Bedford County Advantage

By George Berkheimer, for The Bedford Gazette Smith Transport, LLC. was established in 1982, though founder, Barry F. Smith; started his long-haul career as an independent contractor and managed a small fleet of trucks for his father several decades prior. It’s now a national carrier that serves the world’s largest retailers and manufacturers. In addition […]

By George Berkheimer For the Bedford Gazette The Bedford County Fair has been promoting the science of agriculture, horticulture, household arts and family living since 1873. “In all that time the fair was only cancelled twice, once for COVID in 2020 and once during World War II,” said Bill Hoover, president of the Bedford County

Developing Tomorrow’s Workforce In Bedford County Classrooms By George Berkheimer for the Bedford Gazette New technologies, artificial intelligence and the demand for new skill sets are rapidly changing the workplace, meaning that college and career preparedness is more critical than ever. In response, each of Bedford County’s five school districts is making strategic adjustments to

By George Berkheimer for The Bedford Gazette Hometown Bank has grown steadily since its launch in Bedford and Everett in 2007, adding branches in Claysburg, Martinsburg, Woodbury, Saxton and Pleasantville in recent years. As of the end of June, its portfolio includes assets of $408.9 million, loans of $286.3 million, and deposits of $375.4 million.

By George Berkheimer For the Bedford Gazette Bedford County didn’t become a prominent manufacturing and employment center by accident. Business owners and development officials here all say there’s thought and intention behind every decision that has led to job creation and strong industry competitiveness. One of the best examples of that can be found at

By George Berkheimer for the Bedford Gazette Unexpected demands can weigh heavily on anybody’s mind, but for Randy Shaw, president and CEO of Everett Cash Mutual, they’ve been a big part of his career progression and success. What he’s learned, he says, is that overwhelming challenges sometimes conceal greater opportunity, if it can be recognized.

By George Berkheimer For the Bedford Gazette Visit any county fair in the region, and even some neighboring states, and there’s a good chance the Junior Market Goat champions have ties to Myers View Farms. “We have 15 head of beef cows and 100 head of goats, and the focus is on genetics,” said co-owner

By George Berkheimer, for the Bedford Gazette   Brittany Reid was a professional ballerina for the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, Wash., for 15 years, accustomed to a regimen of Pilates exercises to strengthen and condition her body. After suffering an ankle injury, Pilates became part of her rehabilitation after surgery, helping her return to

By George Berkheimer, For the Bedford Gazette   The Bedford County Airport began service in 1947 as a grass and gravel landing strip in Cessna known as Max Hunt Memorial Field, which supported a successful flight school. When that airstrip was abandoned, it was replaced by a more contemporary airport built in 1960 and situated