Walker Talks

In this episode of Walker Talks, Lacy Smith and guest host Pastor Ashley New sit down with Matt Harris of the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority to talk about the future of Walker County and Northwest Georgia. Matt shares his journey from public education and Walker LAUNCH to entrepreneurship and economic development, explaining how workforce, education, housing, industry, and responsib...

Why does tourism matter to Walker County business? In this episode of Walker Talks, hosts Lacey Smith and Ashley Mew welcome Jamie Rennick of Rock City for a conversation about tourism, local business, and economic growth in Walker County, Georgia. As part of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce’s May tourism focus, this episode looks at Rock City as a powerful example of how tourism brings reven...

May is all about tourism on Walker Talks, and this episode takes us into the outdoor recreation story growing across Walker County, Georgia. Hosts Lacey Smith and Ashley Mew are joined by Alison Missler, Logan Edgeman, and Jason Shattuck for a conversation about tourism, local parks, outdoor programming, and new adventures taking shape across the county. From Rock City and Rocktown to Queen City L...

What does real success look like in business? In this episode of Walker Talks, Lacey Smith and Ashley Mew sit down with Robert Wardlaw, owner of the well-loved Lucky Eye-Q restaurant, to talk about entrepreneurship from a completely different perspective. After a 40-year career with Coca-Cola, Robert didn’t rush into business. He waited. He prepared. And when the time was right, he built something...

Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but in Walker County, it’s possible. In this episode of Walker Talks, we sit down with Kyle Barksdale of KB Pressure Washing to hear how he built a business from the ground up—starting as a summer job and growing into a company serving major commercial clients across the region. This conversation goes beyond surface-level success and dives into: ~ The reality of the ea...

In this episode of Walker Talks, we sit down with Eric Pullen, Economic Development and Events Director for the City of Chickamauga, to talk about what leadership and service really look like at the local level. At first glance, this conversation may sound like a lineup of events, new businesses, and exciting growth in Chickamauga. But underneath it all is something deeper—a clear picture of leade...

What does it actually look like to grow a business in Walker County? In Episode 5 of Walker Talks, we sit down with Brittany and John from First Financial Bank to unpack the real side of business growth—beyond the surface-level advice. From helping businesses finance equipment and expand locations to walking alongside entrepreneurs as relationship partners, this conversation reveals what it truly...

This week on Walker Talks, we highlight a big week for economic leadership and growth in Walker County. Hosts Lacey Smith and Pastor Ashley Mew begin by recapping the Walker County Chamber’s Annual Luncheon, where regional leaders gathered to celebrate progress and discuss the future of our community. The luncheon featured April Cameron, President & CEO of the Chattanooga Airport, who shared valua...

In this episode of Walker Talks, host Lacey Smith welcomes Wendy Ingram, LaFayette Downtown Development Director and Main Street Manager, for a conversation about how collaboration drives economic strength in Walker County. From downtown revitalization efforts to Chamber partnerships and shared community initiatives, Wendy explains how working together creates opportunities for local businesses to...

In this episode of Walker Talks, the Walker County Chamber of Commerce explores why relationships remain at the heart of local business growth. Hosts Lacey Smith and Ashley Mew are joined by Courtney McIlvane with Southern Shadows, a Walker County Chamber member who offers history and walking tours in Chickamauga. Courtney shares her story of finding her way to Walker County and how meaningful rel...

Welcome to the very first episode of Walker Talks, a new podcast created to connect the Walker County Chamber of Commerce with the people, businesses, and organizations that make our community thrive. In this inaugural episode, hosts Lacey Smith and Ashley Mew sit down with special guest Evitte Parrish, local business owner and Chamber board member, to share the heart behind the Chamber and why in...