About the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce
BACC Mission | BACC History | BACC Board | BACC Staff
BACC Mission, Objectives and Functions
Mission of the BACC:
The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of business and professional people whose mission is to strive to build a healthy economy and to improve the quality of life in the region.
Six Primary Functions:
- Act as spokesman for the business and professional community and translates into action the group thinking of its members.
- Be an advocate for community development.
- Provide specific programs and services for the direct benefit of its members.
- Be a clearinghouse for civic and business information.
- The BACC is a research and promotion medium for business, tourism, and recreational opportunities in the Bradford area.
- Sponsor civic and business seminars/events to encourage positive retail and community development for the future.
Objectives of the Chamber:
- To advance the economic, industrial, professional, cultural, and civic welfare of the Bradford area.
- To coordinate the efforts of commerce, industry and the professions in maintaining and strengthening a sound and healthy business climate in the Bradford area.
- To provide creative business leadership and effective coordination of all interested parties in solving community problems and in initiating constructive community action.
- To create broad understanding and appreciation of the great opportunities in the Bradford area, and to promote the advantages and assets of our community within the area, in the state, and in the world.
How it Operates:
The Board of Directors is the policy making body of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce. Its members represent the business and professional leadership of the community. The Board consists of 17 members. Up to five are elected each year for three years. Two directors are appointed for one-year terms. The President presides over all meetings of the Board.
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History of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce
Fifteen local businessmen incorporated the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce on December 18, 1882, as the "Board of Trade". Bradford's own hero and economic starter, Lewis Emery, was the first president.
The purpose as stated in the original charter was to protect, foster, and develop the commercial, manufacturing and business interests of the City of Bradford by joint and concerted action.
In 1954 the corporation name was changed to the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce.
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BACC Board
The Board of Directors is composted of a maximum of seventeen (17) members. The Board of Directors at its option may appoint up to three directors serve a one-year term. Any remaining board seats, up to five, will be elected annually to serve a three year term.
President, Christopher Funk, Zippo Manufacturing Company
First Vice President, John Sullivan, W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co.
Second Vice President, Vacant
Treasurer, Janet Cleveland, Futures Rehabilitation Center
Secretary, Ann Robinson, Business Resource Center, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Past President, Shane Oschman, Northwest Savings Bank
Membership Committee Chair, Susan Hughes, Bradford Manor
Downtown Partnership Committee Chair, Anita Dolan, Main Street Manager, OECD
Susan Oliphant, American Refining Group
Nellie Wallace, Bradford Regional Medical Center
Guy Signor, Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems
Jill Cummiskey, Bradford Hospital Foundation
Tim Asinger, Kessel Construction www.kesselco.com
Steven Hardin, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Jill Henry, The Bradford ERA www.bradfordera.com
Katharine Pude, Bradford Area School District
Jerod Hulings, Walmart (Bradford)
Danielle DeLong, Heritage Suites
BACC Staff
Becky Plummer, Assistant/Membership, 814-368-7115 x102, becky.plummer@bradfordchamber.com
Kara Kennedy, Events Coordinator, 814-368-7115 x104, kots@bradfordchamber.com
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