The Bedford Chamber of Commerce bestowed awards on several businesses and business people this past week at the Doubletree Bedford Glen Hotel.

Business of the Year was awarded to Carleton-Willard Village,  this award show cases  a business that is conducted in a highly ethical and exemplary manner.  Carleton Willard's commitment to the community is exemplified in their funding of the Wheels of Life Grant for the COA, which provides medical transportation for resident elders and the Safe at Home Grant, which pays for mortifications in seniors homes to help them stay at home longer. They also provide nutritious and delicious catered meals for the Bedford Cafe three times a week.

Business Person of the Year is Debbie Spencer, a realtor with The Higgins Group. Spencer has spent the last 27 plus years as a realtor in Bedford. Always involved in the community whether its donating her time, raffle items or money. She has worked on the PTO circus event, Bedford day, rotary club events, chamber events, and the movie night she and co-worker Sheena Santos put on for the town this year

The Doubletree Bedford Glen Hotel was the recipient of the chamber's Diversity Award.  The hotel has a long history of supporting employment for all and encouraging diversity in its hiring in all of its jobs. The hotel reflects the diversity of the area with employees of many races, economic backgrounds, and skill levels.

JRM owner, John Monahan received the Outstanding Service to the Chamber Award for his work at the chamber, where he runs the After hours "Catch the Net" Series and also sits on the Board of Directors.

For the second year, the chamber  in collaboration with Youth and Family Services, has awarded the Ray of Hope award. The RAY of Hope award is designed to identify high school age young people who have performed outstanding service to the Bedford community and/or who by their actions are excellent role models for their peers. This year's winner Joey Gallagher has done that and more not only by his participation and leadership in the more traditional venues of school sports, band, and peer leadership but also through his commitment to helping residents in need through the Bedford Food Pantry, the local Neighbor Brigade, and informal channels through his neighborhood and social connections.

Front Row : Pamela Brown, Barbara Doyle, Debbie Spencer, Josh Cohen Back Row: Lynne Luongo, Joey Gallagher, John Monahan

Business of the Year - Jim Saltonstall & CEO Barbara Doyle of Carleton-Willard Village, President Josh Cohen

Sign Bylaw Update

The Selectmen voted unanimously to recommend all 10 Articles encompassing the sign bylaw committee's proposed amendments to the Sign Bylaw at their meeting last week. The committee will continue to work on the bylaw spring and summer. To present again in Fall town meeting. It is their plan to work on some of the more "controversial" or "difficult "items such as "sandwich boards" and/or others. Town Meeting is scheduled for April 1, 7:30 at Bedford High School. This is the time to educate your customers and encourage them to attend town meeting and vote.  

Sign Bylaw Committee on Chamber Connections

   What the Chamber did in February

Business Development Commitee Update

 Established a Retail Task Force whose goal it is to make it easier for retail businesses to do business in Bedford. The Task Forcis  is looking at a variety of issues such as Making Town Government more aware of business Issues, helping establish a town liaison for a new business coming to Bedford, ensuring retail business viewpoints are represented at town committee meetings and more. Stay tuned for more details.

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THE BEDFORD RECREATION DEPARTMENT

is offering

 FACEBOOK FOR BUSINESS

with Jacob Clayton of MyUntangled Media

You are going to "Like" getting connected to your fans in this Beginner to Intermediate level Facebook for small business class. Get ready to learn the ABC's of Facebook for Business: commenting, uploading photos, creating events and posting offers for your customers. You will learn how to connect with your fans, how to keep them engaged and how to increase business through this increasingly popular social media platform. (Attendees should be familiar with Facebook and have a personal profile set up prior to class date) Laptop encouraged, but not required. (min 5/ max 20)

Thurs. March 21, 10:00-11:30am Fee: $60

Class held in Town Center Bldg, Rm 144.

GETTING SOCIAL WITH SOCIAL MEDIA On LinkedIn

with Jacob Clayton of MyUntangled Media

Looking for a powerful social networking site to build your professional and business connections? Look no further than LinkedIn. This Beginner level LinkedIn class will show you how to set up your profile, craft a summary, showcase your experience with skills & expertise, enter your education and work experience, upload a photo, add connections, ask for and give recommendations, connect your website, blog and Twitter handle to your profile. And, since this is a social network, you will also learn how to post an update, like an update, and send messages.

Laptop encouraged, but not required. (min 4/ max 20)

Thurs. May 9, 7:00-8:30pm Fee: $35

Held in Town Center Building, Room 144.

 Full information and registration available online at www.bedfordrecreation.org or call 781-275-1392.  

   ALEWIFE SHUTTLE TO CROSBY DRIVE

     offers guaranteed ride home program

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS 

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