Altoona Times

The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2023 Business Hall of Fame Class, to be recognized during the organization’s 2nd annual signature spring awards program.

This year’s honorees include history-making selections, including the first bank, the first specialized medical practice, and the first human services non-profit to join the prestigious ranks of the Hall of Fame.

The 2023 Induction Class includes:  Altoona First Savings Bank, B.C. Stone, Cessna Communications, Pennwood Ophthalmic Associates, and Your Safe Haven.

“We are so excited to honor the Hall of Fame Class of 2023,” said Kellie Goodman Shaffer, President-CEO of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce. ”Each of these honorees have enjoyed success within their industries but have also made significant contributions to our community and region.”

The Hall of Fame award recognizes a commitment to professional excellence as well as an impact on commerce of the Bedford County region for at least a quarter-century.  The award has been presented by the Chamber since 1998, traditionally with one recipient per year.  In 2022, the Chamber created the new spring awards program and expanded the induction class to up to five honorees per year.  The Class of 2023 will be inducted into the Hall of Fame Friday, March 3rd during a noon luncheon at the historic Omni Bedford Springs Resort.

“The Chamber board of directors felt it was important to give the Hall of Fame Award its own ceremony,” explained Goodman Shaffer. “Especially after the many challenges of the pandemic, we felt a responsibility to celebrate the longevity of local businesses, as well as the continual pursuit of excellence and community service, which are appreciated even more than ever.”

The Hall of Fame award plaque was redesigned in 2022 by Corey Meckes of id Graphics as a crest made of two-toned, laser-engraved oak veneer, featuring elements of the Bedford County flag.  The leaves of mountain laurel and oak tied together represent diverse citizens coming together to form a vibrant community.   The oak itself reflects the strong symbolic link between humans and nature, associated with qualities of longevity, stability, strength, endurance, honesty and justice.  Each honoree will receive the plaque to be displayed, and their names will be added to the display at the historic Russell house as well.

Original source can be found here.