When asked how he felt to be awarded the 2019 Community & Spirit Award from the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, Dan Minich replied that the honor was not only humbling, but unexpected.

Minich, as well as three other individuals, were honored during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation 2019 that was held Thursday at the Pennhills Club in Bradford. The event was attended by a large number of area residents.

Also honored during the evening were Katharine Pude, superintendent of Bradford Area School District; Kevin Teribery, owner of B&T Contractors; and Sally Costik, curator of Bradford Landmark Society.

Anita Dolan, president of the Chamber, conducted the event in place of Kara Kennedy, executive director, who could not attend due to an illness in her family.

“It’s always so nice to see the different nominations come in” for the awards, Dolan said prior to the presentations. “This year there is a variety; what (Minich) has done as a young guy who has overcome some obstacles and started a ministry” is wonderful.

She said Teribery, who also started out with a small business and grew it into the 16th largest business in McKean County, is also an inspiration.

“That’s what is kind of neat, is that (the awardees) are all hard-working and have come such a long way,” Dolan remarked. “It’s nice to have them all together tonight.”

Minich, a native of Bradford and accomplished in business, is a founding member and president of Network of the Spirit Ministries which provides sober living for those in need of structure and support following treatment for addiction. In 2017 the Surr’enity House opened for men, followed in 2018 with the opening of the Gratitude House for women.

Minich said he “played a small part of the many” who made the ministry and related services happen, therefore he “never expected anything like this.”

“We’re deeply appreciative of this,” Minich said of the honor.

In her comments, Pude said she, too, was honored, to receive the Director’s Award designed to be awarded to an individual or organization who has earned special recognition. Prior to her appointment as superintendent in 2011, she held numerous positions within the school district.

She also served as a special education teacher for 12 years at Beacon Light’s Alternative Education Program. In addition, she sits on numerous boards in the community.

“There are so many great things that go on in this community and I know there are more deserving people, but I’m so proud of this school district that got me here,” Pude said.

For her part, Costik said she, too, was surprised that Bradford Landmark was awarded the Chamber’s 2019 Legacy Award which honors a business, organization or individual that has a longstanding tradition of making extraordinary contributions to the local community.

Costik has worked 25 years for the non-profit organization, which is now celebrating its 50th anniversary.

“I was surprised when they called me (about the award) and I thought that I had to call the board right away,” Costik said. “It’s nice (to receive the award on behalf of Bradford Landmark) and it’s very historic — this will be recorded in the history of Bradford.”

Teribery said he was very happy to receive the 2019 Exemplary Business Award on behalf of his company, B&T Contractors.

The family-owned business, which has been in operation since 1987, started with two people cleaning and has grown to more than 225 employees. The company provides facility maintenance services for commercial, industrial and educational facilities throughout western and central Pennsylvania and New York.

“The award is great for (our business) to be an example,” Teribery said. “It’s an honor and humbling.”