Mighty Fine Foods’ fabulous filet was the opening pitch at this year’s 16th Annual Chamber Banquet, featuring Keynote Speaker Howie Bedell, former Major League Baseball player for the Milwaukee Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Bedell, whose roots began here in Clearfield, spent the day revisiting the hometown he left as a child. "One of the things I remember is that my mother worked at a downtown diner (the Ritz Grill) on East Market Street." Howie and his brother, Wilson, seemed to enjoy the afternoon "scavenger hunt" for a part of their family history. At the evening banquet, the former major-leaguer reminded everyone to "look in the mirror and realize how you got where you are today." He emphasized the huge influence that church and community have on all of us growing up, encouraging everyone to "give our young people today a chance."

Special thanks to Bob E. Day for serving as the Master of Ceremonies and to our RSVP volunteers who served as our welcoming team. The evening’s closer posted a win with this year’s awardees:

Major Employer of the Year
Walmart Distribution Center

Small Business of the Year
Timberland Federal Credit Union

Shining Star Award
Greenland Construction

Citizen of the Year
John Crissman, Elliott’s Park

Lifetime Achievement Award
John Farr, Habitat for Humanity

Over 120 members and guests attended this year’s event at Lawrence Hall.