Russo, Wykoff Recognized by CCEP

LOCK HAVEN — Two local residents who have long donated their time and service for the good of the community were recognized at tonight’s annual dinner program of the Clinton County Economic Partnership.

Jim Russo of M & R Contracting was presented the Frank D. O’Reilly Award for his contributions to the partnership and community. Presenter Pete Smeltz said Russo initiated the local contact with Baker-Hughes, now a major tenant at the Partnership’s Lamar Township Business Park; he also lauded Russo for his role in advancing the proposed Renovo Energy Center for the western end of the county.

Russo said he was glad to be a part of local efforts to attract new jobs, putting together what he called “good projects” to successfully entice players in what he said was a tough corporate world. He said he will “always be a hometown boy.”

Wykoff received the Carl Bergdahl Award for his work in tourism. Presenter Louie Anastos listed the numerous tourism-related activities in which Wykoff, a retired teacher, is involved. These range from ATV work to the Renovo Heritage organization to the Clinton County Arts Council.

Wykoff said the Bergdahl recognition was special to him, noting he grew up in Renovo with an interest in tourism, nurtured by the late Carl Bergdahl for whom the tourism award is named.

Partnership chief executive officer Mike Flanagan extolled a list of some 20 positive occurrences part of Clinton County, from infrastructure improvements to First Quality’s growth from seven employees to 1,700 in the county in 25 years to noted county natives ranging from acclaimed graphic artist Alison Bechdel to Chicago Bears’ record-breaking kicker Robbie Gould.

An audience of better than 200 also heard selections from the Millbrook Theater production of “The Rocky Horror Show” which debuts Thursday night.