Executive Director for the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation Marlyn Kissner has been named as one of the top 25 Women in Business in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Kissner is also vice president of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber, and will be honored during a May awards presentation along with the other 24 nominees.Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal and the Northeast Pennsylvania National Association of Women Business Owners have sponsored this prestigious award for the past 15 years.Women with strong work ethic and drive are nominated by their peers and then chosen by a panel of influential business women based on the nominees' contributions to businesses and community."Over the years, Kissner's work and influence in northeast Pennsylvania have been far-reaching and undoubtedly evident as she has a warm, inviting personality, is a strong and committed business leader who gets things done, and has the natural ability to attract and bring people together for common good," said Alice Wanamaker, Carbon Chamber and Economic Development member relations director.Hired as a consultant for the Carbon Chamber in 2012, Kissner had an influential role in the merger between the Carbon Chamber of Commerce and the Carbon Economic Development leading to the creation of the CCEDC. In January 2014, she became the CCEDC's executive director and is also an executive vice president for the GLVCC, which oversees all operations of the organization."It's quite a surprise and nice honor. I truly attribute any recognition to the people who surround me. When you work with great people, nice things happen," Kissner said of her award. "Networking with great people, making valuable connections to career paths, surrounding myself with a supportive team and inspiring mentors, and ultimately loving what I do. I also believe that it is important to be grateful for all that we are given in life.""Marlyn is so very deserving of this honor. Her high-energy, enthusiasm and positive attitude are infectious. She goes the extra mile for this organization and its members," said Dina Tulli Davis, president of JumpSpark Creative Group and creative and marketing consultant for the chamber."The organization continues to grow every month and has a very bright future ahead. She wants everyone to feel welcomed, included, appreciated and valued as part of the chamber and of the community."