Virginia-2019-HJR822-Enrolled

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 822 Commending the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 11, 2019 Agreed to by the Senate, February 18, 2019

WHEREAS, for 80 years, the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce has been a driving force behind the economic vitality and prosperity of Bedford County and the surrounding region; and

WHEREAS, the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1939 to facilitate networking and educational opportunities and provide a unified voice for its membership; and

WHEREAS, based in the Town of Bedford, the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce operates satellite offices in Forest and Moneta and serves member businesses as far away as Roanoke, Lynchburg, Amherst, and Alta Vista; and

WHEREAS, the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is an active forum for communication between its members and hosts hundreds of networking events, including the Business After Hours events, which attract more than 100 attendees, and the Business Before Hours events that cater to smaller groups; and

WHEREAS, the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce promotes the region's vital tourism industry, supports transportation infrastructure enhancements, and works with Bedford County Public Schools and other organizations to train the next generation of business leaders through workforce development initiatives; and

WHEREAS, the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce highlights the achievements of outstanding member businesses and community organizations through its annual Dinner and Awards Reception; and

WHEREAS, in 2011, the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce received four-star accreditation from the United States Chamber of Commerce, placing it among the top three percent of the nation's chambers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of its 80th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its work to support local businesses and build stronger communities.