Advertise on podcast: Talk Local To Me

In today’s episode of Talk Local to Me, we’re talking about family traditions, growing a business, leadership, and knowing when it’s time to refuel.Ryan and Delilah with Ry’s Pies N’ Cobblers share how Grandma Nellie Bell’s kitchen and their family legacy became the heart of their business. They talk about growing at the right pace, staying true to their roots, and some of their crowd favorites, including sweet potato cheesecake and banana pudding bread pudding. Plus, they share details on placing orders for the upcoming holiday season.Then, Temika Younger with Virginia Adult Care Education shares the inspiration behind the Lead On Fire Conference. After years of training healthcare leaders, Temika realized they needed more than compliance education. They needed an opportunity to recharge, connect, and grow as leaders. She also shares practical advice on learning to delegate and gives us a look ahead at the 2027 Lead On Fire Conference.It’s another great episode filled with local stories, practical business advice, and inspiration from people making an impact in Central Virginia.

A house fire revealed a gap in Adam’s smoke-alarm setup and helped lead him to start Tech Goat, where he now helps homes and businesses improve security, Wi-Fi and smart-home systems. Adam shares how cameras can miss crucial footage, why separating guest Wi-Fi matters, and how a leak sensor can shut off water before damage spreads. Then Medicare adviser Joe breaks down what to review during open enrollment, including why spouses may need different plans and how moving can affect coverage. Heather and Mike also share local parade news and practical insights from two Central Virginia business owners.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Heather Alto recaps the successful Bedford CenterFest and announces upcoming Christmas parades. She also explains the history and mission of the Central Virginia Business Coalition, which supports over 500 local businesses through networking, marketing, and community events. Heather then interviews Courtney from the Healing Home Foundation, a nonprofit supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families through trauma-informed resources and caregiver education. Courtney discusses the emotional challenges these families face and shares details about their upcoming Christmas pop-up and ribbon-cutting event on November 14th in Lynchburg.

In this episode of Tea Time, Maggie McCanna, owner of Maggie Takes Pix, shares how her love of photography grew from a childhood hobby into a professional portrait photography business focused on empowering women. Maggie shares how she creates a personalized, luxury photography experience for her clients, from initial consultations and wardrobe planning to professional hair and makeup. She also discusses the challenges of running a business on her own, the importance of knowing your worth, and how joining the Central Virginia Business Coalition (CVABC) helped her build connections within the Central Virginia community after relocating to Amherst County.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, Heather Alto and Mike Norfield highlight the upcoming Bedford CenterFest on September 19, a free street festival in downtown Bedford from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They share what attendees can expect, including vendors, live music, kids’ activities, food, parking information, and other event-day details. Later, Allison and Dave from Independent Lifestyles join the conversation to share how their family-owned mobility business helps people maintain their independence. Celebrating 24 years in business, Independent Lifestyles offers a wide range of mobility products and services, including wheelchairs, stair lifts, wheelchair-accessible vehicle modifications, rentals, repairs, and financing options.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, Mike Norfield and Heather Alto welcome Meghan Cucci of Insight Bookkeeping and Consulting, who shares expert advice on managing business finances, recognizing when professional bookkeeping help is needed, and preparing for year-end. Later, Bryan Brammer discusses Forest Living Magazine and its targeted advertising opportunities for local businesses. Throughout the episode, Mike and Heather also highlight upcoming Central Virginia Business Coalition events and discuss the importance of networking, community engagement, and building strong connections to support local business growth.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike cover local community news, including the Bedford Center Fest and upcoming CVABC events. They interview Cam from Brothers That Just Do Gutters, who discusses the importance of proper gutter maintenance and his company's honest, specialized approach to home protection. Georgia then shares the inspiring work of Brooke Hill Farms, a Bedford County nonprofit using equine therapy to transform the lives of over 210 youth and individuals facing mental, physical, and emotional challenges. Listeners are encouraged to support both organizations and engage with their local community.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather from the Central Virginia Business Coalition and Mike from Visiting Angels Lynchburg share updates on upcoming CVABC events, including a baseball networking night, Coffee Talk, and Bedford CenterFest.They’re joined by Ula and David from the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, who share more about the professional orchestra, its youth programs, and upcoming performances, including a Mahler concert and an exciting Sweeney Todd collaboration.Later, Jason from Land & Table discusses the nonprofit’s work connecting Central Virginia residents with local farmers and locally grown food. From their LocalFoodLynchburg.com directory and farm tours to an upcoming fall fundraiser, Jason shares how choosing local agriculture can benefit our economy, our health, and our community.It’s an episode filled with local events, arts, agriculture, and plenty of ways to get involved and support Central Virginia.

Jennifer Adamczyk, Director of Sales for the Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites in Lynchburg, shares her career journey from event planning to hospitality sales and explains why building relationships is more important than simply making a sale. In this episode, Jennifer highlights the amenities and services offered by both hotels, including meeting and event spaces, extended-stay suites, and comfortable accommodations for both business and leisure travelers. She also encourages locals to think beyond travel by considering hotels for business meetings, special events, and community gatherings. Jennifer also discusses the importance of giving back through community initiatives, including donating kitchen supplies to those in need, and shares her appreciation for Lynchburg's welcoming, collaborative business community.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike from the Central Virginia Business Coalition discuss upcoming local events, including Coffee Talk meetups, Bedford CenterFest, and Christmas parade applications. They interview Susan and Courtney from La Quinta Inn, Ridgeview Event Center, and Appomattox Inn and Suites, highlighting their accommodations and event spaces. The episode also features Michelle, Community Engagement Coordinator at Patrick Henry's Red Hill, who shares the site's history, artifacts, and upcoming Quarter Place Tribute event honoring the African American community connected to the historic plantation.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike welcome Billy, owner of Lugo Mobile Services, a mobile mechanic business serving Central Virginia. Billy explains how he provides convenient on-site vehicle repairs and maintenance, from oil changes to brake work, at customers' homes or workplaces. He highlights his competitive pricing, professionalism, and honesty. The hosts also promote upcoming CVABC events, including a ribbon cutting at 801 Raw Bar, a baseball game networking night, and their monthly Coffee Talk breakfast.

Mary Purcell of Five Rings Financial shares how a career change led her to a mission of helping middle-income Americans build financial confidence and work toward financial freedom. In this episode, Mary discusses what inspired her to join Five Rings Financial, her passion for financial education, and the impact of her women-focused programs, including Wine, Women, and Wealth and Money 101. She also talks about the importance of networking through the Central Virginia Business Coalition (CVABC), the challenges of growing a business in Central Virginia, and her commitment to supporting the local business community.

Cindy Burns, founder of Living Forward, shares how losing her husband at the age of 54—and later realizing she hadn't fully processed her grief—inspired her to become a widow coach. In this episode, Cindy discusses the challenges of building her business, the importance of community support, and how the CVABC has helped her grow. She also offers hope to those navigating grief, reminding them that while grief never completely disappears, it does become more manageable with time, support, and the courage to stop pretending everything is okay.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather and Mike welcome Kelly, owner of Media Mosaic, to discuss social media marketing for small businesses. Kelly shares practical advice on creating engaging content, choosing the right platforms, and balancing authenticity with AI-generated material. The hosts also explore how AI tools can streamline business tasks like email management and phone systems. The episode wraps up with upcoming Central Virginia Business Coalition events, including networking meetups, a baseball night, and holiday parades.

Pam and Kelly, co-owners of Kennedy's Miracle Carriage, a faith-based non-emergency medical transportation company in Bedford, Virginia, share how personal experiences caring for aging loved ones inspired them to launch their business and fill a critical transportation need in the community. In this episode, they discuss the challenges of navigating certifications and regulations, the rewards of helping clients maintain their independence, the importance of local networking, and their commitment to serving the community with compassion and care.