Variety of Opportunities
The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce offers members a variety of programs, services, and benefits.
From training to networking to discounts, the Chamber creates an environment for business and the community to prosper.
Members are encouraged to get involved through the Chamber’s active steering committees which are responsible for our diverse programs and services.
Education / Information
An ongoing government affairs speaker series, providing opportunities for our members and the public to hear from county, state, and US legislators as well as other government officials about issues of concern to the business community. Sponsorships and networking opportunities available for these breakfast and lunch programs. Check out the Chamber calendar for upcoming events in this series.
Business at Breakfast and Lunch-n-Learn opportunities bring Chamber members together to share ideas, experiences, and expertise. As an event host, members gain valuable exposure and make important connections for their business. Attendees have the chance to network with experts in the topic of the day as well as their fellow members. Generally small-group events of 15-30 people, these educational meals feed the body and mind. Some past topics have included, but are not limited to: Health Insurance, Sleep Apnea, Financial Planning, and Online Marketing. Breakfast events generally begin around 7:30 a.m. and conclude before 9:00 am; Lunch events start around noon and conclude by 1:30 p.m.
The Chamber’s Agri-Business Committee creates opportunities to celebrate and support the county’s largest industry with seasonal educational events, including the Downtown on the Farm street fair, Fun Farm Facts at the Fair poster partnership, Ag Career Day, and more. You’re welcome to join the committee, sponsor or exhibit during an event!
Leadership Bedford County class members foster relationships with their peers, session planners, speakers, and community leaders – all influential in their areas of expertise. They learn more about Bedford County’s historic successes and future challenges. They gain an appreciation for the cultural, business, educational, political, and social elements that make Bedford County such a dynamic community. The 10 month class generally includes one session per month, August through June. Applications are accepted beginning in March. Contact the Chamber Foundation for more information.
Youth Leadership Bedford County (YLBC) offers a ten-month leadership training program for a select group of Bedford County high school sophomores. The program consists of team building activities and leadership training sessions that create an awareness of resources, services, and issues specific to Bedford County. This program will become a pivotal life experience for the participants who will serve in leadership positions today and in the future. 9th graders interested in applying should contact their school guidance counselors; businesses wishing to support this program or sponsors a student should contact the Chamber Foundation at 814-623-2233.
Bedford County BASICS is a workforce development initiative designed to create a bridge between the business and educational communities, preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s careers in the Bedford County region. Our goal is to inform regional students, parents, and educators of the career opportunities that exist in Bedford County and to foster valuable connections between local companies and students of each grade level, Pre-K through 12th grades. Opportunities abound for companies wishing to participate in career fairs, Junior Achievement programs, and more.
The Bedford County Chamber Foundation is pleased to present Community Reading Day at elementary schools throughout the county each April. Community leaders, representing Bedford County Chamber of Commerce member businesses, volunteer each year to read and present books to more than 500 students in nearly 30 second grade classes as part of this literacy/career exploration program.
Networking / Exposure
Celebrate Spring, home improvement season, and outdoor recreation, while supporting local business at the Chamber’s Living Local Marketplace. Business exhibits, outdoors show, networking opportunities, demonstrations, children’s activities, music, food trucks, and more. Held in early April (date dependent on Easter holiday). A great way to promote buying local products and services for your next big project or lifestyle adventure! What are you in the market for?
The Chamber’s Women in Business programming has become one of our most significant initiatives, drawing professional women from throughout the state to the Omni Bedford Springs Resort for days of education, enlightenment, and inspiration in May and November for two signature conferences. These day-long events feature keynote speakers, networking opportunities, vendor exhibits, and much more. The series begins in March with an International Women’s Day Forum. Sponsorships and exhibit opportunities are available for each event as well as the full series.
The Chamber’s biggest business-to-business networking event of the year has evolved to also become the area’s largest collage and career fair welcoming more than 1,000 high school and middle school students. Scheduled in October at the Bedford County Airport, the event provides opportunities for businesses to exhibit (tables) to make connections with business leaders during a coffee and doughnut hour, networking luncheon, and more. Sponsorships available. Call the Chamber for details or Click here to learn more.
Monthly mixers provide valuable networking for our Members. Businesses may host an event to showcase products and services. Cost to attend is $610for Chamber members, $20 for not-yet members. Hosting opportunities fill up fast. Call the Chamber to schedule a month to host, or just come and enjoy meeting friends old and new. Held on Thursday evenings, 4-6pm or 5-7pm. Check the Chamber calendar for details.
Our newest, most informal networking opportunities, designed for busy professionals – Lunch and Link and Business @ Breakfast events are informal, Dutch-treat meals at Chamber-member restaurants. No registration fees, but RSVP required, so we can build a table of people for you to connect with. Lunches are held in January, March, May, July, September, November, and breakfasts in alternating months. Call the Chamber or visit the website to register.
Special Events
The signature celebration of the Bedford County Business Community, the Annual Awards Dinner & Celebration sells out annually at 400 guests at the Bedford County Airport. The evening feature an extravagant theme each year, creating an unforgettable experience for all. Sixteen awards are presented to outstanding businesses and individuals representing various aspects of our diverse community. Sponsorships are available for this September event. Call the Chamber for information about nominating a deserving business or individual, or to learn more about becoming a sponsor.
Bedford County’s business hall of fame consists of companies who have contributed to the commerce and success of the Bedford County region for a quarter-century or more. The induction luncheon, launching March 4, 2022 at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort, will showcase prior inductees as well as a new class of exceptional local businesses. Rising Star awards will also be given to outstanding young professionals, along with a Rotary student scholarships. Sponsorships, including corporate tables are available by calling the Chamber office.
One of the area’s oldest business golf events, the Chamber Classic, held the last day of July at Down River Golf Club offers fun, excitement, great food, prizes, and plenty of networking! Golf team spots traditionally sell out, so register early for this signature summer event. Also, ask us about hosting a hole – a fun way to meet every golfer and make lots of connections while enjoying a great day on the links!
The Chamber is pleased to partner with the Bedford County Fair to present a summertime movie series a the Silver Lining Drive-In! A project completed during the pandemic, local businesses joined forces to build a 72-foot wide movie screen at the Bedford County Fairgrounds. Family friendly movies are shown on many Saturday nights during the summer. Concessions are available and local businesses sponsor the series and host special event nights. Call the Chamber to find out how your business can participate this year. Check out upcoming movies on the Chamber website and Eventbrite, as details are finalize.
Bedford County’s newest holiday tradition is a drive-thru light display at the Bedford County Fairgrounds, open weekend and select dates from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas. More than 100 light installations are created by local businesses, organizations, school groups, churches, and families over an area of more than a mile long, with hundreds of thousands of lights! A $10 donation per car benefits the 501-c3 Chamber Education Foundation. Businesses should call the Chamber to reserve your spot or sponsor the event. Santa Visits in the Coffee Pot on December Fridays and Saturdays.