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Area businesss inducted into Blair Hall of Fame

Mirror photo by Gary M. Baranec From left, Vic Gioiosa, Matt McConville, Mike Sweitzer, Mike Tyler and Joe Lehman Jr. were among those inducted into the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame on Monday night.

Five businesses officially joined the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame on Monday night at the Blair County Convention Center. Members of the Class of 2018 include ARC Federal Credit Union of Altoona, Chicago Rivet & Machine of Tyrone, Fairway Labora­tories Inc. of Altoona and P. Joseph Lehman Consulting Engi­neers of Hollidays­burg.

The Framing Hut was inducted in the Heritage category.

“We are humbled, proud and thankful that we have received this recognition from such a known group as the Chamber of Commerce. We are honored to have this award and recognition,” said CEO Victor A. Gioiosa Jr. of ARC Federal Credit Union, which was chartered in 1956 to serve the parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish in Altoona.

Today, ARC has expanded its field of membership to serve members of every Catholic parish in Blair and Huntingdon counties, as well as the employees, students and members of several local organizations.

The Tyrone Division of Chicago Rivet & Machine — which has been in Tyrone since 1947 — is one of two manufacturing facilities for the Napierville, Ill.-based company.

“Based on the others that have been elected in the past, it’s really gratifying for Chicago Rivet to be honored with this selection,” plant manager Mike Sweitzer said.

Fairway Laboratories Inc. has been providing environmental laboratory services for more than 30 years.

“It’s a honor for Fairway Labs to be chosen for induction in the Blair County Business Hall of Fame. It’s a direct reflection of the efforts of all our employees, both past and present, over our 40-plus years as an Altoona business,” Pres­ident Michael Tyler said.

Founded in 1969, P. Joseph Lehman Inc. Consulting Engineers creates engineering solutions for local governments, state agencies, universities and private clients.

“It’s very humbling. We’re glad to see the recognition for our employees. It shows the recognition from the community for the work we’ve done over nearly 50 years,” President P. Joseph Lehman Jr. said.

The Framing Hut, a store that featured handcrafted frames and art supplies, was opened in 1969 by Richard Halbritter at 509¢ E. Plank Road. The business closed within a year of his death in September 1998.

“He would be humbled. He was very engaged with the community and businesses. He would be humbled by it and proud, as well. It’s a testament to his hard work,” said Hal­britter’s daughter, Nichole Ortiz, who works in property management in Denver, Colo.

Seven other businesses were recognized in the General Business Awards categories.

J.R. Brown Construction of Hollidaysburg, Tame Your Mane of East Freedom and Your Jewelry Box of Altoona received awards for Excellence in Small Business.

Alpha Assembly Solu­tions of Altoona and Value Drug Co. of Duncansville were honored for Safety Excellence; the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center received the Sustainability Award; and the Committee Choice Award went to the Altoona Community Theatre.

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