Fall Classic Golf Tournament winners crowned
The foursome representing Mariners Landing took home top honors in the third Smith Mountain Lake Fall Classic Golf Tournament, which took place Oct. 11 at Mariners Landing Country Club. Hal Clary, Will Clary, Jeff Scott and Roger Webber shot 53 to beat out 27 other teams in the 18-hole Captain’s Choice event. Thomas Meeks, Jay Prillaman, Jay Childress and Landon Prillaman of Gerdeau finished second.“We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day,” said Erin Stanley, MembEr Relations and Events Director for
Mastering the Moment: Knowing When and How to Let a Worker Go
In the dynamic world of business, managing a team is akin to navigating a ship through turbulent waters. The blend of rewarding milestones and challenging decisions defines the journey. Among these challenges, one of the most daunting is knowing when it’s time to let go of an employee or contractor. This decision is never easy, but it’s crucial for sustaining a productive and positive work environment. In this guide, we’ll delve into the key indicators and processes that can help you confidently navigate
Chamber crowns winners in SML Invitational Golf Tournament
The foursome representing Gilbert Law PC took home top honors in the main division at the 28th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Invitational Golf Tournament, which took place Oct. 14 at The Waterfront Country Club. The team of Jim Gilbert, Mike Hayes, Daryl Byrd and Mike Karabin shot 54 to beat out 22 other teams in the 18-hole Captain’s Choice event. Duane Davis, Jarel Whiting, Garrison Brown and Robert Hoyt of Southern Roofing & Restoration finished second, two shots back. In the all-women’s division,
20th SML Business Expo Thrives With New Format
Hundreds of Smith Mountain Lake residents and visitors engaged with local business professionals representing more than 100 companies at the 20th Annual SML Business Expo on April 9 at EastLake Community Church. “It was a tremendous success,” said Erin Stanley, Membership Director and Events Manager for the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber, which organizes the event. “The atmosphere was incredible, and we received an abundance of positive feedback from both attendees and vendors.” In addition to
Volunteer registration open for SML Cleanup Day
Volunteer registration is open for Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake (TPISML), SML's annual cleanup initiative, which will take place on May 4. Neighborhood groups, businesses, individuals, families, civic organizations and others are invited to clean up on the shore, on the lake or both, according to Bill Butterfield, president of the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA), one of three organizations that organize the initiative. “This year, we’ll have a minimum of five dumpsters available for debris
4th Annual SML Restaurant Week set for April 17-30
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced plans for its 4th Annual SML Restaurant Week, scheduled for April 17-30. Throughout the nearly 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,
20th SML Business Expo set for April 9
The Smith Mountain Lake Business Expo, a trade show open to businesses and consumers, will take place Tuesday, April 9 from 3-7 p.m. at EastLake Community Church. In addition to moving the event from early May to early April, Chamber officials have other changes in the works for the 20th anniversary of the event. “We’ve also shifted the event to a Tuesday with late afternoon and evening hours, making it more accessible to those who would like to attend after work,” said Erin Stanley, SMLRCC Membership
SML businesses and leaders honored 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 21 at Mariners Landing Resort and Conference Center. "This yearly gathering, which honors our outstanding leaders, supporters, Chamber staff, directors, ambassadors, and volunteers, is among our most cherished occasions, said SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns. ”Their dedication and hard work not only elevate our organization but also enrich the
SML Chamber releases annual guide, announces big changes
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce has released its annual guide to the lake, beefing up key relocation information and significantly increasing circulation. “Over the past few years we’ve had a major increase in requests for information about relocating to Smith Mountain Lake,” said SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns. “So, for 2024, our production team decided to not only showcase information to attract visitors and assist newcomers, but also provide key information for those
SML Regional Chamber announces 2024 Leadership Academy class
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) announced today that 17 emerging business leaders have been accepted into its Leadership Academy for 2024. The 12-month program aims to cultivate a well-rounded group of informed and dedicated individuals ready to take on leadership roles in Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties. According to SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns, the initiative is designed to address the region's future needs. "We're thrilled to introduce the
SML Leadership Academy Students Focus on Manufacturing Sector
Members of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy toured the PlyGem factory in Rocky Mount on Nov. 1 as part of its curriculum focused on manufacturing in the SML region. Charles Keffer, Production Area Manager for Cornerstone Building Brands, the parent company of PlyGem, led the tour. He also provided a detailed presentation on the importance of the Franklin County facility, which produces exterior siding, windows and metal accessories. “It was fascinating to see the
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
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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
