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Business & Tech

Phoenixville Awards Dinner Honors Marian Moskowitz as Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized impeccable citizens and businesses in the community.

On Wednesday, Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual awards dinner at the . Upon opening the programs, there were three nominations for the “Citizen of the Year” award. There were whispers of speculation of who would take home the most admirable prize.

Kurt Kunsch, who is the senior vice president and trust managing director of Phoenixville Federal Bank and Trust, announced, “All three nominees are active citizens who made the community stronger.”

Kunsch highlighted the achievements of William Anderson, Dr. Louis Beccaria and Marian Moskowitz.

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First, William Anderson had an impressive résumé working with local businesses in Phoenixville such as the Colonial Theatre. Anderson co-founded the Charlestown Cooperative Farm and Phoenixville Farmers’ Market with his wife Liz.

“[Anderson] provided a venue with connecting farmers and consumers,” Kunsch said.

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Dr. Louis Beccaria, who is the president and CEO of Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, was the second nominee. Beccaria and his organization helped the citizens of Phoenixville improve their quality of lives through grants and outreach programs.

Additionally, Beccaria was an integral force behind Operation Warm Coats and the local food bank. He enjoys his charity work in Phoenixville and said, “It is a special honor to be thought of as this kid from Philly and to be a part of the Phoenixville community.”

The last nominee was Marian Moskowitz, and she is the co-developer of North Ridge Village and Franklin Commons. Moskowitz has been an active citizen in the Phoenixville area as a crucial member of the board for The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville Community Health Foundation and the Phoenixville Baseball Committee. Kunsch described Moskowitz as a true visionary who continues to shape the landscapes of our community. That included the building the ceremony was held in, Franklin Commons

Moskowitz was the proud recipient of the award.

“I have a very dear friend who said when the queen is happy the castle is happy. When the queen is unhappy, the castle is unhappy,” Moskowitz said. “This queen is happy most of the time because she has an amazing support group behind her.”

She thanked her husband, family, mother, sisters, staff and members of the community.

In addition to Outstanding Citizen of the Year, there were five other Phoenixville awards given. The awards with corresponding winners are listed below.

  • Youth Service Award – Phoenixville Police Athletic League was honored for creating fun activities for kids in the community.
  • Merit Award – Kelly Devine won for her extensive community involvement. April Klotzbach received this award for her efforts in Phoenixville Relay for Life.
  • Large Business Development Award – was admired for supporting local civic organizations.
  • Small Business Development Award – was recognized for giving back to the community and maintaining a remarkable appearance on Bridge Street.
  • Community Betterment Award – was honored for the El Puente Project.

Joymarie Chupein Defruscio closed the evening and announced, “The individuals tonight are truly inspiring and have done a wonderful job in the community.”

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