The chamber is seeking nominations for the annual awards dinner. The awards provide an opportunity to recognize important businesses and community members who have a positive impact on the Bradford Area. They also remind us of the strength of our community as we support one another. 

The categories include: Exemplary Business Award, Community Spirit Award, Legacy Award and Small Business/Entrepreneur Award.  We seek nominations for these awards from both the community and chamber members.  

The Exemplary business award is given to a BACC member in good standing who has been operating for five years or more.  Nominees demonstrate criteria such as innovative and or quality product and services, provide exemplary customer service, demonstrate economic support of the Bradford business community, or exhibit sustainability and longevity.  This may include manufacturing, industrial, tourism, hospitality, retail, non-profit, church or charitable organization.  Past winners include McKean County Community Foundation, Zippo Manufacturing, Northwest Bank, Futures Rehabilitation, B&T Building Services, Graham’s Greenhouse & Landscaping, Dexter’s Service & Collision.

The Community Spirit Award goes to a person or organization who is actively involved in the Bradford area community and shows exemplary service through volunteer activities that benefit the Bradford area.  Past winners include Bradford Friendship Table, Staff & Participants of Futures Rehabilitation, Christy Graham, Tim & Kristin Asinger, United Way of Bradford Area, Bradford Ecumenical Home and Beacon Light Behavioral Health Services.  

The Legacy award goes to a nominee who has been a long-standing champion of the Bradford area, who has been making an impact on the overall community related to service, resilience, economic well-being or home-town charm for ten years or more.  Past recipients include Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Mick Marshall, Francie Ambuske, Dr. Steven Hardin, Bradford Landmark Society, Oak Hill Cemetery, Father Leo Gallina and the Bradford Era. 

The Small Business/Entrepreneur award nominee must be an active BACC member who has been operating for two years or more in the Bradford area.  They have less than 25 employees and demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit creating a sustainable, positive impact on the Bradford Community.  Types of business may include small shops, restaurants, food trucks, salon, professional services, etc.  Past winners include Small Town Girl Boutique, Pizza Napoli and Country Charm. 

To complete a nomination, you have several options.  You can go to our webpage and find the nomination form to complete online.  The nomination form is attached in our Friday Chamber Scoop Electronic Newsletter.  You can sign up at our website if you do not receive the newsletter.  You can also email heidi@bradfordchamber.com for the link to nominate or to send a nomination via email.  Lastly, if you don’t use computers much, feel free to call us (814-368-7115) or stop by the office (62 Main Street).  For further information on the rules of this process, reach out to the Chamber. 

Voting will take place in late March. All chamber members can vote. Make sure you return to vote and support your favorite Bradford businesses.