Bedford County Chamber of Commerce

09/16/2026

🇺🇸 Today was special.

Today, our Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon brought our business community together for a purpose bigger than business — to remember September 11, 2001, and to honor those who answer the call right here in Bedford County.

Twenty-five years later, we remember the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the families forever changed. We will never forget their courage, sacrifice and service.

We were especially honored to hear from Scott Johnson, whose connection to September 11 is deeply personal. On 9/11, Scott was serving as an Air Force Special Agent. He was supposed to attend a meeting at the Pentagon that day, but the meeting had been canceled. In the aftermath of the attacks, he helped assemble a forensic team to gather evidence and work with the FBI, and later volunteered to serve as chief of investigations for a joint terrorism task force involving the Army, Navy, Air Force and FBI.

His service didn't end there. After retiring from the military, Scott came home and continued protecting people — this time, the people of Bedford County. He served as Director of the Bedford County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency until his retirement in 2021, where he continued serving our community as a Bedford County Commissioner until recently.

Scott, thank you for sharing your story with us today — and, even more importantly, thank you for a life committed to service, from protecting our nation to protecting our community.

That spirit of service gave special meaning to recognizing the men and women of our own Bedford County Sheriff's Office TN, Shelbyville Police Department, Bedford County Fire Department, Shelbyville Fire Department, Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, Bedford County Emergency Medical Service, Bedford County E-911 Comm Center, Bedford County Animal Control, TN, Shelbyville Animal-Control who stand ready when our community needs them.

One of the most meaningful moments of the day was having the privilege of honoring two individuals who have each dedicated more than 50 years of their lives to serving Bedford County — recently retired Sheriff Austin Swing and Shelbyville Police Chief Jan Phillips.

More than five decades each of answering the call. More than 100 years of service combined. Their impact cannot simply be measured in years, but in the lives they have touched, the people they have protected, the officers they have led and mentored, and the community they have helped shape.

Sheriff Swing and Chief Phillips, thank you. Your service has left a legacy in Bedford County that will continue long after the uniforms are hung up.

We are incredibly grateful to Duksan Electera, our sponsor for today’s Quarterly Luncheon. Thank you for helping make it possible for our business community to come together and recognize the people who give so much to ours.

A special thank you to Bell Buckle Hall- Event Venue and Catering for the wonderful meal and hospitality and for helping make today’s luncheon so special.

And to the families of our Public Safety professionals — thank you for sharing them with us. Behind every person who answers the call is a family that understands the interrupted dinners, missed holidays, late nights and sacrifices that come with a life of service.

Today was about REMEMBERING. HONORING. AND SAYING THANK YOU.
May we never forget those who gave everything.

May we never take for granted those who stand ready today.

And may we always be a community that supports those who answer the call.

09/08/2026

Today, we gathered to honor a statesman, a public servant, and a friend to so many—the late State Senator Jim Tracy.

Jim was more than a politician. He was a servant. He never met a stranger, and somehow, when you were with Jim, you felt like you were with a best friend. He was a connector—not only in Bedford County, but everywhere he went. He brought people together, built relationships, and used those relationships to make a difference.

Jim Tracy left his mark on Bedford County. His work helped move important projects and legislation forward that strengthened our infrastructure, created opportunities, and made life better for the people who call this community home.

Today, that legacy was permanently honored with the dedication of the Senator Jim Tracy Overpass at State Route 437 and Railroad Avenue.

There could not be a more fitting tribute.
Jim’s work ethic was described today as being like a train—always moving forward. That is exactly how Jim lived and served. He kept moving forward, kept working, kept connecting people, and kept looking for the next opportunity to make his community and his state better.

And now, generations to come will travel beneath a railroad overpass bearing his name—a lasting reminder of a man whose work helped move Bedford County forward.

To Jim’s family—Trena, Chad, Craig, Conner, and his three grandchildren—thank you for sharing Jim with all of us. Public service requires sacrifice from an entire family, and Bedford County is better because of the years Jim gave so generously to this community and to Tennessee.

We were honored to be joined today by former Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, State Senator Shane Reeves, State Representative Pro Tem Pat Marsh, Bedford County Mayor Curt Cobb, and Warren Wells, a former member of Senator Tracy’s staff and current President/CEO of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.

A special thank you to the City of Shelbyville Public Works Department, Bedford County Highway Department, Bedford County Emergency Management Agency, and all of our City and County public safety personnel who worked together to make today’s dedication possible.

Jim Tracy spent his life moving forward—and helping Bedford County move forward with him. Today, his name became a permanent part of the community he served so well.

09/05/2026

What a great day celebrating the Ribbon Cutting of Szinpadi Farms Market in Bell Buckle!

Fresh, locally raised and locally grown food is at the heart of this farm-to-table market. From fresh produce and local meats to beautiful flowers, cheeses, ice cream, and more, Szinpadi Farms Market is giving our community another opportunity to shop local and know where the food you are feeding your family comes from.

The community showed up today, and we were especially proud to celebrate alongside so many of our friends from the Official Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce. It is always exciting to see our communities come together to welcome and support a new local business.

Congratulations to Szinpadi Farms Market! Stop by 23 Railroad Square in Bell Buckle, shop local, support local farmers and producers, and take home something fresh for your family!

09/01/2026

September is full of Opportunities!

Go Connect, Engage, and Support Bedford County!

Check out the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce and Community Calendar!

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

✂️ JOIN US FOR A RIBBON CUTTING! 🎉

Join us this Friday at 2:00 p.m. as we celebrate and welcome Szinpadi Farms with a Ribbon Cutting!

📍 23 Railroad Square, Bell Buckle, TN
⏰ 2:00 p.m.

Szinpadi Farms is a farm-to-table market bringing fresh, locally sourced goodness from the farm to the community—connecting customers with quality products while celebrating agriculture and supporting local.

Come help us give Szinpadi Farms a warm welcome, learn more about all they have to offer, and celebrate another great local business!

We can’t wait to see you there! ✂️🎉

08/26/2026

There’s just something special about the night before The Celebration. ❤️🐴

The horses are here, the barns are ready, and you can feel the excitement all across our community.

Sleep tight, Walking Horse Country. It’s Celebration time! 🌹

’Twas the night before The Celebration, and all through the town,
Not a horse trailer moved, not a groom could be found.
The stalls had been set, the tack had been shined,
And dreams of that big nights to come were filling each mind.
The horses were settled, their blankets pulled tight,
As Shelbyville waited for opening night.
The barns were all quiet, the arena stood still,
But you could feel the excitement from Main Street to the hill.
The riders were ready, the trainers prepared,
The fans had their tickets, the whole town had cared.
For generations now, this night has been known—
When Walking Horse Country welcomes its people home.
From near and from far, they would soon make their way,
To celebrate horses, tradition, and these reverent days
That mean something special to everyone here—
A tradition we cherish year after year.
And somewhere a child dreamed of riding in that big oval,
While somewhere a champion dreamed of winning roses.
The lights would soon shine, the organ music would play,
And horses would canter in that wonderful way.
So tonight, let us pause before all the excitement,
And remember what makes this tradition so right.
It's the horses, the people, the friendships, the pride—
And a community that stands proudly side by side.
So sleep well, Walking Horse Country, tomorrow's the day—
The 88th Celebration is finally on its way.
May the barns be full and the grandstands be bright,
And may we all enjoy The Celebration tomorrow night.
’Twas the night before The Celebration…
and the greatest 11 days of the year was about to begin.