Chamber Roundup - February 2020
2020 SML Visitor Guide now available Stop by the Visitor Center at Bridgewater Plaza to pick up a free copy of the 2020 Smith Mountain Lake Newcomer and Visitor Guide! This beautiful, full-color magazine includes comprehensive information on living at and visiting Smith Mountain Lake, including shopping, dining, lodging, events, activities and real estate. The Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ON SALE: Wine
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,”
Chamber officials release 2020 SML Newcomer and Visitor Guide
Nearly 200 members of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce got a first-hand look at the 2020 Smith Mountain Lake Newcomer and Visitor Guidewhen it was unveiled Feb. 20 during Business After Hours at The Copper Kettle. “The Smith Mountain Lake Newcomer & Visitor Guide is a high-demand fulfillment piece and a critical component of our marketing strategy that the Chamber uses to promote the region year-round,” stated Christopher Finley, executive director. “From engaging stories to new
25th Annual John Faber Memorial Photography Contest and Show Open for Entries
Calling all photographers! The Smith Mountain Arts Council seeks all photographers – casual, amateur and professional – to submit entries for the 25th Annual John Faber Memorial Photography Contest and Show. The show will take place on April 24-26, 2020, at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 13586 S. Old Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121. Friday, April 24, features a free reception and awards ceremony from 6:30 – 8 pm with music from Riddle on the Harp. The exhibit is also open to the public on Saturday,
Lakeside Singers Seek Additional Voices
The Smith Mountain Arts Council invites vocal artists to join the Lakeside Singers for their spring concert season. Interested vocalists are welcome to come to an organizational meeting at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Dr, Moneta, VA 24121, on March 3, 2020, at 6 pm. This meeting is a potluck supper where singers may sign up and pick up the season’s music. Rehearsals for the season will be held each Tuesday evening at Trinity at 6:30 pm. The spring concerts will be held on June 5 at 7 pm and
News Release: 2/8/2020
ONE Forest School is celebrating the Spring Equinox at Deerhead Nature Preserve! Come out and enjoy a great pancake breakfast while relaxing in the middle of the forest! After breakfast we'll go foraging for the supplies we'll need for our nature crafting activities. We'll be making and painting Easter eggs from the hickory nuts we find, finding materials we can use for making a forest mandala. and weaving birds nests from tree bark while sitting around a campfire! Storytelling, singing, and music
Earth Day Celebration
ONE Forest School is offering a unique crafting event the whole family can enjoy! We're demonstrating how to make bird feeders with recycled items that most families have in their homes. We'll have a short discussion on our local bird population and how important they are to our environment. Our focus on Native Birds of Virginia is a simple hands-on activity that's great for kids to get a better understanding of the ecology of their own backyard and a great beginning for responsible stewardship. It will
SML Regional Chamber selects new venue for wine festival
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, the region’s largest and most popular annual event, will move to Mariners Landing for 2020, organizers announced today. “We are excited about the opportunities this impressive venue will present for both vendors and attendees,” said Christopher Finley, Executive Director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber, which hosts the event. Now in its 32nd year, the festival will take place Sept. 26-27. Mariners Landing is a
Grant awards for broadband expansion announced for Bath and Rockbridge counties
Staunton, VA – Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Wednesday more than $18.3 million in grants through the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) to support 12 projects across Virginia, including the “BARC Connects Rockbridge and Bath Counties” project submitted by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC). The multi-jurisdictional project is a collaborative effort between Bath County, Rockbridge County, the CSPDC and BARC Electric Cooperative (BARC) to help bridge the digital
Smith Mountain Project property owners should be aware of dredging deadline
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va., Jan. 21, 2020 – The four-month ban on dredging within Smith Mountain Project lake boundaries begins next month. Dredging by property owners at Smith Mountain and Leesville lakes is typically done to remove sediment and debris from the bottom of the lake to increase water depth. To protect fish habitat during spawning season, dredging within the lakes’ boundaries is prohibited yearly between Feb. 15 and June 15. Dan Wilson, fisheries biologist with the Virginia Department of
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
Franklin County Kicks Off Commemorative 100th Anniversary with Screenings of PBS Film Series by Ken
One hundred years ago to the day, America prepared to enter what would become known as the Prohibition Era. It officially began at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 1920 and lasted until 1933. Franklin County, Virginia would gain enduring notoriety during this period in American history. The county’s legacy and long-established moniker, “Moonshine Capital of the World,” was an outcome of the Prohibition Era. Understanding the Prohibition Era:The Franklin County Public Library, in collaboration with
Harvester Performance Center Breaks Attendance Record
The Harvester sets new monthly attendance recordFor More Information: Matthew C. Hankins, harvesterceo@gmail.com ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – Rocky Mount’s Harvester Performance Center continues to set new attendance records, with a strong November bringing a new all-time monthly high for the six-year-old venue.“The Harvester’s strong attendance numbers are critical to our continued economic growth in Rocky Mount,” said Rocky Mount Assistant Town Manager Matt Hankins,
Chamber Roundup - December 2019
Season’s Greetings! The staff, volunteers and Board of Directors for the SMLRCC would like to wish you a very happy holiday season. Please note our offices and the Visitor Center will be closed Dec. 22-Jan. 1. See you in the new year! Holiday luncheon Volunteers, ambassadors and staff of the Chamber enjoyed lunch and a gift exchange at their annual holiday celebration on Dec. 6 at The Westlake Golf & Country Club. “We are so grateful for your enthusiasm and dedication throughout
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,”
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
Christopher Finley named SML Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce today named Christopher Finley as its new Executive Director. Finley replaces Vicki Gardner who stepped down in July after nearly 17 years at the helm of the 750-member organization. “We are thrilled to have Chris join the Chamber team,” said Lindsey Coley, Chair of the SMLRCC Board of Directors. “His marketing and public relations expertise, leadership experience and comprehensive knowledge of the Smith Mountain
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
SML Regional Chamber announces 2019 photo contest winners
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced the winners of its 2019 photo contest. The grand prize of $300 was awarded to David B. Pope for his image entitled “Tight Turn” featuring a woman water skiing. Amy Hunter’s “Wavy Clouds over Bernard’s Landing,” a photo of rare Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds that went viral in June, took second ($150). Kathleen Riordan earned honorable mention ($50) for “Section 8 Fog.” “We were absolutely blown away by
2019 Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake campaign nets nearly double last year's debris total
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Community volunteers collected approximately 84,000 pounds (42 tons) of debris as part of Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake cleanup days, according to the final 2019 collection report released today. According to Lorie Smith, one of the event’s organizers, the amount is nearly double what was collected last year. “We got an earlier start on planning and increased our marketing efforts, which really help build awareness for how important these annual cleanup days
