Nominations Are Open for the 2027 Merritt Marks Business Person of the Year!
Who makes a difference in Lebanon?
The Community of Lebanon Association is seeking nominations for the 2027 Merritt Marks Business Person of the Year Award.
Help us recognize an outstanding CLA business leader whose professional achievements, community involvement and commitment to Lebanon deserve to be celebrated.
We want to hear about the people who lead, serve, give back and make a positive difference in our community.
Nominations are due October 31, 2026.
Nominees must be current CLA members and must have been members of the Community of Lebanon Association for at least three years. Not sure who qualifies? View the CLA Members meeting the membership requirement.
Who Should You Nominate?
Each year, the Community of Lebanon Association proudly honors a local business leader who exemplifies professional excellence, civic involvement, and a deep commitment to our community.
The Merritt Marks Business Person of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact through their work, leadership, and service in Lebanon.
Think about the business leaders you know who demonstrate professional achievement, give their time and resources to the community, serve local organizations, and continually work to make Lebanon a better place to live and do business.
Eligible nominees must represent a CLA member business or organization that has maintained membership for at least three years. Nominees must be an owner or serve in a management position involved in daily operations and may not currently serve on the CLA Board of Directors.
2027 nominations are due October 31, 2026.
About the Merritt Marks Memorial Award
The award carries the name of Merritt J. Marks, a longtime Lebanon County business and community leader whose service left a lasting mark on the Community of Lebanon Association and the greater Lebanon community.
Marks served as President of the CLA from 1988 through 1995, providing important leadership during a challenging period in the organization’s history. He later continued his service as CLA Treasurer and remained involved in the organization’s leadership and downtown revitalization efforts.
In 1989, Merritt Marks became the first recipient of the CLA Business Person of the Year Award. Following his passing in 2013, the award was renamed the Merritt Marks Memorial CLA Business Person of the Year Award in recognition of his leadership, community service, and many contributions to the CLA.
Today, the award continues that legacy by recognizing business leaders who combine professional achievement with a genuine commitment to serving Lebanon.
Meet Our 2026 Honoree:
Patrick Freer, Jr.
President of Strickler Insurance
The CLA is proud to recognize Patrick Freer, Jr. as the 2026 Merritt Marks Business Person of the Year. As the third-generation President of Strickler Insurance, Patrick continues his family’s legacy of trust, integrity, and service—helping protect families and businesses across Central Pennsylvania while leading with heart and vision.
Patrick’s impact reaches far beyond the insurance industry. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Lebanon Family YMCA, where he played a key role in launching the Freer Family Community Youth Center. This free after-school space provides middle and high school students with meals, mentorship, academic support, and a safe environment to learn and grow.
A two-time President of the Rotary Club of Lebanon, Patrick is a devoted community volunteer and youth basketball coach. He co-founded Snitz Creek Brewery, a downtown landmark that supports local nonprofits through events like the Linebreaker 5K. He also chaired Bologna Fest, which raised over $120,000 for charitable causes in the region.
“Patrick is known throughout Lebanon for his quiet generosity, hands-on leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth and community causes. His behind-the-scenes support has made a lasting difference in the lives of many, and he always shows up when the community needs him most.”
Past Merritt Marks Memorial Business Person of the Year Honorees:
- 2026 – Patrick Freer Jr.
- 2025 – Bill Shay Jr.
- 2024 – Greg Viatl
- 2022 – Vincent Garcia
- 2021 – David and Laurie Funk
- 2020 – Melody Vincent
- 2019 – Steve Goodhue
- 2018 – Loreen Burkett
- 2017 – Dennis Shalters
- 2016 – Anthony & Tiffany Miller
- 2015 – Kim Kreider Umble
- 2014 – Diana Hartman
- 2013 – Cindy Heisey
- 2012 – Frank Heilman
- 2011 – Karen Groh
- 2010 – Jack Cantwell
- 2009 – Ken Keener
- 2008 – Thomas Gerhart
- 2007 – Bernerd Buzgon
- 2006 – Willie Erb
- 2005 – William Kolivani
- 2004 – Richard Wertz
- 2003 – Valerie Stokes
- 2002 – Patrick Freer Sr.
- 2001 – Walter Zehring
- 2000 – Kaj Skov
- 1999 – Frank Dixon
- 1998 – David & Isabel Etter
- 1997 – Robert Hoffman
- 1996 – M. Randy Tice
- 1995 – Jan Boyer
- 1994 – Robert J Phillips
- 1993 – Joseph White
- 1992 – Jody Kasperowicz
- 1991 – William Wertz
- 1990 – H. Lee Moyer
- 1989 – Merritt Marks
Who Will Join This Distinguished List in 2027?
Help the Community of Lebanon Association recognize a business leader whose professional accomplishments and commitment to our community deserve to be celebrated.
Submit your nomination by October 31, 2026.