11/24/2025
We wish all the best to the Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce as they embark on restoring this landmark property and making a home base for their organization. It has been an honor to shepherd this historic building along its path toward truly becoming a place that brings people together, creating partnerships, and addressing the emerging needs of the region economically, culturally, and creatively.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce Announces New Headquarters at Former Mahanoy City Lumber Company
Mahanoy City, PA — November 23 2025— The Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a major milestone for the organization and the community. The Chamber officially settled on the future home of its new headquarters, located at 435 West Centre Street, the historic site of the former Mahanoy City Lumber & Supply Company.
This exciting step forward was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of the Coal Cracker Kids Board of Directors: Krista Gromalski, President; James Rhodes Jr., Treasurer; and Sandy Long, Secretary, who donated the building to the Chamber. Their commitment to Mahanoy City ensures that a landmark property will be brought back to life for the benefit of residents, local businesses, and future generations.
“The acquisition of this building marks a turning point for the Chamber and the entire Mahanoy Area,” said Jeffrey Bowers, Chamber President. “This location gives us a true home base—one that honors our history while creating space for the future of business and community development in our town. We are deeply grateful to Coal Cracker Kids for believing in the mission and potential of Mahanoy City.”
Coal Cracker Kids is a 501(c)(3) public charity with a mission to empower young people of the Anthracite Coal Region through youth-led projects that explore sense of place and promote professional development. From 2014 - 2019, it published Coal Cracker Youth-led News, a quarterly print & online media outlet for young people ages 12 though 18.
In 2017, Coal Cracker Kids acquired the former Mahanoy City Lumber & Supply Company, which served as its editorial office. “It has been an honor to shepherd this historic property along its path toward truly becoming a place that brings people together, creating partnerships and addressing the emerging needs of the region economically, culturally, and creatively,” said Gromalski.
In addition to being the Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce’s new office space, the property will serve multiple community-focused purposes, including:
• Plans for a modern meeting hall designed for community gatherings, civic events, and business presentations
• Future development of business incubator space and small office units, supporting entrepreneurship and local economic growth
• Permanent storage and staging space for the Chamber’s Christmas decorations and seasonal projects
As revitalization plans move forward, the Chamber will release additional updates, including renovation timelines, community volunteer opportunities, and partnership openings for local businesses.
For more information, contact:
Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce
570-778-8937
[email protected]
Photo Left to Right
Chamber Secretary Tony Merchlinsky
Chamber Vice President Ettore DiCassmerro
Coal Cracker President Krista Gromalski
Coal Cracker Treasurer James Rhodes Jr.
Chamber President Jeffrey Bowers
Chamber Treasurer Dawn Frye
