Whole Foods Cafe and Personal Training Business Among New Offerings at Mariners Landing
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Mariners Landing officials announced today the addition of two new businesses, part of an extensive, ongoing redevelopment to the 1,000-acre waterfront resort community. LAT Personal Training is operational in the 15,000-square-foot Mariners Landing Wellness Center, which includes a gym, indoor pool, studio space for exercise classes and locker rooms. Opening soon inside will be Tootie’s Smoothies + Toasts, a cafe focused on nourishing whole foods such as smoothies, açaí
Chamber Announces New 2021 Chairman and Board
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today named Zach Wimmer as Chairman and announced the 2021 Board of Directors that will lead the organization in its mission of promoting tourism and growing business for its members and the community. "I’m looking forward to working with the entire board and the Chamber’s staff as we continue to serve our members and the Smith Mountain Lake community and three surrounding counties,” stated Wimmer. Wimmer has
Chamber Welcomes 14 Professionals to Inaugural Leadership Academy
Chamber Welcomes 14 Professionals to Inaugural Leadership Academy SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) welcomed 14 professionals in its inaugural Smith Mountain Lake (SML) Leadership Academy, a 12-month program designed to educate, connect, and inspire existing and emerging community leaders. The SML Leadership Academy kicked off on Jan. 6 at The Franklin Center for Advanced Learning and Enterprise in Rocky Mount and featured a half-day
Mariners Landing releases strong real estate report
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Mariners Landing Resort at Smith Mountain Lake today released a strong real estate report, indicating restructuring operations by the new developer is paying off. The study was conducted by Blacksburg-based Institute for Service Research (ISR) on behalf of Mariners Landing Development Company (MLDC), which purchased the resort in May. It analyzed volume of real estate transactions, average days on market, list price vs. sales price and sold price per square foot for
AEP will Host Virtual Smith Mountain Lake Community Presentation
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Appalachian Power (AEP), which operates the Smith Mountain Project hydroelectric facility and controls water levels at both Smith Mountain and Leesville lakes, announced a planned virtual community presentation in partnership with the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) and the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA), to discuss recent high water level events and protocol used to adjust reservoir flows. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 15,
The Landing Love Project receives $100,000 matching gift donation from Michelle and David Baldacci
Smith Mountain Lake, Va. (November 20, 2020) – Bruno and Tiffany Silva, owners of The Landing Restaurant and The Landing Love Project, announced it has received a $100,000 dollar matching gift donation from David and Michelle Baldacci, to expand on the hot meals dinner delivery service for local at-risk families and seniors throughout the greater Smith Mountain Lake region and surrounding counties. “The Landing Love Project is humbled by this generous financial contribution from the Baldaccis as it will
Antique and Classic Boat Society Fall Workshop
The SML Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society recently held their annual fall workshop at the home of Alan and Jean Frederick. Several subjects were demonstrated that relate to the care and maintenance of wooden boats. Lunch was served outside with appropriate social distancing following the lectures. For further chapter information contact Chapter President Dave Olson at (540) 719-1216 or email: dave.olson46@gmail.com.
Chamber Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Recovery Marketing Leverage Grant
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) has received $20,000 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Recovery Marketing Leverage Program (RMLP), designed to help local and regional tourism entities attract more visitors by leveraging limited local marketing dollars through a local match of the state grants funds. More than $1.9 million in matching grant funds were awarded to 161 local tourism initiatives through this program. This funding cycle,
Chamber Releases 2021 Public Policy Agenda
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today released its 2021 Public Policy Agenda outlining the Chamber’s legislative priorities on issues important to businesses and the advancement of the greater Smith Mountain Lake region. The Public Policy Agenda, approved by the Chamber’s 18-member Board of Directors, is established annually by the Governmental Affairs Committee, which is comprised of 12 volunteer community leaders along with SMLRCC staff,
Chamber launches campaign to encourage local holiday shopping
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) is promoting the importance of shopping local this holiday by rallying retailers to participate in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28. Now in its 11th year, Small Business Saturday is a national movement organized by American Express that helps bring communities together in support of small businesses the Saturday after Thanksgiving. “Every dollar kept local is an investment in the success of area businesses, the
Smith Mountain Lake Leadership Academy Announced
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced the launch of its inaugural Smith Mountain Lake Leadership Academy, a 12-month program designed to educate emerging leaders and help shape the future of Smith Mountain Lake. The Smith Mountain Lake Leadership Academy is structured to offer participants the opportunity to meet and learn from this area’s most prominent leaders from a variety of business sectors, according to Christopher Finley, executive
Chamber Announces SML Drive-In Concert
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today announced plans for a SML Drive-In Concert at Eastlake Community Church on Oct. 23. The SML Drive-In Concert, presented by Xfinity, will be headlined by Liquid Pleasure and will feature Jo Jo Stockton & SOLACUSTIX as the opening act. Tickets will be sold in the form of a group car pass. Each car will purchase just one ticket, good for a maximum of four (4) people per car. Gates open at 4 p.m. with the
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
New Visit Smith Mountain Lake Travel Blog
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) announced the launch of a new Visit Smith Mountain Lake travel blog, a monthly forum that will feature unique local experiences, upcoming events, and more about Smith Mountain Lake. The new Visit Smith Mountain Lake travel blog is available online at https://www.visitsmithmountainlake.com/blog/. “Our goal is for the blog to engage visitors and offer readers a peak into our world-class historical sites, unique
Smith Mountain Lake Invitational Golf Tournament Winners Announced
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia –The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) welcomed 112 participants in the annual Smith Mountain Lake Invitational Golf Tournament on Friday, August 28, at The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Hardy. “There were 28 teams represented at the Smith Mountain Lake Invitational and the tournament was a great opportunity for members to network, have fun and grow their business,” stated Christopher Finley, executive director. “Congratulations to winning teams
Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Unveils Newest LOVEwork
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today unveiled a new LOVE artwork, now on display at the Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center located at Bridgewater Plaza, a popular tourist destination in Moneta. The LOVEworks program is a state-wide branding initiative designed to promote travel in Virginia and strengthen awareness of the “Virginia is for Lovers” message. The new Smith Mountain Lake LOVEwork is one of more than 200+ LOVE letters, including
SML Regional Chamber Receives Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) has received $9,995 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) DMO WanderLove Recovery Grant Program, a new grant made available to Virginia’s Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) across the Commonwealth that have been heavily impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic to fund recovery marketing initiatives. $866,504 in marketing grant funds were awarded to 90 Destination Marketing Organizations as part of the
County Administrator Keynote Speaker at Chamber Event
Franklin County Administrator Christopher Whitlow served as the keynote speaker during the recent Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) monthly Franklin County Connects networking event for members at The Grand at 290 in Rocky Mount on July 8. During his presentation, Whitlow provided an overview of the recently passed budget and the resources Franklin County has instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Whitlow provided updates on the County’s strategic plan as well as
Smith Mountain Lake Invitational Golf Tournament Rescheduled Date Announced
Smith Mountain Lake Invitational Golf Tournament Rescheduled Date Announced SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) announced registration is now open for its rescheduled annual Smith Mountain Lake Invitational Golf Tournament on Friday, August 28, at The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Hardy. “The annual Smith Mountain Lake Invitational Golf Tournament is an excellent way to showcase companies, meet new business prospects and entertain top
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
SMLRCC ramps up membership and community outreach initiatives
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA - Like the many businesses and organizations it serves and represents, the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce is finding new ways to operate while navigating restrictions caused by the outbreak of novel coronavirus. According to Executive Director Christopher Finley, the SMLRCC remains active and engaged, dedicated to helping members overcome the challenges brought on by the crisis. “The collective chamber community across Virginia, our region and the nation
The Landing Restaurant launches hot meals dinner delivery service for at-risk families and seniors
Moneta, Va. (March 18, 2020) – Bruno and Tiffany Silva, owners of The Landing Restaurant, recently announced The Landing Love Project, a hot meals dinner delivery service for local at-risk families and seniors throughout the greater Smith Mountain Lake region. “We are currently working with several local schools and organizations to identify those in immediate need,” stated Tiffany Silva, General Manager. “As of today, we have 28 families that we will begin to serve starting Friday, March
Organizers cancel Take Pride in SML Cleanup Days
Organizers of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake, SML's annual spring cleanup initiative, announced today organized events have been cancelled amid concerns related to coronavirus (COVID-19).“We extend our sincere thanks to volunteers, committee members and sponsors who were primed to help with this important community event,” said John Rupnik, president of the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA), which organizes the campaign in collaboration with theTri-County Lakes Administrative Commission
Attorneys showcase broad service offerings at SML Connects
Representatives of Gilbert, Bird, Sharpes & Robinson Attorneys showcased to members of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 27 the extensive array of legal services offered by the longtime lake-area business. GBSR hosted SML Connects, a breakfast networking event, to share information about the services the firm conducts for clients, which include family law and divorce, estate planning and elder law, traffic defense, real estate law, personal injury, civil trial practice, criminal
SML Regional Chamber officials announce 2020 Ambassador Council
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced its 2020 Ambassador Council. The 12-member council assists with a number of critical functions of the organization, according to SMLRCC Executive Director Christopher Finley. "Working in conjunction with Laura Moritz, our community relations manager, ambassadors serve as liaisons and mentors," Finley said. "They welcome new businesses and lay the groundwork for a successful relationship." In addition, he explained, ambassadors connect
Chamber Roundup - February 2020
2020 SML Visitor Guide now available Stop by the Visitor Center at Bridgewater Plaza to pick up a free copy of the 2020 Smith Mountain Lake Newcomer and Visitor Guide! This beautiful, full-color magazine includes comprehensive information on living at and visiting Smith Mountain Lake, including shopping, dining, lodging, events, activities and real estate. The Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ON SALE: Wine
Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake Organizers announce 2020 dates
Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake, SML's annual cleanup initiative, will take place throughout the month of May with organized events scheduled for the first three Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Neighborhood groups, businesses, families, civic organizations and others may participate in any of the organized events or, as in the past, plan their own Take Pride cleanup for any date in May. “Participation last year was up significantly so we hope to continue that trend for this important community event,”
Chamber officials release 2020 SML Newcomer and Visitor Guide
Nearly 200 members of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce got a first-hand look at the 2020 Smith Mountain Lake Newcomer and Visitor Guidewhen it was unveiled Feb. 20 during Business After Hours at The Copper Kettle. “The Smith Mountain Lake Newcomer & Visitor Guide is a high-demand fulfillment piece and a critical component of our marketing strategy that the Chamber uses to promote the region year-round,” stated Christopher Finley, executive director. “From engaging stories to new
SML Regional Chamber of Commerce leaders meet with state legislators
RICHMOND, Virginia – Representatives of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce participated with other business and tourism leaders from around the Commonwealth at Chamber Day at the Capitol Jan. 23 in Richmond. The annual event, organized by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, provides Chamber executives with personal briefings from Virginia’s top government leaders and legislators. “This forum allows Chamber members and executives an opportunity to convey our organization’s position,
SML Chamber announces 2020 Board of Directors
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Christopher Finley, Executive Director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, introduced the 2020 Board of Directors and Executive Committee and thanked outgoing board members at the organization's annual appreciation dinner on Jan. 16 at The Waterfront Country Club. “I'm excited about the skills and experience our 2020 Executive Committee and Board of Directors bring to the organization,” Finley said. “Each member reflects the diverse makeup of our
