The “Best of Bedford” awards were presented last week during Shelbyville Bedford County Chamber of Commerce’s awards banquet at the Fly Cultural Arts Center.  

This is a first, it was announced, and nominations went out to the community in 19 different categories. The Chamber stated that it received nearly 45,000 votes.  

The winners were all small, local businesses this year. Sponsors for the Chamber event were Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital, Peoples Bank of Tennessee and First Community Bank.  

Tad Craig of Craig and Wheeler Realty served as auctioneer during the dessert auction. Glass Hollow catered the Mexican meal. Kay Rose served as an emcee. Josh Lynch, Chamber board chair and Scott Cocanougher presented the welcome and introductions for the evening.  

‘Best of Bedford’  

• Best Hair Salon—Moon’s Barber Shop
• Best Margarita-La Hacienda
• Best Clothes Shopping-North Main Street Marketplace
• Best Boutique—The Pomegranate
• Best Park in Bedford County—Bell Buckle Park
• Best Southern Cooking—Bell Buckle Cafe
• Best Veterinarian Clinic— Cascade Vet Clinic
• Best Burger—Urban Plantation
• Best Place To Take Kids— Shelbyville Recreation Center
• Best Event or Festival—Bell Buckle Craft Fair
• Best Nail Salon-La Belle
• Best Florist—Longview Silks
• Favorite hometown hero was announced as Kimberly Williams of Catch the Wave Food Mob—a social media group which gives daily attention to local food businesses
• Best Healthcare Provider— Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital
• Best Antique or Resale Shop—Shops at Main and McGrew (A huge voter turnout, the Chamber reported.)
• Best BBQ—Purdom’s BBQ
• Best Catering Company— Rowdy Ranch
• Best Auto Care/Tire Shop— Landers Tire
• Best Coffee—Southern Cup

More voting will take place this fall, the Chamber stated.  

Chamber Executive Director, Lacey Deeds 2022 Chamber Board of Directors Josh Lynch, chair, United Communications Sheila Orrell, vice chair, Lewisburg Electric Jenny Hunt, Bell Buckle treasurer Andrew Blair, Tyson Foods Faye Buckingham, Skills Development Center Cassie Davis, Celebration Way Ashley House, Enchanted Bridal Aaron Melhorn, Newell Brands Ashley Rowland, Cooper Steel Anita Teague, Community Development Center Elisabeth Thompson, Duck River Electric Charlie Williams, Edward Jones Heather Williams, Bell Buckle Wallace Cartwright, Shelbyville Mayor Chad Graham, Bedford County Mayor 2022 Chamber Ambassadors Brad Whitaker, co-chair, The Waters Whitney Collier, co-chair, Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital Alexandria Mullins, treasurer, First Bank Mortgage Yolanda Flick, Shelbyville Times-Gazette Jennifer Insell, Lou Lou’s Private Care Lori Johnson, Mobile Living Linda Nichols, First Community Bank Jeremy Richey, Edward Jones Investments Charlie Williams, Edward Jones Investments  

In memory: Mindy Shipley, Superior Insurance, who passed away Feb. 20, 2022.