SUNBURY — One of The Valley’s economic and community leaders has died. Bruce Smith died Saturday morning at his home near Sunbury, he was 54. Family members tell us he suffered an apparent heart attack and could not be revived.
He joined the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce in 2007 and was President and CEO.
Widely known in the Milton/Lewisburg and regional community, Bruce was known for being a upbeat, positive driver of a wide range of economic and community projects. He was an active volunteer and very passionate about promoting people and businesses in The Valley.
Stay tuned to WKOK.com for more on Bruce’s work, and legacy. (Mark Lawrence)
Here is a statement from the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce:
MILTON – The Central PA Region has lost a great man and strong community advocate. Bruce T. Smith Jr., President & CEO of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce, passed away Saturday morning, May 6, 2017. He was 54.
Bruce was first hired by the Chamber in 2007 and was promoted to the top position at the end of 2013. Under his leadership, the Chamber experienced incredible growth. The membership itself increased almost 50 percent. Numerous people admired him both personally and professionally all across the area. Bruce was warm and inviting to all, and would always reply with “Living the Dream” when asked how he was doing.
“Bruce was one of the most kind, selfless and generous person we’ve ever known,” said Jeff Shaffer, the Chamber’s Communications Director, and Tea Jay Aikey, Finance & Membership Director. “He always put people before anything else. He was a great leader and always maintained a humble spirit. “Family was so important to him, too, whether our families or his own.”
The Central PA Chamber Board of Directors will be holding a special meeting in the near future to discuss the impact on the Chamber and how the situation will be handled for the time being. The Chamber office will be closed to start the week. “We want to express our most sincere sympathies to Bruce’s family during this difficult time from the Board of Directors at the Central PA Chamber of Commerce,” said Chairman Dale Moyer. “Bruce was a highly respected member of our team, and the effects of his passing are already being felt by his co-workers and friends. Many of us counted Bruce not just as a co-worker, but truly a friend that guided and helped us in any way he could. His vision and leadership will be difficult to replace and loss of his guidance will be felt throughout the region.”
The Central PA Chamber kindly asks that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.
A statement was issued Saturday from Robert Garrett, President and CEO, and John Uehling, Chairman, of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce:
“The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce extends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Bruce Smith, who served as the President/CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Chamber. For the past decade, Smith served his community and advanced the Central PA Chamber’s mission of community and economic development, working tirelessly on the prosperity of our entire region.
Prior to his work with the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, Smith was an accomplished staff member and very capable economic development specialist with our Chamber. Also, he was a Leadership Susquehanna Valley distinguished graduate. Thanks to Smith’s leadership in recent years, our two Chambers have enjoyed a critical partnership that has been particularly evident during our Joint Legislative Breakfasts which regularly bring together more than 100 business and community leaders who get to meet face-to-face with their appointed and elected officials. We share the sorrow of his beloved family members and the sympathies of his wider public Chamber family at his passing.”
From Mr. Smith’s biographical page on the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce website.
As President & CEO, Bruce is responsible for the daily operations of the Central PA Chamber and its family of corporations. He works in conjunction with the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, Chamber affiliates, school districts, area business leaders and community partners.
Bruce joined the Central PA Chamber of Commerce in February of 2007. His prior work experience has been in many different fields over the past 30 years and, he attributes it to the success of relating to the members and their needs.
He is a graduate of Shikellamy High School, Sun Area Vocational Technical School and a 1997 graduate of Susquehanna University with a degree in Business Management. Bruce also graduated from Development Marketing Associates, Woodland Park, CO in 2001 were he became a Certified Development Professional.
Bruce is a member of the Milton Rotary Club and serves on the Board of Directors for Northumberland County Industrial Development Authority, the Milton Salvation Army and the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals.
Bruce and his wife, Connie, and their two sons, Andrew and Aaron, live near Sunbury. For anyone who has seen Bruce’s office you soon realize that he is a huge fan of the beach, ocean and lighthouses. He claims that these are the things that keep him calm and relaxed.
