Shenango Chamber to Honor Hinkson, Sharon Robotics

SHARON, Pa. — The Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce will honor Hermitage city manager Gary Hinkson as Shenango Valley Business Ambassador of the Year at the chamber’s annual dinner.

The event will be held Nov. 6 at Park Inn by Radisson, West Middlesex. A social hour will begin at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. The program will run from 7 to 8:15 p.m.  

Also being recognized as Shenango Valley Champion Organization are Dave Tomko and the coaching staff of the Sharon Robotics Teams.

The honorees must fit the guidelines put in place by the Shenango Valley Chamber for the annual dinner, which emphasize the kind of leadership and community commitment the chamber values, explained Sherris Moreira, the chamber’s executive director. 

These guidelines include:

• Invest time, treasure and talent into the Shenango Valley 
• Draw positive attention to the Shenango Valley beyond its geographic boundaries 
• Help positively evolve the mindset of the community inspiring an attitude of hope and change. 

“By honoring a Shenango Valley Ambassador and a Shenango Valley Champion Organization, we are putting an emphasis on those that help inspire a mindset change that matches the revitalization in the region,” Moreira said in a statement. 

The commitment of Tomko and his coaching staff to the local youth via the Sharon Robotics Teams has had a huge impact locally, as well as making its presence known regionally and nationally, she said. 

In May, the team took second place in a contest at Legoland in California, competing against other robotics teams from around the world.

“And Gary Hinkson’s commitment to his community and to the Shenango Valley is of the highest caliber – always working behind the scenes to do what’s best for a community that he very obviously cares about – all to benefit the city of Hermitage and the entire Shenango Valley region,” she continued. 

Besides recognizing the honorees, guests will also enjoy a creative cocktail hour that features Shenango Valley stations that pay tribute to the honorees work in the community, as well as a special live musical entertainment. Veterans in attendance will also be recognized, plus there will be HopeCAT centerpiece giveaways and Shenango Valley swag bags.

A social hour will begin at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. The program will run from 7 to 8:15 p.m.  

Gold Sponsors of the event are Sharon Regional Medical Center and UPMC Horizon. The Nugent Group is Silver Sponsor.

Tickets are $75 and tables of ten are available for $700. Those interested in attending the dinner can contact the chamber office at 724 981 5880 or email info@svchamber.com for ticket information. 

Pictured: The Sharon Robotics team took second place in a global contest earlier this year.

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