They're versatile, reliable, and highly successful in whatever forum they choose to set their sights on.

It's only natural then, that Kyle Whitley and Brian Seitz shined brightest of all during the 64th Annual Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce and TIDE Dinner held Wednesday at the Mountain Valley Golf Club in Barnesville.Whitley received the 2016 Joseph M. Plasko Citizenship Award, while Seitz, of Seitz Brothers Exterminating and Environmental Services of Tamaqua, was recognized with the Business Person of the Year Award.Before that, both men were the proud recipients of citations bestowed upon them by Schuylkill County Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr., state Rep. Jerry Knowles, and state Sen. David Argall.Halcovage said the event was about honoring those who made a significant contribution to their community, and that Whitley and Seitz are two such people who are outstanding at that.Knowles commended Whitley, telling him the chamber couldn't have picked a better person for the Joseph M. Plasko Citizenship Award, and congratulated Seitz and his family, wishing them many years of success.Argall said he's seen Whitley in action, and that the award was something he truly deserved. He said Seitz Brothers has created a lot of jobs in the area.Ben Turrano, president of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors, presented the awards to both Whitley and Seitz.Turrano said Whitley's "versatility and reliability" is an invaluable asset to so many who depend on him, and that his willingness to go the extra mile to make any event, endeavor, or ordinary evening in and around the borough has proved to be both "enriching and rewarding for everyone."For his part, Whitely graciously accepted the award, but chose not to speak upon his acceptance.A valued volunteer to many organizations in the Tamaqua area, Whitley has been instrumental to the success of many organizations throughout the borough.Those include, but are not limited to, the Tamaqua Community Art Center, the Tamaqua Historical Society, the Bethany E.C. Church, and the Dear Tamaqua Program.While Whitley was acknowledged for being an asset to his community, Seitz was praised for his ability to grow and expand his business tenfold over the years.Seitz was introduced by his brother-in-law/co-worker Patrick Crampsie.Crampsie said Seitz is known for his hard work and determination."What stands out most is his focus and his fearlessness that has allowed him to take that business and take it to the level it is today," Crampsie said.Seitz congratulated his wife, Kylie, and thanked her for her support.He then thanked the chamber, as well as the board of directors, for all of their hard work.Seitz said he believes "the trick to being successful is hiring people that are better than you, smarter than you, and faster than you.""I need to thank my employees, because they made us who we are today," Seitz said.Seitz then thanked his parents for what they taught him, and for the skills they instilled in him."That's why I get up ever day and do what I do," he said.Under his executive management, the business has expanded to include environmental remediation services.The operation employs more than 100 workers in Tamaqua, Trexlertown and Tannersville.Seitz Brothers was started by Seitz's parents, Edward and Kathryn (Kitty) Seitz, who moved to Schuylkill County from Philadelphia in 1975.In 1976, the business moved to Locust Valley in Barnesville with the office in the couple's home.In the 1980s, they opened a pest control office on Route 54 in Barnesville in the old Marshall's Country Store location.Additionally, Seitz and a partner recently formed Blue Lizard Vineyard in Andreas.Seitz is active with TIDE, the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce, and lends his support to community endeavors like the Tamaqua Community Arts Center and Tamaqua Summer Concert Series.