News Release: 12/31/2021
The preparations for the 31st Annual Charity Home Tour are up and running! On December 15, the annual kick-off event was held at Eastlake Community Church to announce the new board members as well as the eight charities benefitting from this year's home tour. The 2022 charities include:Agape CenterFranklin County Family YMCAHabitat for Humanity of Franklin CountyHelping Hands of Franklin CountySML Good NeighborsTackfully Teamed Riding AcademyCamp Kum-By-YahBedford Ride Representatives from all eight
SML Good Neighbors Announces SML Gives - A New Giving Day
SML Good Neighbors Announces SML Gives - A New Giving DaySML Good Neighbors announces a new giving day to benefit nonprofits in Bedford and Franklin County, Virginia. SML Gives is an online giving event that provides nonprofits the opportunity to fundraise, gain exposure and build relationships. It is also an opportunity for the community to come together to raise as much money as possible to make a big impact for the participating nonprofits.Moneta, VirginiaNovember, 2021SML Gives was created because a
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
SML Chamber to host pirate-themed pancake breakfast July 17
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber (SMLRCC) will host a family-oriented pancake breakfast on July 17 in celebration of Pirate Days, a weekend of festivities planned at various locations on and off the lake. Pancakes with Pirates will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. at Mexico Viejo at Bridgewater Plaza. Volunteers dressed in pirate costumes will be flipping the flapjacks. Others dressed as pirates will be available for photos. Activities for kids will include face painting, balloon animals,
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Winner announced in $2,500 Smith Mountain Lake Getaway Sweepstakes
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced the winner of its first $2,500 Getaway Sweepstakes, a two-month marketing initiative designed to showcase the lake region to potential visitors and generate excitement for the upcoming tourism season. According to SMLRCC Interim Executive Director Cheryl Ward, James S. of Millers Creek, North Carolina, had his name drawn at random from the 5,861 eligible entries. He will receive $2,500 worth of prizes
Bridgewater Marina to highlight National Safe Boating Week
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – Bridgewater Marina and Boat Rentals announced today it will direct a social media campaign aimed at promoting National Safe Boating Week, which is scheduled for May 22-28. “This campaign runs annually just before Memorial Day weekend, which makes it an ideal time to remind boaters of safety and etiquette basics,” said Ryan Waters, Bridgewater Marina partner. “We know people are eager to get out on Smith Mountain Lake to enjoy the summer season, but it’s imperative they do so in
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Bridgewater Marina's ''Feed the Fish'' program reels in nearly $20,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Despite the global pandemic that restricted travel and gatherings in 2020, Bridgewater Marina & Boat Rentals donated nearly $20,000 to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia via its “Feed the Fish for Make-A-Wish” fundraising campaign. Ryan Waters, Bridgewater Marina partner, said this was the fourth year for the initiative, which has generated more than $97,000 for the Richmond-based non-profit. The exact amount donated in 2020 was $19,978.“Make-A-Wish is an organization that’s
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Deadline approaching to enter $2,500 Smith Mountain Lake Getaway Sweepstakes
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – Response to the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce’s first $2,500 Getaway Sweepstakes has been strong and expected to grow substantially as the May 2 deadline approaches, organizers announced today. According to SMLRCC Interim Executive Director Cheryl Ward, the tourism initiative is designed to showcase Smith Mountain Lake to potential visitors and generate excitement for the upcoming tourism season. “We’ve had tremendous response so far to the
SML Chamber to host inaugural Restaurant Week at Smith Mountain Lake
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today it is organizing the first SML Restaurant Week, which will take place April 19-May 1. Throughout the week, diners may visit participating restaurants offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert specials at four different price points: $5, $10, $20 and $30. “The Chamber is excited to bring the first Restaurant Week to the greater Smith Mountain Lake community,” said Erin Stanley, SMLRCC Member Relations
SML Regional Chamber Announces 2021 Ambassador Council
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – Twelve members of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce have been selected to serve as ambassadors for the organization for 2021. “Ambassadors are critical to the operations of the Chamber,” said Erin Stanley, SMLRCC Member Relations and Events Director. “In addition to helping to organize networking events, ribbon cuttings and other events, ambassadors assist with membership retention, welcome new businesses, oversee a group of members, and maintain a visible
SML Regional Chamber Honors Business and Community Leaders
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Outstanding area businesses and community advocates were honored by the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce during a presentation on March 11 at the SML YMCA that was also broadcast online. “Congratulations to the winners, as well as the finalists in each category,” said Cheryl Ward, SMLRCC Interim Executive Director. “The past year has been extremely challenging and these leaders stepped up in big ways. They are truly making a significant impact on not only
SML Regional Chamber Releases 2021 Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Guide
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce officials unveiled the 2021 version of the Smith Mountain Lake Newcomer and Visitor Guide, a comprehensive publication used year-round to promote business and tourism. “This beautiful, full-color magazine offers the most extensive information on Smith Mountain Lake out there,” said SMLRCC Interim Executive Cheryl Ward during a presentation on March 11 at the SML YMCA that also honored the organization’s annual award winners.
SML Chamber Names New Member Relations and Events Manager
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today announced Erin Stanley will join the organization as its member relations and events manager on March 1. “We are very excited to welcome Erin to the team in a time when she is needed most,” said SMLRCC Executive Director Christopher Finley. “She comes to the Chamber with 13 years of experience in account management and valuable expertise in marketing and branding that will truly benefit our members as
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SML Chamber launches $2,500 Smith Mountain Lake Getaway Sweepstakes
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today it has launched a contest to market the region as a tourist destination in surrounding markets. The Smith Mountain Lake Getaway Sweepstakes will offer one lucky winner more than $2,500 in prizes, including accommodations, boat rental and restaurant gift certificates. “This new initiative is designed to showcase the best of Smith Mountain Lake to potential visitors and generate excitement for the upcoming
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 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
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
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
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
