AWARDS

Central Penn Business Journal, May 18, 2007

AGRICULTURE

The North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association named Cherry Crest Farms of Paradise Township its Farm Direct Marketer of the Year. The 200-acre cattle and poultry operation opened its first five-acre Amazing Maize Maze to supplement farm income in 1996. Its 15-acre "agritainment" complex now includes a petting area, an education center, farm rides and festivals in addition to the maze.

ASSOCIATIONS

Harrisburg-based African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Pennsylvania gave its Corporate Citizenship Award to Hollywood Casino at Penn National. The gambling facility, which is being built on the site of the Penn National Race Course in East Hanover Township, Dauphin County, is owned by Wyomissing-based Penn National Gaming Inc. Penn National has committed to working with the chamber to ensure the inclusion of minority and women contractors on the project. Ben Washington received the President's Executive Award of Excellence. He is president of York-based Washington & Dowling Inc. He co-founded the construction company with his brother in 1976 and has been involved with the chamber since its inception. Leland Nelson received the Minority Business Development Award. He is president and co-founder of Harrisburg-based Dirty Dog Hauling and has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Delaware State University. Dirty Dog was the first company to join the chamber's business incubator. Senior Pastor William Jones Jr. received the Community Service Award. He is founder and chief executive officer of Harrisburg-based Reclaim the Streets Ministries, a multiracial, nondenominational Christian ministry that includes outreach to those in need of clothing, food, shelter and other essentials. Jones also is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and a veteran of the U.S. Air force. Capital City Counters Inc. of Steelton received the Senior Entrepreneurial Award. The firm began in 1977 and supplies kitchen and bath counters, as well as cabinet refacing and bathtub lines and wall systems. It has been a longtime supporter of the chamber and its programs. Robert M. Jackson, founder, president and CEO of the chamber, received a special award in recognition of his efforts for the chamber and community over the past 15 years.

CONSTRUCTION

Kansas City, Mo.-based Butler Manufacturing Co., which designs, manufactures and distributes metal building systems for commercial construction, named H.R. Weaver Building Systems Inc. of North Londonderry Township its Outstanding Builder of the Year for the Northeast Region. H.R. Weaver and Speedwell Construction Inc. of Penn Township received Million Dollar Builder awards. Butler's U.S. northern regional office is in Lebanon County.

EDUCATION

Penn State Harrisburg gave Shaun Gabbidon its Excellence in Research and Scholarly Activity Award in recognition of his remarkable list of academic accomplishments. He has produced six books, more than 24 articles and a dozen additional papers since joining the faculty in 1999. He is an associate professor of criminal justice. Cynthia Mara received the Faculty Service Award in recognition of her commitment and outreach to the college and the community. In addition to teaching, she has been a gubernatorial appointee to a statewide committee on long-term care and involved in the formulation of national public policy. She is an associate professor of health care administration and policy. Senel Poyrazli received the Excellence in Teaching Award in recognition of her impressive command of her subject matter and the masterful way in which she presents it to students. She is an assistant professor of counseling psychology. Louise Hoffman received the Excellence in Advising Award for more than 20 years of exemplary service to graduate and undergraduate students. She is an associate professor of humanities and history. Kamini Grahame received the Faculty Diversity Award in recognition of her ability to infuse her courses and scholarly research with multiculturalism. She is a founding member of the Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women's Network and an assistant professor of sociology. Panna Idowu received the Staff Diversity Award in recognition of her keen interest in the well-being of international students and her assistance with their acclimation to the school. She is a special events manager. Sue Etter received the Staff Service Award in recognition of her many contributions to the school. She is a staff assistant with the School of Humanities. Holly Angelique received the Kathryn Towns Women's History Month Award in recognition of her record in raising the awareness of women's issues throughout the region and beyond. She is involved with the Women's Studies minor at Penn State Harrisburg, has taught courses in its curriculum, and continues to incorporate gender-related information into her lectures and strives to enlighten students about the gender role socialization process. She is an associate professor of community psychology.