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 Wine Festival returning to Bernard's Landing
Hook Lines and Singers, Inc., which is in its second year of organizing the popular and long-running Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, announced today it will relocate the event to Bernard’s Landing for at least the next five years. After getting its start at the former Manor at Taylor’s Store B&B near Burnt Chimney in 1989, the Wine Festival moved to Bernard’s in 1992 where it flourished through 2007 before transitioning to LakeWatch Plantation, Crazy Horse Marina and Mariners Landing over 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
Agribusiness the focus of October SML Leadership Academy
Members of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy toured several agricultural businesses on Oct. 4 to learn more about the important contributions the operations make to the SML region. “With agribusiness being the largest industry in all three counties the SMLRCC serves, this was an extremely important and enlightening day,” said Andy Bruns, executive director of the Chamber. “It also was a lot of fun!” Bruns said the class started with a visit to Homestead Creamery,
Doughty Named Interim Director of Economic Development for Franklin County
Rocky Mount, Virginia – Franklin County has engaged long-time economic developer Beth Doughty as interim director of economic development. Doughty, who retired in 2021 as executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership, has an advisory practice in economic and community development serving localities and non-profits. “There are so many economic development initiatives underway in Franklin County that bringing on an experienced interim director who is familiar with the county is the best way to
Regional economic development the focus of August SML Leadership Academy
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy held its most recent class on Aug. 2 in Forest where students learned about a number of regional economic development initiatives. After a demonstration at the New London Disc Golf Course, the students toured the Center for Engineering Research and Education at Liberty University. “David Fazzina, the CERE’s assistant director, did an amazing job explaining how the center helps promote research and development through its
Mariners Landing Golfer to Compete at US Open
Mariners Landing is excited to announce that its very own, Isaac Simmons, qualified for the US Open, one of the world's most prestigious golf championships.The competition will take place at the esteemed Los Angeles Country Club next weekend. Regarded as a pinnacle in global golfing and conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), the US Open tests players with its rigorous courses and intense competition. Only the most talented individuals get the honor to participate in this event. Isaac, a
American Flag Repository Station Established at Bridgewater Plaza
A repository station for the collection of faded, old, and/or torn American flags is now in place at Smith Mountain Lake’s Bridgewater Plaza.The community is invited to a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. on Flag Day, June 14, 2023, at Bridgewater Plaza (16430 Booker T. Washington Highway, Moneta). The location of the repository was chosen due to its proximity to the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce and the high level of traffic that both Franklin and Bedford counties bring
New non-profit to take over Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) announced today it is in the process of transferring ownership of the annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival to a new non-profit organization. Hook Lines and Singers, Inc. will organize and operate the event with proceeds donated to charities. Tim Reith, a local music enthusiast and owner of Mango’s Bar & Grill, formed the nonprofit in 2022 to help local and national songwriters showcase their talents while providing a venue to raise
Franklin County Re-Charter Signing of TRIAD with Attorney General Jason Miyares
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Franklin County Department of Aging are excited to announce the establishment of a local TRIAD group to our community. TRIAD groups are a collective effort of law enforcement agencies, senior citizens, and senior organizations that are focused on reducing crimes against our most vulnerable citizens – our seniors. Our goals are to educate our seniors on how to protect themselves from being victims of crime, connecting them to available resources, and to strengthen
SML Leadership Academy students learn about local tourism initiatives
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy held its most recent class on May 3 at Mariners Landing where students learned about the critical role tourism plays in the region’s economy. Nicole Johnson, Director of Tourism for Bedford County, presented an update on local tourism initiatives and Jen Rowland, owner of Rowland Leadership Training & Consulting, facilitated a variety of related workshops. “The students were also treated to a presentation by Mariners Landing, as
SML Restaurant Week set for April 17-30
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today it will organize its third annual SML Restaurant Week April 17-30. Throughout this 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, drawing
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
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
How To Grow Your Smith Mountain Lake Customer Base With an Email Newsletter
As a business owner, your ability to engage with your target audience can make or break your odds of success. In the modern world of business, there are a number of key avenues that businesses can use to connect with potential customers. In particular, you might utilize social media, custom mobile applications, or email. Every person who enjoys services on the Internet has an email account. Once you know how to effectively engage with consumers directly from their inboxes, you will be able to advocate for
What to Expect When Opening a Green Business
A green business seeks to turn a profit while minimizing its strain on natural resources such as water, energy, and raw materials. Some green businesses focus on cutting carbon emissions. Before you dive into entrepreneurship, carefully consider the reasons why people choose ecopreneurship and learn more about how to go about building a green business.The Advantages of a Green Business Green businesses present several attractions for aspiring entrepreneurs. Their business is good for the environment.
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