By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards drew a full house Thursday night, as community leaders, business owners and residents gathered to celebrate the people and organizations making a difference in the region.

The evening recognized outstanding achievements across local industries and highlighted the spirit of collaboration that continues to drive Bradford forward.

‘Whether we are expanding our business, facing new hurdles or investing in our neighbors, the chamber stands beside you,’ said Sarah Lonzi, chamber board chair. ‘We look forward to another year of collaboration, innovation and shared success as we continue to build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.’

This year was especially meaningful for Executive Director Heidi Scrivo, who recently celebrated her fifth year with the chamber.

‘It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has passed and what a journey it’s been,’ said Scrivo.

Awards… page A-10

A team from The Guidance Center celebrates their recognition in the Exemplary Business category.

Era photo by Savannah Barr Reviewing the past year’s activities, Scrivo noted two important milestones. First, the organization launched the Chamber Ambassador’s Group. The group started in July with five ambassadors and has since grown to nine members.

“This volunteer team is the heart and hands of our chamber, reaching out to members, sharing ideas, making calls and supporting events with energy and enthusiasm,” said Scrivo.

The second major milestone was the creation of the 501c3, the Bradford Chamber Foundation. The new foundation will allow the chamber to apply for a wider pool of grants and other tax-exempt funding.

“We now have new opportunities to support our mission, expand programs and ensure the financial sustainability of our organization,” said Scrivo.

The Small Business award was the first of the evening. It went to CJ Bar-BQue and catering, owned by Carmen and Johnna Bleem. After eight years, the family owned and operated business has recently expanded from a food truck to a brickand- mortar location at 545 E. Main St.

“This business has been a part of celebrations at weddings, graduation parties, factories and community events all across the region,” said John Pantuso, of the chamber foundation. “In addition, Carmen has generously supported organizations like the Friendship Table and assisted with food for our first responders.”

Johnna described the business as a true passion project.

“We want to thank the community for giving us an opportunity to do what we love,” she said.

The Guidance Center received the Exemplary Business Award.

“There is no greater gift than helping someone find their way — guiding them from struggle to strength and fear to hope,” said Lonzi, as she presented the award. “In today’s world, few missions are more vital or more challenging than delivering mental health services.”

The center has been operating for 41 years and has served more than 6,000 individuals during that time. There are eight facilities offering 28 distinct programs to help meet people where they are.

“The Guidance Center reminds us that true excellence isn’t measured just in numbers but in lives changed, hope restored and futures made possible,” said Lonzi.

The center employs more than 170 people across eight counties. Their programs are crafted with care, concern and the highest professional standards possible.

“It’s designed to meet the needs of a world that is constantly changing,” said Bean. “We offer care to individuals from birth to grave.”

Employees offer 70,000 services per year — nearly 200 per day, she noted.

“We know that life gets rough for everyone so educating the community on signs and symptoms of behavioral health concerns has been a big focus for us this year,” said Bean.

To further that goal, the organization developed a new training center on West Washington Street, available for community members to use. They are also planning on developing a crisis walk-in center which will be available 24/7 for those who need care.

“Patients in crisis should not have to go many, many miles away to receive good quality care,” said Bean.

This year’s Director’s Award went to Mike Butler, of Man’s World at 105 Main St. The business has been in Bradford since 1973, when it was opened by Mike’s late father, Joe Butler. Mike began working there when he was just 16 years old and took over after his father became ill. Throughout the years, it has become a Main Street landmark that has outfitted generations of locals, ensuring they look sharp on some of the most important days of their lives.

Mike credits his father with instilling the values and dedication needed to be successful, both in business and in life. He shared a piece of advice his father gave him.

“He said, ‘Remember this — there’s days you won’t feel good, something’s hurting, you’re tired and you really don’t want to go to that shop but remember, get up, get dressed and show up because there is somebody there counting on you today,’” said Butler.

This year’s Legacy Award was shared by two individuals who have given more than 10 years of service to making Bradford great. They were Fred Proper and John Vanerstrom.

For more than two decades, Proper was a teacher in Bradford Area School District.

“He didn’t just share knowledge, but instilled in students a strong sense of responsibility and community engagement that has had a lasting ripple effect,” said the Rev. Stacey Fussell in her presentation speech. “He has brought that same spirit to countless roles throughout Bradford.”

Proper is a member of the Kiwanis Club and has spent many years on Bradford City Council, Evergreen Elm Board of Directors and Pitt-Bradford Alumni Society, among other roles.

“His leadership has been steady and thoughtful, grounded in real love for this town,” said Fussell.

“I want to thank the community for this award and I am honored to share it this year with John,” said Proper.

He credits his family for his long-standing dedication to service work. As a child, his parents were very active in volunteerism as well.

“One very important thing I learned from my father is that service is about treasure and time,” said Proper. He noted that all organizations require funding but that time was an even more precious resource.

“I believe time is something everyone has to give, even if it is somewhat limited,” said Proper.

Jenn Douglass, of the chamber board, presented the other Legacy Award to Vanerstrom.

“This award goes to someone who’s made a lasting impact on our community through the years and if you know John, you know this is well-deserved,” said Douglass.

Even when he moved out of the area, Vanerstrom has always considered Bradford home. He continued to regularly serve with multiple boards and volunteer projects even while living in Erie. He is a member of the Willow Creek Sportsman’s Club and the Willow Creek Snowmobile Club. “If it’s midnight and a trail needs to be plowed, Johnny is the guy,” said Douglas.

He has been regularly involved in Kids and Cancer events throughout the years including the golf tournament, dice run and Zachary Vigliotta Memorial 5K Walk/Run.

“At every event he is the first one there, the last one to leave and he shows up ready to work,” said Douglass.

Vanerstrom shared an important piece of advice given to him by a mentor.

“When you think you’re as busy as you can ever be and you have no time left at all, go find something else to do,” said Vanerstrom. “That is something I have always tried to live by.”

He is proud to be a member of the Bradford community and considers it a privilege to serve. He credits his wife and mother as two influential people in his life whose support he could not do without.

“I want to accept this award on behalf of everybody who volunteers,” said Vanerstrom.

The final award of the night was the Community and Spirit Award, given to the Willow Creek Sportsman’s Club.

The club began in 2021 with 12 members and has since grown into a thriving organization of more than 400 people. In addition to attracting new visitors to the area with programs that feature the great outdoors, they are also passing along their love of nature to a younger generation with programs like the Youth Turkey Hunt, Youth Trout Derby and Kids’ Conservation Day. They also support the Willow Creek Sportsman’s Club Stanley Grove Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

“Thank you to our community and to our board members for support and recognition,” said Chad Yohe, club president.

In today’s world with so much screen time, outdoor activities are more important than ever, he noted.

“It’s nice to have some of the recreational activities set in this great natural resource that we have,” said Yohe. “We are passionate about preserving this wonderful resource and we will continue to educate, restore and engage with future generations.”