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Leaving a Legacy, Welcoming What’s Next:
Chamber Annual Member Celebration to Spotlight Board Leadership

Leadership transitions are an opportunity to recognize what has been accomplished, celebrate the people who helped make it possible, and look ahead to what comes next.

That spirit will be at the center of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Montgomery County’s Annual Member Celebration on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Manor House at Commonwealth National Golf Club in Horsham, Pennsylvania.

The evening will recognize 4 departing Board members who have completed two terms of service, while welcoming 4 new leaders joining the 2027 Board. The evening will also revel the 2027 Executive Committee. Through two special features, Leaving a Legacy and Next Gen: Meet the Leaders Shaping What’s Next for the Chamber, the celebration will highlight both the contributions that have shaped the organization and the leadership helping guide its future.

And, in keeping with this year’s theme, Good Food. Great People. More Time to Connect., the event will feature a relaxed, social format with an open bar, unique food stations, and plenty of time to connect with fellow business and community leaders.

Leaving a Legacy: Recognizing Service and Impact

The Chamber will recognize four Board members who have completed two terms of service. Each member will share parting thought to the memberships regarding the value of the Chamber for its members and what they hope to have left behind as an impact of their service.

  • David Onorato, Esq., Hladik, Onorato & Fetterman, Past Chairman of The Board, His service includes two 3-year terms and a 1-year extension.
  • Michael Mostochuk, EisnerAmper, Treasurer of The Board, Finance Committee. His service includes two 3-year terms and a 1-year extension
  • Kristen Kane Ford, Kane Social Partners / The Kellan Foundation, Secretary of The Board, Power Your Potential Leadership Committee, Communications Advisor to The President and CEO. Her service includes two 3-year terms and a 1-year extension
  • Ray Keough, My Business Advisor, New Member Ambassador, Member of The Finance and Golf Committee. His service includes two 3-year terms and a 1-year extension

Each departing Board member will have an opportunity to share a brief reflection on their service and the role the Chamber plays in the regional business community. Their 90-second statements will explore the legacy they hope to leave, the values that have motivated their involvement, and their aspirations for the organization's future.

The Leaving a Legacy series will extend that recognition beyond the Annual Member Celebration. The Chamber plans to film the Board members’ statements and share them through its social media channels, including LinkedIn and YouTube, with individual features staggered through the end of 2026.

The goal is to celebrate each leader’s contribution while highlighting the importance of volunteer leadership in strengthening the Chamber and the businesses it serves.

Next Gen: Shaping What’s Next for the Chamber

The evening will also introduce four incoming Board members who will help guide the Chamber in 2027:

  • Carolyn Watson, Vice President, Marketing Director at Ambler Savings Bank. Carolyn has served the Chamber through vibrant commitment to the Local & On Tap Member Leadership Team, the Golf Committee and through Power Your Potential advocacy and support.
  • Frank Minster, Managing Partner at Bonefish Grill, Montgomeryville. Frank has served the Chamber as event champion and dedicated sponsor to Chamber events.
  • Geoff Slick, Realtor at Keller Williams. Jeff has served the Chamber through sustained and enthusiastic commitment to the Local & On Tap Leadership Team.
  • Todd Mills, Director of Facilities Management at Merck, continuing Merck’s longstanding support of the Chamber through Board service

In the Next Gen segment, each incoming Board member will share a 90-second statement about why they want to serve the business community, what they hope to bring to the membership, and what they look forward to as they collaborate with Chamber leadership.

The Chamber will also reveal its 2027 Executive Committee, providing members with a look at the leadership team that will help shape the organization’s priorities and direction in the coming year.

As with Leaving a Legacy, the new Board members’ statements will be filmed and featured individually on the Chamber’s social media channels. The Next Gen: Chamber Board in 2027 series will continue into early 2027, allowing members and the wider community to get to know the incoming leaders and hear what motivates them to serve.

Together, these two features connect the Chamber’s history with its future, recognizing the value of experience while welcoming new perspectives and ideas.

Celebrate the People Who Move Business Forward

The Annual Member Celebration will also recognize outstanding members through four annual awards honoring engagement, service, entrepreneurship, and relationship-building:

  • Rookie of the Year, presented by QNB Bank, recognizing Ciera Schultz of Johnson Kendall & Johnson.
  • President’s Award, presented by Harleysville Bank, recognizing Tom Cooper of Galco Business Communications.
  • Entrepreneur of the Year, presented by Volpe Enterprises, recognizing Farnaz Dar of North Penn Cleaning Solutions, The Clutter Free Family, and SauFennel.
  • Bridge Builder Award, presented by My Benefit Advisor, recognizing Terry Smerling of DelVal Senior Advisors.

The program will include video highlights from The Chamber Chat, a fireside chat series in which Chamber President and CEO Christy Holland spoke individually with the award recipients. The full series is planned for release in 2027.

More Than a Meeting. An Opportunity to Connect.

The Chamber’s Annual Member Celebration is designed to bring the business community together in a way that encourages conversation and connection. Rather than a traditional seated dinner, guests can enjoy food stations, mingle throughout the evening, and spend time with people across industries and organizations.

The program will recognize leadership, celebrate member accomplishments, and offer a preview of the people and ideas that will help move the Chamber forward in 2027. Dessert, coffee, and additional networking will follow the program.

Whether you are a longtime member, a newer business owner, or a regional professional looking to build relationships, the Annual Member Celebration offers an opportunity to connect with the people who make this business community stronger.

 

Event Details

What: The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Montgomery County Annual Member Celebration

When: Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: The Manor House at Commonwealth National Golf Club, Horsham, PA

Presenting Sponsor: Univest Financial

Purchase tickets and learn more: chambergmc.org/2026-annual-member-celebration

Join us for an evening of recognition, celebration, and connection as we honor the leaders who have helped shape the Chamber and welcome those who will help lead it into the future.

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Montgomery County connects community and regional businesses through networking, education, visibility, and programs that help organizations build relationships and grow.