The Visiting Faces of Elkin: Tia Bednar

Some people discover Elkin by chance, and then find themselves coming back again and again, not just for the scenery, but for the feeling of the town itself. For Tia Bednar, that first spark came through her work at G&B Energy, and it quickly turned into something more.

While many of our Faces of Elkin were born and raised here, others found their way to town through work, family, or a single visit that stayed with them. Visiting faces matter too. They remind us that Elkin's story is still being discovered every day.

Tia’s first visit to Elkin was three years ago for a company meeting at Coley Hall, a beautifully renovated historic venue that immediately left an impression. “It was such a cool space,” she shared, “and it made me want to learn more about the town.”

A year later, she returned for a company training, and this time she had the chance to experience Elkin beyond the meeting room. She fell in love with the town’s charm and took full advantage of everything nearby, enjoying local restaurants, shopping downtown, and walking the trail at the park during her breaks. After work, she explored some of the outdoor spaces that make this area so special, including the trails at Grassy Creek Vineyard and Carter Falls.

During her visits, Tia also began to notice something that stood out to her in a deeper way: the strong connection between local organizations and community impact. She shared that seeing how much G&B Energy supports the town and gives back made her proud to be part of a company that values community.

Outside of work, Tia is a passionate advocate for the outdoors. She is also a dedicated caver and serves as the Board Chair for the Appalachian Cave Conservancy in Virginia. She is a member of the National Speleological Society and an active member of the Flittermouse Grotto in Asheville.

For Tia, exploring natural spaces goes hand in hand with protecting them. She believes strongly in preserving natural areas and increasing public awareness so these places remain clean, safe, and accessible for everyone.

That’s one reason she appreciates Elkin so much.

“I appreciate that Elkin takes pride in keeping the area clean, natural, and accessible for everyone to enjoy,” she said. “It’s a pleasure to visit Elkin, and I look forward to it each time I’m able to go.”