HONOREES — The Follansbee Chamber of Commerce honored a handful of local organizations and citizens for their community involvement at its annual dinner Wednesday. Participants included, from left, front:
Tiffany Gale, named the Young Professional of the Year; Lisa Mowry, chief executive officer of CHANGE Inc., the Nonprofit of the Year; and Paige Hashman of Team Ford Wellsburg, the Business of the Year; and back: Chamber President Eric Fithyan, Jessica Elias of Seven Ranges Entertainment, the New Business of the Year; Joe Lombardi, Citizen of the Year; and Mark Teramana of Team Ford of Wellsburg. — Warren Scott
HERALD STAR | WARREN SCOTT STATED:
FOLLANSBEE — The Follansbee Chamber of Commerce took time to recognize a handful of local organizations and citizens for the variety of ways they have served the community at its annual dinner Wednesday at St. Francis Centre.
Chamber President Eric Fithyan said the leaders of chambers of commerce in other states were enlisted to select some of the honorees after reviewing video testimonials submitted by nominees that were presented during the evening.
In other cases, the chamber’s board of trustees selected the recipients.
The chamber’s Citizen of the Year award went to Joe Lombardi, who serves as director business development for Lombardi Development, a local contractor whose work has ranged from expansive additions and renovations to college facilities, government buildings and churches in this region to construction of 4,600- to 5,000-square-foot custom-made homes in Florida.
Established 25 years ago, the Follansbee-based business is overseen by Lombardi’s brother, Paul, and his wife, Karolee.
In introducing Joe Lombardi, Fithyan noted the business’ involvement in community events, including the chamber’s Trunk or Treat.
For that, Joe has been game to assume such roles as Barbie’s boyfriend Ken and the Wicked Witch of the West while joining his co-workers for themed stations where they dispensed candy to children.
Fithyan said behind the scenes, Joe has offered input and support as a board member for both the Follansbee and Weirton chambers of commerce.
After receiving the honor, Joe said, “I owe everything to my family, including my parents, brother, sister-in-law and wife. Every day I try to be better for them.”
He added he’s also thankful to have lived and worked in Follansbee, “where you grow up seeing the opportunities that are available and the hearts of the people.”
Joe Lombardi celebrated that night with his family and staff by his side!
Pictured beside his family: Left to right His sons; Jacob Lombardi, Joey Lombardi, Jason Lombardi, and his wife Carrie Lombardi.