BEDFORD — A pilot and co-owner of Bun Air Corp. was honored with the prestigious Athena Award during the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner and award celebration at the Bedford County Airport.

Jennifer DeLong was lauded for her professional accomplishments, as well as her extensive community involvement, particularly in the area of mentoring youth. DeLong was one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Young Life organization in the Bedford School District, and serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Bedford County Chamber (Education) Foundation.

Fifteen additional awards were presented to outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals of the Bedford County region, recognizing a variety of accomplishments.

ö John Anderson Award: Bedford Fall Foliage Festival Excellence in Business: (3 Categories) Small (no more than 10 employees): ProCare Fitness Bedford; Medium (no more than 49 employees): Kountry Kettle Restaurant & Catering; Large (50 or more employees): Omni Bedford Springs Resort.

ö Volunteers of the Year: Women United

ö Excellence in Innovation: Recreational Equipment Inc.

ö Excellence in Property Improvement: Bedford Candies.

ö Excellence in Heritage Preservation: Espy House Spirits (Todd Eichelberger)

ö Employer Community Service Award: AT&T

ö Excellence in Education: Burkett’s Watch Me Grow Early Learning Centers

ö Excellence in Agri-Business: Leader’s Farm Equipment

ö Excellence in Tourism: (in partnership with Bedford County CVB) — Fort Bedford Museum

ö Excellence in Economic Development (in partnership w/ BCDA): Bedford Reinforced Plastics

ö Servant Leadership Award (to a graduate of Leadership Bedford County): Ben Naugle

ö Community Connections Award (with Bedford County Transition Council): Bedford Goodwill Store