Talk Local To Me

Marko Galbreath, owner of T4Tactics, shares his journey from retired police officer to entrepreneur, providing firearms training, safety education, and active shooter response programs for businesses, churches, and schools nationwide. The conversation dives into the challenges of promoting safety awareness, the importance of prevention, and the role local businesses play in strengthening communiti...

Mike Norfield of Visiting Angels shares the personal inspiration behind launching his in-home care business, the challenges of educating the community about caregiving, and why supporting local businesses is so important for both employees and owners. He also highlights the value of CVABC for networking, wraps up with rapid-fire questions, offers practical business advice, and closes with a heartf...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike spotlight local events, weather updates, and upcoming business coalition activities. They welcome Andrew from Rhodey Entertainment, a local DJ, photographer, and karaoke host, who shares insights on creating memorable weddings and events through personalized music, photography, and interactive entertainment. Andrew discusses his approach...

Ashley Beesley, owner of Sweet Indulgence Bakery, shares her powerful journey—from surviving domestic violence to founding a bakery dedicated to employing and supporting women as they heal from trauma. She opens up about the challenges of building her business, the importance of community support, and her commitment to creating a safe, family-friendly workplace. The conversation showcases the impa...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike explore the challenges and opportunities small businesses face at the beginning of the year, from goal-setting and adapting to change to managing stress. They emphasize the value of networking and share updates on upcoming CVABC events, along with a new loyalty punch card program. Special guest Tamika joins the conversation to promote the...

Jennifer Sherwood, owner of Creative Cove Designs, shares how her business grew from a small apparel venture in 2020 into a thriving shop offering embroidery, custom apparel, and workshops. She discusses overcoming challenges, the importance of community, and her passion for supporting other small businesses. The episode highlights Jennifer’s entrepreneurial journey, her advice for aspiring busine...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike kick off 2026 by reflecting on last year’s goals and setting new intentions for the year ahead. They explore the value of clear, actionable goal-setting, learning from challenges, and being intentional with commitments. The conversation includes practical advice on staying organized, preventing burnout, and making thoughtful choices. They...

In this episode, Jordin Weisz—owner of the Vincent Van Gogh Café—shares how his passion for art, inspired by his grandmother, and his commitment to health and wellness came together to shape his one-of-a-kind café. Operating as a drive-through trailer near Jefferson Forest High School, Jordin discusses overcoming personal and business challenges, the importance of community support, and his missio...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Heather Alto sits down with Chris from CF World Travel to explore today’s biggest travel trends and tips for planning unforgettable trips. Chris shares insight into his agency’s recent merger, explaining how it’s expanded their resources and strengthened training opportunities allowing them to better serve travelers. The conversation covers popular destina...

In this year-end episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike look back on 2025, share their holiday traditions, and highlight the importance of supporting local businesses. Guest Jordan recounts his journey from launching Rollerblade as a pandemic-era food truck to opening a full brick-and-mortar restaurant. The discussion explores the realities of small business ownership, the impact of c...

In this special holiday episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Mike and Heather celebrate Mike’s birthday and reflect on the recent Christmas parades across Central Virginia. They talk about the value of preserving family memories through photography, spotlight guest Maggie’s luxury portrait services for women in midlife, and offer helpful tips for taking great holiday photos. The episode also highlig...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike recap recent holiday happenings, including Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, and highlight the upcoming Christmas parades. They interview Allison Rakos about her natural wellness products and dive into current health trends. Later, they chat with Chad from Rakos Exterior Cleaning, who shares his entrepreneurial journey, breaks dow...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike spotlight local business events, holiday activities, and community initiatives in Central Virginia. They interview representatives from Legacy Wealth and Legacy Insurance, discussing financial literacy, wealth management, and the importance of business and personal insurance. The episode highlights charitable partnerships, such as support...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike highlight Central Virginia’s holiday happenings, from Small Business Saturday and Giving Tuesday to local Christmas parades. They’re joined by David Glover of the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra to talk about the orchestra’s impact in the community and its upcoming holiday concert. The episode also spotlights Infinity Day Spa, showcasing wel...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Heather Alto highlights local business efforts and festive happenings, including the “Shopper on the Shelf” campaign and upcoming Christmas parades. She’s joined by Christopher from Valley Ridge Wildlife Removal, who shares humane approaches to managing nuisance wildlife such as snakes, bats, and raccoons throughout Central Virginia. The episode also featu...

In this episode of Talk Local To Me, hosts Heather and Mike shine a light on the power of collaboration and community within Central Virginia’s small business landscape. They share the latest local business updates, spotlight upcoming events, and welcome Ashley Beesley of Sweet Indulgence Bakery, who shares how her bakery’s mission supports and empowers trauma survivors. Joined by Rob from Mission...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Heather Alto shines a light on Central Virginia’s thriving business and nonprofit community. She shares details about upcoming networking events, features Puzzled, a nonprofit founded by Blake Bryant that supports children with autism through community car shows, and interviews Jennifer from Creative Cove Designs, a local business offering custom apparel,...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Mike chats with Jesse Reynolds and Jordan Wise, who shares the inspiration behind his new venture, the Vincent Van Gogh Café in Central Virginia. Jordan discusses the café’s mission to unite art, wellness, and spirituality, reflecting on personal experiences with family, illness, and faith that shaped his vision. The conversation spotlights the café’s dedi...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike look back at the successful Center Fest in Bedford and share a preview of upcoming holiday happenings, including the “Parade of Trees,” local Christmas parades, and Bedford’s annual tree lighting celebration. They also spotlight Small Business Saturday’s “Shopper on the Shelf” initiative, designed to encourage support for neighborhood sho...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike take a closer look at the upcoming Bedford CenterFest, highlighting its community impact, exciting music lineup, and strong partnerships with local businesses. They also spotlight Love Heals, a sponsor with a mission to support those facing medical debt and caregiving challenges, showing how local collaboration creates lasting change. The...

In this episode of "Talk Local to Me," hosts Heather and Mike spotlight upcoming Central Virginia Business Coalition events and welcome guests from The Joint Chiropractic, who discuss the benefits of accessible chiropractic care in Lynchburg. The conversation then shifts to Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, with staff sharing insights on the site’s history, preservation efforts, and community programs, in...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Heather Alto sits down with Jenny Simmons to talk about the Hill City Memory Cafe, a nonprofit program dedicated to supporting individuals living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive impairments, along with their caregivers. Jenny shares how the cafe provides monthly themed activities, opportunities for socialization, and wellness support—all in...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike highlight upcoming Bedford County events and sit down with Jordan from Bedrock Bookkeepers, who offers practical insights into why professional bookkeeping is essential for small businesses. In the second half, Dr. Maddukuri of Forest Wellness recipient of the CVABC Leadership Award shares a personalized approach to weight loss, hormone t...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, Heather Alto, Executive Director of the Central Virginia Business Coalition (CVABC), dives into the coalition’s mission to help local businesses thrive through strategic marketing, networking, and valuable resources. She shares details on affordable membership options, upcoming community events, and why collaboration between businesses is essential for growth....