Beard Legal Group PC, City Beverage and Tender Love for Children, all of Altoona, and Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg make up the Class of 2019.

Businesses must have operated for at least 25 years to be considered. Other criteria include what the business does for the community, as well as employment, expansions, what products the company makes and participation in community events.

Beard Legal Group LLC was founded Sept. 1, 1989, as Andrews & Wagner by partners David Andrews and Mike Wagner at the newly constructed Intowne Square offices in downtown Altoona.

Carl Beard joined the firm in November 1991 as an associate and became a partner in 1998. Today, the firm, which specializes in school law, represents more school districts than any other law firm in the state.

“It is a great honor. It is not me, it is the firm. We appreciate all of the support we’ve been given for the nomination,” Beard said.

City Beverage was founded in 1949 by Anthony and Kathryn Gimo at the corner of Sixth Street and Seventh Avenue.

Today, located at 525 E. Sixth Ave., City Beverage has 20-plus suppliers and offers more than 400 brands of beer.

“We were very honored to be considered for this award. We are a third-generation, family-owned business and this is our 70th anniversary. We have come a long way. We are truly honored to be inducted. For our family to still be in business for 70 years, that says a lot,” said General Manager Jake Denis.

Tender Love for Children of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church opened its doors to 100 children on Sept. 6, 1988, with Barbara Crago as its director. She remains director of the program, which today serves more than 200 families.

“It is quite an honor to be recognized. After over 30 years of running the business, to be recognized by Altoona professionals

is quite an honor,”

Crago said.

Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg got its start when Presbyterian Home officially opened its doors on Dec. 10, 1925, to 22 women with the second wing dedicated on June 28, 1928, with an additional 21 women accommodated.

Today, Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg has 67 beds in its skilled nursing facility; 43 personal care units and 82 independent living facilities, which include apartments and cottages.

“It is a great honor. If you look at the businesses inducted over the years, it really sets you apart,” said Jeremy Schrader, executive director.

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

Altoona Curve, Andrea’s School of Dance of Bellwood and Okonak, Dean & Lechner PC of Altoona received awards for Excellence in Small Business.

Delaney Insurance of Martinsburg, Greenbean Coffee House and Trade Secrets LLC, both of Altoona, were honored as Young Emerging Businesses.

AnswerLinks of Hollidaysburg and Veeder-Root Co. of Duncansville received Technology Awards; Armed Forces Mothers received the Committee Choice Award and Greenbean Coffee House received the award for Community Service.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.