TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Awards $12,500 to Support Local Students and Career-Focused Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     
 
TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Awards $12,500 to Support Local Students and Career-Focused Education
 
POTTSTOWN, PA – February 10^th, 2026 – The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce proudly presented a $12,500 check to support local schools and career-focused education programs during the TriCounty Economic Development Brunch on January 21, made possible through the generous contributions of Martin Stone Quarries, Inc. and Tompkins.
 
Martin Stone Quarries, Inc. directed its donation through the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation to benefit the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center. Tompkins’ contribution will support additional local schools across the region.
 
“Martin Stone Quarries, Inc. is proud to support the Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center through a donation to the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The donation directly supports the WMCTC welding program, helping train students in a skilled trade that is critical to our industry. By investing in career and technical education, Martin Stone Quarries aims to encourage greater interest in the trades and support workforce development in our local community,” said Rod Martin, President of Martin Stone Quarries, Inc.
 
During the event, Dave Livengood of the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center shared how these funds directly enhance student opportunities and strengthen hands-on, career-driven programs that prepare young people for success in the workforce.
 
“These investments go far beyond a dollar amount,” said Livengood. “They translate into real opportunities for students—expanded programming, updated resources, and stronger pathways into high-demand careers right here in our community.”
 
Through the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc.—an approved Educational Improvement Organization (EIO) designated by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development—these contributions support vocational and career development programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade across Chamber-member school districts.
 
“Tompkins is proud to support the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and its commitment to strengthening local education," said Laurie Grube, community banking reginal manager. "Investing in students today helps build the skilled, resilient workforce our communities will rely on tomorrow, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to support the foundation in this endeavor.”
 
“As a career banker, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact of good early education on communities that invest in it.  These communities prosper because education creates a skilled workforce that can aspire to high-paying jobs, raising the standard of living for everyone.  These communities create leaders who are positioned to take the reins when local companies and organizations change hands, securing economic prosperity for local families.  The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation funds educational enhancements that give local students a good running start. When families thrive, communities thrive and that’s important to all of us, but especially important to community banks like Tompkins,” said Ginger Kunkel, President – PA of Tompkins Community Bank.
 
The Foundation is authorized under Act 4 of 2001, which amended the Pennsylvania Public School Code to allow businesses to earn significant state tax credits for contributions to educational improvement organizations. Businesses that participate in the Foundation’s EIO program may be eligible to receive 75 to 90 percent Pennsylvania state tax credits on contributions of up to $300,000.
 
“The TriCounty Chamber is proud to partner with businesses like Martin Stone Quarries and Tompkins who recognize that investing in education is investing in the future of our workforce and our regional economy,” said Harrison Santangelo, TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce President
 
Businesses interested in supporting local education while receiving Pennsylvania tax credits are encouraged to learn more about the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s EIO program.
 
For more information about Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website.