Franklin County Kicks Off Commemorative 100th Anniversary with Screenings of PBS Film Series by Ken
One hundred years ago to the day, America prepared to enter what would become known as the Prohibition Era. It officially began at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 1920 and lasted until 1933. Franklin County, Virginia would gain enduring notoriety during this period in American history. The county’s legacy and long-established moniker, “Moonshine Capital of the World,” was an outcome of the Prohibition Era. Understanding the Prohibition Era:The Franklin County Public Library, in collaboration with the
.jpg)
Ferrum College Announces the Addition of Track & Field Programs in Fall 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ferrum, VA (January 9, 2020) - Ferrum College has announced the addition of men's and women's track and field. The College will begin indoor and outdoor schedules starting with the fall 2020 semester. Mark White, who is in his second year as head coach of the Ferrum men's and women's cross country teams, has been appointed to serve as head coach for all four track and field teams. "Track and field is such a great fit for Ferrum College for a number of reasons," said Ferrum President
Harvester Performance Center Breaks Attendance Record
The Harvester sets new monthly attendance recordFor More Information: Matthew C. Hankins, harvesterceo@gmail.com ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – Rocky Mount’s Harvester Performance Center continues to set new attendance records, with a strong November bringing a new all-time monthly high for the six-year-old venue.“The Harvester’s strong attendance numbers are critical to our continued economic growth in Rocky Mount,” said Rocky Mount Assistant Town Manager Matt Hankins,
Chamber Roundup - December 2019
Season’s Greetings! The staff, volunteers and Board of Directors for the SMLRCC would like to wish you a very happy holiday season. Please note our offices and the Visitor Center will be closed Dec. 22-Jan. 1. See you in the new year! Holiday luncheon Volunteers, ambassadors and staff of the Chamber enjoyed lunch and a gift exchange at their annual holiday celebration on Dec. 6 at The Westlake Golf & Country Club. “We are so grateful for your enthusiasm and dedication throughout
SML Antique and Classic Boat Society holds annual meeting
The Smith Mountain Lake Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society held its annual dinner meeting on Friday, December 6, 2019, at The Blackwater Café. Chapter President Alan Frederick reviewed the year’s activities and presented a slate of officers for 2020. In addition, Christopher Finley the new Executive Director of the Regional Chamber of Commerce was a guest speaker, outlining his vision for the organization. Smith Mountain Lake Chapter Officers and Directors for
SMLRCC names new Events Director
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced Cheryl Ward has been named to the position of Events Director. According to Executive Director Christopher Finley, Ward will be responsible for the planning and execution of all SMLRCC annual events, including the Business Expo, Pirate Days and the Wine Festival. “Cheryl brings a vast network of community connections and a wealth of experience to the Chamber, including a strong background in finance,”
Chamber News - November 2019
Shop Smith Mountain Lake this holiday season The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce is promoting the importance of shopping local this holiday season with a social media campaign leading up to Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30. Now in its 10th year, Small Business Saturday is a national movement organized by American Express that helps bring communities together in support of small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The Chamber’s campaign includes a Facebook
SMLRCC launches Small Business Saturday campaign
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce is promoting the importance of shopping local this holiday season with a social media campaign leading up to Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30. Now in its 10th year, Small Business Saturday is a national movement organized by American Express that helps bring communities together in support of small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. “The mission of the Chamber includes growing business for its members,”
SML Chili Festival winners announced for 2019
“Out of Balance Chili” created by the team from SunTrust Bank earned the top prize at the 17th Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival, which took place Nov. 2 at Bridgewater Plaza. “Virginians for Trump” finished second and “Sweet Whili” placed third in the blind judging, which was conducted by a member panel on the stage at Mango’s Bar & Grill. Winning chili was determined based on taste, consistency, aroma, color and bite, according to Christopher Finley, executive director of the Smith
SML Good Neighbors, Inc. 2020 Summer Internships Official Announcement
SML Good Neighbors Summer 2020 Internship Application Process has Begun SML Good Neighbors offers a 9 week summer internship for up to 9 college students, working with children who are rising 1st through 6th graders and up to 2 college students, working with children who are rising 7th - rising 11th graders in a summer enrichment program. The children are from families with limited resources. Our summer teaching staff (interns) lead the programs with the support and assistance of the Executive Director,
Chamber News - October 2019
New executive director takes over at SML Regional Chamber Christopher Finley started as Executive Director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 28, replacing Vicki Gardner who stepped down in July after nearly 17 years with the organization. “I’m very excited about returning to Smith Mountain Lake and for the opportunity to drive tourism and grow business for the Chamber’s members and the community,” said Finley, who served on the SMLRCC Board of Directors from 2011
Christopher Finley named SML Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce today named Christopher Finley as its new Executive Director. Finley replaces Vicki Gardner who stepped down in July after nearly 17 years at the helm of the 750-member organization. “We are thrilled to have Chris join the Chamber team,” said Lindsey Coley, Chair of the SMLRCC Board of Directors. “His marketing and public relations expertise, leadership experience and comprehensive knowledge of the Smith Mountain
Headed to the SML Wine Festival? Check out these tips
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Smith Mountain Lake’s most popular annual event, the SML Wine Festival, is right around the corner and organizers are sharing tips for getting the most out of the experience. “The Wine Festival is an awesome event that takes year-round planning,” said Cheryl Ward, Interim Executive Director for the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We want everyone to have a great time so we’re happy to share some of our best tips.” First, save money by buying tickets in advance at
SML Regional Chamber announces 2019 photo contest winners
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced the winners of its 2019 photo contest. The grand prize of $300 was awarded to David B. Pope for his image entitled “Tight Turn” featuring a woman water skiing. Amy Hunter’s “Wavy Clouds over Bernard’s Landing,” a photo of rare Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds that went viral in June, took second ($150). Kathleen Riordan earned honorable mention ($50) for “Section 8 Fog.” “We were absolutely blown away by
Chamber News - August 2019
Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival Discounted tickets are now on sale for the 31st Annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, which will take place Sept. 28-29 at Crazy Horse Marina. Save $10 on each taster and non-taster ticket by logging on to visitsmithmountainlake.com or visiting the SML Visitor Center at Bridgewater Plaza or the Bedford Visitor Center. They’re also available at most area Kroger stores. A limited number of “shade chalets” and VIP Lounge tickets also are available for
YO HO HO! Pirates descend on Smith Mountain Lake for pancake breakfast
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – More than 200 landlubbers turned out on July 21 for the first Pirates & Pancakes event on the patio at Mango’s Bar & Grill at Bridgewater Plaza. The family-oriented pancake breakfast was organized by the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce as part of Pirate Days, a weekend of festivities that took place at various locations on and off the lake. “What a great way to kick off this new event,” said Vicki Gardner, the Chamber’s executive director. “Pirates
2019 Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake campaign nets nearly double last year's debris total
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Community volunteers collected approximately 84,000 pounds (42 tons) of debris as part of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake cleanup days, according to the final 2019 collection report released today. According to Lorie Smith, one of the event’s organizers, the amount is nearly double what was collected last year. “We got an earlier start on planning and increased our marketing efforts, which really help build awareness for how important these annual cleanup days
.jpg)
Lynchburg News & Advance Editorial
Growing support for a Bedford Amtrak Station:https://www.newsadvance.com/opinion/editorials/amtrak-take-a-chance-on-bedford/article_a419aeaf-8f61-5064-9775-cbbe0c0c103d.html
