Not Just Buildings

The Bedford Women’s Club’s 51st Holiday Mart has been running for more than half a century and now draws over 1,000 visitors and nearly 100 vendors, all selling homemade goods. In this episode, club members Brianna and Laurie share how the event’s proceeds support Bedford organizations, from elementary school book fairs to domestic-violence services. They also discuss the newer Mom’s Day in the Pa...

On this episode of Not Just Buildings, Joey sits down with Daniel and John Wright of Wright Choice Construction to talk about what really goes into building a home, especially when the property comes with challenges. From building on steep hillsides and managing drainage to planning ahead and providing clients with a fixed price before construction begins, they share why getting the details right...

United Way of Central Virginia once had a waitlist for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; after expanding enrollment, it signed up about 500 more children following Parton’s death. Director of Resource Development Chris explains how the program mails a free, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age five and why local partners are working to fund the growing demand. He also sh...

A house fire can leave a family without medication, clothes, or a place to sleep but the Red Cross may arrive within two hours with immediate supplies, financial assistance, and help replacing prescriptions. In this episode, Michelle Dowdy, executive director of the American Red Cross in the Blue Ridge Bay area, explains what local support looks like beyond blood drives, from free smoke alarms to...

After 22 years in clinical thermography, Tammy has built a network of 42 screening locations across Virginia and now calls Bedford County home. On Not Just Buildings, she explains how an infrared camera records patterns of heat and cool, why she sees thermography as a noninvasive screening tool, and how the results can be shared with a healthcare practitioner. She also discusses why men may benefi...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, Kayla and new Chamber Marketing Coordinator Joey sit down with Genny Luedtke from Fables & Feathers Winery, a family-owned winery in Goodview, Virginia. Genny shares the winery’s origin story, which began during the pandemic in 2020, and describes their hands-on harvest process, which relies on more than 100 volunteers. She highlights their packed October...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, Kayla sits down with Mayor C.G. Stanley and Town Manager Bart Warner to discuss the growth and future of Bedford, Virginia. The two leaders share their personal connections to the town and highlight exciting residential developments that are attracting new residents to the area. They also address challenges facing the community, including traffic congestion,...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host from the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce interviews Joel Miller, the new Executive Director of Eagle Eyrie, a camp and conference center near Lynchburg, Virginia. Joel shares his background as a former Tennessee youth pastor and missionary, and how he unexpectedly landed the role. He describes Eagle Eyrie's rich history, versatile facilities accommodati...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, hosted by the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, Kyle and Matt of the Hill City Howlers baseball team discuss the team's rebranding from the Lynchburg Hillcats following a 2024 ownership change. They highlight the enhanced game-day experience, featuring affordable family entertainment, themed mascots, and Saturday fireworks. Guests also cover exciting ballpark...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Kayla interviews Stephanie, Executive Director, and Chelsey, Program Coordinator at the Sedalia Center in Bedford, Virginia. They discuss the center's upcoming events, including the Blues and Bayou-themed Sedalia Feast fundraiser, a Bears 101 talk, and a barn quilt painting workshop. They highlight their seven annual festivals and the Living Arts Afterno...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster highlights upcoming Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce events, including ribbon cuttings, an advocacy forum, and a fall job fair. She then interviews Rachel, Market Manager at Manpower, who shares her 32-year journey with the company from associate to leader. Rachel explains Manpower's wide range of staffing services, including temporary, temp-to-hi...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster interviews Carolyn, Vice Chairman and Treasurer of the Bedford County Fair board. Carolyn shares details about the upcoming fair, held August 21–23 at Liberty Lake Park. Highlights include free admission, a new air-conditioned Home Goods Pavilion, baking and photography contests, FFA animal exhibits, live music, a talent show, and a community expo...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster interviews Alec from the Central Virginia Planning District Commission (CVPDC). Alec explains how the CVPDC serves multiple localities in Central Virginia, focusing on regional planning, economic development, and workforce initiatives. They discuss the importance of collaboration between local governments, highlight resources like career centers a...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster interviews Kyle, Communications Manager for Bedford Water. Kyle explains the organization's rebranding from Bedford Regional Water Authority to the more community-friendly "Bedford Water," accomplished in-house on a limited budget. He discusses current challenges, including drought conditions and aging infrastructure, and highlights key projects s...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster welcomes Susan, Director of Marketing, and Jeff, Store Manager of Virginia Furniture Market's Bedford location. They discuss the family-owned company's ten Virginia locations, exceptional customer service, and innovative product offerings, including customizable furniture, immersive audio sofas, and an exclusive mattress line. Jeff highlights a de...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster sits down with Bedford County Administrator Robert and Public Information Officer Shelley to discuss the county's growth and key initiatives. They cover major capital projects, including expansions of the animal shelter, sheriff's office, and a new social services building. The conversation highlights investments in parks, fire and EMS services, a...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett interviews Ryan Steffen, Executive Director of the Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford, Virginia. Ryan shares the center's 20-year history, its mission to make arts accessible, and its busy summer lineup, including free concerts, children's camps, and a traveling Charles M. Schulz exhibit. He highlights the Cav Kid Corner, ongoing renovat...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett interviews Noel Woodcock, Museum Manager at the Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library. Noel shares the museum's history, founded in 1933 and housed in a stunning 1895 Romanesque Revival building. She highlights the genealogical library's extensive resources, diverse exhibits spanning three floors, and the museum's role in preserving Bedf...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster interviews Ann, owner of the Peacock Inn and Gardens, a renovated 1939 French provincial mansion in Bedford, Virginia. Ann shares her journey of purchasing and transforming the property following her husband's passing, describing its five guest rooms, elegant amenities, and event spaces. She discusses creative marketing strategies, themed events,...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster introduces the podcast’s new name, reflecting the idea that businesses are about more than just buildings they’re about people. She also previews upcoming Chamber events, including networking sessions focused on marketing and AI, as well as a summer ballpark mixer. Foster then sits down with Jessica from Virginia Credit Union, formerly Member One...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster interviews Susan, President of the Executive Board for Food for Kids, a Bedford County nonprofit fighting childhood food insecurity. Susan shares how the organization distributes over 700 weekend food bags weekly to students across seven local schools, totaling more than 23,000 bags per school year. Relying entirely on volunteers and donations, Fo...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett introduces the podcast’s new name formerly Chamber Vibes inspired by the idea that businesses are about people, not just places. She shares details on upcoming Chamber events, including a fall job fair, ribbon cuttings, a Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast, and a Smart Networking session. Foster also sits down with Lenore Coyle of Eurofins CRL...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett introduces the podcast's new name, inspired by the idea that businesses are people, not just buildings. He highlights upcoming Chamber events, including a Spring Job Fair and a business roundtable. Garrett then interviews Jen Webb, a registered nurse and Development, Advocacy, and Communication professional at Johnson Health Center. Jen di...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett introduces the podcast’s new name and previews upcoming Chamber events, including a Spring Job Fair and a Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast. He then sits down with Phyllis Everett nurse practitioner and owner of Sapient Health Services who reflects on her 47-year nursing career and her integrative healthcare practice serving rural Bedford Coun...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster sits down with Madison, Center Manager at the Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center in Thaxton, Virginia. Madison talks about her background in animal science and natural resources while giving an overview of the retreat’s 66-acre nonprofit property, which hosts outdoor adventures, educational programs, corporate retreats, summer camps, and weddings....