Voting is now open for the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce 2024 Annual Awards, recognizing the people and organizations that have positively impacted the community.

Voting will close at midnight April 1.

This year, there is stiff competition for both the Small Business Award and the Community & Spirit Award.

“For the Small Business Award, you have to be a chamber member and be in existence for at least two years,” said Heidi Scrivo, President/CEO of BACC.

“But it is really about recognizing people who are willing to use their entrepreneurial spirit to take a chance and open a small business that benefits our community,” she added.

This year’s candidates fall into a wide range of businesses and highlight how diverse our economic culture truly is in our local area. For example, Little Mountain Winery, in Duke Center, which has been producing local wines since 2021.

“It is nice to see people recognizing our local winery,” said Scrivo.

LabelPack Automation, on Russell Boulevard in Bradford, is another nominee.

“They are another business that has really become a community leader,” Scrivo said.

The Grocery Stretcher, located on Main Street in Bradford, is also nominated.

“They are a pivotal place on Main Street for people to be able to save a little on their grocery bill,” Scrivo said.

Leo’s Sub Shop, on Main Street in Bradford, is another nominee this year.

“Of course, if you want a sub in this town, you are going to Leo’s,” Scrivo said.

“They are really an institution and a family-owned business,” she added.

Another Main Street Bradford business that has been nominated this year is the Little Fabric Garden.

“Judy has just done a great job with the Little Fabric Garden, and she is so involved in the community,” said Scrivo.

Small Town Girl Boutique, on Main Street in Bradford, rounds out this category’s nominations.

“They have an adorable store, and we are really enjoying having them on Main Street,” said Scrivo.

Nominees for the Community & Spirit Award are people or businesses who have gone above and beyond to support our local community and make a positive impact.

“Talk about a number of wonderful nominees in this category, all of them have been a champion for Bradford by, say, volunteering or providing a service that is important for our community,” Scrivo explained.

The first nominee is Devon Kloss State Farm.

“With Devon, one of the main reasons she wanted to start her State Farm business was because it would let her positively impact our community and support Bradford,” Scrivo said.

Another nominee is Crystal Salada.

“She is another person who is always supporting Bradford,” Scrivo said.

“She is very involved in a number of organizations and always willing to volunteer — always going above and beyond,” she added.

The Friendship Table is also on the ballot. The non-profit organization has provided free meals to local people in need for the last 26 years.

“They provide such a pivotal program that supports those who need a little extra help in our community,” Scrivo said.

The Rev. Stacey Fussell has also been nominated in this category.

“People call her Mother Stacey — she is another one who came to Bradford to work with the church and she has gotten so involved in Bradford,” said Scrivo. “She gives so much of her time to the community. She is our vice president on our (chamber) board and we are so happy to have her.”

Finally, the Tuna Valley Trail Association closes out the nominations.

“That is another one where the people are all volunteers and look at how much they have expanded the trails already,” Scrivo said. “They have added bathrooms out at Marilla, they have a new map coming out this year, and many other projects.”

Eligible voters include chamber members, those who work at a business that is a chamber member, or those who are members of a service organization such as the Rotary or Zonta clubs.

“People can get on our website and find the voting form,” Scrivo explained. “If they don’t use computers, they can call the chamber to vote” at (814) 368-7115.

Winners will be announced at the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting May 2.