For Harland Bergstrom, the cable business is just a way of life.
So when he received an award from Broadband Cable Association of Pennsylvania for his contributions to the "development and success of the organization's programs and events," it was almost like an honor for lifetime achievement.
"To me, this is just a way of life," he said. "Cable is what I do."
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MIKE REUTHER/Sun-Gazette
Harland Bergstrom holds the award recognizing his accomplishments in a career in broadband cable.
Bergstrom is vice president and general manager of Cable Services Co. Inc., Williamsport, a member of the Broadband Cable Association.
Broadband President Dan Tunnell noted that Bergstrom has demonstrated his support for the organization.
"He has repeatedly stepped up to strengthen our programs, add value to association endeavors," he said. "We couldn't be more grateful for his tireless efforts and contributions to our organization and the cable industry, and are proud to formally recognize that commitment by presenting him with our President's Award."
Broadband, founded in 1957, promotes broadband cable and telecommunications industry issues statewide, including the development of advances in technology, programming and the Internet.
Bergstrom said among his duties has been helping the organization with lobbying efforts on the state and federal levels.
In addition, he has served on its board of directors and is active with Pennsylvania chapters of the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers.
He was attending Broadband's Cable Academy conference in Harrisburg this spring when he learned he received the President's Award.
"I was really surprised," he recalled with a laugh. "I was sitting there and they started reading off things that sounded very similar to my life."
He said he was very humbled by the award.
Bergstrom, a graduate of Coudersport High School, has been in the cable business most of his life.
After studying electronics at the former Williamsport Area Community College, he took a job in 1977 as an installer with Charles Construction Co.'s cable television service in Jersey Shore.
"We did anything that was required. It was multi-tasking," he recalled.
When the company was sold, he took a job with TV Cable of Central Pennsylvania, eventually rising to rank of general manager.
He came to Cable Services Co. in 1997.
The company, a full-service provider to the telecommunications industry specializing in broadband infrastructure design, employs 110 people.
Services include design and construction, engineering, mapping and design, maintenance, installations, product sales and distribution, consulting and project management.
Bergstrom is in the middle of it all, with a lot of responsibilities.
He said he occasionally misses his earlier days in the industry when he worked out in the field.
"The older I get, the less I miss it," he laughed.
Over the years, Bergstrom has seen a lot of change in the business.
There's more channels
for people to find on cable TV, and of course, there's now the Internet.
"There's more people using fiberoptics," he added.
He said he is surrounded in the workplace by a lot of good, talented people.
"I don't think you are going to find anyone who says anything bad about Harland," said Gene Welliver, a Cable Services vice president.
Bergstrom, for his part, said he's happy to do whatever he can to support everyone at the company.
