Cynthia “Cindy” Urban
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The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announces Cynthia “Cindy” Urban as the 2024 Citizen of the Year. A true trailblazer and dedicated community leader, Cindy embodies the spirit of this honor with her relentless drive, compassionate service, and unwavering commitment to the Venango County community.
As the President and CEO of Klapec Trucking Company, Cindy has shattered barriers and risen to the top of a male-dominated industry. Under her leadership, the company has received numerous safety awards, including the coveted President’s Award in both 2011 and 2021. Cindy’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed—she earned the Women in Business Award in 2009 and led Klapec Trucking to claim the Chamber’s Business of the Year title in 2022.
But Cindy’s influence extends far beyond her professional achievements. A lifelong advocate for her community, she has devoted countless hours to causes that enrich the lives of others. Cindy’s contributions, including volunteering at St. Stephen’s Festival, serving on the board of the Oil City Chamber during the change to the Venango Chamber, or supporting the YMCA through their merger with Clarion YMCA, have made a lasting impact on Venango County.
Her dedication doesn’t stop there—Cindy is a passionate advocate against human trafficking, using her role in the transportation industry to raise awareness and empower others to act. Additionally, she’s a mentor who inspires personal and professional growth, proving that we are better when we work together. From organizing career fairs to advocating for improved infrastructure, Cindy’s efforts have strengthened the community at every level.
Born and raised in Oil City, Cindy credits her strong work ethic to her father, J. Bernard “Bert” Klapec, who founded Klapec Trucking in his teenage years. Cindy fondly recalls helping her father with paperwork after finishing her grade school homework, thus beginning a lifelong commitment to hard work and service. A graduate of the Erie Business Center, Cindy later earned associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing from Clarion University, applying the problem-solving skills she learned to her professional and community endeavors.
Cindy’s love for her family is at the heart of her life achievements. Married to Chris Urban and mother to four children; Greg, Stephanie, Marc, and Bridget. Motherhood has taught her the values of leadership, integrity, and perseverance that she has passed down to her ten grandchildren.
Cynthia Urban’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Venango County. Through her leadership, advocacy, and generosity, she has shown what it truly means to be an engaged citizen. Her efforts have inspired countless individuals, and her recognition as Citizen of the Year is a testament to the indelible mark she has left on the lives of so many.
The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce is honored to celebrate Cindy Urban’s accomplishments and her relentless dedication to making Venango County a better place for all. She will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on February 19th at Crosscreek.