2026 S.M.A.R.T. Networking: Find Your People, Grow Your People

Looking for practical, proven ways to strengthen your recruitment and retention strategies? S.M.A.R.T. Networking: Find Your People, Grow Your People will provide you with real world insights from professionals right here in the Bedford area.

Connect with fellow professionals over coffee and hear from a panel of experienced local leaders who are actively attracting, developing, and retaining talent in today's workforce.

Seats are limited! Register today.

About Our Panelists

Amy Mentzer
Vice President of Human Resources
Foster Fuels

Amy is a seasoned Human Resources executive with over 25 years of diverse experience leading HR operations, talent management, and organizational development across multiple industries. Currently serving as Vice President of Human Resources at Foster Fuels, Inc., she spearheads HR strategy, employee relations, and benefits administration while serving as a strategic partner ensuring HR strategies support the company’s mission while nurturing a highly motivated workforce. Amy is passionate about fostering a positive organizational culture and driving employee engagement to meet business goals.

Megan Bennett
Human Resources Manager
Cintas

Megan is an experienced Human Resources Manager with extensive experience supporting her organization through recruitment, retention, and employee development initiatives. Throughout her career, she has partnered with leaders to build people-centered strategies that strengthen workplace culture, improve engagement, and support long-term organizational success. Megan is passionate about helping Cintas find the right talent, grow their teams intentionally, and create environments where people can do their best work.

Tim Saunders
Deputy Director
Central Virginia Workforce Development Board

Tim specializes in helping employers leverage state and federal workforce programs, including On-the-Job Training, Existing Worker Training, and youth and adult career services funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). He also supports initiatives that expand work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities for students and jobseekers. Tim is an adjunct instructor at Central Virginia Community College and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership at Old Dominion University. His research focuses on alternative training pathways and expanding talent pipelines to meet evolving workforce needs. Prior to entering the field of workforce development, Tim spent 20 years in the television news industry. His work as a reporter and producer was recognized with three Emmys from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and two Edward R. Murrow awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association.

Jason Michaels
Human Resources Manager
Bedford Regional Water Authority

Jason is a Human Resources leader with more than 12 years of experience across a wide range of organizational environments. He serves as Human Resources Manager for Bedford Regional Water Authority, where he has spent the past two years leading HR strategy, policy modernization, and leadership development initiatives. Jason is the author of The Exit Interview for Stress and Thrive & Lead, which focus on sustainable leadership, workplace stress, and building systems that support long-term performance. He is passionate about practical, people-centered HR solutions that create clarity, accountability, and healthier workplaces.

Woody Watts
Creative Director/Owner
Media Squatch

Woody is an experienced marketing professional with more than 15 years of experience creating and leading impactful local media and advertising initiatives. He has served as Communications Director for the YMCA of Central Virginia, taught film studies at Liberty Christian Academy, and has worked on more than 3,000 locally focused commercials across a wide range of industries. For the past seven years, he has run Media Squatch (formerly Watts Creative Studios), a full-service content and marketing agency providing podcast production, social media management, ad buying, and content creation for businesses throughout the region. He is passionate about helping local brands tell authentic stories and connect meaningfully with their communities.

About S.M.A.R.T. Networking

The Bedford Area Chamber’s S.M.A.R.T. (Seeking Mutual Advancement through Resources & Topics) Networking series turns member feedback into action. Each session is inspired by topics requested directly by Chamber members and led by subject-matter experts who bring real-world insight and practical strategies to help local professionals grow.

These sessions aren’t just presentations! They’re interactive, discussion-based learning experiences designed to build confidence, encourage collaboration, and strengthen the leadership and talent pipeline within our business community.

By aligning with the Chamber’s mission to serve as a catalyst for business success and a champion for a vibrant economy, S.M.A.R.T. Networking fosters professional growth while deepening community connections.

Each session features a focused, timely topic such as grant writing, marketing, or hiring solutions. Attendees engage directly with the speakers and each other through hands-on activities, open dialogue, and networking opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, exchange ideas, or explore new perspectives, S.M.A.R.T. Networking helps you learn something valuable every time.