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.

Joel Battige of Six33 Mortgage, a mortgage brokerage serving Central Virginia, shares his 21-year journey in the lending industry, his move from Florida to Central Virginia, and the challenges of building trust with local real estate professionals as a newcomer.

In this episode, Joel debunks the common myth that homebuyers need a 20% down payment and explains why clear communication is the foundation of every successful client relationship. He also discusses how the CVABC has supported the growth of his business and emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses to strengthen the community.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Mike and Heather discuss upcoming Central Virginia Business Coalition events, including ribbon cuttings, a Back to School Bash, and Bedford Centerfest. Guest Mike from Strategic Doers Group shares insights on Integrated Leadership, emphasizing the importance of clarifying business purpose, balancing personal and professional life, and building scalable systems. The conversation also covers time management, team dynamics using the Working Genius framework, and the value of community networking. Heather promotes the CVABC's Christmas in July membership drive, encouraging local business owners to engage actively with their community.

Ron Ferrin, founder of Shop Click Give, shares how his passion for supporting teachers inspired him to create an innovative e-commerce platform that gives back to local communities. Through Shop Click Give, businesses can set up free merchant accounts and donate 5–10% of each sale to a classroom, school, or nonprofit chosen by the buyer.

In this episode, Ron discusses the challenges of overcoming skepticism, the importance of supporting local businesses, and how joining the Central Virginia Business Coalition (CVABC) helped increase awareness of his mission. He also shares valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of patience, persistence, and building a solid financial foundation before pursuing a passion-driven business.

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Heather Alto of the Central Virginia Business Coalition shares upcoming events, including a Christmas in July membership drive, Bedford Centerfest, and the first annual Community Champions Back to School Bash. She then welcomes Amy and Kevin, co-owners of Love and Umami, a new Asian-inspired food business. The couple shares how their passion for bold flavors and inclusive dining led them to launch their business in Lynchburg. They discuss their diverse menu of rice bowls, Asian hot dogs, and tiramisu, and where locals can find them throughout the week.