Ray Koffler honored by Brownsville chamber for dedication to community
The 16th annual Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce riverboat cruise was made an unofficial “holiday” this year, as the Brownsville Borough Council proclaimed June 17 as “Raymond J. Koffler Day.” Koffler, owner of Tru-Copy Printing in Brownsville, was the honoree at the event, and was commended by borough officials, the state Senate and members of the chamber for his many achievements and contributions to the community.
“We wish to bestow sincere congratulations and honor on Ray Koffler for providing the community and surrounding areas with dedicated service,” said Brownsville Mayor Norma Ryan.
A short biography about Koffler was presented to those who attended, which said he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 1959 and served about nine years in active and reserve duty during his military career.
Prior to enlisting in the Army, he was employed with Standard Printing, a subsidiary of Uniontown Newspapers Inc. He left that company in 1965 and became a founding partner in Tru-Copy Printing. When he became the sole proprietor of the business, his goal was to make the company grow. He has operated the company for 37 years, and it has changed dramatically during that time, always keeping up with new technology and providing quality service.
In addition to Koffler’s success with the business, several people spoke of many other accomplishments, as well as his community involvement.
“After graduating from German Township High School, Raymond went to North Carolina State University and Penn State University,” said Nellda Ware, treasurer of the Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to operating Tru-Copy Printing for 37 years, he is a member of the chamber’s board of directors. He was also very instrumental in bringing the Izaak Walton League to Brownsville.”
The Izaak Walton League is a conservation organization comprised of members who are dedicated to protecting the nation’s environment. Ryan also commended Koffler for bringing a chapter of the organization to the area.
Ware continued to share that Koffler had volunteered at the Mon River Railroad Transportation Museum and is president of the Mental Health Association of Fayette County. She said he is also a member of the AmVets Post 103, a part of the Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers and on the parish council of St. Mary’s Church in Uniontown. He also belongs to the Fayette County Senior Golf League.
“If he has any time left, he enjoys hunting and fishing,” said Ware. “We are very proud to honor Ray this year.”
Ware presented him with a plaque from the chamber in appreciation for his service to the community.
Debbie Phillips, an employee of Tru-Copy Printing, also spoke on Koffler’s behalf.
“He has worked for many hours to make this business what it is today,” said Phillips. “Because of him, we have job security, and that is what counts.”
She also presented Koffler with an award, which she said was in grateful recognition of his hard work and dedication.
Koffler was not only recognized by people from the Brownsville area, but by the Senate of Pennsylvania as well.
President of the Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce Frank Ricco spoke on the Senate’s behalf. He said they wished to honor him for community service, the cleanup of Dunlap Creek and helping to bring in outpatient service to Brownsville General Hospital. The Senate believed that Koffler “reflects the true spirit and mission of the commonwealth,” and congratulated him for his greatly deserved recognition.
Ricco also spoke for himself and on behalf of other chamber members, saying they were very proud to honor Koffler.
“We are fortunate to have a man of Ray’s stature to honor this year,” said Ricco.
In response to everyone’s comments, Koffler said he was “overwhelmed by all of the kind words” spoken on his behalf.
“When I came here, I wanted to build an entity and support a family,” said Koffler. “I think I have been able to do that to some degree.”
Koffler thanked his wife, Mary Ann, and his two children, Barbara Crofcheck and Raymond Koffler II, for their love and support over the years.
“They remained supportive when I was out in the community trying to get things done,” said Koffler.
He spoke proudly of his two grandchildren, Raegan Crofcheck and Zackary Koffler, and said that despite his busy lifestyle, he always makes time for them.
Koffler also recognized his brother, Gene Koffler, who passed away in April. “My brother Gene was looking forward to this evening, but God had other plans,” said Koffler. “We miss him but I know he’s here in spirit.”
He said his brother was also a strong supporter of all his actions.
“I must also recognize my staff,” said Koffler. “All of these people have been the success of the business.”
Koffler said he has always been a firm believer that one must be involved in the community to be a successful person.
“There is an old saying that if you aren’t the lead dog, the scenery never changes,” said Koffler, adding that it is his hope to revitalize Brownsville so that it will be a place that people want to come to.
“We may be down, but we’re on our way back up,” said Koffler. “I believe that we will have a nice community again that will make us proud of what we have. We have the political and religious support, and the support of local businesses, and that is important. I’ve worked in this community for 37 years, and it has been good to me.”