Slayton

BEDFORD — Bette Slayton, president and CEO of the Bedford County Development Association, was recently named 2021 Economic Developer of the Year by the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association.

“Supporters say one would be hard-pressed to name someone who has had more of an impact on economic development projects in her community in recent years than Bette Brown Slayton,” said James Becker, executive director of the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County and chair of the PEDA Awards Committee.

The projects directly touched by the BCDA have resulted in more than 4,000 new jobs and about $3 million in annual property taxes, he said in a statement.

“Slayton’s impact is unquestioned,” Becker said. “From her successful efforts to convene stakeholders from her region to involvement with a nationally recognized restoration of a major historic landmark to her efforts to recruit one of the first regional distribution centers built on the East Coast by one of the world’s largest retailers, Slayton is being recognized for the significant role she plays in economic development across all sectors throughout Bedford County.”

In 1990, Slayton began working for the Bedford County Office of Economic Development, which included five all-volunteer community organizations. Under her leadership, these organizations merged to form a countywide development association.

Today, BCDA owns two business centers, three business parks and has plans to start construction of a new multi-tenant building this year. Its strategic plan includes business retention and recruitment, real estate development, financing, marketing and workforce and entrepreneurial development.

Former Lt. Gov. and Sen. Robert C. Jubelirer noted the challenges that BCDA has surmounted.

“Hers is a very tough arena, a county where economic slowdowns seem to hit hardest, where recovery is slow to take root, where people want opportunity but are mistrustful of outsiders and where pockets of chauvinism persist,” Jubelirer said in a statement. “A lot of her work is out of the spotlight in helping individuals establish themselves locally and build their markets. We need more like her in regional economic development.”

In their letter of support, Bedford County’s commissioners acknowledged that the BCDA’s efforts have allowed the county’s economy to grow and diversify, resulting in more opportunities for its youth.

Chairman Barry Dallara wrote in a statement, “Economic development is especially challenging in rural areas such as ours where resources are limited. We have been especially fortunate to have Bette Slayton at the helm of our economic development efforts.”

Slayton said she was honored to have been chosen from a list of impressive economic development professionals who represent regions with significantly larger portfolios.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by my peers from across the state,” Slayton said in a statement.