Not Just Buildings

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....

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster talks with Mark and Janet from Lamar Outdoor Advertising about the lasting impact and creative opportunities billboard advertising offers for businesses in Bedford, Virginia. They discuss the launch of Bedford’s first digital billboard, the advantages of both static and digital formats, and how Lamar uses data to better reach target audiences. The...

In this episode, Linda Brake from Bedford Ride discusses the volunteer-driven nonprofit that provides non-emergency medical transportation for seniors and people with disabilities in Bedford, Virginia. She shares the organization’s history, its ongoing need for volunteers, the service area it covers, and how it is funded. The conversation highlights Bedford Ride’s vital role in the community, the...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett sits down with Michelle King, co-owner of King’s Rental Club, a family-owned tool rental business in Bedford, Virginia. Michelle talks about the inspiration behind their membership-based model, which provides homeowners and contractors access to a broad selection of tools and equipment. The conversation showcases the company’s strong commu...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett sits down with Leah Jones, marketing lead for her family’s four Bedford-area businesses: two Kubota dealerships, Beeline Transport, and Lynchburg Powersports. Leah discusses what it’s like to oversee marketing for a diverse range of operations, the importance of community involvement, and recent growth including a new showroom in Montvale...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster welcomes Danielle and Michelle from the American Red Cross. They discuss the Red Cross’s vital work in emergency preparedness, disaster response, and blood donation in the Bedford, Virginia area. The conversation highlights the importance of volunteers, community involvement, and safety tips for winter and fire emergencies. Upcoming Chamber events...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster sits down with Jan and Brenda from the Bedford Area Master Gardeners Association. They talk about the organization’s goal of supporting gardening education and encouraging community engagement, while also previewing upcoming activities like the annual plant sale and informative seminars. Along the way, they share helpful gardening advice and discu...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster shares upcoming Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce events before interviewing Ashley, owner of On Second Thought Consignment. Ashley discusses the unique stories behind consigned items, the importance of community connections, and her family’s role in running the business. The conversation highlights the value of secondhand shopping, sustainability,...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett talks with Mary Jo, Brenda, and Steve from the Bedford Area Family YMCA. They explore the YMCA’s continued growth, recent renovations, and its important role as a cornerstone of the community. The discussion features key fundraising events like the Pot of Gold Gala and the Christmas Classic 5K, along with innovative youth and wellness prog...

In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett sits down with guests from the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce to talk about the podcast’s rebrand, upcoming events, and new initiatives designed to better support local businesses. They discuss the impact of the Community Guide, the Smart Networking series, and expanded advocacy efforts. The conversation highlights a renewed focus on int...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes Podcast, host Foster Garrett sits down with Jericho Moyano, property manager of The Flora Bedford’s newly renovated historic school turned apartment community. Jerrica discusses the restoration journey, standout apartment features, and the building’s importance to the local community. The episode also touches on upcoming chamber events, The Flora’s pet-friendly...

In this episode of Chamber Vibes, host Foster Garrett sits down with Chrissy Hatter, owner of Iron and Clover Motorcycle Mercantile. Chrissy talks about her journey from launching the business online in 2020 to opening her storefront in Bedford, her love for motorcycles, and her goal of building a welcoming hub for the local biker community. The conversation touches on upcoming chamber events, Chr...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes Podcast, host Foster Garrett sits down with Noel, Museum Manager at the Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library. Together, they explore Noel’s background, the museum’s origins, recent renovations, and fascinating local stories including Bedford’s ties to the Titanic and the tale of the “most tattooed man in the world.” Noel also highlights current and upcoming...