Recreation, tourism and hospitality focus of SML Regional Chamber Leadership Academy’s May session
Recreation, tourism and hospitality were the topics covered in the May Leadership Academy class presented by the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC). The sessions took place May 4 at Drifters restaurant and aboard the Virginia Dare. Four of last year’s students presented their projects on community awareness and needs assessment, according to Cheryl Ward, office administrator for the Chamber. “It was a great afternoon filled with beautiful scenery, delicious food and a
Chamber hosts successful Business Expo
Approximately 700 Smith Mountain Lake residents and visitors engaged with local business professionals representing 85 companies at the 18th Annual SML Business Expo on May 6 at EastLake Community Church. Erin Stanley, Member Relations and Events Director for the SML Regional Chamber, which organizes the event, said it felt great to have the Expo back to full capacity and under more familiar conditions. “The Expo is always a popular event at Smith Mountain Lake, and we are so pleased that people
SML Restaurant Week set for April 18-May 1
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today its second SML Restaurant Week will take place April 18-May 1. Throughout the week, diners may visit participating restaurants offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, drink and dessert specials at four different price points: $5, $10, $20 and $30. They can also enter to win a number of $25 gift cards to participating restaurants. According to Erin Stanley, SMLRCC Member Relations and Events Director, 25 regional restaurants participated
County officials provide updates to SML Regional Chamber Leadership Academy class
Regional leadership was the theme of the March Leadership Academy class presented by the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce. The sessions took place March 2 in the conference room at Phil Hager Insurance Agency and featured presentations by Chris Whitlow, Administrator for Franklin County, and Robert Hiss, Administrator for Bedford County. “Chris Whitlow gave an excellent overview of Franklin County, detailing the role of the Board of Supervisors and highlighting information on the
SMLRCC honors business and community leaders 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 24 at Bernard’s Landing Resort and Conference Center. “We were so thrilled to recognize our exceptional leaders and supporters in person this year, along with Chamber staff, directors, ambassadors and volunteers,” said SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns. “These are the people and organizations that contribute to making the Smith Mountain Lake region an
SML Regional Chamber of Commerce announces 2022 Leadership Academy class
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) announced today that 18 emerging business leaders have been accepted into its Leadership Academy for 2022. The 12-month program is designed to develop a diversified corps of informed, committed and qualified individuals who will assume leadership roles for Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania county organizations to meet the region’s future needs, according to SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns. “We are so excited to announce the class of
SML Regional Chamber to graduate inaugural Leadership Academy class
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today that 13 emerging business leaders will graduate from the organization’s inaugural Leadership Academy next month, and that applications are being accepted now for the 2022 class. According to Executive Director Andy Bruns, the 12-month program is designed to develop a diversified corps of informed, committed and qualified individuals who will assume leadership roles for Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania county organizations to meet
SML Regional Chamber announces 2021 Chili Festival winners
The team from Lake Haven Trailer Park claimed all three top prizes at the 18th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival, which took place Nov. 6 at Bridgewater Plaza. Lake Haven won first place for Best Chili in blind judging, which was conducted by a member panel on the stage at Mango’s Bar & Grill. They also won the Showmanship and People’s Choice awards, which are voted on by festival attendees, according to Erin Stanley, Events Director for the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber,
SML Business Expo Thrives at New Location
Nearly 500 Smith Mountain Lake residents and visitors engaged with local business professionals representing 83 companies at the 17th Annual SML Business Expo on Oct. 15. “It was a great success,” said Erin Stanley, Member Relations and Events Director for the SML Regional Chamber, which organizes the event. “The energy was incredible, and we had so many positive comments from attendees and vendors.” Free and open to the public, the Expo allowed exhibitors in a wide variety of industries to share
17th Smith Mountain Lake Business Expo set for Oct. 15
The Smith Mountain Lake Business Expo, a free event open to the public that will also serve as a mini job fair, will take place Oct. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. in the gymnasium at Eastlake Community Church. “The Expo is an amazing opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with more than 100 Smith Mountain Lake-area business professionals,” said Erin Stanley, Member Relations and Events Director for the SML Regional Chamber, which organizes the event. “They’re excited to share information on
Leadership and life purpose coach to speak at SML Chamber's Women's Night Out
Christine Kennedy, a Lynchburg-based leadership and life purpose coach, will be the featured speaker at the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 6th Annual Women’s Night Out on Oct. 27 at the Bernard’s Landing Clubhouse Pavilion. Kennedy, who also serves as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, will discuss key ways for women to find wellbeing in work and life. “Christine is a dynamic leader and speaker whose enthusiasm for
SML Chamber to host pirate-themed pancake breakfast July 17
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber (SMLRCC) will host a family-oriented pancake breakfast on July 17 in celebration of Pirate Days, a weekend of festivities planned at various locations on and off the lake. Pancakes with Pirates will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. at Mexico Viejo at Bridgewater Plaza. Volunteers dressed in pirate costumes will be flipping the flapjacks. Others dressed as pirates will be available for photos. Activities for kids will include face painting, balloon animals,
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Deadline approaching to enter $2,500 Smith Mountain Lake Getaway Sweepstakes
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – Response to the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce’s first $2,500 Getaway Sweepstakes has been strong and expected to grow substantially as the May 2 deadline approaches, organizers announced today. According to SMLRCC Interim Executive Director Cheryl Ward, the tourism initiative is designed to showcase Smith Mountain Lake to potential visitors and generate excitement for the upcoming tourism season. “We’ve had tremendous response so far to 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
