As 2025 comes to a close, the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce is proud to reflect on a year marked by momentum, meaningful connections, and measurable impact. Through strategic programming, strong partnerships, and a continued focus on leadership and workforce development, the Chamber continues to leverage the support of our members to serve as a driving force for business and community success throughout the Bedford County region.
Supporting Business and Building Leaders
At the heart of the Chamber’s work is a commitment to empowering people. In 2025, Leadership Bedford County and Youth Leadership Bedford County continued the legacy of cultivating informed, engaged leaders, graduating exceptional classes who explored the systems, challenges, and opportunities shaping our region, and welcoming new groups to the programs. Many alumni remain involved across civic, nonprofit, and business sectors, building and strengthening Bedford County from the inside out.
The Chamber recognized excellence the through the Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration and the Hall of Fame Program, shining a light on the diversity, creativity and commitment to community among our local businesses and organizations; we also averaged more than one celebration per week—ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings and anniversaries — marking milestones and sharing good news of success among our friends and neighbors.
Elevating Voices—Encouraging Engagement
The Chamber expanded opportunities for dialogue and learning through our Government: It’s Your Business speaker series, which brought elected officials and policy leaders together with citizens and the business community. These forums, including the annual New Year Reception, coming up January 22nd, provided valuable insight into legislative issues and public policy decisions that directly affect Bedford County’s economic climate.
Investing in the Future Workforce
Workforce development remained a priority, particularly through the Chamber Foundation’s BASICS (Businesses and Schools Investing in Cooperative Solutions) program. Students connected with local employers through programs, initiatives, and hands-on learning experiences like Touch a Truck, Steps to Success, Community Reading Day, 5th Grade Career Field Day, 7th Grade Agriculture Career Fair, and Business Community Showcase. These programs, reaching every grade level, Pre-K thru 12, helped young people better understand career pathways available right here in Bedford County, while also supporting employers in building a future-ready workforce.
Making Connections, Building Community
From Business After Hours and Lunch and Link Networking to Women in Business programs, including International Women’s Day and two signature conferences, the Chamber worked throughout the year to create opportunities for members and friends to make valuable connections with peers, customers, and the community. Educational offerings, including a series of programs for non-profit organizations and special technology-themed workshop provided value-added for many businesses and organizations. The Chamber The Chamber also played a key role in welcoming the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America to Bedford, bringing national attention to our community and supporting a worthy cause, while the Chamber Foundation hosted internationally renowned artists Damian McGinty and Emmet Cahill as part of our benefit concert series, bringing premier cultural experiences to our own backyard.
Looking Ahead To a Year of Celebrations and Service
Guided by a dynamic and ambitious strategic plan, the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce enters 2026 focused, energized, and ready to build on the progress of the past year. Together with our members, partners, and volunteers, we remain committed to fostering opportunity, championing collaboration, and ensuring Bedford County continues to thrive.
Connection Through Community Events
Through family-friendly events and programs like the Silver Lining Drive-In Movie Series and Holiday Nights of Lights, the Chamber and Chamber Foundation continued to create spaces where relationships could grow between local businesses and the community at large, allowing local pride to thrive and shine. These events not only strengthen our sense of place, but also support tourism and economic vitality across the county and the region.
The Bedford County Fairgrounds will also be the site of a new springtime event: the Living Local Marketplace, a re-imagined and expanded version of the former Home, Garden, Lifestyle and Outdoors Show, designed to showcase area businesses and foster buy-local habits.
Milestones & Memory-Making
The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce will continue to play a central role in the America 250 PA Bedford County celebration, Pennsylvania’s official semi-quincentennial marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. As an active partner with the Bedford County Committee of America250PA, the Chamber supports a series of community events and educational initiatives that Honor our nation’s heritage Bedford County’s special place within the American story. This theme will be woven throughout Chamber, Foundation and community events and programs throughout 2026, including Community Reading Day, and the Chamber’s Annual Dinner, and as well as a July 2nd Gala Red White and Blue Mixer featuring the Bedford Symphony, local restaurants, spirits tastings, and more in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Independence Day.
Upcoming dates to note including the January 23rd, 11am kick-off rally at the Bedford County Courthouse (room 101) and the Distinguished Speaker Series event: An Evening with Artist Wayne Hyde—Thursday, February 19th at the Bedford Elks Country Club. Additional events will be listed on the Chamber website and America250PA Bedford County Facebook page.
The Chamber also supports creative projects like the Bedford County Liberty Bell art installation—part of the statewide Bells Across PA program—and is working to ensure that the legacy of this once-in-a-generation celebration lives on through ongoing local activities and public engagement leading up to July 4, 2026.
Chamber Birthday Celebration
The new year marks a milestone for the Bedford County Chamber as well, our 40th anniversary of incorporation. While the organization has records dating back to the early 1930’s, today’s Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1986 by a group of Rotarians from the evening Rotary Club, which will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2026.
With so much to look forward to, opportunities abound for engagement, recognition, exposure, networking, and so much more. The Chamber leadership, including our board of directors and team, can’t wait to dive into 2026 and all the new year has to offer. Learn more online or call us to get involved at 814.623.2233.