Masontown BPW to honor Charleroi woman as Employer of the Year
Casey Clark has had a lifelong love with art. Community service has become an acquired passion.
Tonight, Clark, who opened Off the Wall Art in Charleroi in early 2013, will be honored as the Employer of the Year by the Masontown Business and Professional Women at its meeting in the Italian Club in Masontown.
The Business of the Year awardee will be unveiled tonight.
The Masontown BPW winners will be eligible for the state awards to be announced June 11 at the state convention in Cranberry Township.
“I’m humbled and honored for recognition of the business we’ve built and recognition for myself and the Off the Wall Art team,” Clark said.
That team includes Clark, owner; Tanya Chaney, Delores Robinson and Gina Lynn, painting associates; Becky Kiger, events scheduler, and Deb Rose, buildings operations manager.
“Being recognized means the world for me,” Clark said. “I’m being honored for the efforts all of us put forth for this business.”
Denice Ferranti-Robinson of Masontown BPW said Off The Wall hosted sip and paint fundraiser events that benefited the organization’s scholarship fund and Dress for Success program.
Three $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually in BPW District 12, which encompasses chapters in Washington, Canonsburg and Old Trails (which meets in Bentleyville) in Washington County and Masontown, Uniontown and Connellsville in Fayette County.
The scholarships benefit women returning to the workforce with, for example, computer skills training needed for a new job.
“We target women who are trying to improve themselves,” Ferranti-Robinson said. “We work with the guidance counselors at colleges to identify potential recipients.”
BPW operates Dress for Success offices in Uniontown and Washington, providing women with clothing and accessories when returning to the workforce or medical scrubs and shoes for health care workers. All items are provided at no cost.
“Casey and her crew are so amazing to work with,” Ferranti-Robinson said. “They went out of their way to help us with the fundraisers. Each time, I became more impressed with their professionalism and their willingness to work with us.”
Community service is important for Clark, who is a member of the 2016 class of Leadership Washington County as well as the Greater Rostraver and Mon Valley Regional chambers.
Clark is also a member of Team Charleroi, which was formed by the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2006. Its goal is community development and promotions in downtown in Charleroi.
Clark also helped with the formation in 2015 of the Young Professionals of the Mon Valley.
The Young Professionals is a committee of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, open to anyone ages 21 to 42 who is “career and community involved.” Its formal mission is “to attract, retain and develop the next generation of Mon Valley professionals” through a number of different events.
Clark resides in Carroll Township with her husband, Eric. They are the parents of Hayden, 10, and Haley, 9.
“Art is my passion, and I followed my heart and created Off the Wall Art,” Clark said. “The studio allows me to help the community and all the while having fun.”
On April 21, Clark will be awarded the Young Professional of the Year Award by the Greater Rostraver Chamber of Commerce in the Willow Room in Rostraver Township.
“Casey is one of the most inspiring folks that I know,” said Lynn. “She has a way about her that puts everyone ease and makes them feel comfortable even when they are out of their comfort zone, such as attending their first paint event. She is always giving of her time, treasure and talent to help others and never expects anything in return.
“Her passion shines through in her business, with her employees, and in her community. Casey is thought of highly by family and friends and is most deserving of the accolades coming her way.”