Chamber 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 16 at Mariners Landing Resort and Conference Center. “We were excited to host this fantastic networking and fellowship opportunity for our supporters. This annual celebration recognizing our exceptional leaders and supporters, along with Chamber staff, directors, ambassadors and volunteers is one of our favorite events,” said SMLRCC Executive Director
Chamber accepting proposals for 2023 Wine Festival
The SML Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) announced today it is accepting proposals for businesses interested in serving as the venue and/or festival coordinator for the 2023 Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival. **Download both RFPs here.** Andy Bruns, SMLRCC Executive Director, said the purpose of the two requests is to solicit qualified venues and event coordinators for the lake’s largest annual event. “The main objective is to identify a venue with the infrastructure to support a festival
Discovery Shops SML - Now Open Tuesdays
EXCITING NEWS:The Discovery Shops SML is pleased to announce the Main Shop will be OPEN ON TUESDAYS.NEW Hours of Operation:Main Shop: Tues - Sat 10am-4pm Annex: Wed 10am-2pm | Sat 10am-2pm
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 Organizers Report Brisk Ticket Sales
The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, one of the region’s longest-running and most popular annual events, is shaping up to be a sellout when it returns after a two-year hiatus on Sept. 17 and 18. “The weather forecast right now looks great, and I think people are just itching to get back to enjoying festivals and concerts again,” said Andy Bruns, executive director of the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event. It was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the
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
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,
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
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
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
