How to Market Smart When Money’s Tight
A tight budget doesn’t mean small impact. It just means the strategy has to hit harder, faster, and cleaner. Big campaigns might dominate headlines, but it’s often the lean moves — the unexpected partnerships, the reused assets, the hyper-local trust — that drive results for small businesses. Attention isn’t bought; it’s earned through rhythm, clarity, and intent. Tools exist. So do tactics that don’t cost a dime. What matters is how they’re combined, timed, and owned. Know Who You’re Talking ToBefore
New Magazine Honors Veterans and Local Businesses
"We’re creating space for stories that deserve to be told and giving local businesses a meaningful way to show their support.” A powerful new print and digital magazine is launching in Virginia with a mission to honor Veterans, elevate their stories, and connect them with businesses that proudly support them. Veteran Voices Magazine, or V²M, will publish every other month beginning with an inaugural edition in August 2025, and regular publishing beginning January 2026, with free distribution across key
You Don’t Need a Budget to Be More Inclusive
Inclusivity isn’t a department. It’s not a special project or a quarterly KPI. It’s the set of decisions you make when no one’s looking—the font you chose on your receipts, the lighting in your shop, the caption you added to that video reel. If you’ve ever paused and thought, “I’d love to do more, but it sounds expensive,” this is for you. Accessibility doesn’t have to be disruptive—it can start with one quiet decision at a time.Start where you stand You don’t need a grant or a blueprint to begin. Most
News Release: 6/25/2025
Neora’s New Game-Changer “Neo Filler” Launches at Smith Mountain Lake as Brand Sees Explosive GrowthSmith Mountain Lake, VA — Alicia Hodges, Founding Member and Area Marketing Director for Neora in the Smith Mountain Lake region, is proud to announce the launch of Neo Filler, Neora’s revolutionary new “Lift & Fill Corrective Elixir” that is already turning heads in the beauty and wellness industry. Backed by cutting-edge clean science, Neo Filler delivers visible results in just 30 seconds a day—training
How Immigrant Entrepreneurs Navigate the Unwritten Rules of Business
Starting a business is never a simple pursuit, but for immigrant entrepreneurs, it’s often like building a house on unfamiliar land without a blueprint. The hurdles are real, yet frequently unspoken—cultural nuances, legal gray zones, and financial blind spots that don’t show up in traditional how-to guides. Despite these setbacks, immigrants remain one of the most vibrant forces in entrepreneurship worldwide, bringing with them a resilience and creativity sharpened by necessity. Their stories are rarely
Personal trainer joins staff at Body Shoppe Fitness
Heather Booth, a certified personal trainer, has joined Body Shoppe Fitness + AllCore360°, a private personal training studio at Westlake Corner. “Heather is passionate, knowledgeable and eager to help clients achieve their wellness goals,” said Tracy Sisson, the company’s owner and a certified personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist and health coach. “With four personal trainers on board, even more lake-area residents can benefit from personal training, small group sessions and the
Changes Surrounding the CTA, BOI and FinCEN: Guidance for Moneta, VA SBOs
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
Fall Classic Golf Tournament winners crowned
The foursome representing Mariners Landing took home top honors in the third Smith Mountain Lake Fall Classic Golf Tournament, which took place Oct. 11 at Mariners Landing Country Club. Hal Clary, Will Clary, Jeff Scott and Roger Webber shot 53 to beat out 27 other teams in the 18-hole Captain’s Choice event. Thomas Meeks, Jay Prillaman, Jay Childress and Landon Prillaman of Gerdeau finished second.“We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day,” said Erin Stanley, MembEr Relations and Events Director for
Mastering the Moment: Knowing When and How to Let a Worker Go
In the dynamic world of business, managing a team is akin to navigating a ship through turbulent waters. The blend of rewarding milestones and challenging decisions defines the journey. Among these challenges, one of the most daunting is knowing when it’s time to let go of an employee or contractor. This decision is never easy, but it’s crucial for sustaining a productive and positive work environment. In this guide, we’ll delve into the key indicators and processes that can help you confidently navigate
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
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
