2020 Business Person of the Year: George Pogue Jr.

We were pleased to announce George Pogue Jr., owner of Cumberland Valley Tree Service (CVTS), as the 2020 Business Person of the Year during our virtual Annual Meeting today sponsored by WellSpan Health – Formerly Summit Health.

George was chosen by a group of business and civic leaders for his professional leadership and business accomplishments that have served to positively impact the community. Given annually, the award is designed to honor business leaders with long-term contributions to their profession and the region.

“George’s leadership with the Cumberland Valley Tree Service has created a successful business model that supports not only its employees, but our community as well,” said Luke Martin, chair of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “George and his family have built a business that is a credit to our region and worthy of emulation to the highest degree.”  

George Pogue’s father started CVTS in 1978, and George became the General Manager of the business in the 1990s. Armed with a degree in forest technology and a vision for the business, George sought to expand the company to include more highly-trained professionals offering a wide range of services.

Under his leadership, CVTS now offers a unique business model with full-time staff, employee mentoring program and company-sponsored education; all of which enable CVTS to attract top talent from Penn State Mont Alto, Pennsylvania Institute of Technology and Penn State University Park. Employees of CVTS enjoy year-round work with divisions focused on construction, landscapes for marketing purposes and real estate.

CVTS is active in giving back to the community, offering both financial and physical support to civic organizations and charitable causes. George is a volunteer with Chambersburg Rotary, Forest Technology Advisory Board, PSU Mont Alto Advisory Board, Shalom Christian Academy Board of Directors, Penn State Mont Alto Arboretum Council and Freedom in Christ Church Board.

“George’s accomplishments in business exemplify the ‘American dream,’ and we are honored to present this award to him virtually at our Annual Meeting,” said Steve Christian, president of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce. “His leadership and vision have remained remarkable throughout the growth of his business, and his unwavering support of our community is deserving of extensive praise.”

Today Cumberland Valley Tree Service operates in over a dozen counties in the tristate region, and employs over 90 staff in four separate offices with divisions specializing in tree care, plant health care, landscaping and construction.

The Chambersburg Chamber has recognized the Business Person of the Year since 1987. Nominations are received from business and community leaders, then reviewed by a selection committee. The Chambersburg Chamber is the largest business advocacy organization in Franklin County with more than 700 members. It is committed to the prosperity of its members while enhancing the quality of life in the Chambersburg area. For more information, visit Chambersburg.org.