WBVP-WMBA Station Owner Mark Peterson was honored Tuesday night at the Rochester Chamber of Commerce 2018 Awards Night Banquet.  He received the “Service to the Community” award, in recognition of his dedication to service through Beaver County Radio and in his personal time. Mark was presented by long-time station employee and Sports Director, Bob Barrickman, who was a previous awardee. Also present for the banquet were Cyndi Peterson, Diane Powers, Taylor Nichol, Maureen Cipriani, Pat Septak, and Matt Drzik.

In 2013, Mark and his wife Cyndi Peterson formed Sound Ideas Media LLC and bought WBVP and WMBA. In May of 2018, he authored and self published Behind the Microphone- The History of Radio in Beaver County, PA. The 270 page book chronicles the invention and development of radio in general, and the history of the five radio stations that have existed in Beaver County through the years. He continues to manage the company, which employs around 20 people.  In addition to operating WBVP and WMBA, Mark Peterson serves on the board of directors for several local organizations, including the CCBC Foundation, Beaver County Local Emergency Planning Committee and Drug Free Communities-Aliquippa. He also volunteers at The Well, a community outreach ministry operated by The Soma Gathering church in Beaver Falls. He has also promoted and organized the annual “Run for McGuire” charity motorcycle ride, benefiting McGuire Memorial, for the past five years.