Veteran Banker, Mental Health Leader Among Chamber Award Recipients

CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – The Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry will honor seven outstanding businesses and community leaders at its Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner on March 22.

The Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry (CACBI) will honor seven outstanding businesses and community leaders, including a mental health facility with over 30 years of service and a lifetime achiever in banking, at its Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner on March 22, 2025, at the Clarion Moose Lodge.

The awards ceremony, which will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and presentations, recognizes excellence across multiple categories of business and individual achievement.

Clarion Psychiatric Center, honored as Business of the Year for Community Service, has provided essential mental health care to Western Pennsylvania for over three decades. Located on 14 peaceful acres, the Center offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment programs for children, adolescents, and adults.

Under the leadership of CEO Jessica Hansford, LPC, who was also named Citizen of the Year, the Center has maintained its commitment to individualized, trauma-informed care. The facility specializes in treating a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and co-occurring disorders, with an emphasis on practical, solution-focused treatment approaches. “I choose to work in this field in order to play a part in providing hope to others in difficult times,” Hansford shared during World Mental Health Day celebrations.

In the Economic Development category, Ace Hardware of Clarion, owned by brothers Kevin and Mark Salandra, won in the Business of the Year Small Division for their remarkable transformation of the historic Ditz and Mooney Hardware building at 624 Main Street. The Salandras have successfully merged modern retail convenience with historical preservation, bringing new life to a 106-year-old downtown landmark.

Modern Living Solutions, winner in Business of the Year Large Division category, exemplifies innovative economic development through its ambitious transformation of the former Knox Glass Plant. The company, in partnership with global real estate leader Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC, has evolved from its initial focus on modular bathrooms to now constructing entire apartments. The project has attracted significant investment, with over $6 million in grant applications through the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. As part of Greystar, which manages over 782,900 units globally and ranks first among US Apartment Managers, Modern Living Solutions represents a major economic driver for Clarion County’s future growth.

Eric Funk, Jr., named Young Professional of the Year, brings a unique blend of global experience and local commitment to Clarion County. Recently appointed as development director of Community Action, Inc. serving Clarion and Jefferson Counties, Funk’s journey includes international performance experience and a successful tenure at The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts. Since returning to his hometown in 2023, he has made significant contributions through his role at the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation and active involvement in numerous community organizations.

James L. Kifer, who retired in 2024 as President, CEO, and CFO of Clarion County Community Bank, will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. During his 20-year tenure as founding President and CEO, Kifer grew the bank from a startup to a respected institution with five branches across 12 counties, employing 50 people and managing over $230 million in assets. Beyond banking, his community involvement includes service on numerous boards and committees, including the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers, Clarion University Board of Trustees, and various local organizations.

The Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner tickets are available at $45 per person or $320 for a table of eight. For reservations, contact the Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry at 814-226-9161.