Several local community leaders were recognized for their leadership with awards by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The GLVCC held its 2023 Mayors and Municipal Officials’ Reception Thursday at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Allentown-Bethlehem-Center Valley in Center Valley.

Former Palmerton Borough Manager Donna McGarry was named Borough Manager of the Year. Edward Carter, manager, Upper Milford Township, won Township Manager of the Year, and North Catasauqua Mayor William Molchany Jr., won the Mayor of the Year.

Matt Powell, vice president of government and external affairs for the GLVCC, said all three individuals were highly-deserving of the accolades.

“All three were dedicated individuals, and we wanted to make sure that they were recognized for their efforts,” Powell said. “We look at their accomplishments and their contributions to the community, what they’ve done in the past, and why they should be considered for the award. We really look at what they’ve done for the community and the hard work they put in.”

McGarry was hired as Palmerton borough manager in 2019. She retired, with her last day as borough manager Feb. 24.

“I was humbled,” McGarry said. “It was just a nice surprise; I think not only for me, but I think it’s so nice for a small town to be recognized for all the good that’s going on.

“I was glad to be a part of that. Obviously, I didn’t do it all on my own.”

Before her retirement, McGarry worked for the borough in various capacities for more than 35 years.

Additionally, the GLVCC handed out awards for Most Entertaining Mayors of the Year, which were won by Palmerton Mayor Don Herrmann, and Slatington Mayor Jeralyn Schoch.

Schoch, who is in her second year as mayor of Slatington, said she was surprised to receive an award.

“I wasn’t expecting to win anything,” Schoch said. “It was nice to be recognized for something.”

Schoch said she makes it a point to stay active in her community.

“I’m trying to be very involved in our town,” she said. “I’ve noticed community members are getting more involved.”

Schoch said that in time, she has an even greater goal she would like to achieve.

“I hope I could one day win Mayor of the Year,” she said.

Like Schoch, Herrmann is in his second year as mayor, and devotes countless hours of volunteerism to his community.

“It was nice to be honored,” Herrmann said. “I was honored just to be there.”

Herrmann heaped praise on both McGarry and Schoch, whom he said were both deserving of their awards.

Powell explained the significance of the event.

“The main emphasis of this event is to celebrate the work and dedication of the mayors and the managers of the regions around the Greater Lehigh Valley,” Powell said. “They do the job; we want to honor them and show them their hard work is appreciated by the community.”