Bradford’s business community was sweating out on the greens Thursday — but not from missing a near gimme.
Almost 60 golfers teed off in hot, muggy conditions at Gilford’s Harbour View Golf and Country Club as part of the Bradford Board of Trade’s Open for Business golf tournament Aug. 1. It was all for a good cause though, with most of the proceeds going to cover the operational expenses for the board of trade, but also donations were collected for the Helping Hand Food Bank and Bradford Community Fridge.
“It was a great day — it didn’t rain,” said board of trade president Donna Katz, noting the tournament was supposed to take place in mid-July, but it was rescheduled due to heavy rainfall associated with the remnants of Hurricane Beryl. “I’m just grateful we had people come and stick with us and do the rain date. Right now, the community fridge is a little bit low. Everyone brought something. It was good.”
She noted the tournament gave the business community a great chance to network, and liaise with the municipal government officials in attendance.
“I’ve been a member of the board of trade for forever,” Katz said. “I do it because I’m passionate about business. It’s just a fun way to get everyone together. Am I a golfer? Nope. I like to drive the cart and putt and do nothing in between. But I have fun doing that. It’s great for businesses to see the connection between the board of trade, our government and that we can be a liaison for them and anything they need. We foster great connections. The best deals are done on golf courses.”
Others agree.
“This helps us connect with businesses in the community,” said Lori Harvey, representing local Bell dealer Totally One Communications.
While Mayor James Leduc noted his glasses were dripping with perspiration due to the humidity at one point, he lauded the course — noting Harbour View’s “generous” fairways and few water hazards make it a “great little hidden gem” — and the event as a whole.
“We appreciated everyone putting in that effort to show up,” he said. “It’s absolutely important to support our small businesses. That’s why the town always partners with the Bradford Board of Trade. We want to support them and promote them and that golf tournament is one of those areas where the town could partner. It was a very successful event.”
When asked how he shot, Leduc replied: “I had a very good day. I actually had one of my better games today. My drive was bang-on. I could have played with four clubs — everything was pretty much wedge in.”
There were 20 hole sponsors. And nearly 20 raffle prizes were given away, Katz said.
For more on the board of trade, visit bradfordboardoftrade.com.
