SML businesses and leaders honored at annual awards dinner
Outstanding area businesses and community advocates were honored at the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner on March 21 at Mariners Landing Resort and Conference Center. "This yearly gathering, which honors our outstanding leaders, supporters, Chamber staff, directors, ambassadors, and volunteers, is among our most cherished occasions, said SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns. ”Their dedication and hard work not only elevate our organization but also enrich the
Southern Virginia Welcomes The Magnolia Closet As They Host Their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
High-end, name-brand clothing finds a new home in Rocky Mount at The Magnolia Closet, which will be celebrating its ribbon cutting ceremony on April 2, 2024 at 11:30 AM. The Magnolia Closet was founded and has been operating in Downtown Rocky Mount since 2023, by mother and daughter duo Sara & Alexandra Gill. The pair have long had a passion for clothes and style, but staunchly believe that name brand clothing should not be unaffordable and inaccessible to shoppers. In their own words, “Fashion
SML Chamber releases annual guide, announces big changes
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce has released its annual guide to the lake, beefing up key relocation information and significantly increasing circulation. “Over the past few years we’ve had a major increase in requests for information about relocating to Smith Mountain Lake,” said SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns. “So, for 2024, our production team decided to not only showcase information to attract visitors and assist newcomers, but also provide key information for those
SML Regional Chamber announces 2024 Leadership Academy class
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) announced today that 17 emerging business leaders have been accepted into its Leadership Academy for 2024. The 12-month program aims to cultivate a well-rounded group of informed and dedicated individuals ready to take on leadership roles in Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties. According to SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns, the initiative is designed to address the region's future needs. "We're thrilled to introduce the
SML Leadership Academy Students Focus on Manufacturing Sector
Members of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy toured the PlyGem factory in Rocky Mount on Nov. 1 as part of its curriculum focused on manufacturing in the SML region. Charles Keffer, Production Area Manager for Cornerstone Building Brands, the parent company of PlyGem, led the tour. He also provided a detailed presentation on the importance of the Franklin County facility, which produces exterior siding, windows and metal accessories. “It was fascinating to see the
Agribusiness the focus of October SML Leadership Academy
Members of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy toured several agricultural businesses on Oct. 4 to learn more about the important contributions the operations make to the SML region. “With agribusiness being the largest industry in all three counties the SMLRCC serves, this was an extremely important and enlightening day,” said Andy Bruns, executive director of the Chamber. “It also was a lot of fun!” Bruns said the class started with a visit to Homestead Creamery,
Regional economic development the focus of August SML Leadership Academy
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy held its most recent class on Aug. 2 in Forest where students learned about a number of regional economic development initiatives. After a demonstration at the New London Disc Golf Course, the students toured the Center for Engineering Research and Education at Liberty University. “David Fazzina, the CERE’s assistant director, did an amazing job explaining how the center helps promote research and development through its
American Flag Repository Station Established at Bridgewater Plaza
A repository station for the collection of faded, old, and/or torn American flags is now in place at Smith Mountain Lake’s Bridgewater Plaza.The community is invited to a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. on Flag Day, June 14, 2023, at Bridgewater Plaza (16430 Booker T. Washington Highway, Moneta). The location of the repository was chosen due to its proximity to the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce and the high level of traffic that both Franklin and Bedford counties bring
New non-profit to take over Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) announced today it is in the process of transferring ownership of the annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival to a new non-profit organization. Hook Lines and Singers, Inc. will organize and operate the event with proceeds donated to charities. Tim Reith, a local music enthusiast and owner of Mango’s Bar & Grill, formed the nonprofit in 2022 to help local and national songwriters showcase their talents while providing a venue to raise
SML Leadership Academy students learn about local tourism initiatives
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy held its most recent class on May 3 at Mariners Landing where students learned about the critical role tourism plays in the region’s economy. Nicole Johnson, Director of Tourism for Bedford County, presented an update on local tourism initiatives and Jen Rowland, owner of Rowland Leadership Training & Consulting, facilitated a variety of related workshops. “The students were also treated to a presentation by Mariners Landing, as
Registration now open for 2023 SML Business Expo
Officials from the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) have announced that sponsorship and exhibitor registration is now open for the 19th Smith Mountain Lake Business Expo. The Expo will take place on Friday, May 5 from noon to 4 p.m. Erin Stanley, SMLRCC Membership Director and Events Manager, said the event will take place for the third consecutive year in the gymnasium at EastLake Community Church in Moneta. Stanley said the church’s expansive indoor gymnasium is an ideal
35th SML Cleanup Days Scheduled For May
Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake, SML's annual cleanup initiative, will take place throughout the month of May with organized events scheduled for May 6, May 13 and May 20 at various locations around the lake. Neighborhood groups, businesses, families, civic organizations and others are invited to participate in any of the organized events or plan their own Take Pride cleanup anytime in May. “This setup allows lake residents and visitors who want to participate in one of SML’s most important events a
SML Restaurant Week set for April 17-30
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today it will organize its third annual SML Restaurant Week April 17-30. Throughout this two-week window, diners may visit participating restaurants offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, drink and dessert specials. They can also enter to win a number of $25 gift cards to participating restaurants. According to Erin Stanley, SMLRCC Membership Director and Events Manager, 26 regional restaurants participated in last year’s event, drawing
Creating a Successful Business From Your Homestead
You’ve decided to take the plunge and turn your homesteading hobby into a business. Congratulations! With some planning and elbow grease, you can make your dream a reality. The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce is here to help you make smart decisions for your business; here are some steps you’ll need to consider as you get started: Define your brand. What do you want your business to be known for? What kind of products or services do you want to sell? Are you raising
How Seniors Can Start a Home-Based Business in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
Are you a senior citizen looking for a way to make some extra money? Or maybe you're looking for a way to transition into retirement? Whatever your reasons for wanting to start a business, there's no better place to do it than in beautiful Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Starting a home-based business has a number of advantages, especially for seniors. It's a great way to stay active and engaged, and it can be done at your own pace. Additionally, you'll have the flexibility to set your own hours and work
Get Your Business Ready for the Fourth Quarter!
The fourth quarter is an important time for businesses. It's the time of year when many businesses make or break their annual goals. If you want your business to end the year on a high note, there are some things you can do to prepare. In this blog post from the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, we'll take a look at seven ways to get your business ready for the fourth quarter so you can achieve your goals.1. Evaluate Annual and fourth Quarter Goals The first step is to take a look at your
How To Grow Your Smith Mountain Lake Customer Base With an Email Newsletter
As a business owner, your ability to engage with your target audience can make or break your odds of success. In the modern world of business, there are a number of key avenues that businesses can use to connect with potential customers. In particular, you might utilize social media, custom mobile applications, or email. Every person who enjoys services on the Internet has an email account. Once you know how to effectively engage with consumers directly from their inboxes, you will be able to advocate for
What to Expect When Opening a Green Business
A green business seeks to turn a profit while minimizing its strain on natural resources such as water, energy, and raw materials. Some green businesses focus on cutting carbon emissions. Before you dive into entrepreneurship, carefully consider the reasons why people choose ecopreneurship and learn more about how to go about building a green business.The Advantages of a Green Business Green businesses present several attractions for aspiring entrepreneurs. Their business is good for the environment.
County officials provide updates to SML Regional Chamber Leadership Academy class
Regional leadership was the theme of the March Leadership Academy class presented by the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce. The sessions took place March 2 in the conference room at Phil Hager Insurance Agency and featured presentations by Chris Whitlow, Administrator for Franklin County, and Robert Hiss, Administrator for Bedford County. “Chris Whitlow gave an excellent overview of Franklin County, detailing the role of the Board of Supervisors and highlighting information on the