Registration now open for 2021 SML Business Expo
Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce officials today announced sponsorship and registration has opened for the 17th Smith Mountain Lake Business Expo, which will take place Friday, Oct. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. in the gymnasium at Eastlake Community Church. This will be the first year Eastlake Community Church will serve as the event’s venue, said Erin Stanley, Member Relations and Events Director for the Chamber. “This indoor gymnasium is an ideal space for the Expo. It offers plenty of
Officials reschedule Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today announced it will reschedule its 32nd annual wine festival due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the region and across the country. “This is the absolute last thing we wanted to do,” said SMLRCC Executive Director Andy Bruns, “but all of the data concerning infection rates and hospitalizations points to the fact that it’s the responsible thing to do. In the past month, cases per 100,000 people were up 639 percent in Bedford
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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Winner announced in $2,500 Smith Mountain Lake Getaway Sweepstakes
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced the winner of its first $2,500 Getaway Sweepstakes, a two-month marketing initiative designed to showcase the lake region to potential visitors and generate excitement for the upcoming tourism season. According to SMLRCC Interim Executive Director Cheryl Ward, James S. of Millers Creek, North Carolina, had his name drawn at random from the 5,861 eligible entries. He will receive $2,500 worth of prizes
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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
SML Chamber to host inaugural Restaurant Week at Smith Mountain Lake
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today it is organizing the first SML Restaurant Week, which will take place April 19-May 1. Throughout the week, diners may visit participating restaurants offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert specials at four different price points: $5, $10, $20 and $30. “The Chamber is excited to bring the first Restaurant Week to the greater Smith Mountain Lake community,” said Erin Stanley, SMLRCC Member Relations
SML Regional Chamber Announces 2021 Ambassador Council
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – Twelve members of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce have been selected to serve as ambassadors for the organization for 2021. “Ambassadors are critical to the operations of the Chamber,” said Erin Stanley, SMLRCC Member Relations and Events Director. “In addition to helping to organize networking events, ribbon cuttings and other events, ambassadors assist with membership retention, welcome new businesses, oversee a group of members, and maintain a visible
SML Regional Chamber Honors Business and Community Leaders
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – Outstanding area businesses and community advocates were honored by the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce during a presentation on March 11 at the SML YMCA that was also broadcast online. “Congratulations to the winners, as well as the finalists in each category,” said Cheryl Ward, SMLRCC Interim Executive Director. “The past year has been extremely challenging and these leaders stepped up in big ways. They are truly making a significant impact on not only
SML Regional Chamber Releases 2021 Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Guide
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce officials unveiled the 2021 version of the Smith Mountain Lake Newcomer and Visitor Guide, a comprehensive publication used year-round to promote business and tourism. “This beautiful, full-color magazine offers the most extensive information on Smith Mountain Lake out there,” said SMLRCC Interim Executive Cheryl Ward during a presentation on March 11 at the SML YMCA that also honored the organization’s annual award winners.
SML Chamber Names New Member Relations and Events Manager
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today announced Erin Stanley will join the organization as its member relations and events manager on March 1. “We are very excited to welcome Erin to the team in a time when she is needed most,” said SMLRCC Executive Director Christopher Finley. “She comes to the Chamber with 13 years of experience in account management and valuable expertise in marketing and branding that will truly benefit our members as
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SML Chamber launches $2,500 Smith Mountain Lake Getaway Sweepstakes
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today it has launched a contest to market the region as a tourist destination in surrounding markets. The Smith Mountain Lake Getaway Sweepstakes will offer one lucky winner more than $2,500 in prizes, including accommodations, boat rental and restaurant gift certificates. “This new initiative is designed to showcase the best of Smith Mountain Lake to potential visitors and generate excitement for the upcoming
Chamber sets record-breaking 2021 Chamber Champions program
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today announced a record-breaking number of participants and investment in its 2021 Chamber Champions program, a sponsorship investment platform offering local businesses year-round marketing exposure and a variety of value-added enhanced member benefits. “The Champions platform offers participants efficient use of marketing dollars through a wide range of digital tools, web presence and community support recognition,” said SMLRCC Executive
Chamber Announces New 2021 Chairman and Board
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today named Zach Wimmer as Chairman and announced the 2021 Board of Directors that will lead the organization in its mission of promoting tourism and growing business for its members and the community. "I’m looking forward to working with the entire board and the Chamber’s staff as we continue to serve our members and the Smith Mountain Lake community and three surrounding counties,” stated Wimmer. Wimmer has
Chamber Welcomes 14 Professionals to Inaugural Leadership Academy
Chamber Welcomes 14 Professionals to Inaugural Leadership Academy SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) welcomed 14 professionals in its inaugural Smith Mountain Lake (SML) Leadership Academy, a 12-month program designed to educate, connect, and inspire existing and emerging community leaders. The SML Leadership Academy kicked off on Jan. 6 at The Franklin Center for Advanced Learning and Enterprise in Rocky Mount and featured a half-day
Chamber Releases 2021 Public Policy Agenda
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today released its 2021 Public Policy Agenda outlining the Chamber’s legislative priorities on issues important to businesses and the advancement of the greater Smith Mountain Lake region. The Public Policy Agenda, approved by the Chamber’s 18-member Board of Directors, is established annually by the Governmental Affairs Committee, which is comprised of 12 volunteer community leaders along with SMLRCC staff,
Smith Mountain Lake Leadership Academy Announced
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced the launch of its inaugural Smith Mountain Lake Leadership Academy, a 12-month program designed to educate emerging leaders and help shape the future of Smith Mountain Lake. The Smith Mountain Lake Leadership Academy is structured to offer participants the opportunity to meet and learn from this area’s most prominent leaders from a variety of business sectors, according to Christopher Finley, executive
Chamber Announces SML Drive-In Concert
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today announced plans for a SML Drive-In Concert at Eastlake Community Church on Oct. 23. The SML Drive-In Concert, presented by Xfinity, will be headlined by Liquid Pleasure and will feature Jo Jo Stockton & SOLACUSTIX as the opening act. Tickets will be sold in the form of a group car pass. Each car will purchase just one ticket, good for a maximum of four (4) people per car. Gates open at 4 p.m. with 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
New Visit Smith Mountain Lake Travel Blog
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) announced the launch of a new Visit Smith Mountain Lake travel blog, a monthly forum that will feature unique local experiences, upcoming events, and more about Smith Mountain Lake. The new Visit Smith Mountain Lake travel blog is available online at https://www.visitsmithmountainlake.com/blog/. “Our goal is for the blog to engage visitors and offer readers a peak into our world-class historical sites, unique
Smith Mountain Lake Invitational Golf Tournament Winners Announced
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia –The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) welcomed 112 participants in the annual Smith Mountain Lake Invitational Golf Tournament on Friday, August 28, at The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Hardy. “There were 28 teams represented at the Smith Mountain Lake Invitational and the tournament was a great opportunity for members to network, have fun and grow their business,” stated Christopher Finley, executive director. “Congratulations to winning teams
Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Unveils Newest LOVEwork
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Virginia – The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce (SMLRCC) today unveiled a new LOVE artwork, now on display at the Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center located at Bridgewater Plaza, a popular tourist destination in Moneta. The LOVEworks program is a state-wide branding initiative designed to promote travel in Virginia and strengthen awareness of the “Virginia is for Lovers” message. The new Smith Mountain Lake LOVEwork is one of more than 200+ LOVE letters, including
