Not Just Buildings

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett—who leads marketing and events at the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce—sits down for a laid-back chat about all things Bedford. She kicks things off by sharing what the Chamber’s all about and gives listeners a sneak peek at some exciting events coming up, like the Excellence in Business Awards and a local business roundtable. Joini...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett—who heads up Marketing and Events at the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce—chats about what’s coming up for the Chamber, including the Excellence in Business Awards and a local business roundtable. She’s joined by Mary Jo, the new owner of The Well, a natural health and wellness shop. She shares how she came to own the store, its bac...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett—Director of Marketing and Events at the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce—chats about the Chamber’s mission and some exciting things coming up. She’s joined by Linda Brake, Program Manager for Bedford Ride, a local nonprofit that helps folks in Bedford County get to their non-emergency medical appointments. It’s all about supporting...

In this episode of Chamber Vibes, host Foster Garrett chats about the National D-Day Memorial and why volunteering there means so much. She’s joined by guests Ann, Bob, and Taylor, who share what got them involved. Ann and Bob talk about their ties to World War II veterans and what it’s like to lead tours and help out around the memorial. Taylor, who coordinates all the volunteers, talks about how...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett—the head of Marketing and Events for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce—kicks things off by sharing what the podcast’s all about: boosting local businesses and getting the community more involved. She also gives a heads-up about some exciting stuff coming up, like a spring job fair. Later on, Kyle Draper from the Bedford Regional...

In this episode, Foster Garrett, Director of Marketing and Events at the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, chats with Brenda and Jan from the Bedford Area Master Gardeners Association. They dive into their personal journeys, what the association is all about, and what’s coming up on their calendar. Brenda and Jan share some cool stories about the group’s roots, how they train new members, and awes...

In this episode of Chamber Vibes, host Foster Garrett chats with Andy Gibson from Smith Mountain Lake Insiders. They dive into what the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce is all about, touch on cool upcoming events like the spring job fair, and talk about why staying connected with the community really matters. Andy shares a bit about her background, how she’s bringing new life to Smith Mountain Lak...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett—Marketing and Events Director at the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce—chats with Pam Armstrong from the Bedford County Office of Economic Development. They talk about what’s coming up at the Chamber, like the 12th Annual Spring Job Fair, and how Pam helps drive business growth around the county. She shares some cool info about local...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett chats with Mary Massey from Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Mary shares how she went from working in the museum shop to becoming the Director of Programs and Education, all while following her love for history and community. They talk about what makes Poplar Forest such a special place, some fun upcoming events like the Spring Tho...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett, Director of Marketing and Events for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, chats with Chris Hackman from the United Way of Central Virginia. They dive into the organization’s mission—supporting health, education, financial stability, and basic needs—while also talking about how United Way helps local nonprofits and made a differenc...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett sits down with Al and Jennifer from the Bedford Domestic Violence Coalition. They chat about how the coalition supports survivors through things like transportation, medical costs, and shelter projects. Al, who’s been with the coalition for ten years, shares insight into their mission and how they secure funding. Jennifer, the treas...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett, Director of Marketing and Events for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, chats with Tara from Center in the Square, a nonprofit in Roanoke, VA. They talk about how the chamber supports local businesses and dive into exciting upcoming events like the spring job fair. Tara shares how she got involved with Center in the Square, the...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett, Director of Marketing and Events for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, introduces the podcast's mission and upcoming events. She then interviews Brooke, Senior Program Manager at the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Brooke discusses her background, the association's programs, and resources for Alzheimer's disease....

On this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett—Director of Marketing and Events for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce—is joined by the team from Croft Insurance Services. Joining her are owner Sue Melody, President Melody Kee, and team member Anne. They dive into the details of the new Medical Savings Account (MSA) and why it’s a game-changer. With no network restrictions, ta...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett, Director of Marketing and Events for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, discusses the Chamber's mission and upcoming events. Guest Tony Martin from the Bedford Urban Garden (BUG) shares his background as a farmer and teacher, and details BUG's community gardening efforts. The conversation highlights BUG's initiatives to address...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett, director of marketing and events for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, speaks with Erica McFadden, manager of the Bedford Farmers Market. They discuss the market's history, its role in promoting local agriculture, and community involvement. Erica shares her background as a former school teacher and yarn shop owner, emphasizing...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett, Director of Marketing and Events for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, introduces guest Josh Daniel, founder of Counterculture Solutions. Josh, with nearly 21 years of Army service, shares his journey and the mission of his business, which focuses on personal development and safety training. The discussion covers the importance...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, Host Foster Garrett, Director of Marketing and Events for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, introduces upcoming events aimed at supporting local businesses. Mary Jo from the Bedford Area Family YMCA highlights various programs, including childcare, youth sports, and new initiatives like a teaching garden and pickleball.  This podcast lives on Media...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett chats about upcoming chamber events and sits down with reps from Member One Federal Credit Union. Jessica Clarkson talks about her work in business development and how credit union membership can make a difference, especially after their recent merger with Virginia Credit Union. Alex Lucas shares his journey from education to financ...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes Podcast, Foster Garrett, Director of Marketing and Events for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, chats about exciting upcoming events and local business happenings in Bedford, Virginia. Tina Anderson from Spring Oak Senior Living shares plans for their holiday events, including a special lighting ceremony. Leah Jones also joins the conversation to talk about...

In this episode of Chamber Vibes, host Foster Garrett, Director of Marketing and Events for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, chats with Cory Giles, Operations Manager at Wicked Diesel. Cory gives the scoop on what Wicked Diesel offers for both diesel and gas vehicles, shares exciting updates about their growth—like a new location and a motorcycle shop—and talks about how they stay connected w...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, Kayla steps in as host while Foster is at training. She is joined by Lainey Skinner from Destination Bedford, Virginia, who discusses the upcoming Festival of Trees event at the Welcome Center, featuring 40 decorated Christmas trees representing local businesses and charities. Amy Gallagher from Select Bank shares her background and the bank's mission...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett and co-host Jennifer Rickman spotlight Emerson Creek Pottery with guest Teresa Davis. Foster, the Director of Marketing and Events for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, discusses upcoming chamber events. Jennifer, an ambassador for the chamber, shares her enthusiasm for the local craft scene. Teresa, representing Emerson Creek P...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett introduces guests Bill Moss and Micah from Foster Fuels. Bill, a long-time board member and Manager of Commercial Operations for Propane, shares his journey from being a pilot to joining Foster Fuels, emphasizing the company's commitment to customer service. Micah, the Propane Marketing Manager, discusses his marketing background an...

In this episode of the Chamber Vibes podcast, host Foster Garrett discusses the Central Virginia Planning District Commission (PDC) with guests Kelly Hitchcock and Ada Hunsaker. Kelly, the Deputy Director of Planning, explains the PDC's role in regional planning, focusing on transportation, housing, economic development, and environmental initiatives. Ada, the Program Manager for Central Virginia...