“A Quest for Progress” in Boyertown was featured at Dinner

“A Quest for Progress” in Boyertown was featured at Dinner
 
Gilbertsville, PA – “Star Trek: A Quest for Progress - 2025” was the title of the video that was featured at the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce’s (TCACC) Boyertown Area Progress Dinner on Thursday, March 27, 2025, along with the presentation of the James K. Boyer Quality of Life Award to Preston’s Pantry.
 
Over 160 local business professionals, school administrators, and community leaders attended the event held at La Massaria at Bella Vista Golf Course, which featured the video produced by Boyertown Area High School telecommunications teacher Bill Cherkasky along with the following Boyertown Area High School telecommunications interns; Evan Deegan, Giancarlo Gargano, Derek Gilbert, Steven Gregory and Harrison Maxymillian..  The film spotlighted Mark Potash, Owner of Carmelo's Pizza  & Italian Ice, located at 116 E Philadelphia Ave., in Boyertown; Jenn O’Donnel, Chief Marketing & Development Officer at Community Health & Dental Care, located at 6 E. Philadelphia Avenue, in Boyertown; Holly Badali, President of Lehigh Valley Health Network, located at 1109 Grosser Road, in Gilbertsville; and Rachel Kehler, Owner of The Peppermint Stick Candy Store & Parlor, located at 26 E. Philadelphia Ave. in Boyertown.  The film followed an episode of Star Trek with the Enterprise crew seeking places within the Boyertown area, learning about the businesses and seeking specimens found at each location.
 
The 2024 recipient and emcee of the evening, Greg Herb, of Herb Real Estate, presented the James K. Boyer “Quality of Life” Award to Preston’s Pantry at the dinner. Preston’s Pantry falls under the direction of Boyertown Area Muli-Service, Inc. The pantry was named after Preston Dray, an 8-year-old who organized a food drive for his passion project in 2028 and a year later lost his life in a flash flood along with his mother and unborn sister.  The pantry served 3,163 families in 2024 and is the source for the spirit of giving in the Boyertown Area..  Jocelyn Charles, Executive Director of Boyertown Area Multi-Service, Inc., accepted the award on behalf of Preston’s Pantry.
 
Alice Funk, Acting President of TCACC, said “the event is much like a family reunion to our friends in the Boyertown Area, and we help bring awareness to the new businesses and those that have made major renovations.” 
The Chamber’s event informs attendees about local businesses while showcasing the talents of BASH students, including the flute choir led by choir director Krista Gallagher.  All students were recognized for their talents by the new Boyertown Area Superintendent Dr. Scott Davidheiser.
 
The event was sponsored by:
Platinum Sponsors:  Tompkins
 
Gold Sponsor: Community Health & Dental Care
 
Silver Sponsors: Diamond Credit Union, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, PR Commercial Painting, LLC, Rhoads Energy, and The Victory Bank
 
Bronze Sponsors: Bally Block Company, Fulton Bank, Gerhart, Hartman & Ritner, Ltd., Graber Letterin’ Sign Co., Herb Real Estate, Inc., and Moyer-Drabick & Associates, Ltd.
 
TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce, the tri-county region's business advocate since 1927, is a membership-based organization serving businesses in southeastern Berks, western Montgomery, and northern Chester Counties, as well as along the Route 422 Corridor. TCACC’s mission is leveraging the power of membership to provide valued membership services and proactive leadership for the tri-county region.