Question: How can I contact The Chamber? Answer: The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 1116 16th Street in Bedford, Indiana 47421. We can be reached by telephone at (812) 275-4493 or by email at bedford@bedfordchamber.com .

Question: What is the population of the City of Bedford? Answer: 13,768 (2000 Census)

Question: What is the population of Lawrence County? Answer: 46,097 (2000 Census)

Question: How did Lawrence County/Bedford rate in the 2000 Census? Answer: Click here to see the results Lawrence County and Bedford in the 2000 Census.

Question: What is Lawrence County`s tax rate? Answer: Bedford: 4.637 per $100 (Homestead Credit) Mitchell: 4.2275 per $100 (Homestead Credit) Oolitic: 3.6246 per $100 (Homestead Credit) Local property taxes are assessed on a base of true tax value. Lawrence County has a one percent local option tax (CAGIT) Indiana sales and use tax is applied at a rate of 6% to sales at retail.  There is also an Innkeepers tax of 3%, used exclusively to promote tourism.

Question: What is the unemployment rate for Lawrence County? Answer: Lawrence County rate is 7.3%      Indiana rate is 5.0%      Source: October 2003 Edition Labor Market Publication of Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

Question: What zoning regulations are there for Bedford? For Lawrence County? Answer: For zoning information for the City of Bedford, contact the City Planning office at (812) 275-1631. For Mitchell zoning information, call (812) 849-3831. There is no zoning for rural Lawrence County.

Question: Will the new business I`m starting need to be licensed? Answer: No licensing is required, except that which is required by the state. For state licensing information, call 1-800-45-STATE. Start-up business counseling is available through the Indiana Small Business Development Center , Bloomington Office, (812) 339-8937. Counseling appointments with the SBDC may also be scheduled in Bedford by calling the Chamber at (812) 275-4493.

Question: Can I find additional information about Bedford and Lawrence County on this website? Answer: YES! Click here to go to the Community Resume.

Question: What does the Chamber do? Answer: The Chamber is an alliance of organizations and individuals working together to make Bedford thrive and grow. The chamber`s directors, staff and numerous volunteers promote trade, tourism, industry and quality of life in Bedford-Lawrence County and create an environment to advance business and civic interests.

Question: Who runs the Chamber? Answer: A Board of 18 men and women, representing all segments of the economy.

Question: What benefits will my business get if I join the Chamber? Answer: The Chamber makes your business known in the community through advertising, gives you opportunities to meet new customers and grow your customer base, provides assistance for your business, and Chamber discount programs save you money. To learn more details on the benefits of joining the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce click here .