Adams County Chamber marks busy year with spring awards, new meeting format

Sunset Bowling Alley, the Adams County Welcome Center and Queen Acres Lavender Farm all took center stage as the Adams County Chamber of Commerce packed awards, ribbon cuttings and a new meeting schedule into a busy 2026 run. The chamber also shifted its membership meetings from evening gatherings to lunchtime meetings after adding Hillsboro Rural Connections to the calendar, a change that widened the business network beyond Adams County while keeping local employers in view.

The spring awards season started April 30 at McCoy’s Poplar Flat, where the Edge of Excellence Awards were held under the theme “Homemade in the Heartland: Celebrating America’s 250th.” Sunset Bowling Alley was named Business of the Year, the Adams County Welcome Center earned Beautification of the Year, and Kimberly Skaggs of Manchester Local School District was recognized as Educator of the Year. Cory Kuttler of Close-Up received Entrepreneur of the Year, the Adams County Community Foundation was named Nonprofit of the Year, and Haley Jo Davis of Adams County Regional Medical Center took home the Dan Ferguson Leader of the Year award.

The chamber followed that with CelebraTea on May 7 at Captain’s Quarters on the river in Manchester. The gathering focused on Appalachian women’s stories, strength and community, adding a different kind of recognition to the chamber’s spring lineup and giving one more local venue a place in the spotlight.

June brought another milestone when Queen Acres Lavender Farm held its grand opening and ribbon cutting on June 4. Owner Amy Queen said the farm opening was tied to her family roots, rural upbringing and a long-held dream she felt called to pursue, making the event as personal as it was business-related.

Taken together, the chamber’s spring calendar showed more than a string of events. It put local schools, nonprofits, small businesses and community landmarks in front of residents across Adams County, from Poplar Flat to Manchester. For businesses that depend on repeat traffic, referrals and local loyalty, that kind of visibility can turn a chamber schedule into real-world momentum.