Walker Talks

What does it really mean for a business to be local?

On this episode of Walker Talks, we sit down with Rebecca Kraker, Marketing Manager for Arriva, to talk about the company’s deep roots, its growth in Walker County, and why community involvement is about much more than putting a logo on a sponsorship.

Arriva may have a new name, but its story stretches back more than 100 years. The fourth-generation, family-owned company behind Chickamauga Telephone is continuing to expand fiber service while investing in local schools, events, neighborhoods, employees, and families.

Rebecca also shares what it has been like coming into Walker County from Mississippi and finding a community that welcomed her almost immediately. From Chamber events and LEADS meetings to HOA dinners, local friendships, and conversations around town, she has quickly discovered what makes Walker County different.

The conversation comes back again and again to one simple idea: doing business well means being part of the community you serve.

Listen in to “Doing Business by Doing Community” for a conversation about local business, connection, growth, and why Walker County has a way of making people feel at home.

What do you really gain from Leadership Walker County? We asked the people who just experienced it.

In this special episode, graduates of Leadership Walker County share their firsthand perspectives on the connections, experiences and lessons that made the program valuable to them.

And now, the Walker County Chamber of Commerce is forming the 2026–27 Leadership Walker County cohort.

From September through May, participants meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. for an inside look at the businesses, industries, organizations and institutions that keep Walker County moving.

But the program goes beyond learning about the community.

Participants build relationships with other local leaders while developing their own leadership skills under the guidance of Jay Neal, a John Maxwell Certified leadership professional who will lead and teach the cohort.

The total program investment is $500.

For employers, it can be an opportunity to invest in a promising employee. For business owners and established leaders, it is a chance to deepen their community connections and understanding. And for emerging leaders, it can open doors to relationships and experiences that might otherwise take years to build.

Listen to what our graduates have to say—then ask yourself:

Could the next Leadership Walker County class include you?

Learn more and enroll for the 2026–27 cohort:

https://www.walkercochamber.com/leadership

Leadership Walker County is a program of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce in Walker County, Georgia.

#LeadershipWalkerCounty #WalkerCountyGA #WalkerCountyChamber #LeadershipDevelopment

What makes a local business truly part of its community?

For Dr. Aaron Ford of Ford Chiropractic in LaFayette, Georgia, the answer comes down to something he's learned over nearly three decades in business: business is about relationships.

In this episode of Walker Talks, Dr. Ford joins Lacey Smith and Alicia Reagan for a conversation about the role local businesses play beyond their own four walls. They discuss earning community trust, creating a workplace culture where people feel valued, giving back through sponsorships and services, mentoring the next generation, and why character and strong relationships matter in both business and community life.

The conversation also explores something every small business owner faces: How much responsibility does a business have to give back to the community that supports it?

Dr. Ford also shares what's new at Ford Chiropractic, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and other services the practice has recently added.

It's a conversation about business, but even more, it's about people, relationships, and the role local businesses can play in building a stronger Walker County.

Walker Talks is presented by the Walker County Chamber of Commerce and features conversations with the business owners, leaders, organizations, and community members helping Walker County, Georgia move forward.

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 responsible growth all work together to shape the quality of life in our region.

The conversation covers the importance of apprenticeships, career pathways, local industry, workforce readiness, the Peerless Mill and Rossville gateway area, and why regional cooperation matters for long-term economic success.

Whether you are a local business owner, educator, parent, community leader, or resident who cares about Walker County’s future, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how communities can grow while preserving what makes them special.

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 revenue, visibility, and opportunity into our local economy. When visitors come to Walker County, they support more than one attraction. They visit restaurants, stop at gas stations, book overnight stays, explore local communities, and help strengthen the business landscape across our region.

Jamie shares updates on Rock City’s summer events, Americana-themed programming, Dog Days, Birds of Prey shows, local school partnerships, and the celebration of the iconic “See Rock City” barns and birdhouses. The conversation also highlights the success of the Enchanted Pumpkin Patch, the tradition of the Enchanted Garden of Lights, Rock City’s partnership with the Chattanooga Lookouts, and the proposed gondola project connecting Blowing Springs Farm to Rock City.

Together, Lacey, Ashley, and Jamie discuss how thoughtful tourism growth can benefit both visitors and residents while creating meaningful opportunities for Walker County businesses.

Listen in for an encouraging conversation about tourism, community partnerships, local economic development, and why attractions like Rock City continue to play such an important role in the future of Walker County.

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 Lake, walking trails, caves, golf, parks, and LaFayette’s growing recreation opportunities, this episode highlights the places and people helping residents and visitors experience Walker County in a new way.

The conversation also explores why tourism matters for more than visitors. When people explore local parks, attend events, stay in short-term rentals, eat at local restaurants, and spend weekends close to home, those dollars support the businesses and communities that make Walker County strong.

You’ll hear about accessible outdoor recreation, affordable programming, gear rentals, local pride, and why Walker County offers a unique mix of small-town lifestyle, outdoor adventure, and community connection.

Tune in for a thoughtful and exciting look at tourism, recreation, and the future of Walker County.

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 rooted in purpose - not just profit.

This conversation dives into:

• Why patience is one of the most overlooked keys to success

• How to build a business that serves people—not just customers

• The importance of culture, leadership, and team buy-in

• Why chasing “more” can destroy what makes you great

• How one business is helping revitalize a community

This is a must-listen for:

Entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone who wants to build something meaningful.

Walker County is full of stories like this - and this is one of the best.

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 early years (and why most people quit)

~ The importance of mentors, networking, and community

~ How the Walker County Chamber helps connect businesses to opportunity

~ Balancing growth with family life and long-term vision

~ Why patience and persistence matter more than quick wins

We also highlight the impact of the TVFCU Idea Grant Competition and what it means for small businesses trying to scale in our region.

This episode is a reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight—but with the right people, support, and determination, it does happen.

If you’re building something in Walker County, this one’s for you.

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 leadership in action.

Eric shares how the city identified a gap between tourism and local engagement, and how intentional decisions—like the Battlefield Connector Trail, expanded train visits, and rethinking event layouts—are helping bridge that gap.

This episode offers a real-world look at:

How local leaders turn vision into measurable impact

What it takes to serve both residents and visitors well

How small cities can think strategically about growth, infrastructure, and community

If you’ve ever wondered what leadership looks like beyond titles and talk, this conversation gives you a front-row seat.

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 takes to scale in today’s local economy.

You’ll hear how Walker County is uniquely positioned for growth alongside Chattanooga, why community banking still matters, and how relationships—not just transactions—are driving real success stories across our region.

We also dive into:

• The shift from “lenders” to relationship managers

• Why local connections can open unexpected doors

• Growth happening in Rossville, Flintstone, and beyond

• The role of the Chamber in connecting businesses and opportunity

If you’re building, expanding, or even just dreaming about starting something—this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and direction.

👉 Get connected with the Walker County Chamber and start building relationships that move your business forward.