2026 SML Songwriters Festival
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Save the Date: 2026 SML Songwriters FestivalJune 11–14, 2026 | Smith Mountain Lake, VA The SML Songwriters Festival returns June 11–14, 2026, bringing four days of live music to the heart of Smith Mountain Lake. From scenic lakeside stages to beloved local venues, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience exceptional songwriting in an intimate and inspiring setting. Each year, the festival features an impressive lineup of songwriters—many of whom travel from
Going Paperless in Smith Mountain Lake: A Local Business Guide to Streamlined Success
In Smith Mountain Lake, many local businesses are discovering that the path to sustainability doesn’t just mean protecting the water and trees — it also means protecting the bottom line. Going paperless can seem daunting at first, but it’s more about rethinking processes than eliminating paper overnight. From digital invoices to secure e-signatures, the shift helps local companies save money, reclaim time, and modernize operations. TL;DR Switching to paperless operations means: Lower costs (less
Safe Growth: Practical Risk Management for Virginia Entrepreneur
Founders in Smith Mountain Lake are known for their ingenuity and optimism. Whether you run a lakeside restaurant, charter service, or real estate venture, growth here means navigating both opportunity and uncertainty. Smart founders don’t avoid risk — they architect around it. Explore your region’s trends through theSmith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber’s tourism hub, which offers seasonal insights and small business programs designed to help owners stabilize revenue and build long-term
A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Legal Risk Management and Asset Protection
Running a small business involves more than delivering great products or services—it’s also about reducing exposure to legal risk. From clearly written contracts to solid insurance and internal compliance practices, every preventive step helps you stay secure and resilient. This article outlines key strategies to help small business owners protect their assets, employees, and reputation while remaining agile in today’s regulatory environment. Clarify Agreements Through Strong Contracts Contracts are
How to Start a Business in Your Community: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Local Success
Starting a business in your community is one of the most rewarding ways to create economic growth, personal independence, and lasting local impact. Whether you dream of opening a café, launching a digital agency, or running a home-based service, the process involves careful planning, legal compliance, and community connection. TL;DR To successfully start a business in your community: Research your market and legal requirements. Prepare a solid business plan. Choose a business structure
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
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
SML Regional Chamber crowns Fall Classic Golf Tournament Winners
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
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
FRANKLIN COUNTY RECOGNIZED AS A NATIONAL TOP TEN LEADER OF TECHNOLOGY
Rocky Mount, Virginia --- Franklin County officials announced today that the County has placed fourth in the nation in the Annual Digital Counties Survey for communities with a population less than 150,000. Franklin County, at a population of roughly 55,000, competes with counties across America that are up to three times its size for this honor. This is the thirteenth year the County has placed in the nation's top ten annual ranking which recognizes counties that are leading the way in using information
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
