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Partnership honors those who started it all

LANA MUTHLER/THE EXPRESS From left, First Quality co-founder and guest speaker Kambiz Damaghi, and three men who were instrumental in the formation of the Partnership, J. Michael Williamson, Dan Harger and Tom Davis.

LOCK HAVEN –The Clinton County Economic Partnership celebrated its 30th anniversary at last night’s annual dinner and it seemed only fitting that they offer some history of the Partnership and recognize several people who have been involved in the organization since its inception.

Partnership President and CEO Mike Flanagan did the honors, with help from Partnership Operating Board Chairman David Harger.

“In the late 1980s, the leaders of the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development Corporation and the Tourist Promotion Agency decided to conduct a study on whether combining the groups would benefit the county, residents and visitors. Conducting this study was Don Mazziotti of the Delta Development Group and a former state Commerce Secretary.

Among the leaders in this endeavor were board members or volunteers J. Ralph Lovette, Bill Marino, Ron Pete, Ned McClintock, Bob Lynch, Ron Drewery, Tom Davis, J. Michael Williamson, Joe McClellan, Harold Sweeney, Dan Harger, DiAnn Steumpfle and Lewis Steinberg.

It was decided in 1989 to combine the three groups, and fairly seamlessly, the Partnership was born. The first Partnership President was Fritz Spokas, followed by Wes Grand, then myself, Flanagan said.

LANA MUTHLER/THE EXPRESS Honored for service on the operating board, as a board member or advisory board member for the past 30 years were, from left, Steve Stevenson, Greg Wilson, Bill Hanelly, Dan Harger, Robert Pignatello, Paul Conklin, Jeff Snyder and Larry Coploff.

Today, the Partnership has a 15-member board with four employees, and 382 dues-paying members. The Partnership continues to have an overall goal of helping to make the county a better place to work and live, Flanagan said.

“Because we are 30 years old, we would like to do something a little different than handing out a Frank D. O’Reilly Award. We would like to honor those members who have served on the operating board, as a board member or advisory board member for the past 30 years,” Flanagan said.

First to be called to the front was Lock Haven University President Robert Pignatello and Bill Hanelly, LHU senior vice president and chief operating officer of finance and administration.

“LHU has been a board member for 30 years. Our records show that past members have included Dr. Craig Dean Willis, Bob Lynch, Jerry Updegraff and today Bill Hanelly. Thank you Lock Haven University for your community support as we present you with this plaque,” Flanagan said.

Next up to the front was Larry Coploff. Coploff, Ryan, Welch and Houser law firm has been a board member or advisory board member for 30 years, Flanagan said. First represented by Mike Williamson, then Larry Coploff as a board member and now the organization’s solicitor, Justin Houser.

LANA MUTHLER/THE EXPRESS Henry Sorgen received Carl Bergdahl Award from Rich Wykoff.

County commissioners Jeff Snyder and Paul Conklin were called to represent Clinton County, which has been a member of the Partnership for 30 years. Represented by Larry Kephart, Rich Kyle, Adam Coleman and today by Pete Smeltz, who could not be here tonight, Flanagan said.

Lock Haven City Councilman Steve Stevenson and City Manager Greg Wilson came to the podium next.

“The city of Lock Haven has been a board member for 30 years, represented through the years by DiAnn Steumpfle, Leonora Hannagan, and today by Councilman Steve Stevenson,” Flanagan said.

And lastly, Flanagan called Dan Harger to the front.

“Dan is the only person who has served all 30 years on the Partnership Operating Board,” Flanagan said.

Dave Harger smiled broadly as he presented his father with the award and the embraced.

HENRY SORGEN RECEIVES CARL BERGDAHL AWARD

The winner of the Carl Bergdahl Award for tourist promotion is always kept a secret until its announcement during the Clinton County Economic Partnership’s Annual Dinner. But as always, once the presenter begins describing the person who has been chosen for the award, those in the audience start whispering and nodding their heads as they realize who is about to receive the award.

And last night was no exception as Rich Wykoff began talking, the audience was putting two and two together and before his name was even announced, almost everyone in the room knew that Central Mountain’s ATV Association President Henry Sorgen was this year’s recipient of the Carl Bergdahl Award.

“There’s no question that Clinton County is a ‘destination’ when it comes to outdoor recreation…and ATV riding is one of the fastest-growing, year-round activities, in Pennsylvania. Tonight’s Carl Bergdahl Tourism Award recipient is recognized for his leadership in spurring that growth in our region,” Flanagan said.

“Those who know him can attest to his sacrifice and dedication to this cause and the impact it is already having on businesses in Clinton, Potter, and Cameron counties.

“Under his tenure as president, membership in the Central Mountains ATV Association has grown from 200, to over 1,200 members….and has evolved from a ‘local’ club to a multi-state ATV Association with members from all corners of Pennsylvania, as well as from New York, New Jersey and Ohio, Flanagan said.

“What is his secret, you ask?… ATV riding is his passion and he shares that with enthusiasm,” Flanagan said.

“Association members are his first priority. He established a website, email listserv, and newsletter to keep them up to speed on the monthly ride schedule (there are two organized rides per month), special rides, club socials, club business, and special events. Most of the rides and events are within our region, much to the appreciation of local businesses including gas stations, restaurants campgrounds, and lodging establishments.

“Members collect toys each year during the two-day Bennezette Elk Ride for the Mark the Shark Toy Drive. They participate in parades, festivals, and outdoor shows at which their barrel train is a big hit with the kids.

“For the past five years, he has spearheaded the NorthCentral Pennsylvania ATV Initiative, a visionary effort to greatly expand the number of rideable miles within north-central PA from Clinton County to New York state. So far, some 1,200 miles of riding — including trails, township roads, and connector roads — has been developed. Today, the trail project is about a third complete,” Flanagan noted.

Sorgen’s team works with municipalities to open local roads to ATV use. He lobbies with state officials — legislators, the Governor’s office, DCNR and PennDOT to name a few — to educate them on the benefits of ATV riding and the positive economic impact of ATV Tourism. And he’s getting peoples’ attention.

He’s involved Central Mountain’s ATV Association in collaboration with many other nonprofit groups – to the benefit of our community. The Association and Bucktail Medical Center’s Relay for Life team, for example, co-host the annual Renovo ATV Cruise for a Cure, bringing in nearly 400 ATV riders every year and raising funds to beat cancer.

From 2011 to 2019 (nine years) the event brought 1,634 operators (ATV vehicles) and 772 passengers to the Renovo area. Clinton County Relay for Life has received a combined contribution of $60,983.

“As the plaque we’re about to present so appropriately reads… “For dedication, leadership and vision in showcasing the best Clinton County has to offer,” Wykoff said, as he presented the award to Sorgen.

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