News Articles

Local Business Accelerator Accepting Applications to Help Existing Businesses Grow

Thu, 15 May 2025 18:57:08 +0000

The Bradford Area Alliance’s Entrepreneur Leadership Mission (ELM) Business Accelerator program is now accepting applications for its 2025-26 program. The ELM Business Accelerator program aims to help existing business owners realize increased business and life success.

The program includes a 2-day Business Owner Renewal Retreat at Beaver Hollow Conference Center. This event kicks off the 9-month journey where participants will be paired with a mentor, benefit from subject matter expertise on key topics, and formulate strategic plans to pursue new opportunities or overcome specific business challenges.

The program is designed to bring about lasting change for entrepreneurs of existing businesses in McKean County. The cohort convenes two times per month from September 2025 to May 2026 on Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM (excluding December).

Last year, the program graduated 9 business owner participants. Individual participants experienced 157% increase in monthly sales, 11% increase in owners’ wealth, and 3 new jobs created (and counting).

Carolyn Boser Newhouse, Executive Director of the Bradford Area Alliance commented “Our participants achieved real improvements in their bottom line and drove measurable change in their business. The participants learned from fellow owners and experts, obtained honest feedback and heard new ideas, were no longer isolated in facing real business challenges, and made lasting friendships.

Danielle Brinsky, President of Allegheny Industrial Insulation Company and ELM Graduate, stated, “The ELM Accelerator Program provided me with the knowledge, resources, and support to elevate my business by increasing revenues and profitability.”

Applications are open to any business located in McKean County. To apply visit www.bradfordareaalliance.com/elm-accelerator, scroll to the bottom, and fill out the form. Grant funding may be available. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, then please contact Christian Smith at Christian@BradfordAreaAlliance.com.

About the Alliance

The Bradford Area Alliance is a 17-member non-profit organization led by a board of CEOs, presidents, and community leaders, in business, education, healthcare, industry, and finance. The Alliance is focused on economic revitalization in the Bradford, Pennsylvania (McKean County) area. The Alliance concentrates on strategic solutions that increase the economic viability and resilience of the Bradford, PA community and surrounding areas through collective impact. The Alliance was created as and remains a non-partisan, non-political organization.

Photo Caption: Last year's ELM Business Accelerator Program's graduating class.

How Community Investment Transforms Rural Economies and Supports Business Growth

Thu, 29 May 2025 15:53:27 +0000

I grew up in an entrepreneurial family. I witnessed firsthand the hard work and passion my parents poured into the South Bradford Fruit Market every day. I also remember the many small, family-owned businesses - like Colella’s Italian Bread and the Bradco milk man - that delivered to the market daily, each playing a vital role in our local economy. Small businesses are the heart of rural communities, including ours. They create jobs, attract visitors, give back to the community, and shape the distinct character of our communities. With the right financial support, small businesses and early-stage entrepreneurs can thrive, driving local economic growth.

The enduring spirit of entrepreneurship in our community is evident—over the past five years, the Bradford Area Alliance has received more than 185 applicants for the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition (to compete for $20,000 to start or expand their business), a testament that our deep-rooted entrepreneurial heritage remains a part of our community DNA. Expanding access to capital ensures that new entrepreneurs and, thus, our rural communities can continue to thrive. By investing in small businesses, we support individual success, strengthen the foundation of our communities, and pave the way for a more dynamic and resilient future.

The importance of access to capital cannot be overstated. A Kauffman Foundation Study on access to capital found that 90-95% of businesses that hire required financing to start their business. Rural communities can have fewer options. Our community is fortunate to have strong and integral commercial banks in our community. At the same time, commercial banks, in general, tend to be conservative when lending to startup businesses and have regulatory constraints limiting their risk. This creates a noticeable gap between the need for startup funding and the ability to access it. If access to capital is clearly an important part of a thriving entrepreneur ecosystem, what can we do to address the challenge?

If rural businesses face an uphill battle for initial funding, then innovative and community-driven solutions, like Honeycomb Credit, a crowdfunding investment platform, are essential. Honeycomb Credit allows people in our community to easily invest and lend money to small businesses, helping the business to launch or expand while offering a return to investors. Honeycomb Credit simplifies the investment process, allowing individuals to invest as little as $100. The platform handles all the details, including distributing returns to local investors.

“Innovatively, 80% of an investor’s principal is safeguarded through a grant program funded by Halloran Philanthropies and administered by the North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission, providing stability in times of S&P500 market volatility,” stated Carolyn Boser Newhouse, Executive Director with the Bradford Area Alliance.

Julie Marasco, Bradford Regional Engagement Lead with the Halloran Trust, added “The innovation of this solution originated with Brian Fernandes-Halloran. His innovative vision has created a way for our community to grow together—by keeping our investments local and offering competitive returns. This community capital ecosystem strengthens Bradford’s economy while empowering local businesses to succeed.”

There is still more work to be done in the effort to bring access to capital opportunities to rural entrepreneurs, but exciting progress is underway. Honeycomb Credit offers a fresh way for McKean County residents to fuel local business growth. Be on the lookout for future announcements regarding investment opportunities to support local businesses through Honeycomb Credit. For more information, contact Christian Smith at Christian@bradfordareaalliance.com.

Alliance Raises Awareness of WEDnetPA Grant Funding

Thu, 29 May 2025 16:04:03 +0000

The Bradford Area Alliance hosted an informational session on Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA), one of Pennsylvania’s most impactful workforce training grant programs on Thursday at the Bradford Club.

The session was designed to introduce and raise awareness of WEDnetPA to local business owners who may qualify for the program, as well as provide updates on program requirements for businesses that have utilized WEDnetPA previously.

Deb Delhunty, Business Development Coordinator with North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, provided an in-depth overview of the WEDnetPA grant funding program, including recent changes to program guidelines and new requirements issued by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

The event also featured Tom Weible, Strategic Business Advisor with the Northwest PA Industrial Resource Center (NWIRC). Weible highlighted how NWIRC’s services align with WEDnetPA funding and discussed training resources available to businesses through the NWIRC.

"This session was an important step in increasing both awareness and utilization of training resources readily available to our area businesses. WEDnetPA is a great program as qualifying companies can utilize up to $2000 per employee per year for training" said Carolyn Boser Newhouse, Executive Director of the Bradford Area Alliance.

WEDnetPA funding supports training initiatives for companies across a variety of industries, including construction, healthcare, business services, and manufacturing. The session equipped attendees with tools to better understand and utilize WEDnetPA funding opportunities to enhance workforce skills and drive business growth. To learn more about WEDnetPA, visit https://dced.pa.gov/programs/wednetpa/.

About Bradford Area Alliance:

The Bradford Area Alliance is committed to fostering economic development opportunities. Through strategic initiatives and community partnerships, the Alliance strives to create a thriving ecosystem that benefits both new, emerging and existing entrepreneurs and businesses.

The Bradford Area Alliance is an equal opportunity provider.

Groovy Glaze wins the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 20:07:49 +0000

The Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition’s $20,000 grand prize was awarded to Mayva Sturzenbecker, business owner of Groovy Glaze, and the $5,000 Fan Favorite Vote.

Groovy Glaze is a pottery painting studio where visitors can choose and paint premade ceramic pieces, which are then fired in a kiln and ready for pickup a week later. Sturzenbecker plans to use the $25,000 to expand Groovy Glaze's offerings by purchasing new equipment and hiring a qualified assistant.

“Last year, I applied, and I didn’t make it as a finalist. However, applying pushed me to start my business, and this year, I came back ready to apply again,” stated Sturzenbecker about her experience with the competition. “I want to say that if you ever get turned down in life, you just try again.”

The business competition received 51 applications and Thursday night’s Live Pitch Event presented five finalists. Finalists presented their business pitches and took part in a Q&A session with the judges. Among the finalists were Dustin Coles with North Country Gear Works, a manufacturer that delivers high-quality outdoor equipment specifically for eastern and western hunters; Brittany Holsinger with Kinzua Canine, offers year round dog training sessions beyond basic obedience and addressing real life challenges; Abby Leposa with Speech Path Solutions, an outpatient speech-language pathology clinic serving pediatric and young adult patients; and Mark Young with Young Web Design, an affordable web design, marketing, and development agency focused on supporting small to medium businesses in Bradford and the surrounding areas.

The Bradford Area Alliance invited past finalists from previous business competitions to help celebrate the fifth anniversary of the event. Among the past winners were Helen Schuster of HMS Scientific Solutions, Jim Minard of Team Minard Productions, and Petra Stana and Garrett Raney of Allegheny Store Fixtures.

“This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition, a milestone that speaks to the enduring spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in our community. Over the past five years, we have watched incredible ideas take flight, businesses grow, and dreams turn into reality,” remarked Christian Smith, Economic Development Specialist with the Bradford Area Alliance.

The Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition was named in honor of and in recognition of the illustrious career and tremendous impact Harvey Golubock had in the Bradford region. A “Harvey L. Golubock Bradford Business Competition” fund has been set up through the McKean County Community Foundation to seed future competitions for anyone who would like to further honor Harvey L. Golubock’s memory.

The Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition would like to thank the community, entrepreneurs, and volunteers for five flaming years of business growth!

The event is possible due to the support of Blaisdell Foundation, Halloran Philanthropies, Northwest Bank, Northwest Industrial Resource Center, McKean County Community Foundation, Southern Airways Express, and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition’s promotions were partially funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition Announces Finalists

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 20:04:43 +0000

Bradford Area Alliance announced its 2024 Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition finalists, including new businesses, existing businesses looking to expand with a new venture, and new business owners stepping into an existing business.

The five finalists survived a rigorous selection process that began with 51 applicants, the competition’s largest number to date.

Among the finalists are Dustin Coles with North Country Gear Works, Brittany Holsinger with Kinzua Canine, Abby Leposa with The Speech Path, Mayva Sturzenbecker with Groovy Glaze, and Mark Young with Young Web Design.

“The competition is incredibly tough,” said Carolyn Newhouse, Executive Director of the Bradford Area Alliance. “It’s tough to turn away great applications, and it often keeps me up at night. Seeing the remarkable growth in entrepreneurial spirit within our community is truly inspiring. Since we started the competition in 2020, we’ve received over 185 applications. As we celebrate the 5th annual competition, the challenge of selecting winners only gets harder.”

North Country Gear Works is an early-stage startup created by Dustin Coles. North Country Gear Works manufactures high-quality outdoor equipment specifically for eastern and midwestern hunters who are passionate about spending time afield. The business has realized and designed equipment for the primary differences in hunters’ needs in the eastern United States versus those from the western United States. The $20,000 investment would help to secure manufacturing space and equipment, as well as to hire employees to assist with manufacturing efforts. Check out North Country Gear Works online at https://www.northcountrygearworks.com/.

Kinzua Canine is a new business created by Brittany Holsinger to meet the need for year-round dog training in a rural community with few local trainers. Inspired by her experience volunteering at a shelter and working in odor detection with law enforcement, Holsinger saw the potential in providing expert training in communication, fitness, and agility. The business also offers a gym membership with access to training supplies, allowing for continued development and bonding between owners and their dogs. Kinzua Canine’s mission is to bridge the communication gap between canines and their owners, one session at a time. Visit Kinzua Canine at https://kinzuacanine.com/.

The Speech Path is a new business created by Abby Leposa. The Speech Path is an outpatient speech-language pathology clinic serving pediatric and young adult patients, from birth to age 25, in Bradford and the surrounding areas. The clinic addresses the gap in services for children who have aged out of early intervention or do not qualify for school-based therapy due to minimal academic impact. By offering personalized speech therapy, The Speech Path ensures that patients at all stages of development can access the care they need to improve their communication skills and overall quality of life.

Groovy Glaze is an existing business seeking to expand, owned by Mayva Sturzenbecker. Groovy Glaze is a pottery painting studio where visitors can choose and paint premade ceramic pieces, which are then fired in a kiln and ready for pickup a week later. These finished pieces can be used or displayed as desired. After six months in operation, Groovy Glaze is experiencing growing demand and is ready to expand by hiring additional staff. The business also plans to introduce clay classes and upgrade seating to accommodate more customers and the new services it aims to offer. Check out Groovy Glaze online at https://www.groovyglaze.shop/.

Young Web Design is a new business created by Mark Young. Originally established in Logan, UT as a freelance resource, the business was shut down after Young relocated to Bradford, PA. Now, he is relaunching Young Web Design as an affordable web design, marketing, and development agency focused on supporting small to medium businesses in Bradford and the surrounding areas. With over a decade of experience working at multiple agencies, Mark aims to enhance local web presence and improve user experience, bringing his extensive expertise in design and development to the community. Check out Young Web Design online at https://youngwebdesign.net/.

To determine who will win the $20,000 grand prize, the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition Pitch Event is scheduled Oct. 17th at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Harriett B. Wick Chapel. The event is open to the public with limited tickets. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event begins at 6 o’clock. Audience members will be part of the action and have the opportunity to vote for their favorite as part of this year’s $5,000 People’s Choice Award.

The Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition’s promotions were partially funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Bradford Area Alliance to Host “Creating Purposeful Strategies For Your Success”

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:14:07 +0000

The Bradford Area Alliance is hosting a motivational and practical workshop event, titled “Creating Purposeful Strategies for Your Success”, from 8:30 a.m. until noon on Friday in the Beacon Light Bromeley Education Center at 47 Beacon Light Way. This motivational and practical workshop is intended to help attendees enjoy what they do more and learn strategies to help propel them towards their goals. The workshop will be led by speaker Lisa Pustelak — the Culture Development Manager for the Northwest Industrial Resource Center (NWIRC) of Erie.

Pustelak has over 25 years of experience working with companies to aid individuals with developing their potential. She is a certified professional coach through Duquesne University, as well as a certified DDI Facilitator. Pustelak is also a member of Women in Manufacturing, the National Tool & Machining Association, the Association of Talent Development and PA Business and Professional Women.

Utilizing her vast knowledge obtained over the past 25 years, Pustelak will address the following topics: Purpose and Passion; Civility and Success; Leadership Development; and Strategic Planning. These topics will help attendees discover where to find more purpose and passion every day; realize that how the people attendees are surrounded by are treated contributes to the level of success which can be achieved; develop leadership skills and learn the impact leadership has on team performance and culture; and to learn how having a strategic plan in place can guide a person towards their goals.

There are 45 seats available for the workshop, however 13 of those seats have already been reserved. Visit https://bradfordareaalliance.ticketspice.com/purposeful-success to reserve one of the remaining seats, before they are sold out. The ticket price for this workshop is $30. This workshop is being offered in partnership by the Bradford Area Alliance, United States Department of Agriculture, Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership McKean, and the Northwest Industrial Resource Center. Entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, business owners, and emerging leaders are encouraged to register for this incredible program.

For additional information or to ask questions, contact Christian through email via Christian@BradfordAreaAlliance.com. For more information about the Bradford Area Alliance, visit www.bradfordareaalliance.com.

ELM Business Accelerator Graduates Inaugural Class

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:19:13 +0000

The Bradford Area Alliance’s inaugural cohort of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Mission (ELM) Business Accelerator program graduated Thursday August 15th. Launched in December 2023, the accelerator’s comprehensive nine-month program was designed to help business owners and entrepreneurs achieve greater success and balance by addressing critical business challenges and opportunities.

Reflecting on the program's impact Christian Smith, Economic Development Specialist at the Bradford Area Alliance stated, “It has been inspiring to see the commitment and growth of our ELM cohort. These business owners and entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable resilience, creativity, and adaptability. Each of them are strong leaders in their own right. Their achievements in this program are a testament to the impact that additional support, mentorship, and a strong network can have on business owners in our region.”

The graduation ceremony took place at PennHills Club, where the graduating business owners received plaques of completion. Alliance Board members, ELM mentors, reactors, and subject matter experts, as well as both Allen Hopkins, Area Specialist and Tom Wellington, Area Director with USDA Rural Development, attended to celebrate the graduating class.

Through the program, the graduates participated in a multi-day Business Owner Renewal Retreat at Beaver Hollow Conference Center. Participants underwent Hogan Personality and DISC assessments and attended ‘chalk talks’ from guest speakers who are themselves successful entrepreneurs and business owners. Participants were paired with seasoned mentors who provided added support. In addition, participants had access to individual coaching sessions with a certified Executive Leadership Coach. Forum and Clinic Sessions were held at the Marilyn Horne Hall in Bradford, PA.

“The ELM Program has been an amazing nine-month journey for the participants, and we are immensely proud of their growth as business owners,” said Althea Luehrsen, ELM Accelerator Program Director and President and CEO of August Moon Consulting, LLC. “The enthusiasm of this cohort has been something to witness. They are amazing business owners. Their openness to suggestions for their growth and the progress they have made to date has been rewarding to witness.”

The Bradford Area Alliance congratulates all graduates and looks forward to their continued success and contributions to the community.

The inaugural 2024 graduating cohort included: Tonya Bisker with Copy Connection, Danielle Brinsky with Alleghany Industrial Insulation Company, Greg Gleason with Pizza Napoli’s Brick Oven Pizza Trailer and Catering Services, Sue Gleason with Pizza Napoli & Restaurant, Devon Kloss with Devon Kloss State Farm, Jim Minard with Team Minard Productions, Jody Murphey with Julie's Ever After, Mauri Shembeda with Bloom Organic Beauty Bar, and Petra Stana with Allegheny Store Fixtures.

The Bradford Area Alliance would like to thank the following mentors, reactors, subject matter experts, and renewal retreat guest speakers for their service within the program.

Mentors in the program included: Bill Andrews, a partner at Pace Management; Sarah Boser, former owner of a jewelry business featuring hand-crafted glass beads; Lisa Duke, retired Owner of Lisa’s Hairport; Jeff Gabel, Facilities Manager at Zippo Manufacturing; Julie Marasco, retired as Regional President of the Northwest PA Region Northwest Bank; Lisa Miller, Senior Product Manager at W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery; Tom Weible, Field Representative at NWIRC; and Craig Womeldorf with Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA.

Reactors and Subject Matter Experts included: Bill Andrews, a partner at Pace Management; Bernie Aja, Business Development Executive with ESC Employer Services; Tricia Barrett, CEO of Crowley Webb; Rachael Brown, Vice President Employer Service Corp.; Paul Buckley, retired Former Director of Technology at The Buffalo News; Dave Cervi, President of Personal Touch Food Service; Joel Colombo, President and CEO with 360 PSG; Dominic Cortese, President and CEO Cortese Brothers Construction; Taylor Gillmeister, Assurance Manager with LVBW, LLP in Buffalo, NY; Greg Gjurich, HR Business Partner with ESC Employer Services; John Hogg of Straight Forward Consulting; Erin Johnson, Group Vice President and Human Resource Director at MOOG Space and Defense Group; J Kincaid, CPA and managing partner of LVBW, LLP in Buffalo, NY; Peter Kreinheder, Owner of Southern Tier Brewing; Christine Marino, Senior Customer Solutions Manager at Amazon Web Services; Justin Reid, CPA at Bonadio; Rob Robinson, District Manager for Delaware North; Jim Smith, CPA and Firm Principal for Smith, Best & Stoneking, PC.; Steve Troisi, Owner of Troisi CPA, PLLC; and Julie Waldron, President at Proforma Total Business.

Renewal Retreat Guest Speakers included: Mercedes Wilson, author, television personality, and founder of Sadie’s Relish; Kathy Snyder, President and COO of Beaver Hollow Conference Center; Dave Cervi, with President of Personal Touch Food Service; and Nick Del Nuovo, Personal Touch Food Service.

The ELM Business Accelerator is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Gleason Presents Napoli’s Brick Oven Pizza Trailer and Catering Services at ELM Clinic Session

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:15:02 +0000

Pizza Napoli’s Brick Oven Pizza Trailer and Catering Services’ growth opportunities were presented by Greg Gleason, business owner, during the last Entrepreneur Leadership Mission (ELM) Business Accelerator clinic session of the 2024 Cohort.

The ELM Business Accelerator offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to help existing business owners pursue new opportunities, overcome unique challenges, and achieve greater success. The program provides participants the opportunity to engage with subject matter experts and present their individualized strategic action plans. Clinic sessions allow business owners to showcase their goals and achievements, receiving constructive feedback from peers. Participants are also paired with experienced business mentors who provide monthly one-on-one support, ensuring that their time invested leads to tangible results. Bill Andrews, a partner at Pace Management, served as Greg’s mentor.

Reactors are subject matter experts that attend clinicals and provide constructive suggestions on presented opportunities. Reactors in attendance included Dave Cervi, President at Personal Touch Food Service, Inc., and Rob Robinson, Delaware North’s District Manager.

“I appreciated the constructive feedback and actionable suggestions given during the clinic session. Everyone’s insights sparked ideas for more growth,” remarked Gleason.

Pizza Napoli & Restaurant offers event catering through both the restaurant services and a new Brick Oven Pizza Trailer. Pizza Napoli & Restaurant provides customizable menus for various occasions, including birthday parties, graduations, showers, and private events. Catering options offer both in-house and drop-catering including appetizer menus, and casual and formal dining options. The Brick Oven Pizza Trailer serves pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, and more at festivals. During private events the menu has the options of casual or formal. The Brick Oven Pizza Trailer is available throughout Bradford and surrounding areas in both Pennsylvania and New York. To book Pizza Napolis’s services, customers can email pizzanapolievents@gmail.com or fill out the contact form on Pizza Napoli’s website. Updates on the Pizza Trailer's locations and events are available on Pizza Napoli & Restaurant’s Facebook page.

The ELM Business Accelerator is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program.

Devon Kloss State Farm Strategizes Business in the ELM Business Accelerator

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:27:46 +0000

Devon Kloss, owner of Devon Kloss State Farm, effectively showcased her clinic session at the innovative Entrepreneur Leadership Mission (ELM) Business Accelerator program facilitated by the Bradford Area Alliance. Clinicals serve as a platform for business owners to present their business and ideas for growth with active input from fellow classmates and guest entrepreneurs and industry experts with relevant expertise. Kloss’s clinic session took place at the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center’s conference room on Thursday evening.

Reactors, mentors, facilitators, and classmates shared suggestions and supportive comments after Kloss’s presentation. Mentors are seasoned business owners or entrepreneurs that provide support and guidance throughout the programing. Bill Andrews, a partner at Pace Management, served as Kloss’s mentor. “I have enjoyed being a mentor and reactor for the program. It has been rewarding assisting these entrepreneurs and seeing how openly they share and utilize the resources that the program provides for them. It has been rewarding working with Devon and seeing how her passion for her business, her people, and her community drives her to be better,” stated Andrews.

Reactors are guest entrepreneurs and subject matter experts that offer new perspectives on strategies to face challenges and opportunities during clinicals. Kloss’s reactor was Bernie Aja, Business Development Executive with Employer Services Corporation (ESC) and Taylor Gillmeister, Assurance Manager at LVBW, CPA.

Devon Kloss State Farm, located in the Skinny Building at 53 Main Street in Bradford, PA, provides a comprehensive range of insurance products and financial services to clients in Bradford, Kane, Warren, Shinglehouse, and the surrounding areas. Specializing in auto, life, health, homeowners, and renters’ insurance, Devon Kloss State Farm also offers coverage for motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, and RVs in both Pennsylvania and New York. Clients can benefit from free quotes for commercial insurance and personalized assistance with personal articles, business, life, health, and pet insurance. Additionally, the agency provides banking services, annuities, and auto mileage discounts, all while maintaining a commitment to exceptional 24/7 Good Neighbor customer service. For more information or to schedule a virtual meeting, visit devonklossinsurance.com or call (814) 817-2086.

“Engaging in high-value conversations throughout the program has been amazing. Whether discussing challenges, opportunities, or exploring new considerations, these exchanges have expanded my thinking,” Kloss stated.

The ELM Business Accelerator is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Bradford Area Alliance Announces the Launch of the Fifth Annual ‘Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition’

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 18:49:36 +0000

The Bradford Area Alliance announces the launch of the fifth annual ‘Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition.’

Applications are now open for the fifth annual ‘Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition,’ offering $20,000 in funding to help grow local businesses. Additionally, finalists will have the chance to win an extra $5,000 as the ‘Fan Favorite,’ selected by the audience during the October 17, 2024 Pitch Event. Do you have the next great idea? Whether it's a new app, product, store, consulting business, services company, or seasonal venture, the Bradford Area Alliance wants to help you bring that idea to life. The competition is open to anyone starting a new business or expanding an existing one in the Bradford area, including the city, surrounding townships, and Lewis Run.

"We are thrilled to reach this 5-year milestone and even more excited by the number and quality of businesses that have stepped forward to compete since we started during the pandemic in 2020. Seeing all the ideas and passion every year is very exciting for the entrepreneur and for our communities," says Carolyn Boser Newhouse, Executive Director of the Bradford Area Alliance.

Interested parties should visit www.BradfordAreaAlliance.com/competition for more details and to fill out the online contact form. The Alliance will then assist in developing a 2-3 page business plan outline and discuss available free resources (whether you decide to compete or not). The deadline for applying and submitting business plan outlines for the competition is August 30th. Finalists will be selected by an independent committee and will participate in the Pitch Event held on October 17, 2024 at Bromeley Family Theatre at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The Pitch Event is open to the public.

Ron Orris, Bradford Area Alliance Vice President and Blaisdell Foundation Executive Director adds, “It is invigorating to see the dynamic growth of both new and established businesses in our community. Initiatives like this help reignite the entrepreneurial spark that is part of our history and will drive our communities forward into the future.”

To ensure the continuation of this annual competition and to grow new jobs in the area, the “Harvey L. Golubock Bradford Business Competition Fund” has been established at the McKean County Community Foundation (MCCF). For additional information regarding investment opportunities in this fund, please call the MCCF at 1-844-238-2289 or reach out to Carolyn Newhouse at 1-814-598-1519.

This year’s competition is made possible through sponsorship and support of the Blaisdell Foundation, Halloran Philanthropies, Northwest Bank, McKean County Community Foundation, Northwest PA Industrial Resource Center, and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Pizza Napoli Delivers ELM Clinic Session

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:27:56 +0000

Sue Gleason, owner of Pizza Napoli, presents opportunities for growth during ELM Business Accelerator Clinic Session on Thursday evening.

The ELM Business Accelerator program is a 9-month program launched by the Bradford Area Alliance to provide business owners with resources to scale their business, pursue new opportunities, overcome challenges, and accelerate their success. Clinicals serve as a platform for business owners to present their business and ideas for growth with constructive input from fellow participants, mentors, reactors, and facilitators.

Pizza Napoli, a Bradford staple since 1973, was founded by Gertrude and Italo Procacci at Bradford’s “seven dials.” In 2015, Sue Gleason, along with her husband Greg Gleason and daughters Samantha and Jessica Gleason, took ownership and continue to uphold the original Italian recipes. Pizza Napoli offers dine-in, take-out, and delivery services at 147 West Washington St., Bradford, PA 16701. Operating hours are Monday to Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday 11am-9pm, Saturday 4pm-9pm, and Sunday 2pm-8pm.

Mentors provide guidance and support throughout the program. Jeff Gabel, Facilities Manager at Zippo Manufacturing, serves as Sue’s mentor. Jeff states, “Sue has many exciting opportunities on the horizon. It is evident how hard she works to run her business successfully. The ELM program is a great place for all participants to receive professional suggestions on their future opportunities."

The ELM program welcomes guest entrepreneurs and subject matter experts, known as reactors, to offer insights on challenges and opportunities presented during the clinic sessions. Christine Marino, Senior Customer Solutions Manager at Amazon Web Services, and Erin Johnson, Group Vice President and Human Resource Director at MOOG Space and Defense Group, served as reactors for Sue’s presentation, sharing their expertise and insights.

Sue states, “Participating in ELM was a game changer for me. It provided invaluable guidance, opened doors to new networks of compassionate, successful, and motivated individuals. It has accelerated my learning curve in ways I never imagined. My colleagues' insight and support have been instrumental in refining my strategies and navigating the complexities of owning a business.”

“The ELM Program in Bradford is an exceptional resource for the small business community. After successfully running a similar program in Buffalo for eight years, I was thrilled to be invited to help launch this initiative in Bradford. With Sue's strong business acumen and the completion of the ELM Program, she is poised for tremendous success,” says Althea E. Luehrsen, ELM Program Director and President and CEO August Moon Consulting, LLC.

The ELM Business Accelerator is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

New Owner Seeks To Raise Local Awareness of Scope of Commercial Print Solutions

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 20:17:43 +0000

Tonya Bisker, new owner of Copy Connection, delivered a clinic session in the Entrepreneur Leadership Mission (ELM) Business Accelerator Program created and hosted by the Bradford Area Alliance.

Copy Connection’s clinic session took place at the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center on Thursday evening. The ELM program aims to assist business owners seeking enhanced business success through collaboration and support. During clinic sessions, ELM participants share information on their businesses, challenges, and ideas with peers, mentors, and reactors.

Mentors provide guidance and support throughout the program. Sarah Boser, former owner of a jewelry business featuring hand-crafted glass beads, served as Bisker’s mentor. “Tonya values her customers and the personalized service she is able to provide. It’s been inspiring to work with her in the ELM program and see how this commitment shaped the goals she set for herself as the owner Copy Connection. I look forward to the impact of her hard work on Copy Connection as she moves forward.” Reactors are guest entrepreneurs and subject matter experts that offer insightful suggestions and new perspectives to participants during the clinic session. Bill Andrews, a partner at Pace Management, and Julie Waldron, President at Proforma Total Business, a marketing services provider that includes commercial print solutions, both served as Reactors during the clinic session.

Established in 1984, Copy Connection has been a staple in Bradford, PA. Copy Connection delivers a full suite of services, encompassing design, printing, and copying. As the only comprehensive copy shop in Bradford, Copy Connection offers services beyond copying including engineering prints, binding, fax services, lamination, customized banners and calendars, as well as typesetting. Clients can use Copy Connection’s services to manage their projects from inception to completion to ensure professionalism and quality throughout. Copy Connection, located at 19 Chestnut Street in Bradford, was acquired by Bisker in 2024. Bisker is looking to reacquaint local businesses with all of the services Copy Connection offers.

“The ELM program has provided me with the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for success. The advice I received from my mentor, reactors and fellow entrepreneurs will undoubtedly play a vital role in the future success of my business.” Bisker stated.

The ELM Business Accelerator is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Bridal Shop Owner Advances Business, Participates in new Business Accelerator Program

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 20:18:20 +0000

Jody Murphey, owner of Julie’s Ever After, successfully presented her clinic session as part of the new Entrepreneur Leadership Mission (ELM) Business Accelerator program being conducted by the Bradford Area Alliance. The ELM program helps accelerate growth of participating businesses through a program that connects owners with experienced mentors, workshops conducted by successful entrepreneurs, access to resources, networking opportunities, and a supportive environment of peers to overcome challenges and pursue new opportunities.

Julie's Ever After, located at 86 Main Street in Bradford, is a bridal store that offers bridal, prom, mothers, bridesmaid, and cocktail dresses. Julie's Ever After also provides an array of costume jewelry and special items for big day celebrations. In-house services include alterations, pressing, steaming, and personal delivery.

During clinic sessions, ELM business owners present a comprehensive overview of their business, including their mission, successes, challenges, and growth opportunities. The presenter then engages in a Q&A session with mentors and program participants followed by feedback and recommendations from all involved.

Mentors provide guidance and support throughout the program. Lisa Miller, Senior Product Manager at W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery, served as mentor. Reactors are guest entrepreneurs and subject matter experts that offer insightful suggestions and new perspectives to participants during the clinic session. J Kincaid, CPA is the managing partner of LVBW, LLP in Buffalo, NY, and Tricia Barrett, CEO of Crowley Webb, a full-service advertising agency, both served as Reactors during the clinic session.

Ms. Murphey commented “The ELM’s curriculum offers many opportunities for discussion and access to resources that I plan to leverage towards further success. My experience in the program has been amazing and I see that in my bottom line.”

“Jody is a very successful business owner. Her enthusiastic participation during clinic sessions, insightful feedback to others, and reception of suggestions, reflects her commitment to utilizing every opportunity to further grow her business. Her experience exemplifies the spirit of innovation we aim to foster in all our participants.” Carolyn Newhouse, Executive Director of the Bradford Area Alliance stated.

The ELM Business Accelerator is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Danielle Brinsky, Owner of Alleghany Industrial Insulation Company, Presents During Business Accelerator Program

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:28:06 +0000

Danielle Brinsky, owner of Alleghany Industrial Insulation Company, delivered the third clinic session of the Entrepreneur Leadership Mission (ELM) Business Accelerator Program created and hosted by the Bradford Area Alliance. The ELM program helps existing business owners realize increased business success and life balance through collaboration and support. Clinic sessions allow ELM business owner participants to present their ideas for growth to fellow participants, mentors, and reactors.

Alleghany Industrial Insulation Co. serves commercial and industrial clients and has held certification as a Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) entity since 2018. The company provides mechanical and industrial insulation services throughout central and western Pennsylvania, western New York, Ohio, and West Virginia. Alleghany Industrial Insulation Co., located in Lewis Run, has been offering tailored energy conservation solutions for various industries since its inception in 1992.

The ELM program welcomes guest entrepreneurs and subject matter experts, known as reactors, to offer fresh insights on challenges and opportunities discussed in clinic sessions. These reactors provide participants with valuable perspectives to enhance their businesses. Bill Andrews, a partner at Pace Management, and Erin Johnson, Group Vice President and Human Resource Director at MOOG Space and Defense Group, served as reactors for Danielle's presentation, sharing their expertise and insights.

Carolyn Newhouse, Executive Director of the Bradford Area Alliance, remarks, "The ELM program empowers participants to access the collective wisdom and expertise of reactors and mentors. Embracing objective viewpoints enables participants to consider new ideas, welcoming diverse perspectives that enhance their endeavors. Danielle has made significant contributions to the project and stands out as an exemplary business owner and leader. It's thrilling to witness the trajectory she is charting for her company."

Mentors provide guidance and support throughout the program and accompany reactors in providing feedback to participants. Julie Marasco, recently retired as Regional President of the Northwest PA Region for Northwest Bank, serves as Danielle’s mentor.

Danielle Brinsky stated, “Being part of the program has been an invaluable journey, one filled with camaraderie, shared knowledge, and meaningful connections. The genuine support and insightful feedback from fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and reactors have not only fueled my business growth but also enriched my entrepreneurial spirit.”

The ELM Business Accelerator is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program.

Allegheny Store Fixtures presents plans for growth during ELM Business Accelerator Program

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:28:15 +0000

Business owners in the Entrepreneurial Leadership Mission (ELM) Business Accelerator are conducting ‘Clinic Sessions’. Clinicals serve as a platform for business owners to present their business and ideas for growth with active input from fellow classmates and guest entrepreneurs with relevant expertise.

Allegheny Store Fixtures is owned by Garrett Raney and Petra Stana after purchasing the business in 2021. The business, located at 57 Holley Avenue, designs and manufactures custom interior fixtures. Petra Stana, a participant in the ELM Accelerator program states, “The ELM Accelerator has been my proverbial village. Just three months in, it has become a voice inside my head pushing me towards meaningful change in my company.”

The ELM Business Accelerator program is a 9-month program launched by the Bradford Area Alliance to provide business owners with resources and training to scale their business, pursue new opportunities, overcome challenges, and accelerate their success.

Participants are also paired with mentors who are specifically matched to their individual challenges and goals. These mentors provide guidance and support through the length of the program. Also present was Petra Stana’s mentor, Craig Womeldorf, from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA.

“The mentor and business owner relationships forged here have proven to be incredibly beneficial for all participants, amplifying the positive impacts of the entire program,” states Christian Smith, Economic Development Specialist with the Bradford Area Alliance.

The ELM Business Accelerator is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program.

Team Minard Productions Delivers First Clinic Session of new ELM Business Accelerator Program

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:28:24 +0000

The Entrepreneurial Leadership Mission (ELM) Business Accelerator program is a 9-month program launched by the Bradford Area Alliance to help existing business owners pursue new opportunities, overcome specific business challenges, and achieve greater success. Ten business owners from diverse industry sectors are participating in this dynamic program.

Business owners have already participated in a two-day retreat at Beaver Hollow Conference Center in Java Center, NY and in ‘Forum Sessions’ where the owners listen to and actively discuss key topics from subject matter experts. The topics are driven by input from the participants and include increasing profits, succession planning, growing their workforce, access to capital, increasing sales, marketing strategies, etc. Owners are now conducting ‘Clinic Sessions’. Clinicals serve as a platform for business owners to present their business and ideas for growth with active input from fellow classmates and guest entrepreneurs with relevant expertise.

Team Minard Productions was founded in 2006 and is owned by Jim Minard, a business owner participating in the ELM accelerator. The company is located at 542 East Main Street, Bradford, PA and provides screen printing and embroidery, as well as custom trophies, awards, and plaques. Reflecting on his clinic presentation Jim stated, “The clinic has helped me create a strategic blueprint, connecting my current business to a plan for the future.”

Christian Smith, Economic Development Specialist with the Bradford Area Alliance, states, “Jim Minard’s presentation was truly inspirational. We want the business accelerator program to be a game-changer for our participants. We want to be a powerful wind at their back, as they propel their business forward with newfound momentum and clarity. Witnessing the quality and drive of this inaugural group of business owners, including Jim Minard, fills me with excitement and inspiration for what lies ahead for these business owners and our community.”

The ELM Business Accelerator is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program.

Bradford Area Alliance Launches Innovative Accelerator Program to Support Business Growth

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:28:36 +0000

The Bradford Area Alliance is proud to officially announce the kickoff of its Entrepreneur Leadership Mission (ELM) business accelerator program, made possible through a generous opportunity grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Program. This new initiative aims to help existing business owners realize increased business success and life balance together.

U.S. Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson, Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture stated, “Business accelerator programs supported through USDA spur growth and provide entrepreneurs with new tools and knowledge, as well as a support system that helps them move forward. The value of programs like ELM lies not only in accelerating success but in fostering innovation, achieving resilience, and living in a community where entrepreneurs can reach their dreams. This is truly exciting for Bradford.”

The participants include the following area business owners, Tonya Bisker with Copy Connection, Danielle Brinsky with Alleghany Industrial Insulation Company, Greg & Sue Gleason with Pizza Napoli, Devon Kloss with Devon Kloss State Farm, Jim Minard with Team Minard Production, Jody Murphey with Julie's Ever After, Rocco Pompa with Magic Bean Café, Mauri Shembeda with Bloom Organic Beauty Bar, and Petra Stana with Allegheny Store Fixtures.

This inaugural cohort, consisting of ten area business owners, recently participated in a 2-day business owner retreat at Beaver Hollow Conference Center. This two-day event continues a nine-month journey where participants will be paired with mentors, benefit from subject matter expertise on key topics, and formulate strategic plans to pursue new opportunities or overcome specific business obstacles.

Heading this transformative program is Althea Luehrsen, former Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) at the University of Buffalo and former CEO of Leadership Buffalo.

The retreat featured a diverse array of activities, including a DiSC Assessment Workshop—a session leveraging a personal assessment tool to enhance participants' understanding of their strengths and tendencies, while also fostering improved teamwork, communication, and productivity. Additional sessions included team-building activities and inspiring talks by accomplished entrepreneurs such as Mercedes Wilson, author, television personality, and founder of Sadie’s Relish; Kathy Snyder, President and COO of Beaver Hollow Conference Center; and Dave Cervi and Nick Del Nuovo from Personal Touch Food Service.

The ELM program is designed to bring about lasting change for entrepreneurs of existing businesses in Bradford. The cohort will next convene biweekly over the next eight months to delve into various topics and collaboratively work on individual strategic plans.

This new program is possible as a result of grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Enterprise Grant. Rural Business Development Grants support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas.

For more information on the Entrepreneur Leadership Mission (ELM) program, please contact Carolyn Newhouse at carolyn@bradfordareaalliance.com.

About Bradford Area Alliance:

The Bradford Area Alliance is a dynamic organization committed to fostering economic development and entrepreneurial success locally. Through strategic initiatives and community partnerships, the Alliance strives to create a thriving business ecosystem that benefits both entrepreneurs and the local community.

Welcome to our Website!

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 21:42:15 +0000

Welcome! We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website.

Our new site features a modern layout and design, and is optimized for viewing across multiple devices. So whether you are on a tablet at home, a smartphone out on the town, or using your desktop PC at work, you will always be able to view our site exactly as we intended.

Additionally, we encourage you to explore our website’s functionality, and check back regularly, as we plan to add more useful features and information to the site over the next few weeks.

We've been working hard and hope that you will find your experience on our website nothing short of satisfying.

Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy our site!

Allegheny Store Fixtures Takes Home $20,000 Grand Prize of Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition

Tue, 14 May 2024 16:55:47 +0000

[Bradford, PA] Petra Stana and Garrett Raney, co-owners of Allegheny Store Fixtures in Bradford, PA, were the big winners of the 4th annual Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition on Thursday evening.

Allegheny Store Fixtures has been known to manufacture custom interiors and fixtures such as shelving, tables, cabinetry, displays, counters, doors, perimeter, and other millwork for years in Bradford. The prize money will be used to purchase new equipment including a case clamp and dowel machine, which will create new casework capabilities and products allowing them to diversify their customer base.

Stana and Raney stated, “We cannot thank the Bradford Area Alliance and the team enough for encouraging us to sign up and supporting us throughout the competition process. It is very gratifying that the judges and the community validated our vision for the business and selected Allegheny Store Fixtures with this great honor. I was also a great opportunity for us to introduce ourselves to the broader community. We remain committed to manufacturing here in Bradford, PA and creating gainful employment opportunities.”

The fourth annual Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition started with initial applications and business plan outlines due in early September. This year saw a record response with 48 total applications! Thursday’s Live Pitch Event showcased the Top 6 Finalists. Other finalists included Eric Haynoski, Shawn Mosier, Steve Peterson and Brian Steen with Pine Acres Golf & RV Resort (receiving 2nd place) having acquired the longtime local golf course and have plans to turn the grounds into a four-seasons destination; Leanna Cameron Franchina with Levitate Float Spa (receiving 3rd place), a new business that provides sensory-deprivation float tank therapy and oxygen bar services; Kristina Luzzi and Stephanie Weinberg with Small Town Girl Boutique, a new, inclusive women’s retail clothing storefront and eCommerce business; John Kelley with Alleghany Wood Moldings, a manufacturing facility specializing in custom woodworking; and Dustin Coles with North Country Gear Works, an early stage startup manufacturing high-quality outdoor equipment designed specifically for eastern and midwestern hunters.

Carolyn Newhouse, Executive Director of the Bradford Area Alliance, said, “We were thoroughly impressed by the exceptional group of finalists who participated, and it was such a pleasure to work with them throughout the process. The scoring was incredibly tight, which was to be expected with a quality group like these six finalists. The biggest winner this evening was the Bradford community in seeing these entrepreneurs grow their businesses locally.”

The Bradford Area Alliance named its new competition the “Harvey L. Golubock Bradford Business Competition” in honor of and in recognition of the illustrious career and tremendous impact Harvey Golubock had in the Bradford region. Janus Golubock presented a message expressing “the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition is a wonderful way to honor him and continue his goal of helping others advance.”

A “Harvey L. Golubock Bradford Business Competition” fund has been set up through the McKean County Community Foundation to seed future competitions for anyone who would like to further honor Harvey Golubock’s memory.

The prize money for this year’s event is a result of support from the Blaisdell Foundation, Halloran Philanthropies, and Northwest Bank. Other key sponsors for the evening included the McKean County Community Foundation, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, My Benefit Advisor, the Northwest Industrial Resource Center, and Southern Airways Express, the commercial carrier at Bradford Regional Airport.

HMS Receives Investment From Bright Bradford Innovation Fund

Tue, 14 May 2024 16:14:18 +0000

HMS Technical Development LLC was chosen as the first recipient of a $100,000 investment from the Bright Bradford Innovation Fund.

HMS was founded in 2019 by Helen Schuster and is currently located in downtown Bradford. Schuster was a first place winner in the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition, which allowed her to purchase key pieces of analytical equipment needed to do soil and waste analysis used to develop the “reactive cap” system for mine sites.

Her company’s innovation addresses the capping of sites in a unique way and has attracted interest from multiple leading clients that operate substantial mines located in the U.S, including Utah, California, and Montana. The dry, arid conditions in these states, along with the challenges associated with site contamination from the minerals being mined, and limited topsoil availability make it difficult to meet the required closure plans the mines must achieve.

Schuster’s background and experience positioned her to launch the successful tech-focused business solving the challenging chemical and environmental issues faced by her customers.

She is a prolific inventor, and HMS holds multiple issued patents. Schuster’s technical background includes a B.S. in Biology/Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from St. Bonaventure. She also has 25 years of industry experience including past positions in R&D, Product Development and Business Management.

The future is bright for HMS. The company has the potential to be a thriving business in Bradford, employing well-paid technical employees. Based on the growth potential and innovative nature of the business, HMS was a perfect fit for the kinds of investment opportunities the Bright Bradford Innovation Fund (BBIF) was seeking. Through a matching partnership involving the Bradford Area Alliance and the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, HMS was awarded $100,000 in October of this year; the first award made from the fund.

The Bright Bradford Innovation Fund (BBIF), which was seeded with $400,000 from each of its partners, and also received significant support from the Halloran Philanthropies, offers financing to innovative technology-based startups and small manufacturers in the City of Bradford, Borough of Lewis Run, Bradford Township, Corydon Township, Foster Township, and Lafayette Township. For more information about the BBIF, contact Christian Smith at christian@bradfordareaalliance.com.

Team Minard Productions Wins 3rd Annual Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition

Tue, 14 May 2024 15:44:58 +0000

[Bradford, PA] On Thursday October 20, 2021, the Live Pitch Event for the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition was hosted at the Bromeley Family Theater at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The competition was fierce after the field of 40 total applicants was trimmed down to four finalists who pursued the $20,000 grand prize. The winner of the evening ended up being Team Minard Productions, a long-time commercial screen printing and embroidery shop located in Bradford.

Team Minard Productions has been in operation in Bradford for over 16 years, where it started in a small three-bedroom house in Rixford, PA. Initially, the business was more of a hobby and the owner, Jim Minard, never foresaw the demand and success the business would experience. Over the course of the next several years, the business outgrew four different facilities before the business found its long-term home on East Main Street. However, operating the business has not been without its fair share of challenges. Team Minard Productions has always utilized a manual screen-printing press to create their shirts and similar products. Automatic screen-printing presses are far faster than manual ones and much of their competition in close proximity has already switched to automatic presses.

This has put the business in a major disadvantage in the local market and it has caused unnecessary productions bottlenecks and slow turnaround times. It has also caused capacity-related issues and has made it difficult for the business to accept new customers. Jim Minard always wanted to switch to an automatic press but making the finances work has been difficult. That’s when he heard about the opportunity to compete in the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition, and he decided to give it a try. Throughout the competition, he was able to create a business plan outline and a full business plan with the assistance of the Clarion SBDC and the Bradford Area Alliance. From there, he also competed in the live pitch event and was selected as the winner. This new equipment will turn their once stressful capacity-related issues into major strengths for the business and elevate it to the next level by increasing capacity by 300%.

It was an incredible night for the other finalists as well including Rocco Pompa with The Magic Bean Café, who walked away with second place and the fan favorite vote, totaling $3,500. Brett Butler and Andy Eliason with SafeTech Fire Protection took home third place and $2,000. Lauren Melka also did an incredible job representing Al’s Gym and collecting fourth place.

The Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition is a major part of the Bradford Area Alliance’s strategic initiative of re-invigorating the area's rich history of entrepreneurial spirit. This was the third year of the competition, and it will be returning for the fourth-year next year. Do you have the next great idea that will take home the $20,000 grand prize? Be on the lookout for future updates regarding next year’s competition and where you can sign up.

Young Entrepreneurs Can Be Found All Across our Area

Tue, 14 May 2024 16:49:07 +0000

Bradford, PA – Carolyn Boser Newhouse, Executive Director of the Bradford Area Alliance stopped at a lemonade stand setup on Minard Run Road by three young entrepreneurs.

Brooke Clouser, age 13, Ezra Phillips, age 8, and Lennon Phillips, age 4 set up the lemonade stand and were already looking to expand their operation to include selling produce from their new garden and baking products. Newhouse was looking to see if these budding entrepreneurs were interested in competing in the upcoming 2022 Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition saying “these young women were very impressive and seasonal businesses can apply.”

Applications are now being accepted for the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition. Applicants will vie for up to $20,000 in funding to grow a business locally. The competition is open to anyone who would like to open a new business venture, as well as any existing business that is interested in expanding into a new venture. Anyone thinking about starting a new business, can reach out via the www.BradfordAreaAlliance.com website for information on the competition.

We encourage anyone interested to apply immediately. The deadline for submitting a business plan outline is Friday, September 9th. Help is available to step everyone through the process. Finalists will be asked to submit a completed business plan and will participate in a Pitch Event being held on October 20st, 2022. This event is open to the public.

This year’s competition is possible through sponsorship and support from the Blaisdell Foundation, Halloran Philanthropies, Northwest Bank and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

With plans for a year-after-year competition in order to grow new jobs in our area, the “Harvey L. Golubock Bradford Business Competition Fund” has been established at the McKean County Community Foundation (MCCF) to honor Golubock. Additional information regarding this new fund can be obtained by calling the MCCF at 1-844-238-2289.

Details on the Bradford Business Competition can be found at https://www.BradfordAreaAlliance.com or by contacting Carolyn Newhouse at Carolyn@BradfordAreaAlliance.com.

$20,000 Bradford Business Competition Announced

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 20:48:40 +0000

New Business Competition to offer seed money and support for Bradford startups and existing businesses

Bradford, PA – The Bradford Area Alliance announces the launch of a brand new business competition for startups and new business ventures of existing businesses. The competition will award $20,000 in seed capital and include in-kind services to the winner. The annual business competition looks to entice aspiring or budding entrepreneurs to move from idea-to-vision-to-market. The competition is part of a larger effort in re-invigorating Bradford’s rich history of entrepreneurial spirit. That spirit is an outcome of our heritage as the birthplace of the U.S. domestic oil industry. Given that long-standing history and the profound impact of our current energy sector, the tag line for the competition is “The Spark to Fuel Your Business”. However, we are inviting all those in our community who have a new idea – no matter if it is in energy, manufacturing, retail, tourism, seasonal, etc., to come forward.

Ultimately the goal of the competition is to create new wealth and new net jobs in our community – even if it is one job at a time. The competition is open to anyone who would like to open a business in the Bradford region. The competition is also open to any existing business that is interested in expanding into a new venture. The Bradford region includes the City of Bradford, as well as Bradford, Corydon, Foster, and Lafayette Townships. Interested parties must submit a business plan by April 3, 2020 and participate in a pitch event (similar to “Shark Tank”) being hosted by Pitt-Bradford on April 16th where the winner will be announced.

City of Bradford Mayor James McDonald stated “We have many talented and innovative people in the Bradford area. This competition represents a great opportunity to help transform an idea into a marketable and profitable product or service that can spur economic development and job creation.”

The competition was structured based on valuable input from many of our local supporting companies, agencies and departments including private-sector industry representatives, Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, Bradford’s Office of Community & Economic Development, McKean County Commissioners, McKean County Economic Development, McKean County Redevelopment & Housing Authority, North Central PA Regional Planning & Development Commission, Northwest Bank, PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Small Business Development Center, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and Workforce Solutions of North Central PA.

Additional details can be found at BradfordAreaAlliance.com.

Carolyn Boser Newhouse, Executive Director of the Bradford Area Alliance stated “The Alliance is launching this new business competition as part of its focus on ‘economic gardening’ (a.k.a. homegrown economic growth) in the Bradford region. This fits our mission of advancing prosperity in the businesses and citizens of the Bradford region that is locally focused, regionally connected and global in view.”

Do you have the next great idea? Whether it’s a new app, a new product to be manufactured, a new store, a consulting business, or, perhaps a seasonal business, we want to help you make that idea a reality.

The competition is open to anyone who would like to open a new business in the Bradford area. The competition is also open to any existing business that is interested in expanding into a new venture.

Leadership McKean Graduates 2018 Class

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 20:57:13 +0000

2018 McKean Leadership graduate, Alan Trotter, speaks at graduation ceremony relative to his recent experience in McKean Leadership.

Alan D. Trotter, Jr. Speach at Leadership McKean Graduation Ceremony

In the course of one's personal and professional development, it is often a challenge to find the proper resources, build strong networks, and meet business leaders within the surrounding area. Leadership McKean accomplishes more than just that.

Throughout this past year, our class members were given the opportunity to hear from numerous leaders in both the public and private sectors. We were able to engage them in conversation and ask them questions, one-on-one. We may not have gotten that opportunity outside of Leadership McKean. For me, it is incredibly valuable to meet current leadership in smaller, more intimate settings. My experience in this year's class has far surpassed all of my expectations.

I must admit that my focus back in October was simply to network with different people, with who I would not have the chance to meet on my own. My work in church ministries often limits my ability to meet and network with people to those who are part of the congregation. Over the past year, I have had the chance not only to meet and network with people from McKean county, and people from different vocational settings.

I have enjoyed getting to know many people from around McKean County and various companies, but the single greatest experience I had in Leadership McKean was working with people who have different gifts and strengths than mine. While most of us tend to surround ourselves with

people like us, Leadership McKean was an opportunity to really put into perspective how a synergy develops among people of differing gifts and strengths. LM has been an excellent experience in developing emotional intelligence and relational awareness.

Leadership teacher, mentor, coach, and author John Maxwell tells us that "Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another."

I feel that we have been given that opportunity over these past months to begin thinking about how that applies to our current positions, with our coworkers, our supervisors, and even our company owners. We have been told that we are the future leadership of McKean county, and that we are the ones on whom our companies depend to lead into the next generation. While I may not work in companies like many of my classmates, my work depends on people like my classmates, who possess those leadership qualities, who are people that work in the banks, the courthouses, the refineries, among many other organizations both public and private.

In the words of the motivational speaker Simon Sinek, author of Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” If there is one thing to gain from our experience in Leadership McKean, it is knowing that we all have the strengths to be a leader in every avenue of life, and we can add value to those around us. The choice to be that leader is yours.

To see each group class project please visit:

http://leadershipmckean.weebly.com/class-projects.html