By Walt Frank
Five businesses will comprise the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame's Class of 2012.
Alpha (formerly known as Cookson Electronics), Child Advocates of Blair County, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona and Hoss's Steak & Sea House will be inducted Oct. 15 during the annual Business Hall of Fame dinner at the Blair County Convention Center.
The Altoona Tribune will be honored in the heritage category.
Hall of Fame recipients must have a history of at least 25 years and a lasting effect on commerce generated in Blair County. The heritage category recognizes businesses no longer in operation.
A HealthSouth official said his company was thrilled to be included in the Class of 2012.
"It is a considerable honor and a reflection on the dedicated employees who have made HealthSouth the hospital it has become and a resource for community residents," said CEO Scott Filler.
Alpha was pleased to be named to the Hall of Fame, said Dan Weaver, director of manufacturing and support.
"We're proud to be a long-term employer in the Altoona area and believe that the work ethic and community spirit is what made our facility such a success in Altoona. We wish to thank the Blair Chamber of Commerce for this great honor," Weaver said.
Officials at Child Advocates of Blair County, which serves 462 children and their families, were excited to receive the recognition.
"I guess it validates all of the hard work of our staff and board to provide services to children and their families," said Ruthann Akers, executive director.
Other recognitions include:
- Excellence in Small Business: East Loop Sand Co., L.R. Webber Associates and New Look Uniform Shop/Blair Digitizing Embroidery Manufacturing Co. Inc.
- Community Service Award: Altoona Mirror, Forever Broadcasting and M&T Bank.
- Safety Excellence Award: McLanahan Corp.
- Sustainability Award: Penn State Altoona SIFE.
- Technology Award: EcoIslands LLC .
- Committee Choice Award: Operation SOS.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.
