SML Wine Festival cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Officials with the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) announced the cancellation of the 32nd Annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival scheduled for September 26-27 at Mariners Landing because of concerns with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The uncertainty surrounding state regulations coupled with the ability to comply with current mandatory requirements for social gatherings dictated this decision. “We sincerely held out as long as possible
SML Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society National Vintage Boat Day Cruise
The SML Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society will be participating in the annual National Vintage Boat Day Cruise on Saturday August 8, 2020. This event originated by the wooden boat enthusiast in Canada and is being recommended to our Antique and Classic Boat Society as an event we should schedule for Smith Mountain Lake. All wooden boat owners are encouraged to join the cruise. Fiberglass boat owners that have boats manufactured in 1995 or before are also encouraged to join in. The cruise will
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
News Release: 6/23/2020
Open Enrollment for Forest School 2020-2021 ONE Forest School is an academically accredited private school offering preschool through first grade classes. We also offer academic support for children in grades 2-12. OFS is an internationally recognized 501c3 nonprofit forest school. Fall Semester begins August 31st. For more information please visit our website or call to schedule a tour!
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
SML FISHING TOURNAMENT(ALSO KNOWN AS THE OPTIMIST) CANCELLED
Due to the current environment, the SML 52nd Annual Fishing Tournament (formerly Optimist or Challenger Little League) has been postponed to October 16th 17th 18th, 2020. Tournament details and future updates will be available at http://www.gillscreekmarina.com/smlfishingtournament.html or https://www.facebook.com/gillscreeklodgeandmarina. Tickets will also be available online this year beginning September 1, 2020. Thank you for assisting us in getting this message out. Best regards,Ann
Four Seasons Pest Control Acquires Bradford Pest Control Co.
Glade Hill, Virginia - Four Seasons Pest Control has acquired the Bradford Pest Control Company, Inc. of Glade Hill, Virginia. Bradford Pest Control served the Smith Mountain Lake community, including parts of Bedford and Franklin counties. Bradford was a well-known family-owned business serving its communities since 1994. Brian Bradford and his father started the business 26 years ago. Bradford sought a way to retire last year, and preferred a buyer for his business that would provide a similar level of
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,”
SML Chamber names award winners for year, decade
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Outstanding area businesses and community advocates were honored by the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce at its annual dinner, which took place Jan. 16 at The Waterfront Country Club. “We congratulate these businesses for their awards as well as the finalists in each respective category. They serve as an inspiration for us all as they are achievers, advocates and visionaries,” said Christopher Finley, SMLRCC Executive Director. “These companies are
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
SML Antique and Classic Boat Society holds annual meeting
The Smith Mountain Lake Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society held its annual dinner meeting on Friday, December 6, 2019, at The Blackwater Café. Chapter President Alan Frederick reviewed the year’s activities and presented a slate of officers for 2020. In addition, Christopher Finley the new Executive Director of the Regional Chamber of Commerce was a guest speaker, outlining his vision for the organization. Smith Mountain Lake Chapter Officers and Directors for
SMLRCC names new Events Director
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced Cheryl Ward has been named to the position of Events Director. According to Executive Director Christopher Finley, Ward will be responsible for the planning and execution of all SMLRCC annual events, including the Business Expo, Pirate Days and the Wine Festival. “Cheryl brings a vast network of community connections and a wealth of experience to the Chamber, including a strong background in finance,”
SMLRCC launches Small Business Saturday campaign
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce is promoting the importance of shopping local this holiday season with a social media campaign leading up to Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30. Now in its 10th year, Small Business Saturday is a national movement organized by American Express that helps bring communities together in support of small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. “The mission of the Chamber includes growing business for its members,”
SML Chili Festival winners announced for 2019
“Out of Balance Chili” created by the team from SunTrust Bank earned the top prize at the 17th Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival, which took place Nov. 2 at Bridgewater Plaza. “Virginians for Trump” finished second and “Sweet Whili” placed third in the blind judging, which was conducted by a member panel on the stage at Mango’s Bar & Grill. Winning chili was determined based on taste, consistency, aroma, color and bite, according to Christopher Finley, executive director of the Smith
Headed to the SML Wine Festival? Check out these tips
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Smith Mountain Lake’s most popular annual event, the SML Wine Festival, is right around the corner and organizers are sharing tips for getting the most out of the experience. “The Wine Festival is an awesome event that takes year-round planning,” said Cheryl Ward, Interim Executive Director for the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We want everyone to have a great time so we’re happy to share some of our best tips.” First, save money by buying tickets in advance at
