make our community a special place to live, work, and grow.
If you’d like to help support the MLCC one final time this year, consider purchasing a MLCC Stocking Stuffer ticket. They are available at the following locations: MLCC Office, LHTC Broadband, Sadler-Bruner Insurance Agency, Shari Bukovac Bookkeeping, & See-Mor’s All-Star Grill. The winning number will be taken from the PA daily 3-digit Lottery Number drawn at 7PM on Friday, January 10, 2025. Thank you to our ticket sponsors Appalachian Fluid Power, Denise Kintigh Insurance Services, Dipaola Quality Climate Control, Donegal McDonalds, Gnagey Gas & Oil – Propane, Hemminger Homes, Highlands Quality Climate Control, King Legal Group LLC, Laurel Valley Graphics, Mountain Pines Campground, and The Silver Penny.
On behalf of Stefanie and the Board of Directors, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks. May this season bring you joy, peace, and prosperity, and we look forward to all that we can achieve together in the year ahead.
Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
November 2024
A message from the Deanna,
Welcome sweet November, the season of senses, gratitude, shopping and football. November represents a little something for everyone. From spending time with family to eating way too much pumpkin pie to relaxing on the couch watching the game to shopping those Black Friday deals, this month encapsules the best traditions. Just remember you don’t need to go far to get the things you need to participate in these traditions. Our MLCC members offer everything from rentals, hotels, baked goods, groceries and specialty foods, gifts, and even cable TV!
While the tradition of watching football on Thanksgiving Day is very popular, the tradition of shopping on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Small Business Saturday have gained increasing popularity. Many of our members will be running specials on these days so be sure to check the MLCC Facebook page for the latest information. If you want to get a jump start on your holiday shopping, the Donegal Event Center will be holding its Annual Fall Craft Show on November 9th from 9AM-3PM.
Another local tradition is Christmas in the Mountains. The MLCC is proud to support this annual tradition. This year’s event will be December 6-8th and more information on it can be found at ChristmasInTheMountains.info.
A few other events coming up in early December that the Chamber is proud to support are the Melcroft Tree Lighting celebration on Sunday, December 1st , Braddock Trail Chapter DAR Festival of Lights, Living Treasures Holiday Light Extravaganza and the Springfield Township Light-Up Night Contest.
Gratitude and giving are two cornerstones around the Thanksgiving holiday and the MLCC is working with the local schools on a Food Drive to collect canned goods and non-perishable items for those in need during the holidays. From Nov 1st to the 15th, we are challenging each class to bring in as many items as they can. The students in the class that collects the most at Springfield Elementary, Donegal Elementary and Champion Christian School will be given a prize pack. If anyone else in the community would like to make a donation, there will be a donation box at Sadler-Bruner Insurance, 4111 Rt 31, Jones Mills, next to the MLCC Office.
I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy all the family, food, and fun traditions this November brings.
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
October 2024
A message from the Deanna,
It’s the season of pumpkin spice and everything nice! I think we are all ready for some sweater weather and a cozy campfire perfect for making s’mores. The Laurel Highlands is the perfect backdrop for fall activities with the trees in full fall bloom. If you haven’t had a chance to go camping this year, fall is a great time to visit one of our many MLCC campground members. They all have many fun Fall and Halloween activities planned for all ages.
If you are looking for pumpkins, gourds, and more, then look no further than our MLCC members! Decorating for fall has never been easier with all the varieties of pumpkins, mums, fresh flowers, haybales, cornstalks, and indoor & outdoor décor. Also, be on the lookout for area festivals this fall with lots of arts & crafts from local artisans.
Now let’s talk fall food treats! S’mores are my absolute favorite. Enjoying family time around the fire making s’mores is a staple at my house. When visiting festivals, we like to get candy or caramel apples, dumplings, pumpkin gobs, cider, and kettle corn. It’s also a good time to stock up on maple syrup for all those pancakes and waffles we’ll be making this winter. Our MLCC members make many of these treats fresh daily and sell them locally all year round so you will never have to wait for fall to roll around to enjoy them. Check out our Membership Directory for information and website for all our members.
Fall is here, but the Christmas holidays are just around the corner and that means it’s time to start promoting the MLCC Annual Stocking Stuffer ticket! Every year we gather amazing prizes from our membership and raffle them off on an amazing ticket for you to include in any stocking or present. Follow the MLCC on Facebook for more information on when and where these tickets will be available.
In closing, I wanted to give a special thank you to Stef, the MLCC Board, and members who made the Ladies Day Bash at the end of September another successful event!
Happy Fall and Happy Halloween,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
September 2024
A message from the Deanna,
The biggest event of September is right around the corner! The MLCC’s 11th Annual Ladies Day Bash, presented by King Legal Group LLC and BHHS The Preferred Realty Josh Crowe Team, will be held on Sunday, September 29th at the Donegal Event Center from 1PM to 5PM. Tickets are still available at the MLCC Office, LHTC Broadband, Sarnelli’s Wine Cellar, Shari Bukovac Bookkeeping and See-Mor’s All -Star Grill. Thank you to all our generous sponsors: BHHS The Preferred Realty Josh Crowe Team, King Legal Group LLC, LCT Energy L.P. & Robindale, and Laurel Valley Graphics for helping make this event happen. We can’t wait to see you all there and give away some amazing prizes and CASH!
It is hard to believe but at this time last year Stefanie took over the position of Executive Director for the MLCC. What a year it has been, and what a fabulous job she has done! The Board of Directors and I are so proud of her efforts and would like to take this opportunity to thank her for this past year’s work and dedication to the MLCC. Stefanie had some big shoes to fill, but she has excelled at every turn and has continued to promote the MLCC and its mission to enhance the economic growth and development of the business community by offering a variety of services and programs to meet the needs of local businesses, residents, and tourists. Congratulations on your first year Stef!
Our community has so much to ‘Be Excited’ for but the one thing that always stands out to me is the comradery of the local businesses. There is always a helping hand no matter what you need. The ways in which I have seen our local businesses support each other at events, on social media and just sharing resources and ideas is simply incredible. We all have a vested interest in promoting our community and bringing visitors and new residents to the area. The MLCC is a great community to be a part of and if you are a business owner and haven’t looked into joining, please reach out to Stefanie. The MLCC community is the best resource for growing your business!
As always, be sure to follow the MLCC Facebook page for the latest events and Member news!
Sincerely,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
August 2024
A message from the Deanna,
Back-to-School is right around the corner but there is still time to soak up the remaining weeks of summer in the Laurel Highlands. One timeless tradition, that both my sons love in the summer, is eating ice cream. We like to visit new places and try new flavors and treats. We have a few MLCC Members that serve up some great scoops like Donegal Dairy Queen, Caddie Shak Family Entertainment Center, Mt. Pines Campground, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, Donegal McDonald’s and See-Mor’s All-Star Grill. G&D Market, Sarnelli’s Corner Market, Coen Market and Champion Gas & Food Mart also have some grab and go ice cream treats!
If you are looking to fit in some last minute Summer fun activities, be sure to mark your calendars for the MLCC Vendor Show on Tuesday, August 13th from 6PM-8PM at the Champion Children & Family Services North Campus in Donegal. We have a great lineup of local businesses that will be selling custom goods, showcasing new services and offering special deals. Champion Children & Family Services students will be selling refreshments. I would also highly recommend attending the LHTC Broadband 16th Annual Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, August 24th from 12-3 at the Stahlstown Flax Scutching Grounds! There will be free food, giveaways, prizes, music, games and lots of activities for kids. More information can be found in the Member Highlight on page 5.
While you are marking the calendar you can also Save-the-Date for the MLCC’s highly anticipated Annual Ladies Day Bash on Sunday, September 29th at the Donegal Event Center. Tickets will be on sale at local businesses and at the Chamber office. Ladies bring your cash and get ready to win so many great prizes!
I hope you all enjoy the final weeks of Summer and I hope to see you at some of these events! As always, follow the MLCC Facebook page for more information and details on these events and more Member news!
Sincerely,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
July 2024
A message from the Deanna,
Happy 4th of July!
Summer is in full swing and so are the activities and celebrations in our community. Our members have so much going on this summer. Be sure to check out the new outdoor amphitheater in Ohiopyle that we highlighted in last month’s magazine. They have a full schedule of concerts for the summer. Speaking of concerts and music, Fair season has begun and our local Volunteer Fire Departments do a fantastic job every year holding these event to raise money so they can continue to keep our communities safe and protected. These annual fairs offer great food, games, parades and fun competitions that the whole family will enjoy. Some other MLCC member places to check out this summer are the campgrounds, zoo, family fun center and resorts. They are holding special events like car shows and kids days, and some have added new attractions and eateries. If you haven’t checked them out in a while, definitely add them to your summer fun list.
The MLCC is preparing for a Vendor Show that will be held on Tuesday, August 13th at the Christian Family & Children’s Center-North Campus in Donegal from 6-8PM. Everyone is welcome to come visit and shop from our local businesses. The Christian Family & Children’s Center will be selling concessions and the MLCC will be giving away door prizes throughout the evening! If you would like to be a vendor at the show, reach out to Stef at 724-593-8900. Member and Non-Members are welcome. You can find additional information on page 19.
We would also like to thank everyone who attended our MLCC Community Day that was held last month and give a special thanks to Mountain Pines Campground for allowing us to host the event at their campground!
I hope you enjoy all your time with family and friends this summer and please check out our wonderful MLCC members events! I hope to see you all at the Vendor Show on August 13th as well!
Be sure to visit the MLCC Facebook page for upcoming events and information!
Sincerely,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
June 2024
A message from the Deanna,
Summer is officially here and there is so much to do in the Laurel Highlands! From swimming, to fishing, hiking and biking, to camping or even glamping! National Fishing and Boating Week and National Garden Week are the first week of June and June just so happens to be National Camping Month too, so if you are looking for a reason to explore the outdoors take your pick! Many of our MLCC members are having summer specials on foods, gifts, lodging and admissions. Check our Facebook page all summer long to see what is happening and where.
A big thank you to all our golfers and sponsors who participated in the 25th Annual Golf Outing on May 10th at Glengarry Golf Links! It is great to see a 25-year tradition still thriving. Congrats to Stefanie on a job well done!
Just around the corner we have another Chamber tradition, our Annual Community Day! It will be held on Wednesday, June 19th at Mountain Pines Campground from 9am to 4pm. All amenities are FREE to the community with advanced registration through the Chamber. Ice cream will also be provided. Call Stefanie at 724-593-8900 or email [email protected] to make your reservation. Coinciding with our Community Day, Red Silo Events, located just across the road from Mountain Pines, will be holding an open house from 9am to 4pm for visitors to view the grounds, take photos, and visit with vendors of local artists, silk and live floral arrangements, greenhouse plants, food, refreshments and more. Be sure to mark your calendar for JUNE 19th!
To wrap up summer, Stefanie has been working on a chamber vendor show for August to highlight our membership. More details on this event will be available soon. Keep following our Facebook page for the latest information!
Lastly, Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!
Sincerely,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
May 2024
A message from the Deanna,
May is in full bloom and so are the MLCC activities. Our 25th Annual Golf Outing is set to take place on Friday, May 10th at Glengarry Golf Links. Thank you to all our sponsors who helped make this event possible and good luck to all our golfers! We will also be wrapping up our Student of Month awards this month for the 2023-2024 school year. See page 20 for this month’s awardee and check back in October as we begin the awards for the 2024-2025 school year. These awards would not be possible without the generosity of our members and their investment in the education of our youth community. The MLCC is also busy planning and preparing for this year’s Annual Community Picnic at Mountain Pines Campground on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Make sure to Save-the-Date and don’t forget to contact the MLCC office to register! A BIG “Thank You” to all of our sponsors; American Sewer Specialists, Amerikohl Aggregates, Inc., Champion Lumber Company, Denise Kintigh Insurance Services, Donegal McDonalds, KSL Roofing and Remodeling, Marinades Grill Catering, and Ridgeline Renovations & Black Ridge Contracting and Excavating LLC. See page 6 for more details.
Stefanie has also been busy growing our membership and highlighting many of our members’ fantastic events, merchandise and services on our Facebook page. If you haven’t already, head over to Mountain Laurel Chamber and ‘Like’ the page so all the content shows up on your feed daily.
Since it is May don’t forget to get Mom something nice for Mother’s Day! I can think of several MLCC members that have the perfect presents for moms with all types of interests and hobbies. Whether you are looking for jewelry, flowers, candles, food or lawn décor, our members can help make the day special for all the moms in your life.
Let’s not forget about Memorial Day at the end of month. This weekend is sort of the unofficial start of camping season and tourism in the Laurel Highlands. Many of our seasonal members will be opening for the year and others will be having specials and events to highlight this exciting time of year. Be sure to visit our website, mlchamber.com, for the entire list of MLCC members for all your camping and party needs!
Sincerely,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
April 2024
A message from the Deanna,
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate action of its members.”
~Coretta Scott King
The Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce (MLCC) would not be successful without the dedication and support of its members. The unique variety of businesses and organizations that make up the MLCC enhance our community and the efforts of the Chamber. Former Executive Director, Kris Enberg, created the tag line, ‘Better Together‘ several years ago for the Chamber. We truly are better together as a Chamber and community and the results prove it! We work together as business owners and community leaders to keep our region prospering. As you look through this Membership Directory you will find members big and small. This collection of members not only provides services to our community, but they also support the efforts of the MLCC. Community events, charitable fundraisers, special events, students of the month and other efforts to bolster our community and attract tourists to the area. We look forward to continuing to grow better together! Thank you to all our members who continue to support our efforts and are helping take the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce into the future!
Sincerely,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
March 2024
A message from the Deanna,
We’ve almost made it through the cold, snowy weather. Spring is just around the corner. However, before winter officially ends, we have one last snowy contest for you! March 17th-31stis the MLCC Snowman Contest on Facebook. Post your best snowman of the season for a chance to win! We can’t wait to see all the unique and fun snowmen you built in 2024. Good Luck and the winner will be announced on Facebook!
March 17th is the first day of our Snowman Contest, but it is also St. Patrick’s Day. Many of our local businesses will be celebrating the green holiday with specials and themed meals and baked goods. Be sure to check our Facebook page for all that’s happening in the area.
Looking ahead to April, we will be sending our MLCC Membership Directory in place of this magazine to give everyone a complete look at all that our membership has to offer. This edition is a great reference to keep for the entire year. We at the MLCC love nothing more than to promote shopping locally and the Membership Directory has everything from A-Z in our area. If you aren’t an MLCC Member today and are interested in learning more about being a member please contact Stefanie at 724-593-8900 or [email protected].
With the thought of snow melting and the glorious sun shining, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your golf foursome for the 25th Annual MLCC Golf Outing at Glengarry Golf Links! The outing will be held on Friday, May 10th with a 1PM tee off. You can get more information on the outing in this magazine, visiting MLChamber.com or contact Stefanie at 724-593-8900. We are also still looking for sponsors for the event. The outing is a great place to advertise your business on the course through hole sponsorships, event program advertising and leader board recognition.
Stop and smell the Shamrocks. March is here!
Sincerely,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
February 2024
A message from the Deanna,
Did you know Groundhog Day, National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, National Flannel Day, Super Bowl Sunday, Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, President’s Day, National Margarita Day, Pokémon Day, and Leap Day all happen in February? Don’t sleep on this mid-winter month because there is a lot to do and celebrate all month long, especially with that extra day this year!
We’ll be kicking off the month with a Membership Brunch on Wednesday, February 7th for members to meet and mingle with Stef, our new MLCC Executive Director. Many of you know Stef already, but if you don’t this will be a great time to come out and meet her and other MLCC members. The MLCC has always served to enhance and grow businesses while developing new community activities. We feel that as we continue to work together and learn about each other, we as the MLCC, will be able to develop new ways to serve our members and community.
For our MLCC members, you will be receiving information on advertising in our MLCC Membership Directory. The Directory will be distributed in April in place of this magazine. It’s a great time to promote summer specials, activities, and events! Contact Stef for more information or to reserve your listing right away!
Looking ahead, the MLCC has our annual Snowman contest that will run the last 2 weeks of March (Mar 17-31), be sure to snap photos of any snowmen you build between now and then to submit! As mentioned above, the MLCC Membership Directory will be sent in April, and the 25th Annual MLCC Golf Outing will be held in May at Glengarry Golf Links.
I hope that you all find fun ways to celebrate this February! Be sure to follow the MLCC on Facebook as we celebrate all these holidays and National Days too.
Sincerely,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
January 2024
A message from the Deanna,
Happy New Year! As we usher in 2024, I am sure many of us have lots to be excited for in the upcoming year. The MLCC is excited to have Stefanie at the helm and leading us into this new chapter. She has been working on many new ideas and has already begun planning many of the MLCC’s annual events. For the MLCC members who have not had a chance to meet Stefanie or anyone thinking of becoming a member, we will be holding a brunch in February to officially welcome Stefanie. More details on that will be sent to the membership in the coming weeks.
As it turns out, this year is the 25th anniversary of the Chamber. What an amazing accomplishment! The MLCC was formed by a group of trailblazers who felt that Donegal and the surrounding areas needed better representation and support as a business community. Their mission to enhance the economic growth and development of the business community by offering a variety of services and programs to meet the needs of local businesses, residents, and tourists has remained throughout the years. Former Executive Director, Kris Enberg, was busy throughout those 25 years leading many business initiatives, establishing events, creating the community flyer, promoting economic growth, and finding ways to unite businesses from a variety of industries. The drive of the Chamber is rooted in its passion for the Gateway to the Laurel Highlands. That passion is something that Kris has passed down to Stefanie and as we enter the 25th year of service, we hope to celebrate this anniversary and all the past and future successes of the organization.
Speaking of MLCC activities, our annual Parade of Trees event went very well, and we were able to make a donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Our Stocking Stuffer ticket is set to go off on January 5th. Be sure to check your tickets! As always, follow us on Facebook to find out the latest news and updates on all the upcoming events.
Cheers to the New Year and to looking forward to all that is to come!
Sincerely,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
