A lot of activities and events planned this summer have been cancelled due to COVID, but The Bradford Board of Trade’s Open For Business Golf Tournament isn’t one of them.
On Friday August 7, members of the BBT and the Bradford community will come together (six feet apart) at Bradford Highlands Golf Club for a day of socially distanced networking and fun.
“The main purpose of the event is for networking and to get businesses out in a fun environment where they can enjoy their day and get to know people in a much safer way this year,” said BBT President Tina Morrison.
This will be the second annual tournament hosted by the BBT with a cap of 72 golfers for this year’s event.
“Finding out we were able to do the golf tournament was huge,” said Morrison. " I am glad we are still able to do this for the business community.”
“Last year was our first year doing it, it was so great and everyone had so much fun,” said Morrison. “You’re networking but it doesn’t feel like you have to be so structured like other networking events.”
With the cancellation of their Spring Home Show event in April, the BBT was happy to be able to still host the golf tournament.
The day will include a round of golf and a meal to-go provided by the golf club. There will be various activities happening on the course, including St. Louis Bar and Grill with their Caesar Hole and New Roads Automotive’s hole-in-one contest, and much more.
There will also be a silent auction table for a chance to win some donated prizes from the Bradford business community.
“We’re always accepting donations,” said Morrison, noting there are various ways for organizations to get involved with different levels of sponsorships.
The BBT’s role in the community is to strengthen and support local business, especially now during these challenging economic times. The board works closely with the town’s Office of Economic Development to ensure sustainable economic growth within Bradford.
Throughout the pandemic, the BBT has continued to support its members by providing resources through their website and hosting virtual meetings.
“We’ve been kind of like an information hub, with the latest from the town and MP Scot Davidson and MPP Caroline Mulroney,” said Morrison. “We’ve had a couple calls with Scot and Caroline just so they know the struggles [from the business community].”
She added that Davidson has gone through the list of BBT members and has been in contact with them over the phone and online to see what support they need at this time.
The BBT has also connected businesses with resources needed throughout the pandemic as well.
“[We’ve] kind of been being an advocate and liaison for the business community, and helping and supporting them anyway we can,” said Morrison.
The BBT’s next large event is set to take place in the fall with the BBT Awards Gala, recognizing outstanding businesses in the community. Nominations are open, but how the awards will be presented is still up in the air depending on government gathering restrictions.
"I know things are changing everyday and we’re having a lot of discussions about it [the awards gala],” noted Morrison.
But nominations are open on their website and close on September 9, 2020.
As of Wednesday, the golf tournament is 60 percent sold out. Anyone interested in sponsoring or participating in the event can contact the BBT directly on their website here.
