The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual Progress Dinner Thursday to celebrate those who make the area a great place to live.

Held at Mountain Valley Golf Course in Barnesville, the event honored R. Daniel “Dan” Evans as the winner of the 2026 Joseph M. Plasko Citizenship Award; Aaron and Megan Gimbel of Gimbel’s Restaurant as the Business Persons of the Year, and the Tamaqua Public Library as the Business of the Year.

“Our honorees represent different parts of our community,” Chamber President Jarrod Yuskauskus said. “But each has made a meaningful contribution to Tamaqua.”

“That’s what these awards are really about — recognizing progress, recognizing people who invested their time, their energy, their businesses and themselves in this community,” Chamber Executive director Aimee Dotson added.

The Chamber honored the library as a place not only to borrow books, but as gathering space with programs, activities, educational opportunities and resources for all.

“Our goal is to be there for the community. We recognize that the community is constantly changing and we want to be able to meet their needs,” said Melissa “Missy” Hess, library coordinator. “If you haven’t been to the library recently, please stop down, pick out a book and see what we have to offer for your kids or your grandkids. We have a lot of kids’ and adult programs.”

The Gimbels, who opened their farm-to-table restaurant in Tamaqua in 2024, have become an important part of Tamaqua’s downtown business community. In selecting the couple for the award, the Chamber flagged the Gimbels’ dedication, hospitality and willingness to support local organizations and events.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to own a piece of downtown Tamaqua and be recognized as business persons of the year,” Megan Gimbel said. “We have been welcomed with open arms on East Broad Street from the day we opened and have created an establishment that makes it truly easy to pour our hearts into it.”

Dotson explained that the citizenship award recognizes outstanding community service and civic leadership — and “genuine dedication to making our community a better place.”

Evans’ father, the late Bob Evans, received the award in 2001.

“We all know that he would be so proud to share this honor with his son,” Yuskauskus said.

Evans was chosen as the 2026 recipient for his community involvement, including the major role he plays with the Tamaqua Community Revitalization and improvement Zone (CRIZ). He served as CRIZ authority chairman from 2019 — 23, and continues as vice chairman.

Through his work, he helped advance redevelopment and investment in the community, including more than $15 million in redevelopment efforts.

“As Jarrod and Aimee said, my father was awarded this award way back in 2001. I was actually at the Mohn building when he got it, so tonight has a lot of meaning to me because not only did he receive it, I also saw him receive it,” Evans said. “To say that I am the second member of the Evans family to receive this award is just really incredible to me. I just can’t tell you what it means to me personally.”

Tamaqua is the only borough in Pennsylvania to have a CRIZ, which is administered by the state Department of Revenue. The cities of Bethlehem, Erie, Lancaster and Reading have their own programs.

“I’m not sure we knew what we were signing,” Evans said of the CRIZ creation, “but at the end of the day, I’m glad we signed that paperwork.”

The program allows incremental tax revenues generated by borough businesses and customers to return to the community for reinvestment. CRIZ projects have supported business expansion, historic preservation, infrastructure improvements and the redevelopment of important community properties.

Evans frequently shares his knowledge of the program through educational seminars and one-on-one assistance. He also served on Tamaqua Borough Council and the Tamaqua Planning Commission, and is a member of Tamaqua’s American Hose Co. No. 1.

Each of the recipients received citations from state Sen. David G. Argall and the office of state Rep. Jamie Barton.

“Congratulations to all of our winners. This is a tremendous year. I am proud of all of you,” Argall said.

The event included an update of the Chamber’s progress and activities through the years.

The dinner was the culmination of a Silent Art Auction — new this year — with works from local artists up for bid. Proceeds benefit the chamber, Tamaqua Community Art Center and artists.