Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce

09/11/2026

Welcome to the Chamber, Joey! 🎉

Joey has recently joined the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce team as our Marketing & Member Engagement Coordinator.

You'll be seeing Joey at Chamber events, ribbon cuttings, and across the community, so be sure to say hello and help us give him a warm welcome to the Chamber! 💚💙

We're excited to have him on board and can't wait for our members to get to know him!

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

Thank you to Bart Warner, Town Manager of Bedford, and C.G. Stanley, Mayor of Bedford, for joining us on the latest episode of Not Just Buildings! 💚💙

Bart and C.G. shared their perspectives on Bedford’s past, present, and future—from growing up in the community and watching it change over the decades to the exciting opportunities and challenges facing the town today. While Bedford may look different than it did years ago, both emphasized that its small-town character, friendly people, beautiful surroundings, and strong sense of community remain at the heart of what makes it special.

One of the biggest changes Bedford is experiencing is growth. More people are discovering the community as a great place to live, bringing new residential development and the potential for historic population growth. With its location between Lynchburg and Roanoke, natural beauty, walkability, and small-town atmosphere, Bedford is attracting people from both Virginia and beyond. But that growth also brings challenges—including increased traffic, infrastructure needs, and the importance of thoughtfully managing change while preserving the qualities people love about the town.

Bart and C.G. also discussed some of the work happening behind the scenes that residents may not always see, including efforts to manage electricity costs, strengthen infrastructure, improve streets and services, and plan for future growth. They talked about the town’s commitment to providing a high level of service—including its quick response to power outages—and the limitations local government faces when it comes to issues like electricity rates and downtown revitalization. They also highlighted the importance of property owners and local businesses playing a role in bringing new life to downtown Bedford.

🎧 Tune in to hear Bart and C.G. talk about what’s happening behind the scenes in the Town of Bedford, the challenges and opportunities that come with growth, and their vision for Bedford’s future. Available now on Media Squatch, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at the link below! 👇
https://www.mediasquatch.com/not-just-buildings/episode/78f1e6be/town-of-bedford

Town of Bedford, Virginia Government

09/02/2026

Can’t attend the 2026 Bedford Forum in person? Join us on live stream!

Huge thanks to our friends at Media Squatch, who will be live streaming the event on the Town of Bedford, Virginia Government YouTube channel.

The Bedford Forum will be held Thursday, September 3 from 5:30–7:00 PM as candidates for Bedford Town Council participate in a moderated Q&A focused on the issues and opportunities facing our community.

📺 Watch live on the Town of Bedford YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/

📍 Liberty Middle School
📅 Thursday, September 3
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM

Live stream provided by Media Squatch.

08/28/2026

We are set up at Blue Ridge Community Church (2361 New London Rd. Forest, VA 24551) for our Fall Job Fair until 2:00PM!

~30 regional businesses are here and want to hire YOU! Hope to see you soon. 🎉

08/27/2026

Thank you to Joel Miller, the new Executive Director of Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center, for joining us on the latest episode of Not Just Buildings! 💚💙

Joel shared his journey from serving as a youth pastor in Tennessee to taking on his new role at Eagle Eyrie, a camp and conference center located just outside of Lynchburg. Although he had never visited Eagle Eyrie before being approached about the position, he quickly discovered a beautiful property with a long history, a dedicated staff, and a unique ability to provide a place for people to relax, reconnect, and renew.

With more than 30 lodges, two hotel-style buildings, a large dining hall, conference and meeting spaces, an auditorium, pool, recreation fields, hiking trails, and beautiful overlooks, Eagle Eyrie can accommodate everything from small groups of 10–30 to gatherings of nearly 900 people.

While Eagle Eyrie has deep roots as a Christian camp and conference center, Joel emphasized that the property has opportunities to serve all kinds of groups. Local businesses and nonprofits can use the space for conferences, retreats, banquets, staff appreciation events, company picnics, team-building activities, and more. The goal is to create an experience that feels special while providing a flexible space where groups can make the most of their time together.

As Joel settles into his new role, one of his biggest priorities is letting more people know that Eagle Eyrie is there and showing the community how they can use it. He's also looking ahead to new programs and opportunities, including leadership events, marriage conferences, father-son events, and other ways to make the property an even more active resource for the community. Ultimately, he hopes Eagle Eyrie continues to be a place where people can step away from the everyday, enjoy the outdoors, and experience meaningful renewal.

🎧 Tune in to hear Joel share more about Eagle Eyrie's history, the many ways groups can utilize the property, and his vision for the future of this unique local resource.

Available now on Media Squatch+, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or at the link below! 👇
https://www.mediasquatch.com/not-just-buildings/episode/7a2848c3/eagle-eyrie-baptist-conference-center

08/25/2026

Looking for your next opportunity? Join us THIS FRIDAY! 📣

The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Fall Job Fair brings local employers and job seekers together for a day of face-to-face connections and relationship building. Check out the graphic to see all of the businesses that will be there — representing a wide variety of industries and opportunities!

📅 Friday, August 28
⏰ 10:30AM–2:00PM
📍 Blue Ridge Community Church – New London
2361 New London Rd. Forest, VA 24551

The Job Fair is FREE for job seekers and open to the public. Whether you're actively searching for a new job, considering a career change, or just curious about what opportunities are available in our area, stop by and make some connections.

Bring copies of your resume, come ready to talk with employers, and feel free to stop in anytime during the event! 💼

08/21/2026

Thank you to Kyle Vincent and Matt Ramstead with the Hill City Howlers for joining us on the latest episode of Not Just Buildings! 💚💙

Kyle and Matt shared the story behind the Lynchburg baseball team’s transition from the Hillcats to the Howlers, a rebrand that took about a year and a half and brought an entirely new identity to the ballpark. While the name and look may be different, the team’s commitment to creating a fun, affordable, and welcoming experience for the community remains stronger than ever.

Fans can expect much more than just baseball when they visit the ballpark. This season brought updated skyboxes, a brand-new team store, new Howlers-themed designs throughout the stadium, and the addition of a new third-base bar. Looking ahead, the team is planning even more, including a new indoor-outdoor Sky Deck, expanded spaces for corporate and community events, and new playground areas designed to give kids more ways to enjoy the ballpark.

Possibly the biggest story is the role the Howlers hope to play in the community. From partnerships with schools, nonprofits, churches, and local organizations to fundraising opportunities and special theme nights, the team sees itself as a resource and a place where people can come together, make memories, and simply enjoy a few hours away from everyday life. Kyle and Matt shared how meaningful it is to see generations of families return to the ballpark and create new memories of their own.

There are also plenty of ways for local businesses and organizations to get involved, from group outings and fundraising opportunities to tabling, advertising, sponsorships, and customized partnerships. And the Howlers are looking beyond baseball, too, with a new concert series planned for October featuring a Taylor Swift tribute artist and a Zach Bryan tribute band!

🎧 Tune in to hear how the Hill City Howlers are building on Lynchburg’s baseball tradition, creating new experiences for fans, and working to become an even bigger part of the community. Available now on Media Squatch+, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or at the link below! 👇
https://www.mediasquatch.com/not-just-buildings/episode/7888d6fe/hill-city-howlers

08/20/2026

Join us for the 2026 Bedford Forum on Thursday, September 3 from 5:30–7:00 PM at Liberty Middle School!

Hosted by the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bedford Forum is a nonpartisan, informational event designed to give Bedford voters the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates who hope to represent them.

This year’s Forum will feature the candidates running for Bedford Town Council in a moderated Q&A focused on the issues and opportunities facing our community.

Have a question you’d like the candidates to answer? Submit it in advance through our Google Form. Questions will not be accepted on-site.

The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce does not endorse candidates. Our role is to bring people together, encourage civic participation, and help our community stay informed.

📝 Submit your question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGMXx1PidSpNW6aArjzkxmypHr_mno34onrxkYvzwehDPXhw/viewform

08/19/2026

Last Friday, we had the pleasure of celebrating Growing Grace Academy Va with a ribbon cutting as they prepare to open their doors this school year! 🎉

Congratulations to Trisha and the entire Growing Grace Academy family on this exciting new chapter! We're thrilled to welcome you to the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and celebrate your investment in local families and the next generation.

Learn more about Growing Grace Academy at growinggraceacademyva.com.