Partnership Honors Community Leaders at Annual Dinner

By Christopher Miller

MILL HALL – The Clinton County Economic Partnership presented two familiar awards at the Annual Dinner Wednesday evening and one new award.

The awards presented included the Carl Bergdahl Tourism Award and Frank D. O’Reilly Memorial Award.

New this year was the Michael Flanagan Excellence in Business Award.

Carl Bergdahl Tourism Award

“Carl Bergdahl was well known in Renovo and the greater Clinton County area,” Chamber and Tourism Marketing Director Christopher Miller said. “He had a great love of the outdoors and was a founding father of the Flaming Foliage Festival, member of the Bucktail State Park Association and was an honorary member of the Clinton County Tourism Promotion Agency.”

“This award recognizes a person, organization, or business that is instrumental in the county’s promotion of tourism and tourism-related activities. The recipient embodies the mindset of making Clinton County the place to stay, shop, dine, play, and recreate. They support and sponsor events, inspire residents about the benefits of tourism, and promote the unique and special qualities of Clinton County.”

“The recipient of the award is someone who is a cornerstone of the western Clinton County area, an individual who works tirelessly to promote the history, heritage, and culture of the region, and who is never afraid to get the job done no matter how long it takes or what is involved. And if you are ever around this person make sure to never mistake Farwell for North Bend. This year’s award recipient is Mary George Rhone.”

A teary-eyed Mary George gave an impromptu speech upon accepting the award.

“Listening to him (Dr. Jeffery L. Osgood, Jr.) talk about Lock Haven University, my kids went to the university. I am very proud and I hope and wish for success for the university. For me, my passion has always been working with kids, so Dr. Redmon has become a good friend of Heritage Park and of mine. The Renovo area is very blessed to have someone who can see Bucktail as it is. Thank you, Dr. Redomon,” she said.

“The Economic Partnership has been very good to Heritage Park, Renovo, and the County Commissioners as well. This award means everything to me. Thank you so much and I am overwhelmed, truly. Thank you.”

In conclusion, Mary George ended by adding that the award contains a clock and that “it is Renovo time.”

Frank D. O’Reilly Memorial Award

Economic Partnership CEO Jason Fitzgerald presented the Frank D. O’Reilly Memorial Award.

“This award is named for the former Lock Haven Express Publisher. This award is given to someone who contributes to the Clinton County Economic Partnership and general community. The awards committee has selected for this year’s award to go to Mr. David Harger,” Fitzgerald said.

“Dave was the interim CEO for the last year while running his business and what I was most impressed with was that Dave did this job with no compensation for a year, while still running his business, and still being involved in the community in many other ways. Let’s stand up and recognize Dave Harger.”

Harger accepted the award and mentioned that this might have been the only time when a father and son both received the award.

“That is a challenge to Kyle (Peters) and his mom Susie,” Harger stated, nodding to both Partnership Operating Board Members. “The challenge is on Kyle now.”

“Service doesn’t end with a date and time and it didn’t end when I got out of the service. We are putting energy into the community that gave me everything, so I thank you.”

Michael Flanagan Excellence in Business Award

Dave Harger maintained his place on stage to present the Michael Flanagan Excellence in Business Award.

“For the first time we are introducing the Michael Flanagan Excellence in Business Award,” he started.

“Created in honor of the past CEO for the past 16 years with 28 total years of service to the Partnership. This award recognizes a business or business person who has made major impacts on the Clinton County economy, the hiring of county residents, or who has directly improved the county’s business climate.”

“Michael Flanagan was instrumental in getting many businesses to Clinton County including First Quality, Croda, and Terrapin to name a few. He has helped to expand places like the Renovo Industrial Park, the William Garbrick, Sr. Lamar Township Business Park, and the Harold W. Sweeney Industrial Park in McElhattan. We all know the economic impact of these businesses in Clinton County, especially the impact of First Quality who has 2,000-something employees. Mike did incredible work behind the scenes to get First Quality Tissue here. It was a great source of pride for Mike to work out that deal to bring the project from a dream to become the largest employer in Clinton County. It is only fitting that this first award goes to First Quality. Mr. Garbrick, please come up to receive the award on behalf of First Quality.”

Accepting the award on First Quality’s behalf was William Garbrick.

“We invited the Damaghi family to come, and we wanted them to be here because of the relationship they had with Mike. They unfortunately could not be here, but they prepared a few words to share. They thanked everybody here for the invitation, knowing how much hard work and dedication it takes to pull this together, and complimenting the great group of people it is to work with in Clinton County. The words about Mike Flanagan are what I really wanted to share from the Damaghi’s. They said: We understand the evening will include an honor to Mike Flanagan who served as President of the Clinton County Economic Partnership. First Quality had a appreciation for MIke’s exceptional leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to promoting economic growth, attracting new businesses, and strengthening Clinton County’s community foundation for prosperity. This commitment left an enduring legacy that will inspire for years to come.”

“The Damaghi’s thought a lot about him and had a great relationship with him,” Garbrick said. “This is a tremendous honor. You heard it in their words and how much Mike meant to the community. He was much more than a President and CEO. He was a business partner who was there for us when we needed help and was a great friend to many of us in this room. We will display this with pride and will work hard to be considered for this award every year. Clinton County is a great place to start a business and is a great place to continue to grow. Everybody in this room has helped to make that happen.”