Bedford County Chamber Announces 2026 Rising Star Honorees
Bedford County, PA –– The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce honored the Business Hall of Fame Class of 2026 among other at its Spring Awards Breakfast Friday, March 20th in the Colonnade Ballroom of the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. The signature awards celebration also recognized the Rotary/Elks Citizen of the Year, Rising Star Young Professionals and Service Above Self Scholarship honorees.
The Hall of Fame Award honors businesses and organizations of the Bedford County region for longevity, excellence, and impact; this year’s selections have exhibited a commitment to excellence in their industry and an impact on commerce and the community of the Bedford County Region for at least a quarter century, including: Bedford Candies, Bollman Charter Service, Boyer Orchards, Corle Building Systems, and the Rotary Club of Bedford (Evening).
Here are their stories:
2026 Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Rising Star Honorees:
Zachary Brouse – Brouse Forestry and Tree Care / PA Lumberjack Championships
Dan & Bryn Keller – Woodhaven B&B / Event Venue / Brewery
Zach Brouse is an entrepreneur, professional lumberjack, and one of Pennsylvania’s most recognizable ambassadors for the logging and outdoor heritage industries. A lifelong woodsman, Zach has built a national reputation competing in professional lumberjack sports, where his precision, strength, and respect for tradition set him apart. Beyond competition, he has turned passion into enterprise, founding the Pennsylvania Lumberjack Championships and Outdoor Show—an event that celebrates forestry, skilled trades, and rural culture while drawing competitors and spectators from across the country. As a business owner and event producer, Zach blends old-school craftsmanship with modern entrepreneurship, creating platforms that educate, entertain, and inspire the next generation. His community service includes providing the Downtown Bedford Christmas tree each year, serving on the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Living Water Camp and Conference Center Board, Secret Santa Society and Bloody Run Canoe and Kayak Classic Committee. He resides in Everett with his wife, Erin and their two children.
Dan and Bryn Keller are the creative partners behind Woodhaven B&B Event Venue and Brewery, rooted in hospitality, craftsmanship, and community. United by a shared passion for welcoming people and creating memorable experiences, the Kellers transformed Woodhaven into a destination known for its warm atmosphere, scenic setting, and attention to detail. Their work blends historic charm with modern comfort, making the property a sought-after space for overnight guests as well as weddings, celebrations, and gatherings of all kinds. Building on that spirit of connection, Dan and Bryn have launched a new brewing company, extending their commitment to quality and local experience into the world of craft beverages; their welcoming new space features their local brews, PA wines, spirits, wood fired pizza and appetizers that have quickly become local favorites. With a focus on authenticity, creativity, and bringing people together, their growing portfolio reflects an entrepreneurial vision centered on place, people, and purpose. Together, the Kellers continue to shape spaces where hospitality and community naturally come together. They reside in Schellsburg with their daughter.
In addition to the Chamber’s Spring awards, the event also featured the presentation of the Citizen of the Year Award, by the Rotary Clubs of Bedford and the Bedford Elks Lodge to Renee Nicholson, a successful entrepreneur, community leader, and committed volunteer. The owner of Everett Flower Shop and President of R.L. Abatement, Inc., she serves as an elected member of Everett Boro Council and the Chair of the Tenley Park Recreation Board. She has served on the executive committee of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce for the past six years, including as Board Chair for 2024-2025. Renee has also served as co-chair of Everett’s annual Halloween Parade, and last year launched the new Tenley Park Haunted Trail event, a family-friendly activity to raise funds for new park playground equipment. She also coordinated a community workday in partnership with REI to upgrade the park’s amphitheater and pavilions, and mentored a local Boy Scout through his Eagle Scout project to improve park trails.
“Beyond organized events, Renee lives the principle of caring through everyday generosity, wrote co-nominator Karen Scrianko. “She regularly donates flowers to senior centers and nonprofit organizations, lifting spirits and recognizing the efforts of volunteers and community workers. She consistently encourages others, celebrates fellow volunteers, and leads by example. Renee’s actions are not motivated by recognition, but by a sincere desire to serve others and strengthen her community.”
Nicholson’s nominators recounted her many random acts of kindness, including support of employees, local non-profit organizations, schools, children, families, and even strangers.
“What makes Renee so special is that this is just who she is,” added co-nominator Theresa Horne. “She shows up for people when they need it most, whether that means financial help, encouragement, or simply being there. Our community is better because of her kindness and generosity. Renee Nicholson truly represents what it means to be a Citizen of the Year. Her heart for others and the way she consistently puts people first make her more than deserving of this recognition.”
The Citizen of the Year Award has been presented as a joint project between the Rotary Clubs and Elks Lodge since 2013. Prior to that, The Bedford Elks honored a Citizen of the Year from 1970-2012, and the Rotary Club of Bedford presented its own Citizen of the Year Award from 1986-2012; the combined honor is presented annually to a community leader who exhibits the mottos of the two organizations: Rotary’s Service Above Self and Elks Care, Elks Share.
“Renee Nicholson embodies both of these mottos,” explained Kellie Goodman Shaffer, President-CEO of the Chamber and a member of a local Rotary Club and the Elks Lodge. “She has been serving our communities and county for decades in her own quiet, unassuming way, just doing what she thinks is right, working to make her corner of the world a better place, setting a positive example for her children and her community. The fact that she does all of these things never expecting or seeking recognition makes her all the more deserving of it.”
