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The Erie Regional Chamber Announces 2025 Spirit of Erie Honorees

The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership is proud to announce the 2025 Spirit of Erie honorees.  This list includes an impressive list of leaders and visionaries whose action are advancing Erie’s economic growth and civic vitality.

Launched this year and presented by Infinite Erie, the Spirit of Erie is the Chamber’s signature annual event. It merges the energy of Erie Homecoming with the recognition of Celebration of Excellence into one powerful evening centered on connection, recognition, and regional momentum.

The inaugural celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Bayfront Convention Center. The evening includes a pre-reception, seated dinner program, and post-reception celebration. Tickets and sponsorships are now available.

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2025 Award Recipients

Spirit of Erie Award: Tim NeCastro

Tim NeCastro serves as President and CEO of Erie Insurance. He has led the company’s expansion into multiple states and is a driving force behind regional transformation through his leadership in civic and economic development efforts.

Catalytic Investment Award: Swing Project, Inc. (Drew Whiting and Chase Rogan)

Drew Whiting and Chase Rogan are the co-founders of Swing Project, Inc., the team behind bringing Five Iron Golf to downtown Erie. Their bold investment represents a catalytic boost to downtown revitalization and local entertainment infrastructure.

Chamber Champion Award: Dr. Chris Clark

Dr. Christopher Clark, President and CEO of AHN Saint Vincent and adjacent hospitals, is a lifelong Erie resident and physician. He has served in several leadership roles at the hospital and has played key roles in nonprofits including the Children’s Miracle Network, United Way, and the Erie Regional Chamber.

Erie Maker of the Year: Charlie Rutkowski

Charlie Rutkowski is Executive VP of Operations at Industrial Sales & Manufacturing, a family-owned Erie manufacturer known for investing in advanced technology and employee training. His leadership represents Erie’s industrial innovation and craftsmanship.

Homecoming Boomerang of the Year: Benton Bainbridge

Benton C. Bainbridge is the founder of FEED Media Art Center, converting a historic downtown building into a hub for media arts and innovation. An internationally exhibited multimedia artist and returning Erie resident, he bridges community, creativity, and impact.

Small Business of the Year: Blind Tiger, Rebecca A. Styn, Ph.D.

Dr. Rebecca Styn is the Founder and CEO of Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails, a non-alcoholic cocktail brand born in Erie and now distributed nationally. A scholar and entrepreneur, she also teaches at Mercyhurst University and is a 2025 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow.

Louis J. Tullio Community Service Award: Jennie Hagerty and Dr. Rhonda Matthews

Jennie Hagerty is Executive Director of Mercy Center for Women and led a major capital campaign that transformed a former school into a community center. She serves on multiple civic boards and is recognized for sustained service to Erie.

Dr. Rhonda Matthews is COO and co-founder of Erie’s Black Wall Street and a veteran academic and DEI advocate. A lecturer and lifelong educator, she has championed survivor advocacy and intersectional empowerment across the community.

Young Erie Professional of the Year: Mike Williams

Mike Williams, a proud Erie native, serves as Head of Strategic & Corporate Partnerships for Young Erie Professionals and has leadership experience in marketing at Widget Financial. He is dedicated to community engagement and local growth.

ATHENA PowerLink Recognition: Emily Ernes (Glass Growers Gallery), Christina Vogel (Donatos Pizza), Dena Rupp (Purrista Cat Café)

ATHENA PowerLink is a year-long mentorship program that accelerates the growth of women entrepreneurs through advisory panels and strategic business support. This year’s graduated cohort and recognized participants are:

• Emily Ernes, Glass Growers Gallery
• Christina Vogel, Donatos Pizza Erie
• Dena Rupp, Purrista Cat Café

This is where Erie shows up.

We’re honoring more than achievement. This is a celebration of direction. Reserve your seat and come ready to not only connect with the people who are pushing Erie forward, but to see where you fit in.

Tickets are now available:

• Chamber Members: $100 per ticket or $750 for a table of 8

• Non-Members: $130 per ticket or $1,000 for a table of 8

Registration closes Wednesday, September 17.

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Interested in Sponsoring?

Sponsorships provide reserved seating, visibility at the event, and access to an engaged audience of business and civic leaders. To learn more or discuss options, please email [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you on September 24 at the Bayfront Convention Center to celebrate Erie’s growth and the people making it happen.