Exton Region Chamber holds awards dinner

EAST WHITELAND >> The Exton Region Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner last week at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center and gave out its biggest annual awards.

Gary Lowenthal, founder of the Boyds Collection Ltd. and author of “Ten Secrets of the Secret Society of Entrepreneurs” was the guest speaker.

Among the highlights of Tuesday’s event:

• The Harold Martin Business Leadership Award, named after “Mr. Exton” for his commitment to the region and its people, was awarded this year to Kevin Mengel of FastSigns in Exton. Mengel had previously served as chairperson of the board of the Exton Region Chamber and “has continued his efforts to make the region one where small and large businesses can continue to flourish,” the chamber said in announcing the award.

• The Small Business Person of the Year Award was given to Fran Shaw and Tom Skelley of Miller’s Insurance Agency Inc. near Downingtown “for their contribution to the economy and vitality of the region,” the chamber said. Shaw is president of Miller’s Insurance and was one of the pioneering employees who started with the company in 1979. In 2011, Shaw and Skelley purchased the

agency.

Shaw now manages all aspects of customer service and claims for Miller’s. Skelley began as an agent for Miller’s and won Salesman of the Year five years consecutively, the chamber said. After purchasing the company in 2011, Skelley was integral in helping the company grow from $2.5 million to $5 million in annual revenue and to expanding their number of employees from 20 to 45 , the chamber noted.

• State Rep. Becky Corbin, R-155, received the

Senator Robert J. Thompson Public Service Award, which yearly recognizes a public official who has made a contribution to the Exton Region.

“Since Becky’s start in public service, she has always been an active part and supporter of the Exton Region Chamber as well as improving the climate for all businesses in Pennsylvania,” said Mengel, who nominated Corbin for the award.

The event was sponsored by DNB First. To contact Business Editor Brian McCullough, call 610-235-2655 or send an email to bmccullough@ dailylocal.com.

Fran Shaw, center, and Tom Skelley of Miller’s Insurance pose with Nancy Tuttle at the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce dinner held Tuesday. Shaw and Skelley were recognized with the chamber’s Small Business Person of the Year awards.

State Rep. Becky Corbin, R-155, received the Senator Robert J. Thompson Public Service Award, which yearly recognizes a public official who has made a contribution to the Exton Region. Here, Corbin speaks as Thompson’s widow, Nancy Thompson, looks on.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS – VISUAL TECHNOLOGY Kevin Mengel of FastSigns in Exton received The Harold Martin Business Leadership Award from Rob Nicolini at the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner held last week.