Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce

Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce For 86 years, the BACC has served our ever-growing community & the incredible organizations that make the Bedford area what it is.

Thank you to Susan Childs and Jeff Hallauer with Virginia Furniture Market for joining us on the latest episode of Not ...
06/19/2026

Thank you to Susan Childs and Jeff Hallauer with Virginia Furniture Market for joining us on the latest episode of Not Just Buildings! đź’šđź’™

Founded by Joel Shepherd and family-owned, Virginia Furniture Market offers everything from living room, bedroom, and dining furniture to mattresses, outdoor furnishings, home décor, game room essentials, and more. With a focus on quality, value, and helping customers create spaces they love, Virginia Furniture Market has built a reputation as a trusted resource for homeowners across the region.

During the conversation, Susan and Jeff—who have each been with the company for more than a decade—shared how Virginia Furniture Market has expanded to 10 locations throughout Southwest Virginia. In addition to its full furniture showrooms in Bedford, Rocky Mount, Christiansburg, and Danville, the company operates specialty mattress stores, its Crafted showroom featuring American-made hardwood furniture, Billiards & More, and several outlet concepts. Jeff also reflected on the growth of the Bedford location, which has undergone multiple remodels and expansions during his tenure to better serve the community and showcase an ever-evolving selection of products and styles.

While furniture trends may come and go, one thing has remained constant: Virginia Furniture Market’s commitment to customer service. Susan explained that their team focuses on being consultants rather than salespeople, helping customers find the right pieces for their homes without pressure. From offering one of the region’s largest selections of recliners and customizable furniture to providing white-glove delivery service, the goal is to make furnishing a home as easy and enjoyable as possible. Susan also emphasized that customers don’t have to wait for a major holiday sale to get a great deal—Virginia Furniture Market works year-round to offer competitive pricing and everyday value.

Jeff shared how rewarding it has been to build lasting relationships with customers over the years, often helping multiple generations of the same family furnish their homes. Whether assisting first-time homeowners, growing families, or customers celebrating major life milestones, Virginia Furniture Market strives to create an experience that feels personal, welcoming, and centered on finding the perfect fit for each customer’s lifestyle.

🎧 Tune in to hear more about the growth of this family-owned business, the latest trends shaping the furniture industry, and how Virginia Furniture Market continues to help customers create homes they love. Available now on Media Squatch Podcast Network, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or at the link below! 👇
https://www.mediasquatch.com/not-just-buildings/episode/79dad5ed/virginia-furniture-market

06/18/2026

Tune in to learn about Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance! 🌿 Spoiler: you don't have to be a farmer to be a member!

We're excited to celebrate an innovative new addition to our community!Join us as we cut the ribbon on the Bedford Area ...
06/18/2026

We're excited to celebrate an innovative new addition to our community!

Join us as we cut the ribbon on the Bedford Area Family YMCA's new Teaching Kitchen, a space designed to connect individuals with healthy food, hands-on learning, and lifelong skills.

From growing fresh produce in the YMCA's garden to learning how to prepare it in the kitchen, this new space creates opportunities for education, wellness, and connection. The Teaching Kitchen will also support future programs and events that bring people together around food, learning, and healthy living.

Join us as we celebrate this investment in Bedford's future!

đź“Ť Bedford Area Family YMCA (1111 Turnpike Rd. Bedford, VA 24523)
đź“… Wednesday, July 15
⏰ 12:00PM

To learn more about the Bedford Area Family YMCA, visit BedfordYMCA.org.

Our Fall Job Fair is coming up on Friday, August 28th! đź“Ł This free, community-wide event brings job seekers and local em...
06/15/2026

Our Fall Job Fair is coming up on Friday, August 28th! đź“Ł

This free, community-wide event brings job seekers and local employers together for in-person conversations about open positions and career opportunities.

Mark your calendar if you're looking for your next opportunity!

Learn more at https://www.bedfordareachamber.com/2026falljobfair.

Thank you to Robert Hiss and Shelley Basinger with Bedford County, Virginia for joining us on the latest episode of Not ...
06/12/2026

Thank you to Robert Hiss and Shelley Basinger with Bedford County, Virginia for joining us on the latest episode of Not Just Buildings! đź’šđź’™

One major focus of the conversation was Bedford County's commitment to enhancing quality of life for residents. They discussed recent improvements to Bedford Avenue Park, upgrades at recreation facilities across the county, the growing lineup of community events and festivals, and the positive impact these investments are having on community partnerships and engagement. They also highlighted the recently completed expansion of the Bedford County Animal Shelter, which more than doubled capacity, improved care for animals, and created new opportunities for adoptions and community involvement.

Robert and Shelley also provided updates on several major capital projects, including planned expansions for the Bedford County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Communications Center, a new Social Services building, and the county's efforts to strengthen Fire & EMS services through additional staffing, equipment, and long-term planning. They emphasized how thoughtful financial management has allowed Bedford County to make these investments while maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in the region.

Another exciting topic was Bedford County's nationally recognized broadband initiative. Over the past several years, the county has partnered with multiple internet service providers to expand high-speed internet access to approximately 25,000 homes and businesses that previously lacked reliable service. Today, about 95% of those locations have been connected, making Bedford County a statewide leader in rural broadband deployment. Their strategy of working with multiple providers has helped accelerate construction, increase competition, and create more affordable internet options for residents throughout the county.

The conversation also explored how Bedford County is embracing technology to better serve citizens through online permitting systems, expanded digital services, website enhancements, and a new chatbot. Shelley also shared several ways residents can stay informed about county news and initiatives, including following Bedford County on social media, subscribing to email updates through the county website, visiting BedfordCountyVA.gov, attending Board of Supervisors meetings, or watching meetings online through the county's YouTube channel.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Bedford County is working behind the scenes to strengthen infrastructure, improve services, and create opportunities that help our communities thrive. Available now on Media Squatch Podcast Network, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or at the link below! 👇
https://www.mediasquatch.com/not-just-buildings/episode/79dca6d7/bedford-county-governmen

We're excited to celebrate 25 years of Bedford Ride - CVACL! 🎉Join us on Saturday, June 27th at 1:30PM at the Liberty La...
06/08/2026

We're excited to celebrate 25 years of Bedford Ride - CVACL! 🎉

Join us on Saturday, June 27th at 1:30PM at the Liberty Lake Park pavilion for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Learn more about Bedford Ride at https://bedfordride-cvacl.org.

Thank you to Ryan Steffen with the Bower Center For The Arts for joining us on the latest episode of Not Just Buildings!...
06/05/2026

Thank you to Ryan Steffen with the Bower Center For The Arts for joining us on the latest episode of Not Just Buildings! đź’šđź’™

As the Bower Center celebrates its 20th anniversary, Ryan shared how this beloved community arts organization has grown from a grassroots effort into one of Bedford’s most vibrant creative hubs. Housed in a beautifully repurposed historic church, the Bower Center offers everything from visual arts classes and summer camps to live performances, gallery exhibits, and hands-on experiences that inspire creativity for all ages.

Ryan discussed several exciting developments happening at the Bower Center, including recent facility improvements, the transformation of classroom spaces, and the creation of the new CAB Kids Corner—a whimsical interactive area designed to encourage young visitors to explore, create, and engage with art in new ways. He also highlighted the organization's growing educational programming and full summer lineup of concerts, camps, and special events. As part of the Bower Center's 20th anniversary celebration, the community is invited to enjoy a free performance by the Akeylah Simone Trio on June 13, featuring a unique blend of R&B, soul, and funk music.

One of the biggest attractions this summer is the traveling Charles M. Schulz exhibit, which explores the life and work of the creator of Peanuts and includes a replica of his studio. The exhibit has already drawn visitors from over 100 miles away and offers a unique opportunity for local residents to experience a nationally recognized exhibition right here in Bedford.

Ryan also emphasized the importance of community support, noting that the Bower Center's impact is made possible through volunteers, donors, artists, instructors, and community partners who help bring its mission to life. With only a small staff managing an ambitious calendar of programs, volunteer involvement continues to play a vital role in the organization's success.

🎧 Tune in to hear how the Bower Center is fostering artistic expression, enriching our community, and creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect through the arts. Available now on Media Squatch Podcast Network, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or at the link below! 👇
https://www.mediasquatch.com/not-just-buildings/episode/7848d24e/bower-center-for-the-arts

⏳ Time to secure your spot!Exhibitor registration for the 2026 Fall Job Fair is open through August 21st, but savvy empl...
06/04/2026

⏳ Time to secure your spot!

Exhibitor registration for the 2026 Fall Job Fair is open through August 21st, but savvy employers are already locking in their booths.

Don’t miss the chance to put your brand front and center with job seekers looking for a variety of opportunities — from full-time to part-time, seasonal, and more.

Register today and grow your talent pipeline 👉 https://www.bedfordareachamber.com/2026falljobfair/

We had such a great time at SMART Networking: Cutting Through the Marketing Noise that we added a new session on Canva! ...
06/03/2026

We had such a great time at SMART Networking: Cutting Through the Marketing Noise that we added a new session on Canva! 🎉

Whether you've never opened Canva before or you've created a few graphics and want to improve your skills, this workshop is designed to meet you where you are. Join us on July 1st at the Bedford Area Welcome Center to expand your design toolbox!

Learn more and RSVP on the web page below 👇
https://business.bedfordareachamber.com/events/details/2026-s-m-a-r-t-networking-canva-basics-21696

Address

305 E Main Street
Bedford, VA
24523

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

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