Richard Merluzzi was named Citizen of the Year last night during the Lehighton Area Chamber of Commerce’s 21st annual dinner held at Platz’s Restaurant, Franklin Township.

Merluzzi has served Lehighton for many years and is active in the Lions Club, American Red Cross, Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton Police Commission and many other community services.

Chamber president John Angelo offered welcoming remarks before turning over the program to the new Miss Carbon County, Shari Kenlin. The guest speaker was Leonard Ziolkowski of the Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania.