Palmerton’s Blue Mountain Resort was decked-out in navy blue, sail boats and candlelight as Carbon Chamber & Economic Development celebrated “Carbon County’s finest,” during the annual awards gala.

Mike “Captain Jack Sparrow” Harleman, president of CCEDC, distributed gold coin chocolates to the tables on his way to the podium.

“We encourage you to have fun tonight as we celebrate the great people in Carbon County,” he said.

Harleman introduced President and CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Tony Iannelli, telling the crowd to congratulate him for 20 years of working for the chamber.

“It’s unbelievable to be here, this is my 20th year and I love every minute of it,” Iannelli said.

Marlyn Kissner, the chamber’s executive director, recognized sponsors, special guests, business owners and county officials in attendance.

“Thank you for allowing us to serve you throughout the years,” she said.

State Rep. Doyle Heffley and the chamber’s own Alice Wanamaker announced St. Luke’s University Health Network for demonstrating “achievement and innovation in management, workplace excellence and commitment to growing in Carbon County.”

President and CEO Bill Moyer accepted the award.

Lisa Perry of Mauch Chunk Trust, named Young Professional of the Year, was introduced by MCT President Patrick Reilly.

“I always say there are three things in life you can count on: death, taxes and Lisa Perry,” he said.

Perry has been with the bank for 10 years and thanked her husband for his support and staff at MCT.

“It’s nice to come home to someone like you at the end of the day,” she said.

Dorota Gasinica-Kozak Esq. introduced Jim Thorpe Massage and Wellness Studio as Rookie Business of the Year.

Amy Levinson, who owns the studio with Shelley Hunt, thanked the chamber, “for their support, guidance and belief in us.”

Chris Barrett, president and CEO of Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, awarded the Tourism and Entertainment Business of the Year award to Blue Ridge Real Estate Co. Resort Residential Division.

“My shipmates and I are honored to be here, thank you to our boss, Bruce, for his bold leadership and thank you for this honor,” said Christine Leibold.

Carol Obando-Derstine, regional affairs director for PPL Utilities, presented the Economic Development Project award to Ampal, U.S. Metal Powders Inc.

“The award honors an outstanding project designed to bring jobs and economic growth to our area. Ampal has done it all by moving their headquarters to Carbon County, partnering with local businesses and bringing jobs to Palmerton,” she said.

Executive Vice President and General Manager Rhonda Kasler accepted the honor.

All the past winners of the William H. Bayer Lifetime Achievement award were asked to stand and be recognized as Marj Federanich of CruiseOne presented the 2017 award to Bernie Shea, of Palmerton.

“We present this award each year to a member that has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to our community,” Federanich said.

Shea accepted the honor saying, “I was born and raised in Palmerton and it’s a wonderful place to live, a wonderful place to raise a family.”

The final honor of the night went to Tom Connor, Weatherly mayor and Carbon County Animal Shelter director, who was named Volunteer of the Year.

County Commissioner Tom J. Gerhard presented the award to Connors saying, “Tom likes to talk to people. He likes helping people. He’s a great mayor and does a great job running the animal shelter. He’s been a friend of mine for many years.”

Connors made his way to the podium to the song, “Who let the dogs out,” and took a moment to show off his 30-pound weight loss for the cheering crowd.

“I just talk from my heart,” he said.

“When I was younger, until fifth grade I stuttered. My mom and school got me the help I needed and now I don’t shut up,” he said.

After the peels of laughter quieted, Connors said, “If someone asked me to describe myself simply, that’s what I’d say, I’m just a simple guy. To be honest I thought of 100 other guys who deserve this award more than me. I’m very blessed. If you think I’m even a little bit special it’s because of my family. Even simple people like me can make a difference if we come together,” he said.

“We can’t do it if we’re not together.”