Your thumbnail guide to the programs & events of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce
Networking * Marketing * Education * Event Sponsorships * Exhibitor Prospects Buy Local Initiatives * Business Development * Community Service and Much More…
Something for Everyone
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Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Bedford County Chamber Foundation
at the
Historic Russell House Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence
203 South Juliana Street | Bedford, PA 15522 Phone: (814) 623-2233 Fax: (814) 623-6089
www.BedfordCountyChamber.com
Kellie Goodman Shaffer President-CEO
Sarah Ferrari Program & Events Coordinator
Points of Contact:
Bob Octavio Bookkeeper
Rick Smith Facilitator, Leadership Bedford County
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ABOUT THE CHAMBER
The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce
is a diverse, action-oriented membership organization committed to this mission:
To involve and unify our members to promote continuous improvement
of the business climate in the Bedford County Region.
The Chamber exists to be
The Catalyst for Business Growth The Convener of Leaders & Influencers
The Champion for Stronger Communities
This is achieved through a variety of programs and events which provide our members with
important business benefits: exposure, advocacy, education, community service, and more.
The Chamber strives to create a wide array
of sponsor, exhibitor, marketing and partnership opportunities so that each member may find something that will fit their individual goals
as well as their budget.
In addition to the programs and events found within this booklet, there are a wide variety of
Chamber committees and volunteer opportunities. The Chamber staff is always available to review
your member benefits and help you find a great way to make the most of your membership!
For more information about our activities, or to make an appointment to review your membership benefits,
call the Chamber office at (814) 623-2233 or visit our website:
www.BedfordCountyChamber.com
Table of Contents
Page 4..………….…………………………………………………...….……….Marketing Toolkit
Page 5………….…………………………………………….…….….…...Membership Directory Bedford County Map Chamber Advantage Card
Page 6………….……………………………...…..…….……...………....Business Celebrations Business After Hours First Thursday Networking Breakfast
Page 7………..………………………………….......…..Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration
Page 8…..…………….……………………….………......…….Business Community Showcase
Page 9…………..……………..………………...…......……...Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show
Page 10………………………..……………..………..………...Women in Business Conference
Page 11………………………..…………………....……....………..Olde Bedford Beer Festival Holiday Nights of Lights Page 12…...….…………..…………………...………………………...…...Bike Bedford County Chamber Golf Tournament
Page 13……………………...………………………………………...…….Breakfast with Santa Member-to-Member Education Page 14………………..…………………...……………………Government: It’s Your Business Health & Wellness Education
Page 15……………………..…………… ACM Educational Partnership-Member Resources
Page 16…….……...…………………………….Agri-Business Education Programs & Events
Page 17…………………………………….……………………….........Leadership Roundtables Young Professionals Direct Sales Task Force
Page 18…………………………..……….……...Chamber (Education) Foundation Programs
Page 19………………………………………......John Anderson Distinguished Speaker Series Touch a Truck
Page 20…………………………………………..………...…..…….….Committee Opportunities
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E-Connection: Weekly e-mail blast to 2,550+ Chamber member and friend contacts with simultaneous posting to the Chamber’s Facebook page. Watch your email for the latest Chamber events, sponsorship and vendor opportunities, as well as news about your fellow members and their events. Fliers/Ads in E-Connection (8.5”x11”) are $25/Week for Members Only Chamber Connection Monthly Newsletter and Quarterly Direct-Mail Print Info Packet: NEW in 2020, the Chamber’s monthly newsletter will be delivered electronically as a pdf document to our membership and the general public, allowing for significantly greater distribution coverage and enhanced environmental responsibility. Look for the monthly mailer in the Chamber E-Connection electronic newsletter and on our website, with additional links as part of our social media platforms. The Direct Mail Informational Packet will now be sent in an expanded format to our members and friends each quarter. Both the electronic and print publications contain organization & member news, calendar information, and details regarding upcoming events and programs. The Chamber produces, collates, addresses and stamps this marketing piece, which is sent to the membership, at the beginning of February, May, August and November. Members may place the equivalent of a one-sided, 8.5”x11” flier into the electronic newsletter for just $50 per month (4 placements, a savings from the previous price of $100/month.) The opportunity to insert a printed flier (1-or-2-sided - standard 20 lb. paper) into the quarterly mailer is still available for $100 per quarter (members must provide 640 copies of your fliers for insertion.) Deadlines for the Chamber to receive print fliers for insertion are January 20, April 20, July 20 and October 20. Chamber Website: Harness the power of our website to help your business! The Chamber website contains the complete membership directory, community profile information, Chamber events, community calendar, quick links to other local organizations and much more. Contact the Chamber for information about how to take advantage of banner advertising through the Chamber website. (BedfordCountyChamber.com) Bulk Mail Stamp: The Chamber’s bulk mail stamp is available for our members to use FREE OF CHARGE. Bulk Mail (quantities of 200 or more pieces of mail) is a cost-effective way to reach your customers. Our staff is here to walk you through the bulk mail process. Please contact Amy at the Chamber office with at least 24 hours advance notice of your mailing. Member Labels: The Chamber provides sets of business mailing labels (approx. 640 addresses) to our members at the cost of $25/set (not-yet members may receive a set of labels for $100.) Please note: It is Chamber policy NOT to provide spreadsheets, email lists or other database formats of our member contact information. (We don’t sell your contact info!)
News Release Service: The Chamber is happy to prepare and send news releases on behalf of our member businesses and organizations. The information may be customized with your logo and your contact information. Let us help you reach the media with your good news! Free!
Social Media Marketing: The Chamber updates its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages frequently to re-mind our members and the community about upcoming opportunities and events. We invite our members to LIKE us on Facebook, and to share our information with your Facebook Friends, as we share your information as well. Free!
Please note: The Chamber now offers an alternative dues investment program that packages some marketing products at a savings to members.
Call the Chamber to schedule a meeting about this opportunity.
The Chamber offers an array of marketing tools to assist our members in promoting your business:
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The Chamber’s most important publication of the year, the annual Community Profile & Membership Directory is the “Business Bible” for Bedford County. An invaluable resource for business, the guide offers not only a complete membership directory, but also pages and pages of information about our region, including population, employment, and housing statistics, contact information for county government, municipalities, school districts, churches, and other community resources. Also included in the members-only spiral bound version is a handy calendar for use throughout the year. Additional perfect-bound copies are FREE. Each member receives FREE listings. Ad space is also available. The book is distributed in December; ads are generally available for purchase through Centre Publications from September thru November. Added value: the book is available in a page-turn format on the Chamber website.
Bedford County Map
Marketing Tool Kit
Better than ever….the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present an annual edition of this valuable travel tool. The Bedford County Map features the roads, both large and small, traveled by our region’s citizens and visitors. The full-color, two-sided map includes a large county map as well as inset featured maps of the towns of Bedford and Everett. Framed by member ads, the FREE map is available from participating sponsors, as well as the Chamber, Visitors Bureau, and Historical Society offices. A digital version will also be available online - just visit the Chamber website. A new edition of the map is produced each year, with additional advertising opportunities available through our print partners at Centre Publications.
Membership Directory & Community Profile Publication
Chamber Advantage Card Program Designed to promote BUY LOCAL themes, this program is an Exclusive Benefit to Chamber Members
Our members benefit from the Advantage Program in several ways:
Businesses benefit by providing member-to-member offers & discounts, driving customers through your doors.
Member companies are presented with an additional employee benefit which you can pass on to your staff AT NO CHARGE TO THE EMPLOYER OR EMPLOYEE.
Employees of local businesses, by virtue of their employer’s membership in the Chamber, receive a va-riety of discounts and special offers available only to Chamber members. These combined benefits could to-tal hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
Our community benefits as we cultivate buy-local spending habits, keeping LOCAL DOLLARS LOCAL to benefit our roads, schools, fire & police departments and much more.
Advantage Cards are FREE to Chamber Members (All employees of all member businesses & organizations) Providing an Offer for the Card is FREE to Chamber Members Ad Upgrades are available— $100 for one year (or Free with some Membership Investment Levels.)
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The Chamber loves to celebrate significant milestones for new and established businesses!
If your business is planning an expansion, new location, product, or service, the Chamber would like to help you mark the occasion with a Ribbon Cutting or Ground Breaking ceremony. The Chamber provides ribbon, ceremonial scissors, and shovels for these events, in addition to getting the word out about your occasion. News releases, email invitations, and website calendar listings are all used to inform the community about these events FREE OF CHARGE to Chamber members and not-yet members! Just contact the Chamber staff to schedule your event.
Celebration Ceremonies are offered as part of a special program designed to recognize significant business milestones of our members. Whether your company or organization is celebrating its 5th anniversary or 50th, the Chamber wants to help you mark the special occasion. In partnership with the Giant Eagle Bakery, the Chamber provides members celebrating a major anniversary with a “birthday” cake, as well as an opportunity to receive “congratulations” from your fellow members, and often times, media coverage as well. Don’t let your next big anniversary go by without letting us know about it -- we’d love to help you celebrate! FREE!
Business After Hours is a monthly networking opportunity which provides hosting members the chance to showcase their business, staff, products and/or services to their fellow members in a fun, informal social setting. After Hours events generally take place from 5-7 p.m. on the 3rd or 4th Thursday of the month, but alternative dates may be planned when necessary. The host business or organization generally provides light appetizers, beverages and one or more door prizes. The host has the opportunity to speak about their business or organization to the assembled guests in addition to the one-on-one networking opportunities provided during the event. Tours may also be
offered. The Chamber provides extensive marketing for the event, including feature newspaper and website articles with photos and link to your website; radio campaign, e-mail and direct mail. The Chamber also handles RSVP’s, name tags and registration. After Hours guests pay the Chamber $6 to attend ($16 for not-yet-Members). Limited hosting opportunities are still available for 2020.
First Thursday Networking Breakfasts The Chamber is once again planning informal and informational monthly breakfasts to give members the opportunity to meet and learn from one another prior to the work day. Guests will have the chance to share breakfast with old friends and new acquaintances. There will also be a time for facilitated group introductions as well as educational offerings to benefit you and your business! Cost for these events will be $20 per breakfast, with additional opportunities to present an infor-mational program or sponsor an individual breakfast or this series. Call Sarah for more information.
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The Chamber’s Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration is THE signature celebration of the business community of the Bedford County region, as we recognize outstanding companies, organizations and individuals for excellence in their field and for giving back to our community. Held in a huge corporate hangar at the Bedford County Airport on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, the Awards Dinner is our most prestigious event of the year, and promises to sell out; a capacity crowd of 350 guests registered for the 2019 event with the theme Come Fly With Me, an homage to the glamourous era of air travel. Our 2020 theme is The Greatest Show on Earth, so guests can expect some wonderful Circus-related features! The Chamber encourages our members to nominate themselves and others to receive one of our 17 awards. Honors are presented in an array of categories, for significant contributions to the success of Bedford County, including community service, business excellence, heritage preservation, property improvement, agriculture, education, economic development, tourism, volunteerism, mentoring of women, and more. A complete list of awards and criteria is available on the Chamber website. Nomination forms are easy to complete, and available in July. Nominees are contacted with a short question-naire to fill out as we gather additional information; honorees are announced in September; acceptance speeches are videotaped prior to the banquet and played during the ceremony.
Sponsorship opportunities for the Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration are also available:
Individual award sponsorships are $395. Presenting sponsorships start at $550. Exclusive sponsorships are available for $1,500-$5,000 Available immediately: Reception Sponsor ($2,500)
Program ads offer another way to showcase your business or to congratulate the honorees. Quarter-page ads are $75; half-page ads $125 and full-page ads $200. There is an opportunity for every budget. Call the Chamber office to discuss participation options.
~~~ Please note: 2019 sponsors will have first right of acceptance to renew their investments.
We can help you customize your event experience - don’t hesitate to call us for ideas! ~~~
ONLINE Silent Auction: The annual Silent Auction was moved from the Annual Dinner to online in 2019, allowing for greater participation from our members and greater exposure for those who donate items to the auction. Opening at the Annual Dinner and closing at the Holiday Open House, the Silent Auction features donated products, services, and experiences from our members and friends. This is a wonderful way to showcase our business community while at the same time raising funds to continue the Chamber (Education) Foundation mission of providing unique leadership, career exploration and workforce development opportuni-ties to student and adults of the Bedford County region.
Signature Events
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The Chamber’s Business Community Showcase is our business community’s BIGGEST B2B NETWORKING EVENT OF THE YEAR!
A diverse trade show celebrating the business community of the Bedford County region, the Showcase offers an important (and fun) BUY LOCAL message, and wonder-ful opportunities for local businesses to connect with each other and with the community in new and exciting ways. The long-standing event takes place at the Bedford County Airport and includes a sit-down networking lunch and speaker program, booth exhibit hours to encourage the business community to seek out new connections, and a fun and valuable mixer to close out the day. Two career fair sessions (high school - morning; middle school - afternoon) provides added value for the community, as students from seven area high schools explore future career opportunities by meeting with community leaders from the 60+ attending busi-nesses. Hundreds of students have participated!
An afternoon workshop will provide added value to exhibitors with even more networking and enrichment opportunities. And returning in 2020, another exciting new feature: a Fashion Showcase (fashion show) highlighting the mixer which closes out the jam-packed day of valuable networking.
Each year, we choose a theme to help participants engage their peers, customers and students. The booth contest, always fun, returns - the Showcase theme will be announced in the months leading up to the September event. Suggestions are welcome & committee opportunities are available (committee meets between May and September to plan the event.)
Supporting sponsorships for the Business Community Showcase generally range from $250 to $2,500. Exclusive sponsorships (including some in-kind opportunities) are available for specific parts of the event, like the luncheon speaker, hospitality area, guest gifts, luncheon catering, show bags, etc. Exhibitor/Vendor spaces are also available starting at $150 for tables and $250 for 10’x10’ booths.
The sooner you register as a sponsor or exhibitor for this event, the more promotion you will receive, so make the most of your investment and sign up early! Additional info, as well as registration and sponsorship forms will be available at the Chamber office in the months leading up to the event, or for download online: www.BedfordCountyChamber.com
Please note: 2019 sponsors will have first right of acceptance to renew their investments. We can help you customize your show experience—
don’t hesitate to call us for ideas!
Thursday Sept. 17th
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The Chamber’s Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show is a Bedford County tradition celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020! The event will be held Saturday, April 4th and Sunday, April 5th at the Bedford County Fairgrounds.
In addition to providing a showcase for businesses related to home improvement and building, the show has been expanded to include outdoor living as well. This includes lawn & garden, grilling, campers, boats, ATV’s and more.
Demonstrations are held throughout the weekend, providing extra promotion to our expert members and exhibitors who want to share their skill and knowledge with the guests in attendance.
Additional planned activities include an outdoors area in partnership with Shawnee State Park, a Sunday Race Car Show, Cooking & Grilling demonstrations and live entertainment (weather permitting.)
A Children’s Corner provides activities for the youngest of show-goers, along with a Saturday egg hunt and more. Sponsorships for the HGL Show range from $250-$2,500, with in-kind, demonstration and volunteer opportunities also available. Exhibitor/Vendor spaces start at $260 for indoors and $160 for outdoors ($80 for food vendors).
All sponsorships and exhibitor spaces include a free listing in a full-color, map-sized show program printed in the Bedford Gazette and handed out to each guest of the show. Ad upgrades are available for exhibitors, as well as 220 electricity (110 is free) and pipe & drape for small additional fees.
The sooner you register as a sponsor or exhibitor for this event, the more promotion you will receive, so make the most of your money and sign up soon! Additional info, as well as registration and sponsorship forms are available at the Chamber office, or for download online.
Please note: 2019 sponsors will have first right of acceptance to renew their investments. We can help you customize your show experience.
Call Sarah to discuss ways for your company to be involved with this Signature Celebration of Spring! (814-623-2233/[email protected])
Signature Events
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The Chamber is enthusiastically planning our sixth annual Women in Business Conference, to be held at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort on Thursday, May 18th, 2020. Designed to appeal to women from Bedford County and the surrounding region, the event will feature keynote speakers and breakout sessions, as well as networking and vendor opportunities. Topics included in past events ranged from business development to home-work balance, marketing to media rela-tions, finance to fashion, and so much more. The preview dinner for sponsors and out-of-town speakers and guests has been a popular addition, providing unique regional networking in a fun and social environment.
With valuable information as well as many opportunities to make new connections, this event has quickly become a must-attend function for women working in all aspects of the Bedford County region’s business community. Corporate sponsorships and exhibitor opportunities range from $250-$5,000. Registration for this full day event is $159 per person (just $139 for early-birds!) Lunch-only registrations are also available. Watch the Chamber website for details or contact the Chamber if you are interested in being part of this inspiring and empowering regional event as a sponsor, speaker or attendee. Returning in 2020: The Chamber will present additional “Women in Business” functions, including a Women’s Winter Luncheon: Feb. 5th at LIFeSTYLE Next Door, Summer and Fall programs (dates/topics TBD.)
Learn more about this and other Women in Business opportunities on the Chamber website.
Please note: 2019 sponsors will have first right of acceptance
to renew their investments. We can help you customize
your show experience - don’t hesitate to call us for ideas!
2019 Winter Luncheon at Pigeon Hill Studios
Signature Events
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The Chamber’s Olde Bedford Beer Festival will return in 2020 with some special new features and partnerships, to be announced soon. Building on the success of previous events planned to show-case venues throughout Bedford County including Old Bedford Village,Woodhaven and the Everett Legion Home, the festival will expand to include tastings of beer, wine and spirits as well as live music, VIP early admission and food, photo booth, campfire, popcorn tastings and much more. Details are still being finalized, and your input is welcomed. Sponsorships are plentiful, ranging from naming opportunities to in-kind partnerships. Contact Sarah at the Chamber office to discuss ways that your company can be involved in what is sure to become a ma-jor Bedford County event!
A bright event to benefit educational programs working toward a
bright future for Bedford County, Holiday Nights of Lights
became an instant tradition in 2019.
The local, grassroots display featured 70+ businesses,
organizations, school and church groups and even families, cele-
brating the season and promoting their goods, services and mission
for thousands of guests who drove through the Bedford County Fair-
grounds.
We expect this event to grow exponentially in 2020 and beyond!
There is no cost to set up a light display, though sponsorships are
available for additional exposure.
New opportunities will also be available this year, including
events that businesses or organizations may host/volunteer for an
evening of greeting the public.
Plans are already underway for this holiday happening, which
will open Friday, December 11th for select evenings through
December 27th. Call Kellie at the Chamber early to be part of this
blockbuster event, celebrating the very best of Bedford County.
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Celebrate the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities of Bedford County! Bike Bedford County is expanding in 2020 to offer its traditional recreational rides (metric half-century, metric century and mini Covered Bridge Tour (20 mi.) to also include a monster event featuring 100 miles of climbing over five mountains of the Alleghenies. This new ride is expected to draw the most serious of cyclists to take on the unique challenge and beautiful scenery
of the Bedford County Region. Along with the many other options for cyclists of all interests and abilities, this promises to be another banner year for Bike Bedford County! Sponsorship opportunities abound ($100-$1,000) and registration opens online in January on Active.com.
Signature Events
For the 25th straight year, the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce will take to the links for its annual Golf Tournament, a fun day of friendly competition, networking, prizes and much more. Scheduled for Friday, July 24th 2020 at Down River Golf & Country Club in Everett, this event is generally a sell-out, so don’t wait until the last minute to register your team or become a sponsor. Team (foursome) fees are $400 ($100 per person) with an early-bird discount available. Sponsorships range from $100-$850 so there is an opportunity for every budget. Volunteers are also need-ed, and receive in-kind tee sponsorships for signing up to help with this event. Prizes are awarded to top teams; skill contests in-clude longest putt, closest to the pin, longest drive and more. And don’t miss the fun chip-a-duck and “Dude
Hits Like a Lady” holes - fun for all! Door prizes and a 50/50 drawing offer more chances to win! For non-golfers, ask us about hosting a hole for interaction with all participants. Information for this event will be available by February.
Please note: 2019 sponsors will have first right of acceptance to renew their investments.
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A holiday tradition for families throughout the Bedford County
region, the Chamber’s Breakfast with Santa was started more than a
decade ago, in partnership with many area businesses.
With Structural Fiberglass, Inc as the title presenting partner, many
businesses take part by supporting this community event through
sponsorships ($250 and $100 levels) or by contributing items to place in
children’s gift bags (quantity of 100.) Volunteers are also welcome!
Hosted by Homewood at Spring House Estates in 2019, the event
featured three seating choices for the first time (8am, 9am and 10am)
allowing for more families to take part in the celebration.
We are so happy to have such a
wonderful relationship with Santa Claus
that he takes time out of his busy holiday
schedule to visit with local children, and
some other holiday characters may just
make a special appearance as well!
Cost to attend is very reasonable and
children under 2 are free. Tentative 2020
date is Saturday, December 12th. Call
Sarah at the Chamber office to be
involved in this special event.
Do you have a special skill or service that could benefit your
fellow Chamber members? Our Business at Breakfast and Lunch-n
-Learn events provide the perfect platform for you to share your
expertise.
There is no sponsorship investment required to host a Business
at Breakfast or Lunch-n-Learn event! You may choose to provide
breakfast or lunch for the attendees, or we can offer the event at a
small charge to cover meal costs.
You will have the opportunity to speak to your target audience in
a small-group setting. This sponsorship package includes
“commercial” time for your business - up to 10 minutes to pitch your
company or organization to the guests in attendance. You may also
provide the featured presentation, or invite an expert in your field to
do so.
We recommend that these events not be strictly a sales presenta-
tion for your business—the event should provide valuable infor-
mation to the attendees while showcasing your company as an expert
in your field.
The Chamber will help to plan the event, handle RSVP’s, and
provide marketing, name tags, set-up and registration for the event.
Business at Breakfast and Lunch-n-Learn events are a WIN-WIN
for our presenting sponsors and our membership.
Hosting opportunities go fast, so call the Chamber soon to
schedule your 2020 educational event.
Member-to-Member Education
Breakfast with Santa
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Government: It’s Your Business events are held periodically throughout the year to give Chamber members as well as the general public the opportunity to hear from our legislators and government officials, as well as candidates for public office. The events may also feature experts in fields related to important legislative issues. These events are non-partisan, informational events meant to be educational rather than confrontational. Events being planned for 2020 include: State of the Economy, Bedford County Commissioners’ State of the County Breakfast, State Legislators’ Panel, Breakfast with Congressman John Joyce, and lunch with the PA Secretary of Agriculture. Additional events may be scheduled as events warrant. Past events have included Meet-the-Candidates forums and debates. Sponsorships for GIYB events range from $100-$300; the sole presenting sponsor for each event has the opportunity to address the guests as part of the welcome segment of the program. All sponsors receive free admission(s), pre-event promotion, and will have the opportunity to provide promo-tional materials to the attendees. Contact Kellie for more information: 814.623.2233 or [email protected].
Government Affairs
The Chamber is pleased to bring businesses together for opportunities to explore education and inspiration….for your good health! Throughout the year, we will feature a series of speakers on various topics of health and wellness, particularly as they relate to business. In addition to valuable presen-tations, opportunities will be pro-vided for interactive exhibits as well as services such as fitness, acupuncture, chiropractic, essen-tial oils, outdoor activities, home
health care, retirement living and much more. Give yourself and your business the gift of good health by being part of this growing educational series; and if you’re in the health care industry, be sure to ask us how you can be involved! Dates & Details coming soon!
Government: It’s Your Business
HEALTHY U. PROGRAMS
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Premier Educational Partnership: Bedford County Chamber, Foundation
& Allegany College of Maryland
The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation are pleased to offer programs as part of a significant partnership with Allegany College of Maryland. We are glad to provide educational programs and resources to our members and the business community. ACM faculty will provide year-round workshops and Ask the ACM Expert sessions as well as quarterly Health & Wellness programs for the better-ment of local businesses and the public. Workshops will be offered at minimal cost to Chamber members and most generally include a meal (breakfast or lunch) at the Russell House Business & Education Center or other venue in Bedford County. Topics may include technology, finance/accounting, marketing, sales, customer service, grant writing, and much more. Ask the ACM Expert sessions will provide opportunities for Chamber members to schedule appointments with ACM faculty to discuss issues specific to your business an their areas of expertise. These consultations are FREE during scheduled time at the Russell House. Chamber Members are encouraged to take advantage of these high-value/low-cost educational opportunities. Sponsorships are also available to members who would like to promote their business as part of these developmental programs. We are always seeking suggestions for new topics of interest to our business community! Call Kellie Goodman Shaffer to discuss ways for your business to support/sponsor these ongoing programs. ALSO COMING IN 2020: Another Active Shooter and Intruder Training Program for Business. Look for details soon.
Education Partnership
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The Chamber is very proud of its active Agri-Business Committee, which plans events throughout the year to help promote farming and related industry, as well as the significant role that Agri-Business plays in our community:
Agri-Business Education Month: A county-wide program conducted by the Chamber of Commerce which offers guest speakers and readers to local elementary schools to help students learn about the role agriculture plays in their everyday lives. In conjunction with this event, the Chamber holds an essay-poster-coloring contest for grades K-6. Sponsorships are available for this project for $200 each; members can also volunteer to be part of this month-long program at your convenience. (Date TBD)
Ag Career Fair: October 2020 - The Bedford County Fairgrounds come alive in the fall with dozens of agriculture-related businesses for 7th and 8th graders to explore. Agriculture is the #1 business in Bedford County with 1 in every 7 jobs related to ag. We are looking for companies to participate and/or sponsor this event for as many as 500 students this fall!
Fun Farm Facts at the Fair: In partnership with the Bedford County Fair, the Chamber produces bright posters containing Farm Facts to be placed throughout the fairgrounds. The posters help to raise awareness about the significant role that agriculture plays in Bedford County and Pennsylvania, particularly the local economy... Fact posters can be sponsored for $25 each. Event sponsorships are available for $250-$500.
Local Foods Luncheon: The Chamber hosts a local foods luncheon each year with a featured speaker. In past years, the PA Secretary of Agriculture has attended. FFA is showcased as local officers offer opening and closing ceremonies; the event is also open to the public. The luncheon features a local foods theme, showcasing local producers. Sponsorships are available for this event; prices range from $100-$300.
Agri-Business Brochure: This annual informational pamphlet promotes the significance of agriculture in Bedford County & Pennsylvania. Distributed during agribusiness events, as well as in venues throughout the county. Sponsorships are $100. (Renewing sponsors receive 10% off.)
Downtown on the Farm: Hundreds of people attend this annual agriculture-related street fair on the squares in downtown Bedford. The event features a bluegrass concert, farmer’s market and food vendors, antique and new tractors, children’s activities educational displays, and petting zoo. During band breaks, guests enjoy clogging demonstrations and contests presented by local FFA Clubs. This family-friendly evening, scheduled for Thursday, September 24th, brings both local residents and visitors from around the region to town to celebrate the county’s largest industry: agriculture. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a great time! Admission is free. Sponsor and Vendor Opportunities are available for this event, with an option for every budget, ranging from $20 to $2,500. (Previous sponsors have first right of acceptance to renew.)
Agriculture Movie Screening: New in 2020, the Agri-Business Committee is planning a screening of the documentary Farmland, which follows five next-generation farmers through the struggles and triumphs of the growing season while discussing the future of agri-culture in America. This winter-time offering will offer sponsorship opportunities and free admission to the public. Details to come
Agriculture Events
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BEDFORD COUNTY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Young professionals are not only the future leaders of our business community, they are a vibrant and exciting part of our current business culture. Many are already in entrepreneurial and leadership positions, making an impact on our region. The Bedford County Young Professionals group was formed to offer unique networking and business development opportunities to professionals in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. With high enthusiasm and fresh ideas, the group holds mixers, contributes to community service projects, plans educational events and more. All are welcome to participate in planning meetings. Like the group’s Facebook page or contact Sarah Ferrari at the Chamber office to be added to the email contact list to receive updates.
DIRECT SALES TASK FORCE
The Chamber is committed to helping our members connect with their peers and their customers. The Direct Sales Task Force provides a forum for home-based businesses to discuss issues specific to their entrepreneurial endeavors, as well as educational offerings with area experts. The Task Force meets periodically through-out the year in partnership with featured speakers, business coaches and other resources. The Task Force also provides the Chamber with input on ways to provide additional services for Direct Sales businesses, including vendor opportunities at events and other options. If you have a direct sales business or are considering a home-based business venture, call the Chamber to be part of this dynamic group! Look for info about our MEGA HOME PARTY Coming in Feb. 2020.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP FORUMS
New in 2020, the Chamber will seek to hold periodic business roundtables, bring-ing top-level executives and leadership from various industries together to discuss best practices, industry needs, cooperative opportunities, legislative issues, and other topics of interest. These events are designed to make valuable connections between local business leaders, and facilitate synergies to benefit all participants. If you would like to participate or sponsor a roundtable, contact Kellie Goodman Shaffer a the Chamber office.
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The Bedford County Chamber (Education) Foundation is the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which offers unique learning opportunities to students and adults of the Bedford County region.
The Chamber Foundation is recognized by the state as an entity eligible to receive EITC (Educational Im-provement Tax Credit) donations from area businesses—a Win-Win for our area’s educational programs as well as the businesses who participate in the EITC initiative.
In addition to diminishing EITC funds, the Foundation also holds a number of fundraisers throughout the year to help further their efforts to provide leadership and workforce development opportunities as well as literacy and work ethic initiatives.
The Foundation works throughout the year to serve as a bridge between the educational community and the business community. Serving six area school districts (Bedford, Chestnut Ridge, Claysburg-Kimmel, Everett, Northern Bedford and Tussey Mt.) as well as parochial & charter schools, the Foundation touches thousands of students, K-12, as well as adults in our region. We invite you to consider the opportunities to be involved in these rewarding events as a sponsor, volunteer and/or participant’
Leadership Bedford County (Adults: Sept. thru June)
Extreme Leadership Bedford County (Adults: Ongoing)
Youth Leadership Bedford County (10th Graders: July thru school year)
Youth Leadership Summit Community Reading Day (April - 2nd Graders with Community Leaders)
NEW Student Innovation Fair/Contest Steps to Success (February: 10-12 Grades)
Showcase Career Fair (September 8-11 Grades) NEW Elementary Career Field Day (May: 5th Grades)
Agri-Business Education Month: January (K-5 Grades) Pursuit of Excellence Work Ethic Initiative: Ongoing (Elementary)
Educator in the Workplace: Ongoing (Teachers) National Night Out: Community (August)
BASICS Roundtables: Bi-Annual (School/Business Leaders) Administrator Business Tours: Annual (Superintendents)
John Anderson Distinguished Speaker Series (Ongoing, see pg. 19) Twilight Dinner Fundraising Events
NEW! Touch-a-Truck Educational Fair Plus, support of Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week
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New in 2020 -- an exciting event filled with fun (and valuable educational experiences) is coming to Bedford County! Touch a Truck is a fair/festival featuring any and all kinds of vehicles: big rigs to bulldozers, fire trucks to freightlin-ers, race cars to roadsters, and everything in between. The family-friendly offering will give kids the chance to experience these vehicles first hand - climb into the driver’s seat and learn about all of the careers associated with them, from hook and ladder to hearse. We will need lots of partners and cooperation to make this possible, but what an opportunity to plant seeds for the future workforce of Bedford County in may areas and in-dustries: transportation, logistics, emergency responders, and so much more. Details coming soon.
For more information or to register, please call 623-2233 or visit our website:
BedfordCountyChamber.com.
The Bedford County Chamber Foundation is pleased to continue the John Anderson Distinguished Speaker Series, with events/speakers to be announced soon for 2020. Individual events will be planned with breakfast, lunch or dinner programs; a combined ticket for multi-ple events will also be available. Founder’s Circle Members will receive two free tickets for each event. Featuring local, regional and national leaders sharing exceptional life experiences and inspiring views of leadership, the John Anderson Distinguished Speaker Series is presented in partnership with Allegany College of Maryland and the Bedford County Historical Society; sponsorships are available. Proceeds benefit the 501(c)3 Bedford County Chamber (Education) Foundation, which provides career exploration, leadership and workforce develop-ment, literacy and other programs for adults & students of the Bedford County region.
For more information or to register, please call 623-2233 or visit our website:
BedfordCountyChamber.com.
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CHAMBER/FOUNDATION COMMITTEES & GROUPS OF INTEREST
Make the most of your Chamber membership by joining one of our many committees. Share your ideas, opinions & expertise, and help plan events, all while making valuable connections through fun and rewarding volunteer work.
Agri-Business: To support & promote the region’s agriculture and farm-related industries to students and the community at large.
Awards: To facilitate the annual awards nomination process; to review nomination criteria and collect information to support the independent judging process.
BASICS: Businesses & Schools Investing in Cooperative Solutions - a mix of school and business leaders working to create unique educational opportunities to prepare students for available careers and leadership positions in our county
Bike Bedford County to plan and support the Chamber’s annual Bike Ride.
Beer Fest: To plan the annual Olde Bedford Beer Festival craft beer festival (meets throughout the year to plan November event)
Business Community Showcase: To plan the Chamber’s annual all-business Trade Show and Career Fair (Sept. at the Bedford County Airport)
Chamber Ambassadors: To support the Chamber membership by volunteering for Business After Hours, Operation Thank You, Business Celebrations, etc.
Golf Tournament: Help to plan the Chamber’s annual Golf Tournament.
Government Affairs: Discuss legislative issues relevant to local business & help plan educational events related to those issues; plan events to allow attendees to become better informed about candidates, elected officials, and issues of the region.
Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show: Help plan the annual Home Show (meets January thru April)
Membership: To help recruit, orientate and retain new Chamber members.
Personnel: Review and develop policy related to personnel issues.
Small, Home Based Business & Direct Sales Task Force: To provide support for direct sales businesses and to advise the Chamber concerning programs and events to benefit this sector of the Chamber membership (meets bi-monthly)
Special Events: To help plan & execute Chamber special events like the Annual Dinner, Holiday Business After Hours, etc.
Women in Business: To help plan and execute the Women in Business Conference and other events for professional women of the region.
Young Professionals: To plan and execute networking, social and community events for 20-30-and-40-somethings in the Bedford County Region.
Contact the Chamber Staff to learn more or to volunteer for our committees.
Phone: (814) 623-2233 ~ Email: [email protected]
Website: www.BedfordCountyChamber.com
