Something for Everyone

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1 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

2 Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Bedford County Chamber Foundation at the Russell House Business & Education Center 203 South Juliana Street Bedford, PA Phone: (814) Fax: (814) Kellie Goodman Shaffer President-CEO Points of Contact: Rick Smith Vice President Cara Fink Membership/Marketing Coordinator Bob Octavio Bookkeeper 2

3 Table of Contents Page Marketing Toolkit Page Membership Directory Bedford County Map Chamber Advantage Card Page Business Celebrations Business After Hours Business Before Hours Page Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration Page Business Community Showcase Page Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show Page Women in Business Conference Page Olde Bedford Beer Festival Page Government: It s Your Business Health & Wellness Symposium Page 13.. ACM Educational Partnership-Member Resources Page Active Shooter & Intruder Training Member-to-Member Education Page Bedford County Outdoor Challenge Chamber Golf Tournament Page Agri-Business Programs & Events Page Direct Sales Task Force Young Professionals Industry Roundtables Page Chamber (Education) Foundation Programs Page 19...John Anderson Distinguished Speaker Series Page Committee Opportunities 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. 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) or visit our website: 3

4 The Chamber offers an array of marketing tools to assist our members in promoting your business: E-Connection: Weekly blast to Chamber member and friend contacts with simultaneous posting to the Chamber s Facebook page. Watch your 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 Newsletter/Monthly Mailer: Direct Mail information packet sent to our members and friends each month. The Chamber newsletter contains 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, media and other contacts the last Monday of each month. Members may place 8.5 x11 fliers (1-or-2-sided - 20 lb paper) into the mailer (members must provide 640 copies.) Monthly Mailer Flier Fee is $100/Month for Members Only 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 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 Cara 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. 625 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, 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 remind 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. 4

5 Membership Directory & Community Profile Publication 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. Marketing Tool Kit Bedford County Map 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. 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 variety of discounts and special offers available only to Chamber members. These combined benefits could total 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.) 5

6 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, 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, 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 BUSINESS Before Hours NEW in 2018 Another networking opportunity, Business Before Hours. The Chamber is planning informal quarterly breakfasts to give members the opportunity to meet one another in one-hour networking sessions (7:30-8:30 am) 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 during a brief, structured program. Cost for these events will be minimal, and businesses may host a Business Before Hours breakfast. Call the Chamber for more details or to schedule an event. 6

7 Signature Events The Chamber s Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration is one of our most important events of the year, as we recognize outstanding businesses and individuals for excellence in their field and for giving back to our community. Held at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort the Thursday before Thanksgiving, the Awards Dinner is our most prestigious event of the year, and promises to sell out; a capacity crowd of 320 guests registered for the 2017 event. 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 for brief phone interviews to 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 $385. Presenting sponsorships start at $500. Exclusive sponsorships are available for $1,500-$5,000 Available immediately: Reception Sponsor ($2500) / Silent Auction Sponsor ($1500) 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: 2017 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! ~~~ Silent Auction: Another highlight of the Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration is the Chamber s Silent Auction, featuring 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 opportunities to student and adults 7

8 (PA State Police, ambulance, big-rigs, etc.) 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 wonderful 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, an afternoon educational workshop, and a fun and valuable mixer to close out the day. A morning career fair provides added value for the community, as students from seven area high schools: Bedford, Everett, Chestnut Ridge, Claysburg-Kimmel, Northern Bedford, Tussey Mountain and HOPE for Hyndman explore future career opportunities by meeting with community leaders from the 60+ attending businesses. Hundreds of students have participated! We have added a number of new exhibit opportunities, including outdoor displays 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 $100 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: Please note: 2017 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! 8

9 Signature Events The Chamber s Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show is a Bedford County tradition celebrating its 29th anniversary in 2018! The event will be held Saturday, April 7th and Sunday, April 8th 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, mapsized 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: 2017 sponsors will have first right of acceptance to renew their investments. We can help you customize your show experience. 9

10 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 $150-$4,000. Registration for this full day event is $149 per person (just $129 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. NEW IN 2018: The Chamber will present additional Women in Business functions to our offerings, including a Women s Marketing Retreat: January 19th at Whispering Hollow Estates (weather date January 26th.) The Chamber is enthusiastically planning our fifth annual Women in Business Conference, to be held at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort on Friday, May 18th, 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 relations, 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. Learn more about this and other Women in Business opportunities on the Chamber website. Please note: 2017 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! 10

11 The Chamber s inaugural Olde Bedford Beer Festival was a breakout success in 2017 (selling out at 400 tickets) and we re looking forward to significant growth of this event in Save the Date: November 3rd, We re planning to sell as many as 800 tickets for the 2nd annual event, while adding additional brewers, vendors, and historical experiences. In 2017, guests strolled through the living history exhibits of Old Bedford Village while tasting dozens of PA brews, Including test batches of the new Olde Bedford Brewing Company. Live music, VIP barn, photo booth, campfire, and popcorn tastings added to the experience. Sponsorships are plentiful, ranging from naming opportunities to in-kind partnerships. Contact Rick Smith at the Chamber office to discuss ways that your company can be involved in what is sure to become a major Bedford County event! 11

12 Government Affairs 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 2018 include: State of the Economy, Bedford County Commissioners Breakfast, State Legislators Panel, Congressman Shuster event, PA Secretary of Agriculture, PennDOT, PA Game Commission and luncheon with Senator Toomey. 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 have the opportunity to provide promotional materials to the attendees. If you would like to learn more about sponsoring or attending a Government: It s Your Business event, call Kellie Goodman Shaffer. The 3rd Annual Health & Wellness Symposium will bring businesses together for a day of education and inspiration.for our good health! This half-day event will feature a series of speakers on various topics of health and wellness, particularly as they relate to business. In addition to the valuable presentations, the event offers interactive exhibits from a variety of exhibitors, as well as services such as chiropractic, essential oils, recreation, fitness, 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 event; and if you re in the health care industry, be sure to ask us how you can be involved! 12

13 Premier Educational Partnership: Bedford County Chamber, Foundation & Allegany College of Maryland The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation are pleased to announce a significant partnership with the Bedford County Campus of Allegany College of Maryland 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 betterment of local businesses and the public. Workshops will be offered at minimal cost to Chamber members and most will include a meal (breakfast or lunch) at the Russell House Business & Education Center or other venue in Bedford County. 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. First-Quarter 2018 programs include: January 30 - FISH Philosophy of Customer Service - Lunch at 11:30am,/Workshop 12-2pm - Bedford Elks C.C. February 16 - Health & Wellness Program for Heart Health Month February 26 - Ask the ACM Expert: Protecting Customer Data with Mike Miller 12:30-4:30pm at the Russell House March 21 - Marketing Your Business - Lunch at 12:30pm/Workshop 1:00-3:00 p.m. - ACM Bedford Co. Campus Rm. 13 April 26 - Ask the ACM Expert: Sales Plan Development with Leah Pepple. April 16 - Health & Wellness Program: Chair Massage/Alleviate Tax Week Stress 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. Call Kellie Goodman Shaffer to discuss ways for your business to support/sponsor these ongoing programs. 13

14 Education Education Active Shooter & Intruder Preparedness Training What would you do in the event of a violent situation. in your workplace? at your doctor s office? the grocery store? What happens when such an incident takes place? Are you and your employees/co-workers prepared? Recognizing the world in which we live, and the growing number of violent incidents occurring throughout the US, the Chamber is proud to partner with Proactive Securities to once again present a special educational program for local businesses in 2018: Active Shooter & Intruder Preparedness Training. The FBI estimates that nearly half of all Active Shooter events between 2000 and 2012 took place in business settings: commercial facilities like office buildings, stores, factories and warehouses. Still, many businesses have outdated response plans, or maybe even no plan at all. An antiquated lockdown plan is still in place in many companies, similar to what had been used for many years in the school system. But law enforcement officials now believe that a Run Hide Fight protocol, like that endorsed by the FBI saves more lives. Businesses know that it is necessary to do more than implement safety protocols; employees need to learn how to react should they be faced with a violent situation. Note: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration asserts that it has the authority to cite employers for failing to take steps to prevent workplace violence under Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA), otherwise known as the General Duty Clause. Under that statutory provision, employers are required to keep their workplaces free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or physical harm. OSHA takes the position that workplace violence is a serious recognized hazard. Look for information on how to enroll your employees for this training program, which includes certificates of completion and an opportunity to schedule individual security evaluations. Member-to-Member Education 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 presentation for your business the event should provide valuable information 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 2018 educational event. 14

15 Signature Events Celebrate the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities of Bedford County! What began as the highly-successful Bike Bedford County has expanded to include a paddle and run with a unique triathlon experience. Now called the Bedford County Outdoor Challenge, the event encourages guests to come to our region to enjoy a full weekend of outdoor fun. Participants are invited to take part in one, two or all three events, with gifts for each stage. Sponsorship opportunities abound ($100-$1,000) and registration opens online in February through Active.com. For the 24th 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 27th 2018 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 needed, and receive in-kind tee sponsorships for signing up to help with this event. Cash prizes are awarded to top teams; skill contests include longest putt, closest to the pin, longest drive and more. And don t miss the fun chip-aduck 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 April. Please note: 2017 sponsors will have first right of acceptance to renew their investments. 15

16 Agriculture Events 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) 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 7th, 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 2018, 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 agriculture in America. This winter-time offering will offer sponsorship opportunities and free admission to the public. Look for details in Chamber correspondence. 16

17 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 throughout 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! 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 Cara Fink at the Chamber office to be added to the contact list to receive updates. INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLES New in 2018, the Chamber will seek to hold periodic business roundtables, bringing businesses 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 facilitating synergies to benefit all participants. If you would like to help plan a roundtable for your industry, contact Kellie Goodman Shaffer a the Chamber office. 17

18 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 Improvement 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) Community Reading Day (April - 2nd Graders with Community Leaders) NEW Student Entrepreneur Contest (Finals in May: Grades) Steps to Success (February: 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: Scholastic Quiz & Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week 18

19 2018 Local Leaders Series Wayne Hyde Lynn Ashe The Bedford County Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce the first of the speakers to be featured as part of the 2018 John Anderson Distinguished Speaker Series, with events planned for evenings in January, February and March. Honorable Thomas S. Ling, President Judge of the Bedford County Court of Common Pleas will speak in Courtroom I of the Bedford County Courthouse on Tuesday, January 16th at 6pm. A reception will precede the program in the Russell House beginning at 5pm. Judge Ling is an avid historian, with a particular interest in the Bedford County judicial system, including the judges who served the county in generations gone by, and the courthouse itself, one of the oldest still in use in the state of Pennsylvania. The February 8th program will include dinner at Homewood at Spring House Estates and feature a conversation with Lynn Ashe, one of the first women officers in the CIA, who served in France, Vietnam and the Congo. Dinner will begin at 5:30pm with the program to follow. Ashe retired to Bedford County nearly two decades ago, and has been an active supporter of the arts, education, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Red Cross and Your Safe Haven, among other passions and interests. The March program (date to be announced soon) will feature a conversation with internationally renowned sculptor Wayne Hyde, whose bronze work can be found in the Squares in Bedford (the Bedford County WWII monument), but also in cities throughout the United States, and even in Buckingham Palace. Cost to attend the January event with Judge Ling is $20 per person. The Lynn Ashe dinner registration is $30 per person. Details of the March event with Wayne Hyde will be announced in the coming weeks. A combined ticket for all three events will be available for $65. Founder s Circle Members will receive two free tickets for each event. This special local edition of 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 development, literacy and other programs for adults and students of the Bedford County region. For more information or to register, please call or visit our website: BedfordCountyChamber.com. 19

20 CHAMBER/FOUNDATION COMMITTEES 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 Bedford County Outdoor Challenge: to plan and support the Chamber s outdoor recreational event, including paddle, Bike Bedford County & 5K/10K. 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. Contact the Chamber Staff to learn more or to volunteer for our committees. Phone: (814) ~ Director@BedfordCountyChamber.org Website: 20