2026 Spring Job Fair Draws 200 Job Seekers and Expands Regional Workforce Connections

The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to share the success of our 2026 Spring Job Fair, held on Friday, April 17. Proudly presented by Cintas, the event brought together 30 local employers and 200 job seekers from across the region, creating valuable connections that support workforce development in Bedford County and beyond. 

The event continues to see strong regional participation and engagement across industries. Employers represented 12 different industries, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, construction, and public service – reflecting the diverse opportunities available in our region.

Job seekers traveled from throughout the region, with more than half coming from Lynchburg and others representing Bedford County and surrounding communities. Attendees discovered the event through a variety of channels, including social media, local schools, workforce partners, and word of mouth, demonstrating the Chamber’s broad reach and strong community partnerships. 

What makes this event impactful is its ability to connect employers with a wide range of talent. From students seeking internships to entry-level candidates and experienced professionals exploring new opportunities, employers had access to a diverse and motivated workforce. Many attendees expressed openness to a variety of roles, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations and unexpected connections.

“The Job Fair is one of the most impactful ways we bring our business community and workforce together,” said Kayla Boone, President/CEO of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. “When we create the opportunity for these connections to be made, we’re helping people find pathways and supporting the long-term strength of our regional economy.” 

We’re especially encouraged that 60% of participating employers were not current Chamber members, reinforcing the Chamber’s role in serving the broader business community and extending our impact beyond membership.

Employers and attendees consistently shared positive feedback about the event, highlighting its organization, welcoming environment, and the opportunity to engage face-to-face. Several also expressed interest in seeing the event continue to grow, pointing to strong demand for even more employer participation in the future. 

“We were very pleased with this spring’s Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Job Fair,” said Chad Copp, General Manager of Cintas Corporation in Bedford. “The event continues to grow in both quality and impact, and we had the opportunity to meet many strong applicants. It was exceptionally well organized and a great reflection of the effort the BACC team put into making it successful.”

The Chamber extends its sincere thanks to all participating employers, job seekers, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event possible. Through efforts like the Job Fair, the Chamber continues to serve as a catalyst for local business success, a convener of regional leadership, and a champion for a thriving workforce. 

The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Fall Job Fair will be held on Friday, August 28 from 10:30AM to 2:00PM at Blue Ridge Community Church in New London. At the time of this news release, there are 16 businesses registered. Additional information regarding the Fall Job Fair can be found on the Chamber's website.