rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
TROY — The Troy Chamber of Commerce honored its 2021 Person and Business of the year on Wednesday, Dec. 1, with a luncheon.
Mike Bridgham was named the 2021 Person of the Year.
I am honored to be considered for the Troy Chamber of Commerce – Person of the Year. Since moving to Troy in the mid 1990’s I have committed myself, my family and business resources to giving back to this wonderful community and its surrounding area. I have had great mentors who encouraged me to become involved and immersed in various community service organizations and groups.
Mike Bridgham
I was initially pointed to the Troy Lions Club. Over the past 25 years I have served as the Club’s only 3-time President and have been an active participant in its many activities and projects. My wife, Allyson, even joined the Club a couple of years ago! Recently, I have also been asked to serve at the PA Lions District 14G level (north-central PA) as a Zone Chair and scholarship committee member. I was also part of the team that founded the Troy Lions Club Foundation a few years ago. I continue to serve on the Boards of both Troy Lions organizations. Our Troy Lions Club and Foundation impacts the lives of 100’s of people in need each year.
I also currently serve as the Vice Chair of the Board for North Central Sight Services, Inc. (NCSS) in Williamsport. NCSS is our, ten-county, region’s agency that assists individuals who are blind and visually impaired. I was drawn to this role and organization as it aligns well with the traditional mission of Lions Club International. It is a well-run organization that not only provides programs, services and advanced technology to approximately affected 4000 individuals but also employs over 30 blind and visually impaired associates in its impressive industry operations.
For approximately 10 years, I have served on the Board of the Western Bradford Development Corporation. This organization seeks to enhance the business and economic climate in the Troy – Canton corridor. I have had the pleasure of working with many business leaders and economic development organizations with the goal of improving business conditions and opportunities in our local communities and region.
In the early 2000’s I was elected to Troy’s Borough Council where I served two consecutive 4-year terms. I enjoyed this experience and working with others to help address and solve issues that affect the variety of interests within our community. We did our best to be good stewards of Troy’s tax payer funded resources.
Allyson and I raised two daughters who were involved in Troy youth and high school sports. As they were growing up I served on the Boards of both the Troy Little League and Junior Football programs. Along with many other invested dads, I even helped coach several championship Little League softball teams!
I work in the wealth management field where our practice at Raymond James & Associates Inc. in Williamsport has been an active member of the Troy Chamber of Commerce for several years. Our team participates in and provides resources for the Chamber’s Troy Cruise-In during the summer months which financially supports the Chamber’s activities.
From my experiences you may observe that I have developed a passionate interest in the world of community service organizations. As one of my mentors pointed out long ago…. Not for profit and community service organizations fill a void where “businesses can’t go and governments shouldn’t go”, therefore it’s up to us to be supportive of them and help fill that void to make our communities a better place to live. I hope that my efforts have made a difference in the success of the organizations that I have associated with and helped them fulfill their missions of helping others and improving the quality of life in our area.
The 2021 Business of the Year was a tied vote between Havens Well Drilling and Terrace Lanes.
Terrace Lanes
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne McClure built Terrace Lanes in 1960 and the center officially opened its doors on October 1st of that same year. With 10 lanes and a snack bar, the McClures’ vision to provide a new and exciting automated form of recreation for all ages in the Troy area was born. Wayne formed a foundation of youth and adult leagues and open bowling, as well as tournament play, that continues today.
Dennis and Judy Beardslee, and their daughter Michelle, bought the bowling center in August of 1984 and have run it through present day. In addition to the center, they added a Pro Shop in 2003 to provide equipment sales and ball drilling on premises. They have been fortunate to employ many wonderful local residents over the years, and feel like each one has become a special part of the Terrace Lanes family, along with all of our customers. The center has served as a place for exercise, recreation, fellowship, sport, and celebration for more than 60 years.
Terrace lanes is proud to be an inclusive partner with the community. We are a fully accessible facility and blessed to serve local groups including the residents of the Martha Lloyd Community Services, Partners in Progress, Futures, and the Special Olympics. In addition, we are also partner with the Troy Area School District to provide an applied-learning opportunity for the high school physical education classes to learn about the sport of bowling.
Beyond bowling, Terrace lanes has been a long-time supporter of local youth sports and many area fundraisers including sponsoring baseball and softball teams, collecting gifts and donations for the Helping Hands Christmas Giving Tree and Lions Club Christmas basket programs, and raising awareness and countless dollars for breast cancer early detection and cancer research.
We are honored to be nominated as a 2021 Troy Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year and proud to be a part of this wonderful community.
Havens Well Drilling
Havens Well Drilling was started by Don and Marge Havens in 1955. Don started drilling with a cable tool rig which he had purchased off a retiring driller. Don’s hard work and willingness to adapt has made Havens Well Drilling the business it has become today.
Havens Well Drilling has strong family roots. Don’s son Keith Havens joined the business in 1973 and became partner in the 1980s. Don’s grandson Rich Havens joined the team in 2001. Keith and Rich became partners in 2012. Matt Oldroyd, another grandson of Don, became an employee in 2011. Recently joining the team is Rich’s wife -Stephanie.
Havens Well Drilling is now owned by Rich Havens since 2019. Rich stays true to the excellent reputation Don established. Havens Well Drilling takes pride in providing excellent customer service using modern equipment and top of the line products. Havens Well Drilling goes above and beyond to make sure their customers are getting the best water system possible. They are dedicated to educating themselves by attending classes on new products and new techniques. When you choose Havens Well Drilling, you get a one stop shop for your water system. They can handle everything from drilling the well, installing the pump and tank, to installing water conditioning if needed. That means everything in your water system is also serviced as needed by the same local and reputable company. Havens Well Drilling services local businesses, residents, and farms ensuring they are supplied with the best water possible.
Havens Well Drilling takes great pride in our local community. Rich Havens is an active member of the Troy Lions Club (serving as president in 2020), active on the First Citizens Bank Board, and a member of the Sons of the American Legion. Rich volunteers his time and equipment to help with many community projects, such as -walk way clean ups, adopt a highway, parades, and others. Havens Well Drilling is proud to support and donate back to local community organizations including Troy Area School District, Oscoluwa Engine & Hose Co, Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers, Troy Lions Club, Troy Rotary, Troy Fair, Bradford County 4H, and many local sports teams and youth organizations.
Havens Well Drilling wishes to thank the Chamber and its members for the honor to be nominated for Business of the Year 2021. Thank you for your dedication and hard work to this wonderful community.
The luncheon meeting was closed with President Zachary Gates reflecting on the 2021 year.