POTTSVILLE, PA — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce has been named the 2025 Chamber of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP), marking the third time in four years the organization has received the prestigious honor.
The award was presented during the Chamber Professional & Leadership Conference at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Somerset County. The Schuylkill Chamber also earned Chamber of the Year honors in 2022 and 2024 in the category for chambers with more than 700 members.
"This recognition is especially meaningful for our organization," said Robert S. Carl Jr., President and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. "It is a recognition of the dedication and commitment of our chamber staff."
The Chamber was recognized for excellence in membership, strategic planning, financial management, and organizational achievements over the previous 18 months.
Among the Chamber's most significant accomplishments during the evaluation period was leading a coalition of 72 chambers of commerce and economic development organizations across Pennsylvania in advocating for increased investment in the Commonwealth's childcare workforce. That effort resulted in the inclusion of $25 million in Pennsylvania's 2025-2026 state budget to support the recruitment and retention of teachers in child care centers.
Carl cited the Chamber's role in securing the funding as one of its major accomplishments during the evaluation period.
"Our work on the child care workforce crisis has become one of the most impactful statewide advocacy efforts we have ever undertaken," Carl said in announcing the award. "This advocacy achievement begins to address the child care crisis in Pennsylvania and across the nation, and provides a building block for future expanded appropriations."
Carl also thanked the Chamber staff, members, and partners across the state who joined together in the campaign to support early childhood educators.
The Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals evaluates organizational excellence in the areas of membership, planning, finance, and achievements over the previous 18 months. The Chamber of the Year Award recognizes organizations that demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and service to their members and communities.