Spirit of Erie
One Night. A Lasting Impact.
The Spirit of Erie is the Erie Regional Chamber’s annual signature event, bringing together business leaders, civic champions, and community builders for an evening that celebrates the people and organizations shaping our region’s future.
If you attend only one Chamber event each year, make it this one.
Honoring Erie’s Leaders
The 2025 Spirit of Erie Award recipients were recognized:
- Spirit of Erie Award: Tim NeCastro
- Catalytic Investment Award: Swing Project, Inc. (Drew Whiting and Chase Rogan)
- Chamber Champion Award: Dr. Chris Clark
- Erie Maker of the Year: Charlie Rutkowski
- Homecoming Boomerang of the Year: Benton Bainbridge
- Small Business of the Year: Blind Tiger, Rebecca A. Styn, Ph.D.
- Louis J. Tullio Community Service Award: Jennie Hagerty and Dr. Rhonda Matthews
- ATHENA PowerLink Recognition: Emily Ernes (Glass Growers Gallery), Christina Vogel (Donatos Pizza), Dena Rupp (Purrista Cat Café)
Evening Highlights
- Pre-reception: Open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and time to connect with fellow attendees.
- Seated Dinner Program: Plated dinner and inspiring award presentations.
- Post-reception Celebration: Coffee, dessert, and one more round with some of Erie’s best and brightest.
Stay Involved
Interested in sponsoring next year’s Spirit of Erie or other Chamber programs? Email [email protected].
