Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce: 110 Years Strong and Fueling Lawrence County’s Economic Momentum in 2026
As Lawrence County continues its impressive run of commercial growth — with Bedford posting a record $32 million in new investment last year (a 68% jump) and major projects like Wawa, Del Taco, and State Road 37 upgrades moving forward — the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce stands at the center of it all, helping local businesses connect, grow, and thrive.
Chartered in April 1916, the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce has been a bedrock of the community for more than 110 years. What started as a small group of visionary business leaders has evolved into an organization with more than 325 members dedicated to nurturing new and existing businesses while building bridges between the private sector, local government, and residents. Its mission remains clear: to promote economic vitality, facilitate collaboration, and make Lawrence County an even better place to live and work. (Learn more at the official Chamber website).
Key Leaders Driving Today’s Progress In July 2025, Dan Bortner was named CEO of both the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council — a dual role that has already strengthened coordination between business support and county-wide recruitment efforts. Bortner, a longtime community advocate, has emphasized the county’s balanced appeal: strong manufacturing and limestone heritage paired with new retail energy and quality-of-life improvements.
Sally Miller, Membership & Communications Director, plays a vital day-to-day role in keeping members engaged, promoting events, and ensuring the Chamber’s voice is heard across Lawrence County. Together, Bortner and Miller have helped the Chamber expand its footprint while staying true to its century-plus legacy of practical, hands-on support for local shops, manufacturers, and service providers.
Recent Highlights: Business After Hours and Community Showcases The Chamber’s signature Business After Hours events (held the third Thursday of most months from 5–7 p.m. at rotating member locations) continue to draw strong crowds. These networking mixers give owners a chance to tour fellow businesses, swap ideas, and learn about everything from workforce training at StoneGate Center to new grant opportunities. The Chamber also partners on larger expos and showcases, including the popular Taste of Bedford: Business Expo & Community Showcase, which brings dozens of local companies together in a trade-show format for residents and visitors alike.
These gatherings aren’t just social — they directly support the pipeline of projects reshaping the county. Chamber members are actively involved in or benefiting from:
- Wawa’s new convenience store and fuel station at Fifth Street and SR 37 (opening expected fall 2026)
- Del Taco’s planned location on John Williams Boulevard
- Walmart’s new fueling station and additional retail pads along Williams Park Drive and John Williams Boulevard
- The 77-unit apartment complex underway on 39th Street
- Ongoing INDOT safety and resurfacing work on State Road 37, which will improve traffic flow and accessibility for customers and employees alike
What’s Next for 2026 and Beyond Looking ahead, the Chamber has an ambitious calendar that includes a Spring Job Fair, multiple ribbon-cuttings for new and expanding businesses, and a Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast to keep members informed on how new state laws on taxes, permitting, and economic development will affect Lawrence County. The organization continues to partner closely with the Economic Growth Council on workforce programs and small-business retention — critical as the county’s median household income holds strong at $65,270 and unemployment sits at a healthy 2.7% (matching the statewide figure).
In short, the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce isn’t just marking another year — it’s actively helping turn Lawrence County’s economic momentum into real opportunity for local shops, restaurants, manufacturers, and service providers. As Bortner and the team like to say, it’s about more than networking: it’s about building a future where Bedford and the surrounding communities keep attracting investment while preserving the small-town feel that makes the area special.
Ready to Get Involved? Whether you own a business or just want to support the ones that make Lawrence County great, membership is open and easy to start. Visit bedfordchamber.com/membership-application or stop by the Chamber office at 1116 16th Street in Bedford (open weekdays 8 a.m.–4 p.m.). Follow them on Facebook for the latest event details and member spotlights.