Suburban Chamber Honors Local Leaders, Volunteers and Businesses at Annual Service Awards Dinner

By Bobbie Peer

Published October 24, 2025 at 11:45 AM

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — Community leaders, volunteers, and business supporters gathered Thursday evening at Embassy Suites for the 11th Annual Suburban Chamber of Commerce Service Awards Dinner, celebrating individuals and organizations whose work has strengthened Berkeley Heights, Summit and New Providence.

State Sen. Jon Bramnick served as master of ceremonies, weaving humor throughout the program while emphasizing the core values guiding civic and business leadership.

The annual dinner benefits the Suburban Chamber of Commerce and the Suburban Chamber Foundation, which funds scholarships for local high school seniors and supports business development initiatives. Guests participated in a silent auction and wine pull, with the chamber aiming to raise $15,000 to fund scholarships and update its technology infrastructure to improve communication, outreach and operations.

Chamber Chairman and event co-chair Jim Kwan and event co-chair Ines Cohron welcomed attendees and highlighted the chamber’s long history of advocacy, networking and partnerships across the three towns. Berkeley Heights Boy Scouts presented the flags and led the Pledge of Allegience. 

“The goal of the chamber is to promote our members and help them grow their businesses,” Kwan said. “We are here to support this community — and we see that community in this room tonight.”

Evelyn Davis, executive director of the chamber, was recognized as the welcoming face of the organization, describing her role as “the glue that holds us together.” She highlighted recurring chamber events, including Wind Down Wednesday and First Fridays, which foster networking and collaboration. Davis also introduced the Young Professionals group, which meets quarterly to encourage mentorship between emerging and established professionals.

Davis called on attendees to support two priorities: investing in local students through scholarships and modernizing the chamber’s technology. The Chamber set a modest but meaningful goal of raising $15,000 to help students achieve their dreams and upgrade its digital resources to better serve the business community.

Award Winners

Organization of the Year: GRACE founder Amanda Parrish Block was honored for nearly a decade of service providing weekly distributions of fresh food, hygiene supplies and essential items to more than 800 families. Parrish Block emphasized the impact of community partnerships and noted that 25% of households assisted have advanced to self-sufficiency.

“Each week is a celebration of what our community can be when it is well-resourced, generous and honest,” she said. “In community, we all can thrive.”

Silver Service Award: Bev Luehs was recognized for decades of volunteer leadership across nonprofit and civic organizations, including the Overlook Foundation, CASA of Union County, and St. Teresa’s Christ Child Society. She reflected on her work co-chairing the first renovation of the Summit Village Green playground and advocating for under-resourced youth.

“I am deeply honored to be a recipient of the Chamber’s Silver Service Award,” Luehs said. “The mission of the chamber — keeping our local economy and civic life thriving — exemplifies the work I am most passionate about.”

Beautification & Arts Award: Melanie Cohn, executive director of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, highlighted her team’s work fostering creativity, healing and expression through art.

“Art is not a thing. Art is a way,” Cohn said. “It allows schoolchildren to find their voice, formerly houseless veterans to find healing, and all of us to find creativity, beauty and joy. I accept this award on behalf of my staff and our dedicated nonprofit board.”

Business of the Year: Joseph Eberle of Weichert Realtors in Chatham recognized the power of community support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he distributed more than 500 gift cards to local businesses.

“Most people don’t know I happened upon a real estate career by accident… but it became my way to serve the community,” he said. “As you leave here tonight, I hope you walk away with new connections and opportunities, and in the future, think of me when you see a yellow house sign.”

Good Neighbor Award: Apollo Hrehorovich was honored for his work supporting homeless veterans, founding the Summit Homelessness Task Force, and serving in multiple civic and charitable roles.

“Good neighbors aren’t just next door — they are those who cast their energies in the broader community,” Apollo’s brother said. “Apollo exemplifies service above self.”

Public Service Award: Al Morgan, Mayor of New Providence, emphasized that giving back extends from family to public service.

Kelly Boneventre introduced Mayor Morgan, highlighting that he is now serving his fifth term as the 18th mayor of New Providence.

Reflecting on his career, Morgan spoke of the importance of teamwork, mentorship and community. He credited Senator Bramnick for his guidance since 1997 and acknowledged the colleagues he has worked alongside over the years. Morgan emphasized civility and collaboration in leadership.

“First of all, this award should be going to my wife,” he said, recognizing her unwavering support through the demands of public service. “We work as a family, and when anybody in the borough needs help, we all come together and help. We work hand in hand, government and business — together.”

President’s Award: Paul Kieltyka was recognized for transformative leadership at the YMCA, expanding facilities, building new branches, and strengthening community partnerships.

“Paul led the transformative growth across our YMCA, expanding facilities, building new branches, and deepening community partnerships. –  Through times of challenge and change, his steadfast leadership and forward-thinking approach elevated our impact and established the YMCA as a cornerstone of our community,” said Anjali McCormick, CEO of the Summit Area YMCA. “Personally, Paul gave me the opportunity to join his team, and I’m so grateful. He is also doing remarkable work at the New Jersey State YMCA, serving hundreds of thousands of people across 29 communities and associations, helping them be their best selves. New Jersey is lucky, and we are so grateful.”

Kieltyka praised the Chamber for its commitment to both business success and community betterment, encouraging attendees to get involved and support the organization. He highlighted the dedication of volunteers in Summit, New Providence, and Berkeley Heights as an inspiration for ongoing community service. 

“There’s no better feeling than achieving results in the nonprofit world and seeing the impact of your work in the community,” Kieltyka said.

The evening concluded with recognition of chamber board members, volunteers, and the event committee, reflecting the collaborative spirit that continues to guide the Suburban Chamber’s work.

Bramnick closed the program with a reminder of the community’s shared responsibility.

“I thank all of you for being here tonight,” he said. “And I appreciate the integrity of this Chamber of Commerce.”

To learn more about the Suburban Chamber of Commerce visit their website here.