The growth of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce reflects both the growth of the Bedford County economy and the enthusiasm and strength of its members. Nearly 30% of the 610 Chamber members serve on volunteer committees.
As the county's most active small business development and support group, it's the Chamber's many programs and services that prove key to benefiting the Chamber and its members.
Because the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce is a service-oriented organization, these programs are the lynchpin that holds the Chamber members together. The chamber currently sponsors 18 committees that handle issues on behalf of all Chamber members. These committees cover the full range of membership interests and concerns, from transportation and government affairs to networking and public relations.
When a firm is a member of the Chamber, all employees of that firm are considered members. Any employee of member firms are invited to participate on any Chamber committee.
Agri-Business
Recognizing the importance of farming and agriculture-related businesses in the heritage and future of Bedford County, this committee provides support to agri-business in the region and works to promote to the general public the significant role that agriculture plays in our everyday lives.
Agriculture Committee Members: Scott Myers, Co-Chair, Lori Sollenberger, Co-Chair, Alan & Lois Frederick, Angie Horton, Bette Slayton, Betty Brdar, Betty Ruhlman, Brian Zembower, Bruce Weaver, Carrie Megginson, Dan Earnest, Crystal Smithmyer, Dick Barkley, Donald Fair, Holly Mountan, Janice Stoudnour, Jason Blair, Jeff Kloss, Juli Dull, Kathleen Brumbaugh, Kim Bierly, Leigh Snyder, Melanie Barkley, Melinda Foor, Paul Slayton, Scott Meyers, Sharon Turkovich, Tiffany Cessna, Todd Roadman, Trudy Barefoot, Wayne Koontz, Wendy Onstead, Jeff Shaffer, Derek & Dessie Carpenter
Awards
To acknowledge excellence in business and dedication to the community.
Awards Committee members: Lynn Corbett-Winn, Kellie Goodman Shaffer, Kay Reynolds, Michelle Speck, Rick Smith, Nora Williams and Jami Leavell.
BASICS
Businesses And Schools Investing in Cooperative Solutions
To help promote the county’s awareness of local career opportunities and training facilities.
BASICS Steering Committee: Sherry Obert, Co-Chair, Eric Huttenlocher, Co-Chair, Nancy Clark, Juliet Deitz, Mary Dennis, David DiPasquale, Jeff Eisaman, Allison Felix, Michele Fisher, Amiee Garay, Brett Gilliand, Ester Grana, Gary Klinger, Keisha Lazor, Dave Lewis, Rock Manges, Dr. Dena Mobus, Kelli Ruiz, Allen Sell, Sam Shuss, Bette Slayton, Mike Snow
Bedford County 2020
To provide networking, career development and community service opportunities to the Chamber's Young Professionals, who will shape the "2020" Vision of Bedford County.
Bedford County 2020 Members: Bobby Huxta, Branden Diehl, Co-Chair, Caitlin Buckhew, Carolyn Detwiler, Casey Colledge, Cassie Stroup, Chris Carr, Corey Meckes, Jacob Jones, Jesse Topper, Jodi Chamberlain, Joel Kahl, Johanna Faupel, Juli Dull, Julie Browell, Justin Croner, Leslie Childres, Lindsey McCormick, Meghan Johnson, Michael Lamb, Renee Dicken, Rich Fogal, Sara Beal, Sean Bardell, Shaun Styer, Stephanie Foor, Vince Liberato
Business-to-Business Expo
To provide area businesses with a professionally-styled forum in which to showcase their products and services while generating sales leads and strengthening their network of Chamber contacts.
Business-to-Business Steering Committee: Ella Bowman, Chair, Cheryl Ebersole, Dana Budnick, Eric Childers, Kellie Goodman Shaffer, Linda Steele, Lisa Gardner, Lynn Corbett-Winn, Nancy Pyle, Patty Ritchey and Jami Leavell.
Chamber Ambassadors
To gain, keep and create value for members and to achieve the highest possible level of Chamber member retention through goodwill, fellowship and networking. The Chamber Ambassadors increase awareness of membership value through personal visits and contacts and keep members informed of events and what is happening within the Chamber.
Chamber Ambassadors Committee: Patty Chwatek, Chair, Jackie Beegle, Kelly Burtnett, Rita Bush, Stephanie Foor, Jim Gonsman, Sherri Growden, Joanne Howarth, Jami Leavell, Robin Schrock, Deborah Shuster, Carol Stump, Pamela Wilt, Angie Horton
Executive/Planning
To formulate and review the Chamber budget, manage Chamber finances and coordinate all operations of Chamber staff and Chamber committee activities. This committee is made up of the officers of the Chamber Board of Directors.
Executive/Planning Steering Committee: Eric Huttenlocher, President, Brian Sell, Vice President, Jim Gonsman, 2nd Vice President, Garry Goss, Secretary, Beth Latterner, Treasurer, Michelle Speck, Immediate Past President
Golf
To plan, develop and execute an annual golf tournament.
Golf Steering Committee: Jeff Mearkle, Chair, Mark Szanca, Co-Chair, Paula Brown, Rita Bush, Casey Colledge, Lynn Corbett-Winn, Kristi Devore, Melinda Feaster, Kellie Goodman Shaffer, Amy Mearkle, Nancy Pyle, Debbie Shuster, Linda Steele, Diane Stuart, Linda Szanca and Jami Leavell
Government Affairs
To educate Chamber members about significant legislation that would impact local business and advocate of behalf of the business community.
Government Affairs Steering Committee: Marty Malone, Chair, Dave Copley, Allen Harr, Diana McClure, Jim Gonsman, Mike Lamb, Nancy Pyle, Ann Foor, Mike Lamb
Home & Garden Show
To provide businesses involved in the home improvement trade an opportunity to showcase their products and services while generating sales leads.
Home & Garden Show Steering Committee: Roger Christiana, Chair, Dave Betts, Eric Childers, Tonya Grimes, Kellie Goodman Shaffer, Debbie Keyser, Leigh Shaffer, Linda Steele and Jami Leavell.
Leadership Bedford County
To identify and develop informed, responsible and effective leaders capable of addressing the needs of our community.
Leadership Bedford County Advisory Committee: Annette Godissart, Chair, Lynn Ashe, Trudy Barefoot, Lori Copley, Kellie Goodman Shaffer, Rodney Jenkins, Greg Knisely, Dennis Shaffer, Helen Sickle, Rick Smith, Janice Stoudnour, Jesse Topper and Jami Leavell.
Marketing
To promote The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce by enhancing the image of the Chamber and its programs and benefits through targeted marketing materials to its various audiences.
Marketing Steering Committee: Marcia O’Rear, Chair, Sam Britz, Michael Corle, Jade Corle, Trina Golubosky, Jami Leavell, Marty Malone, Monica Meckes, Helen Sickle, Leigh Shaffer, Dr. Walter Asonevich, Richard Brooks, Eric Childers, Lisa Defibaugh, Arlene Dodson, Jim Gregory
Personnel
To serve as a resource to the director for reviewing and developing all human resources policies, procedures, and systems, including job descriptions, pay systems and counseling actions, orientation, mentoring, training and legal compliance.
Personnel Committee: Michelle Speck, Chair, Don Brown, Eric Huttenlocher, Julia Brulia, Juliet Deitz, Mike Snow, Sharon Turkovich
Poker Run
To plan and implement an annual Poker Run motorcycle ride to benefit the Bedford County Chamber Foundation educational programs.
Poker Run Committee: Dave Copley, Co-Chair, Glenn Thompson, Co-Chair,Trudy Barefoot, Chad Foreman, Mark Heptner, Mari-Pat Lingsch, Bob Watkins, Chris Watkins, Tim Weaverling
Special Events
To develop, market, implement direct, stage and host a series of special events that inform and promote Chamber businesses.
Special Events Steering Committee: Rita Bush, Co-Chair, Helen Sickle, Co-Chair, Bobbi Beeseck, Ella Bowman, Doris Clark, Renee Dicken, Trina Golubosky, Diane Knisely, Heather Pennabaker, Karen Richards, Gail Smith, Linda Steele, Linda Szanca, Jamie Welsh and Jami Leavell.
Technology
To help member businesses and the Chamber use technology to advance business and marketing operations.
Technology Steering Committee: Arthur Costigan, Chair, Dave Wertz, Terri Brumbaugh, Glenn Burket, Jeff Creighton, Kevin Diehl, Bob Elbin, Joe Grabowski, Jacob Jones, Chuck Kuntz, Keisha Lazor, Jeff Loshaw, Fred Querry, Mike Reigh, Jeff Rinscheid, Mark Schneck, Andy Shoemaker, Ed Silvetti, Bette Slayton, Kristi Smith, Mike Strait, Mark Szanca, Tom Turner, Clyde Zimmerman
Youth Leadership Bedford County
To endow youth with the knowledge and ability to become confident leaders.
Youth Leadership Bedford County Steering Committee: Dr. Dan Webb, Co-Chair, Dawn Housel, Co-Chair, Allison Breth, Dailey Chandler, Beth Clark, D.O., Lori Copley, Tess Crawford, Julia Evans, Leigh Anne Gronborg, Paul Ruhlman Jr., Allen Sell, Sam Shuss, Sharon Turkovich, Kathy Wood, Sherrill Wylie