ELM Business Accelerator Graduates Inaugural Class
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.
