Regional education the focus of September SML Leadership Academy
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy held its most recent class on Sept. 6 in Ferrum where students learned about a number of regional education initiatives. Dr. Mirta Martin, president of Ferrum College, spoke to the students about the future vision and mission for the college in the years ahead. Martin was followed by presentations from Dr. Kevin Siers, superintendent of Franklin County Public Schools, and Matthew Gilliland, Director of Admissions for North Cross
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
Mariners Landing Golfer to Compete at US Open
Mariners Landing is excited to announce that its very own, Isaac Simmons, qualified for the US Open, one of the world's most prestigious golf championships.The competition will take place at the esteemed Los Angeles Country Club next weekend. Regarded as a pinnacle in global golfing and conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the US Open tests players with its rigorous courses and intense competition. Only the most talented individuals get the honor to participate in this event. Isaac, a
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
Franklin County Re-Charter Signing of TRIAD with Attorney General Jason Miyares
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Franklin County Department of Aging are excited to announce the establishment of a local TRIAD group to our community. TRIAD groups are a collective effort of law enforcement agencies, senior citizens, and senior organizations that are focused on reducing crimes against our most vulnerable citizens – our seniors. Our goals are to educate our seniors on how to protect themselves from being victims of crime, connecting them to available resources, and to strengthen
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
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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
Experienced personal trainer joins Body Shoppe Fitness
Rebecca Imhof, a certified personal trainer and health coach with nearly 30 years of experience, has joined Body Shoppe Fitness + AllCore360°, a private personal training studio at Westlake Corner. “Rebecca is experienced, enthusiastic and ready to support new clients on their wellness journeys,” said Tracy Sisson, the company’s owner and a certified personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist and health coach. “This brings us to three personal trainers, which is exciting because even more residents
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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
SML Regional Chamber of Commerce crowns 2022 Chili Festival winners
The team from Susan Balderson - State Farm Insurance claimed the top prize at the 19th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival, which took place Nov. 5 at Bridgewater Plaza. Balderson’s team won first place for Best Chili in blind judging, which was conducted by a member panel on the stage at Mango’s Bar & Grill. The award was determined based on taste, consistency, aroma, color and bite, according to Erin Stanley, Events Director for the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber, which
SML Regional Chamber crowns winners of inaugural Fall Classic Golf Tournament
The foursome representing Branch Management took home top honors in the inaugural Smith Mountain Lake Fall Classic Golf Tournament, which took place Oct. 14 at Mariners Landing Country Club. The team of Tom Branch, Brandon LaCroix, Neal Keesee and Jimmy Muscaro shot 19-under 53 to beat out 22 other teams in the 18-hole Captain’s Choice event. Wil Childress, Jessie Pierce, John Childress and Matt Woodford of Lake Retreat Properties finished second. “We were excited to welcome the general public to
Smith Mountain Lake Chili Festival set for Nov. 5
Spend a fun-filled day sampling tasty chili and soaking up the stunning fall foliage along the shores of Smith Mountain Lake at the 19th SML Chili Festival. The family-friendly event 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. “This year’s Chili Festival is shaping up to be the best yet with more than 15 chili recipes
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
SML Wine Festival Expands Beyond Virginia Wineries
For the first time in its 32-year history, the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival will include wineries from outside the state of Virginia, including premier brands such as Caymus, Catena, Zuccardi and Yalumba. “In our efforts to keep the Wine Festival fresh and exciting, the committee decided to expand the offerings so attendees will have some new and different brands to taste,” said Andy Bruns, executive director of the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce, which will host the event Sept. 17-18 at
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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.
Judy Hawkins Joins Deb Beran Properties as Buyer's Specialist
Deb Beran, owner and broker of Deb Beran Properties, Inc. at Smith Mountain Lake, announced today that Judy Hawkins has joined the company as a REALTOR® and buyer’s specialist. A native of New Jersey, Hawkins is an equine enthusiast and former English teacher. “Judy has had ties to the lake since 2009 and understands the challenges of transplanting here having moved from New Jersey to become a full-time resident,” said Beran, a 26-year veteran of the real estate profession at Smith Mountain Lake who
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
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
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
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
