Bedford Chamber Recognizes Local Businesses

The Bedford County Chamber Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration took place recently at the Bedford County Airport.

Chamber Director Kellie Goodman Shaffer said that the Chamber Awards Celebration is the Chamber's signature celebration of business of the Bedford County region. It is one of the two major award ceremonies; the other - the Hall of Fame - is held in spring for businesses that have been in business for 25 years or more.

There are 16 fall awards. They are given for a variety of areas from innovation to agriculture, general business excellence for small-, medium- and large-size businesses. There are the property improvement award, heritage preservation award, economic development, and tourism. This celebration is a showcase of a wide variety of businesses and their various accomplishments as well as all overall celebration of the business community.

JOHN ANDERSON AWARD - READ TO FEED BOOKSTORE

The John Anderson Award is one of the most prestigious awards that the Chamber gives, according to the Chamber. It is named after Dr, John Anderson, a physician and banker, who opened the first bank in the Anderson House and then started the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. He was a community leader who was noted for his vision as well as his business prowess.

This award was given to the Read to Feed Bookstore this year. The judges felt that the store embodied something that Dr. Anderson would appreciate.

The business consists of a small group of volunteers who have committed 10 years to collecting books, selling them and donating all of the funds that they raise to the Northern Bedford Food Pantry, which contributes to the betterment of the community.

"We were thrilled to give it to the Read to Feed Bookstore because we love the concept and we love the fact that it is an all-volunteer organization," Goodman Shaffer said. "It is the only bookstore in Bedford County, which is pretty amazing. To think that it promotes literacy while also helping people with food insecurity is pretty unique and special."

The bookstore has been part of Bedford County for 11 years. They started with a small amount of books and opened to the public two days a week for three hours a day.

"It was an honor to be recognized by the Chamber when there are so many worthy businesses in Bedford County," said volunteer Amanda Feight. "It makes it feel like what we are doing is worthwhile. Our work has been recognized. It's nice to know that we have accomplished something good in the community."

Feight added that the bookstore would not be successful without the volunteers who help each and every week, the people who donate books and those who patronize and donate to the cause.

COMMUNITY

CONNECTIONS AWARD - LONG'S OUTPOST

Long's Outpost, located in both Martinsburg and New Paris, was awarded the Community Connections Award. It was given to the New Paris store.

This store employs a young man with disabilities. They have taken the employee with special needs under their wing to give him a good work experience and make him part of the team.

The award was selected by the transition council: those who try to work with businesses to create opportunities for people with disabilities to gain valuable work experience.

"We were delighted to honor them," Goodman Shaffer said. "One of the reasons that we partner with the transition council to present that award is because we want to encourage more businesses to consider hiring people with disabilities, especially in today's climate where the number-one challenge for businesses seems to be workforce and gaining and keeping employees. We really try to encourage businesses to be creative and think outside the box and pursue avenues for employees that they may not have considered before and this is one of those."

Melody Robison from Long's Outpost said that she didn't have words.

"I was beyond honored and excited, because I have a daughter with disabilities. I know both sides and how frustrating it can be. The frustration of a parent to give her the same opportunity to get a job and be part of the community like everybody else.

"As an employer being able to do that for these individuals, you see the joy of it. You see the relief from the family members. It is just a big ball of emotions that you are helping somebody.

"I try to encourage businesses that if any of the agencies ever reach out to you and you have a spot for a couple of hours a week, give these individuals a chance. If these agencies know that you are willing to work with these individuals, they are more apt to reach out and get the help."

EXCELLENCE IN

AGRICULTURE AWARD -

JUS-DEN FARMS

Jus-Den Farms, owned by the Gochnour family, won the Excellence in Agriculture Award. This is a fairly young dairy farm. Goodman Shaffer said that they have done a lot on their farm to create good practices for caring for their animals as well as for the environment. They planted trees and wildflower plots and they have pursued grants for Chesapeake Bay Watershed improvements. They are a very innovative dairy farm, according to Goodman Shaffer.. They are a good example of good practices in agriculture.

Justin Gochnour said that this award meant a lot to his whole family.

"It's like we are valued by the community," Gochnour said. "We are humbled. It is really an honor. We don't think of ourselves as being anything special."

He added that he just wants people to know how important agriculture is, especially to this area. The local economy revolves around agriculture whether people realize it or not.

"Our business community always like to celebrates each other's accomplishments," said Goodman Shaffer. "If the Chamber exists to be a catalyst for business prosperity, a convener of leaders and influencers and a champion of strong communities, part of that is lifting up our businesses and celebrating them for all they do."