BACC Award Recipents Announced
The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of their 2010 Awards and the nominees honored in each category.
The Option House is the first recipient of the BACC Exemplary Business Award. The BACC Exemplary Business Award is given to a for-profit business that demonstrates a well-planned, commendable, and thorough approach to business development. They must also exemplify the unique “hometown” charm of the area in their manner of administration, customer service and quality of product or service. This award covers manufacturing, industrial, tourism, hospitality, retail or service.
From the moment Sam Sylvester purchased The Option House, he had a plan, dream and vision of what he could do for the hometown he loves. Through hard work, determination and perseverance, he would give back to Bradford a magnificent, historic building that was on the verge of collapse and ruin. This landmark is restored to its former glory and beyond as a thriving downtown business with two restaurants and updated, clean, affordable rental apartments.
The transformation of TOH resurrected and preserved the charm of the bygone 20’s - 30’s eras in Bradford throughout. Visitors enter a period-designed vestibule leading to the beautiful Trading Room Lounge with crystal chandeliers and a long Flemish oak bar lighted with old English lanterns. Four wall sconces, the hexagonal tiled floor and the oak wainscoting are all original.
Peacock Parlors on the second floor features a large peacock mural laser printed onto the tiles of the room’s focus wall. Each parlor is painted to match the peacock’s feathers, colors originally used in 1937 in Jimmy Rich’s nightclub called Peacock Alley after the famous New York City Waldorf—Astoria restaurant. Elegant peacock-colored Tiffany light fixtures add to the room’s ambiance.
These two restaurants are unique combinations of the old and the new, exemplifying The Option House motto, “Restoring The Old Tradition.” For example, the dumb waiter “Oscar” still graces the Trading Room Lounge bar, and yet a modern chair lift has been installed to provide access to the second floor Peacock Parlors. Diners enjoy the dinner music of the early years via XM radio while eating their food from original Option House dishes.
TOH creates community. Sam introduced Bradford to tapas (food designed to encourage conversation moving the focus from eating an entire meal), an international menu featuring cuisine from a different country each month, frequent entertainment accompanying the meal and the popular Wednesday “Happy Hour.” Customers are treated to the best food in the area and customer service at The Option House is excellent.
Other honorable nominees in this category were Cavallaro Paint and Decorating/JC Penney Catalog and Williams Insurance Agency.
The Tuna Valley Trail Association is the first recipient of the BACC Community and Spirit Award. The Community and Spirit Award is given to an individual or organization that has made a significant, positive impact in the Bradford area and its economic well-being through volunteer, civic, religious, cultural and/or business activities.
Since 1998, the TVTA, has been awarded over $3 million in state and federal grants for multi-use trail development. With the assistance of volunteers and local donations of over $500,000, the TVTA has constructed 23 miles of the 70 miles outlined in the 2001 TVTA Greenway Plan.
In October, the TVTA completed a 3.4-mile trail from Owens Way to Lewis Run, utilizing a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This new addition to the trail system will be officially dedicated in spring 2010 as the Blaisdell – Emery Trail in memory of philanthropists George Blaisdell and Lewis Emery.
Two projects are expected to be dedicated in 2010. The Penn-Brad Oil Museum Trailhead, awarded to Bob Cummins Construction, is being funded by Transportation Enhancement Funds and will be completed in the summer. The Community Parks Trail, a 3-mile loop, will extend the Richard E. McDowell Community Trail through downtown Bradford.
Last summer, 68 Tuna Trekkers hiked all 23 TVTA miles and raised valuable funds for the McKean-Potter County American Red Cross. Next year, Trekkers will enjoy even more trails, including the most recent addition to the Marilla network, Marilla Rocks. Marilla Trek, a day of hiking, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing held February 14, 2010, drew attendance over 100.
TVTA trails are utilized by a number of organizations for recreation, health and wellness; namely, First Night Bradford, American Cancer Society, BASD, YMCA, Pitt-Bradford. The TVTA actively collaborates with Bradford service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Key Club) and other nonprofits to build, maintain and improve the TVTA network of trails. TVTA established memorial bridges, walkways and benches and segments of trials are available for “adoption”
The vision of the TVTA is Bradford will become a trail town, connecting Allegany State Park, Allegheny National Forest, Kinzua Bridge State Park, and other historic sites such as Crook Farm and Penn Brad Oil Museum. Increased visitors will benefit existing businesses and stimulate additional small business start ups.
Other honorable nominees in this category were Bradford Ecumenical Home/Chapel Ridge and Harry Solarek II.
Last November the Chamber announced changes in the annual awards for this year. “The updated award criteria with new award names bring an opportunity to recognize a broader range of businesses, organizations and individuals for their success,” stated Diane Sheeley, Executive Director. The Board of Directors will not be giving a Director’s Award in 2010.
The 2010 BACC Annual Meeting, Award Presentation and nominee recognition are held in April at the Pennhills Club and will follow the same format as the 2009 event allowing for a flexible schedule and to provide social and networking time before the program.
The Option House is the first recipient of the BACC Exemplary Business Award. The BACC Exemplary Business Award is given to a for-profit business that demonstrates a well-planned, commendable, and thorough approach to business development. They must also exemplify the unique “hometown” charm of the area in their manner of administration, customer service and quality of product or service. This award covers manufacturing, industrial, tourism, hospitality, retail or service.
From the moment Sam Sylvester purchased The Option House, he had a plan, dream and vision of what he could do for the hometown he loves. Through hard work, determination and perseverance, he would give back to Bradford a magnificent, historic building that was on the verge of collapse and ruin. This landmark is restored to its former glory and beyond as a thriving downtown business with two restaurants and updated, clean, affordable rental apartments.
The transformation of TOH resurrected and preserved the charm of the bygone 20’s - 30’s eras in Bradford throughout. Visitors enter a period-designed vestibule leading to the beautiful Trading Room Lounge with crystal chandeliers and a long Flemish oak bar lighted with old English lanterns. Four wall sconces, the hexagonal tiled floor and the oak wainscoting are all original.
Peacock Parlors on the second floor features a large peacock mural laser printed onto the tiles of the room’s focus wall. Each parlor is painted to match the peacock’s feathers, colors originally used in 1937 in Jimmy Rich’s nightclub called Peacock Alley after the famous New York City Waldorf—Astoria restaurant. Elegant peacock-colored Tiffany light fixtures add to the room’s ambiance.
These two restaurants are unique combinations of the old and the new, exemplifying The Option House motto, “Restoring The Old Tradition.” For example, the dumb waiter “Oscar” still graces the Trading Room Lounge bar, and yet a modern chair lift has been installed to provide access to the second floor Peacock Parlors. Diners enjoy the dinner music of the early years via XM radio while eating their food from original Option House dishes.
TOH creates community. Sam introduced Bradford to tapas (food designed to encourage conversation moving the focus from eating an entire meal), an international menu featuring cuisine from a different country each month, frequent entertainment accompanying the meal and the popular Wednesday “Happy Hour.” Customers are treated to the best food in the area and customer service at The Option House is excellent.
Other honorable nominees in this category were Cavallaro Paint and Decorating/JC Penney Catalog and Williams Insurance Agency.
The Tuna Valley Trail Association is the first recipient of the BACC Community and Spirit Award. The Community and Spirit Award is given to an individual or organization that has made a significant, positive impact in the Bradford area and its economic well-being through volunteer, civic, religious, cultural and/or business activities.
Since 1998, the TVTA, has been awarded over $3 million in state and federal grants for multi-use trail development. With the assistance of volunteers and local donations of over $500,000, the TVTA has constructed 23 miles of the 70 miles outlined in the 2001 TVTA Greenway Plan.
In October, the TVTA completed a 3.4-mile trail from Owens Way to Lewis Run, utilizing a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This new addition to the trail system will be officially dedicated in spring 2010 as the Blaisdell – Emery Trail in memory of philanthropists George Blaisdell and Lewis Emery.
Two projects are expected to be dedicated in 2010. The Penn-Brad Oil Museum Trailhead, awarded to Bob Cummins Construction, is being funded by Transportation Enhancement Funds and will be completed in the summer. The Community Parks Trail, a 3-mile loop, will extend the Richard E. McDowell Community Trail through downtown Bradford.
Last summer, 68 Tuna Trekkers hiked all 23 TVTA miles and raised valuable funds for the McKean-Potter County American Red Cross. Next year, Trekkers will enjoy even more trails, including the most recent addition to the Marilla network, Marilla Rocks. Marilla Trek, a day of hiking, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing held February 14, 2010, drew attendance over 100.
TVTA trails are utilized by a number of organizations for recreation, health and wellness; namely, First Night Bradford, American Cancer Society, BASD, YMCA, Pitt-Bradford. The TVTA actively collaborates with Bradford service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Key Club) and other nonprofits to build, maintain and improve the TVTA network of trails. TVTA established memorial bridges, walkways and benches and segments of trials are available for “adoption”
The vision of the TVTA is Bradford will become a trail town, connecting Allegany State Park, Allegheny National Forest, Kinzua Bridge State Park, and other historic sites such as Crook Farm and Penn Brad Oil Museum. Increased visitors will benefit existing businesses and stimulate additional small business start ups.
Other honorable nominees in this category were Bradford Ecumenical Home/Chapel Ridge and Harry Solarek II.
Last November the Chamber announced changes in the annual awards for this year. “The updated award criteria with new award names bring an opportunity to recognize a broader range of businesses, organizations and individuals for their success,” stated Diane Sheeley, Executive Director. The Board of Directors will not be giving a Director’s Award in 2010.
The 2010 BACC Annual Meeting, Award Presentation and nominee recognition are held in April at the Pennhills Club and will follow the same format as the 2009 event allowing for a flexible schedule and to provide social and networking time before the program.
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