WAYNESBORO—Two local businesspeople have been recognized for their contributions to the community.
Dan DeDona has been named the 2022 Chamber Champion and Matt Gunder has been named the 2022 Roy S.F. Angle Businessperson of the Year by the Greater Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber Champion
DeDona, a retired colonel from the U.S. Air Force, moved to Waynesboro in 1989. He was instrumental in expanding the Waynesboro Youth Soccer Association program and has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Rotary Club of Waynesboro, Vision 2035, Hearthstone Retirement Community, Monterey Pass Battlefield Museum and Park and the 911 Tribute. He is a Washington Township Supervisor.
Five years ago, DeDona and a group of investors saw a need for a hotel in the community and brought Cobblestone Inn and Suites to Waynesboro. Most recently, DeDona set out to develop an online news source that would highlight what is happening in the greater Waynesboro area and, in November, Local.News debuted.
When he’s not out and about in the community, DeDona can be found in the air giving back. The pilot flies for Angel Flights Mid-Atlantic and Angel Flight East, providing transportation for doctor’s appointments and other non-emergency flights. He was named Mid-Atlantic Pilot of the Year twice.
This award was sponsored by Herbert, Rowland, Grubic Engineering, and other Related Services. It was developed in 2013 by the Chamber staff to recognize individuals in the community who are working in many of the ways the Chamber does to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the greater Waynesboro area.
Businessperson of the Year
Matt Gunder was named the 2022 Roy S.F. Angle Businessperson of the Year.
Gunder is a multi-million-dollar producer for Coldwell Banker Realty and holds many distinctions including Coldwell Bankers’s Rising Star, International President’s Circle, Diamond Society and multiple Sales Master Awards.
Gunder’s character and compassion is second to none and has been displayed time and time again with the non-profits he has served. He is known to be a tremendous contributor, both financially and physically, to the greater Waynesboro community.
He has served on the boards of the Greater Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, Luminist and the Waynesboro Country Club, all of which he was president at one time. He has also served on the boards of the Waynesboro Movie Theatre, The Institute, Rotary Club of Waynesboro, and the United Way of Franklin County. He is a third-degree Mason and Shriner.
This award, sponsored by Penn National Insurance, is presented to individuals whose contributions enhance the image of business in the greater Waynesboro community. Nominees are evaluated on their business, civic and/or volunteer work and other accomplishments.
Gunder and DeDona, both Rotarians, exemplify Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” They have been leaders in the community, share compassion for non-profits and continue to work for the well-being of the greater Waynesboro community.
