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
Southside Opportunity Fund Scholarships
college or a trade/technical school will be taken through late March. High school and homeschool seniors who receive electricity at their homes from Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) are eligible to apply for the $1,000 scholarships. The application deadline is March 26, and scholarships will be awarded this spring. The program was created by the SEC Board of Directors to provide scholarships and other opportunities for Cooperative members and their families. It’s part of a recognition by the
News Release: 2/1/2021
We're back for our third year of forest fun in the summer sun! Children are having a tough time navigating school. Treat your child to a summer of adventure in the great outdoors! Our Summer Camp Program can't be beat! Space is limited so call today before time runs out!
SML Regional Chamber Executive Director Christopher Finley Stepping Down
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today announced Christopher Finley has resigned as executive director, effective Feb. 26, to assume the position of director of marketing and public relations at LewisGale Regional Health System, a part of HCA Healthcare’s Capital Division, based in Salem. The chamber’s executive board has appointed a search committee led by Chairman Zach Wimmer to conduct a search for the organization’s next executive director.
Chamber sets record-breaking 2021 Chamber Champions program
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today announced a record-breaking number of participants and investment in its 2021 Chamber Champions program, a sponsorship investment platform offering local businesses year-round marketing exposure and a variety of value-added enhanced member benefits. “The Champions platform offers participants efficient use of marketing dollars through a wide range of digital tools, web presence and community support recognition,” said SMLRCC Executive
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,
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
