Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce holds annual awards luncheon

 The Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual awards luncheon Thursday, March 20, honoring businesses and individuals making a significant impact in the Indian Valley.

Held at the Indian Valley Country Club, the ceremony featured three awards: a Charles H. Allebach Jr. Community Service Award, a Cornerstone Award for small business of the year and a Pillar Award for large business of the year.

The Charles H. Allebach Jr. Community Service Award was presented to Dr. Charles D. Amuso, Franconia Township supervisor and former Souderton Area School District Superintendent from 2005-2010. He also served as chair of the Franconia Township Zoning Hearing Board and is a longtime member of the Souderton-Telford Rotary Club.

    Held at the Indian Valley Country Club, the event honors businesses and individuals making a significant impact in the Indian Valley.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

Some of Amuso’s most notable contributions include overseeing the construction of the new Souderton Area High School while superintendent and developing the Rotary scholarship program for graduating seniors at the high school and Dock Mennonite Academy. He currently serves on the boards of St Luke’s Penn Foundation and Penn Foundation Trust and is chair of the North Montco Technical Career Center Education Foundation.

Amuso lauded the Indian Valley as deeply community-minded, sharing a story of his first introduction to the community after accepting his superintendent position.

“When they hired me as superintendent, they did a very thorough process. I had the opportunity and obligation to meet many community members,” said Amuso. “Over and over again, they talked about how the community is connected and serves one another. That was a great introduction to our community.”

The 2024 Cornerstone Award was presented to Telford Veterinary Hospital. Founded in 1999 by Dr. Sharon Minninger, the hospital provides comprehensive veterinary services as well as a range of additional services, including public education classes, dog training programs, grooming, acupuncture and more.

In addition, the hospital designs and delivers animal emergency care programs to more than 1,000 first responders and military personnel nationwide. Staff members also work with local officials to help find, rescue and treat pets in need.

Executive Director Jon Detweiler emphasized the hospital’s community services, saying that its commitment stretches far beyond the clinic.

    Jon Detweiler, executive director of the Telford Veterinary Hospital, speaks at the luncheon.
 By John Worthington | The Reporter   

“Building community ties is essential to our mission,” said Detweiler. “As a native to the Indian Valley, I’ve watched our community grow and thrive for nearly half a century. Fostering the hospital’s culture of community and service is simply a natural extension of this community’s very own DNA.”

The 2024 Pillar Award was presented to Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates. Founded in 1993 by Drs. Todd Weaver and John Reckner, the dental company has offices in Harleysville and Telford with over 80 employees.

Weaver said that the company has always strived to lead the industry with innovative dentistry and advanced dental technology.

“I’d like to think that we lead dentistry from the front, with good patient care, taking good care of employees, having a good facility, having very appropriate advanced technologies,” said Weaver, adding, “We simply wouldn’t be here today without the support of the business community.”

In addition to the awards, the winners received citations from state Representatives Steve Malagari and Donna Scheuren on behalf of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and from a representative of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Steve Hunsberger closed the event by underscoring the solidarity of the Indian Valley business community.

“I was struck at the acknowledgment of that virtuous cycle of how we all work together, we all support each other and that’s what it’s all about,” said Hunsberger. “This is an amazing business community.”

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