A record number of voters determined the 2024 winners of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce’s five annual awards.
The McKean County Community Foundation captured the Exemplary Business Award, Small Town Girl Boutique the Small Business Award, The Friendship Table the Community & Spirit Award, Pure Tech LLC the Director’s Award and Episcopal Church of the Ascension the Legacy Award.
“The community really stepped up again this year with many award nominees. We really appreciate the community’s willingness to join us in this process,” said Heidi Scrivo, chamber president. “More people than ever voted this year, showing how much our community wants to support our local businesses.”
To be eligible for the Exemplary Business Award, the chamber member must have been operating for at least five years. Nominees demonstrate criteria such as sustainability and longevity, innovative or quality products and services, exemplary customer service, and economic support of the Bradford business community. Organizations may represent manufacturing, industry, tourism, hospitality, retail, non-profits, churches or charities.
Small Business/Entrepreneur Award nominees, which must be an active BACC member operating for at least two years in the Bradford area with fewer than 25 employees, demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit creating a sustainable, positive impact on the Bradford community.
The Community Spirit Award goes to a person or organization showing exemplary service through volunteer activities that benefit the Bradford area.
The Legacy Award honors long-standing champions of the Bradford area who have been making an impact on the community’s service, resilience, economic well-being or hometown charm for 10 years or more.
Nominations are accepted from the community and chamber members. Voting took place in March.
The chamber’s Annual Meeting & Awards will be held May 2 at the Pennhills Club. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and the presentations will follow at 6:30. Tickets, which are $55 per person, are available at bradfordchamber.com or by calling (814) 368-7115.
The annual awards, representatives said, are an opportunity to recognize important businesses and community members who have a positive impact on the Bradford area.
“We also want to thank Zippo and the Blaisdell Foundation for keeping up this tradition as our presenting sponsors,” chamber officials said. “We are looking forward to a wonderful event recognizing these deserving recipients.”
