Talk Local To Me

In the 200th episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather Alto and Mike Norfield look back on how far the podcast has come and what it’s meant for local businesses in Central Virginia. They chat about the show’s journey—from its early days to now having welcomed over 300 guests. This milestone episode gives a shoutout to local favorites like The Happy Waffle and The Sweet Fox bakery, and shines a light on how important it is to support our community. Heather and Mike also share some fun behind-the-scenes stories, thank their awesome listeners, and talk about some upcomi...

In this episode, the crew chats about why supporting local businesses really matters, how to market smarter (not harder), and why getting involved in your community is such a big deal. Heather Alto from the Central Virginia Business Coalition stops by to share some great takeaways from a recent home show—spoiler: it’s all about making real connections, not just handing out freebies. They also talk about why it’s important to keep up your marketing efforts, even when the economy’s a bit shaky, and how digital platforms can be a super budget-friendly way to get the word out. The...

In this episode of Talk Local To Me, the conversation focuses on what's happening around the region, the power of music, and how local organizations are making an impact.

With Heather out this week, the show kicks off with a spotlight on the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra. Ula Kauppi, executive director, joins us to share the orchestra’s history, upcoming events, and how they’re working to engage the community through music. She highlights the powerful, transformative role music plays in connecting people and enriching lives.

We’re also joined by Woody Watts from Media Squatch, who gives...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Heather Alto chats with a great lineup of guests about all things local—businesses, community support, and health services. Heather shares the scoop on some upcoming events like a business summit and the Central Virginia Home and Garden Show, and talks about why networking and supporting local really matter. Linda Brake from Bedford Ride drops in to talk about their awesome non-emergency medical transportation service and their need for more volunteers. Plus, the folks from Kaya Health Clinic stop by to explain how their direct primary care model works, especially for fa...

On this episode of Talk Local To Me, hosts Heather Alto and Mike Norfield from the Central Virginia Business Coalition chat about why community engagement and networking matter for local businesses. They give the scoop on upcoming events like coffee talks and the Lead On Summit, highlighting how collaboration can open new doors. Special guests Mary Purcell from Five Rings Financial and Gardenia Hendricks join the conversation—Mary shares how Wine Women and Wealth is helping women take charge of their finances, while Gardenia dives into holistic health and natural wellness solutions. It’s all about supporting local, building connections, and...

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, host Mike Norfield, owner and director of Visiting Angels of Lynchburg, dives into the local business scene in Lynchburg, Virginia. He’s joined by Jennifer Adams from Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites, along with Heather from the Central Virginia Business Coalition (CVABC), to chat about the power of networking and community connections. They cover some exciting upcoming events like Business Off the Clock, Shamrock Social, and the Lead On Summit, all designed to help local professionals connect and grow. Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation about what’s happening in L...

In this episode, we’re diving into local business events and opportunities in Central Virginia! Heather Alto from the Central Virginia Business Coalition (CVABC) shares the scoop on networking events like coffee talks and the Lead On Summit. Mike Norfield from Visiting Angels talks about why community involvement matters, and Phillip Pantana from Perimeter Roofing VA joins us to chat about the latest in solar shingle technology and why choosing a trusted contractor is so important. Plus, we cover how to get involved in the upcoming home and garden show and the perks of CVABC membership. Tune in for all th...

On this week’s episode of Talk Local To Me, we’re diving into the shift to spring and all the exciting events coming up! From networking meetups and the Lead On Business Summit to the Home & Garden Show and Empower Women series, there’s a lot happening in the community—including the buzz around the annual Business Awards Dinner.We’re also breaking down health insurance, with a focus on Medicare, tackling prescription coverage, and why having a knowledgeable agent makes all the difference. Plus, we discuss how small businesses can stay competitive by offering solid benefits to attract and keep g...

On this week’s episode of Talk Local To Me, we’re covering everything from local business events to the benefits of a clean workspace and creating a positive workplace culture.

Heather shares details about upcoming Central Virginia Business Coalition events, including the annual business awards dinner and the Lead On Summit. We also chat with Amy Collier from Elite Pro Cleaning, who shares how her business helps people save time and why hiring a cleaning service can be a game-changer.

Plus, we dive into the importance of a supportive work environment, swapping stories about leadership, empl...