SML Chamber Announces Date for Fall Chili Festival
If you think you’ve got what it takes to be the Chili Champion of Smith Mountain Lake, it’s time to get your application in for the 2022 SML Chili Festival. Now in its 19th year, the fun-filled tradition will take place Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bridgewater Plaza. Tickets are $7 per person (cash only) with kids 5 and younger admitted free. The event is presented by Margaret Crayé of Lifestyle & Lake Real Estate Group. Applications will be accepted starting Aug. 15 for chili-cooking teams,
SML REGIONAL CHAMBER ANNOUNCES NEW FALL GOLF TOURNAMENT
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber announced today it will host its first Fall Classic Golf Tournament on Oct. 14 at Mariners Landing. “Our summer event, which has been held for more than 25 years, is such a hit with golfers and sponsors that we’ve had to turn people away,” said Erin Stanley, Membership Director and Events Manager. "So, the Board of Directors decided a second tournament in the fall would be a welcome addition to our slate of
News Release: 7/21/2022
Wirtz, VA - 7/21/22 - Venture Studio Hub and Event Center is bringing a common city trend to rural Virginia. Our drive is to provide businesses and individuals a creative work environment with access to outstanding high speed internet for the area. The ribbon cutting ceremony will include an open house for the public to see what Venture Studio Hub has to offer and to tour the office space and see the benefits of a community working together. Come and meet members that currently have a space at Venture
Franklin County Board of Supervisors and Broadband Authority Approve Agreements to Continue Expansion of Broadband Coverage Through Additional Grant Funding and Enhanced Partnerships in the County
Rocky Mount, Virginia – Franklin County has approved agreements to utilize grant funding awards from Virginia’s Telecommunication Grant Initiative (VATI) program for two new projects to bring broadband to the much of the remaining unserved areas of Franklin County. The County received notice earlier this year that it was awarded over $17.7 million in funding through the VATI grant program. The VATI Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), is intended to
FRANKLIN COUNTY RECOGNIZED AS A NATIONAL TOP TEN LEADER OF TECHNOLOGY
Rocky Mount, Virginia --- Franklin County officials announced today that the County has placed fourth in the nation in the Annual Digital Counties Survey for communities with a population less than 150,000. Franklin County, at a population of roughly 55,000, competes with counties across America that are up to three times its size for this honor. This is the thirteenth year the County has placed in the nation's top ten annual ranking which recognizes counties that are leading the way in using information
Nationally acclaimed bands to perform at 32nd Annual SML Wine Festival
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today announced the musical lineup for the 32nd annual SML Wine Festival, which will take place Sept. 17-18 at Mariners Landing. Saturday’s headline band will be The SteelDrivers, a Nashville-based bluegrass group that has been nominated for several Grammy Awards and won for Best Bluegrass Album in 2015. On Sunday, eight-piece soul band St. Paul & The Broken Bones will perform in the headliner spot. “We are stoked that our two
Charity Cheers! Hickory Hill Vineyards Concerts Support Local Non-Profits
Moneta, VA 6/14/22 — Hickory Hill Vineyards, one of Smith Mountain Lake’s most popular venues to listen to live music, is hosting two concerts to raise funds for local charities. The SML Boomer Band will perform at both concerts. All ticket sale proceeds will go to Friends of the Moneta Library and Food for Kids - Weekend Pack a Sack. The first Charity Cheers – Concert for a Cause will be held June 24 at 6 pm at Hickory Hill Vineyards. The rain date is June 26 at 6 pm. This concert will benefit Friends
Franklin County Announces Return of Agricultural Fair for 2022
Franklin County, Virginia – Franklin County, Virginia is excited to announce the return of the Franklin County Agricultural Fair, September 14th through the 17th, at the Franklin County Recreation Park. The fair has entertained approximately 10,000 visitors annually since its return in 2014 with the previous two fairs being cancelled due to COVID 19. This year’s fair is scheduled to feature a midway with rides and games, numerous local dining options, entertaining shows and nightly music featuring local
Recreation, tourism and hospitality focus of SML Regional Chamber Leadership Academy’s May session
Recreation, tourism and hospitality were the topics covered in the May Leadership Academy class presented by the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC). The sessions took place May 4 at Drifters restaurant and aboard the Virginia Dare. Four of last year’s students presented their projects on community awareness and needs assessment, according to Cheryl Ward, office administrator for the Chamber. “It was a great afternoon filled with beautiful scenery, delicious food and a
Deb Beran Properties Adds Buyer's Specialist
Peg Wheeler, an administrative assistant for Deb Beran Properties since 2019, recently earned her real estate license and has begun a new role as a buyer’s specialist with the company. “Peg is one of the most thorough, detail-oriented people I’ve ever worked with so I have the utmost confidence she will be an outstanding REALTOR®,” said Beran, a 32-year veteran of the real estate profession at Smith Mountain Lake who opened her own brokerage in March. In her new role, Wheeler will assist buyers in
Bridgewater Marina to host community event to celebrate $100,000 donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation
Bridgewater Marina has topped the $100,000 mark in donations to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia and will celebrate with a community event on June 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “What started as a modest fundraiser five years ago has become a true success story thanks to the Smith Mountain Lake community,” said Ryan Waters, Bridgewater Marina partner. “And the absolute best part is the number of children in Virginia with critical illnesses who have been touched by their amazing support. We wanted to express
Chamber hosts successful Business Expo
Approximately 700 Smith Mountain Lake residents and visitors engaged with local business professionals representing 85 companies at the 18th Annual SML Business Expo on May 6 at EastLake Community Church. Erin Stanley, Member Relations and Events Director for the SML Regional Chamber, which organizes the event, said it felt great to have the Expo back to full capacity and under more familiar conditions. “The Expo is always a popular event at Smith Mountain Lake, and we are so pleased that people
SML Restaurant Week set for April 18-May 1
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today its second SML Restaurant Week will take place April 18-May 1. Throughout the week, diners may visit participating restaurants offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, drink and dessert specials at four different price points: $5, $10, $20 and $30. They can also enter to win a number of $25 gift cards to participating restaurants. According to Erin Stanley, SMLRCC Member Relations and Events Director, 25 regional restaurants participated
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
SMLRCC honors business and community leaders 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 24 at Bernard’s Landing Resort and Conference Center. “We were so thrilled to recognize our exceptional leaders and supporters in person this year, along with Chamber staff, directors, ambassadors and volunteers,” said SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns. “These are the people and organizations that contribute to making the Smith Mountain Lake region an
SML Regional Chamber of Commerce announces 2022 Leadership Academy class
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) announced today that 18 emerging business leaders have been accepted into its Leadership Academy for 2022. The 12-month program is designed to develop a diversified corps of informed, committed and qualified individuals who will assume leadership roles for Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania county organizations to meet the region’s future needs, according to SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns. “We are so excited to announce the class of
SML Regional Chamber to graduate inaugural Leadership Academy class
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today that 13 emerging business leaders will graduate from the organization’s inaugural Leadership Academy next month, and that applications are being accepted now for the 2022 class. According to Executive Director Andy Bruns, the 12-month program is designed to develop a diversified corps of informed, committed and qualified individuals who will assume leadership roles for Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania county organizations to meet
SML Regional Chamber announces 2021 Chili Festival winners
The team from Lake Haven Trailer Park claimed all three top prizes at the 18th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival, which took place Nov. 6 at Bridgewater Plaza. Lake Haven won first place for Best Chili in blind judging, which was conducted by a member panel on the stage at Mango’s Bar & Grill. They also won the Showmanship and People’s Choice awards, which are voted on by festival attendees, according to Erin Stanley, Events Director for the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber,
SML Business Expo Thrives at New Location
Nearly 500 Smith Mountain Lake residents and visitors engaged with local business professionals representing 83 companies at the 17th Annual SML Business Expo on Oct. 15. “It was a great success,” said Erin Stanley, Member Relations and Events Director for the SML Regional Chamber, which organizes the event. “The energy was incredible, and we had so many positive comments from attendees and vendors.” Free and open to the public, the Expo allowed exhibitors in a wide variety of industries to share
Bridgewater Plaza announces date for annual holiday event
“Santa Around Bridgewater Plaza,” one of Smith Mountain Lake’s oldest and most beloved holiday traditions, will take place on Nov. 27 at Bridgewater Plaza. The annual event kicks off the holiday season with refreshments and specials by participating businesses, an Elf on the Shelf contest and more from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa will arrive by boat at 11 a.m. to hear wish lists at Smith Mountain Lake Coffee House. Kevin Gray, owner of the coffee shop, said he’s thrilled to be hosting the event, which
17th Smith Mountain Lake Business Expo set for Oct. 15
The Smith Mountain Lake Business Expo, a free event open to the public that will also serve as a mini job fair, will take place Oct. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. in the gymnasium at Eastlake Community Church. “The Expo is an amazing opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with more than 100 Smith Mountain Lake-area business professionals,” said Erin Stanley, Member Relations and Events Director for the SML Regional Chamber, which organizes the event. “They’re excited to share information on
Leadership and life purpose coach to speak at SML Chamber's Women's Night Out
Christine Kennedy, a Lynchburg-based leadership and life purpose coach, will be the featured speaker at the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 6th Annual Women’s Night Out on Oct. 27 at the Bernard’s Landing Clubhouse Pavilion. Kennedy, who also serves as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, will discuss key ways for women to find wellbeing in work and life. “Christine is a dynamic leader and speaker whose enthusiasm for
Waid Park Sprint Enduro and VA Short Track XC Championship Race Announced
Rocky Mount, Virginia – Officials with the Franklin County Parks and Recreation and the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) announced a new Waid Park Sprint Enduro and VA Short Track XC championship race. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2020, at Waid Park in Rocky Mount. Pre-registration is required and open online at https://www.bikereg.com/waidenduro. “We are very excited to bring this new recreational event to Franklin County and the mountain bike racing
Bridgewater Marina's Feed the Fish program nets more than $28,000 for Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Bridgewater Marina & Boat Rentals recently donated $28,327 to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, the culmination of the 2019 “Feed the Fish for Make-A-Wish” fundraising campaign. Ryan Waters, Bridgewater Marina partner, said this was the third year of the initiative, and it’s most successful to date. “We continue to be amazed by the generosity of customers and their dedication to supporting the important work of Make-A-Wish,” Waters said. “To date, they’ve allowed us to
