Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce

10/31/2025

The Scariest Thing This Halloween...👻

It's not what’s lurking in the dark — it’s missing your chance to be seen in the 2026 Smith Mountain Lake Visitors Guide!

Don’t let your business disappear from the places visitors look first. The Visitors Guide is distributed year-round in print, online, and at major tourism touchpoints — helping your business reach thousands of visitors and potential customers planning their trips to Smith Mountain Lake.

Here's why:

- Year-long exposure to visitors, residents, and newcomers
- Featured both in print and digital formats
- Distributed through visitor centers, lodging partners, and key regional locations
- Direct access to an engaged audience looking for places to stay, shop, dine, and explore

Reserve your ad today and make sure your business shines — not vanishes!

👉 Contact Erin Stanley today at (540) 721-1203 or [email protected] to reserve your ad space before it’s too late.

10/31/2025

What a night in Rocky Mount! 👻🎃

We had such a blast at last night’s Trunk or Treat hosted by the Rocky Mount Police Department and Rocky Mount Fire Department! The energy was incredible - with nearly 2,000 kids lined up down the street in costumes, collecting candy, and celebrating safely with their families. 🚓🚒🍬

A huge thank-you to our amazing community partners for organizing such a fun and family-friendly event. We also want to give special shoutouts to some of our good friends and Chamber Members who joined in on the fun:

⭐ Community Partnership of Rocky Mount
⭐ Holland Perdue - Rocky Mount Mayor
⭐ Ridge View Bank
⭐ Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital
⭐ Member One
⭐ Visit Franklin County, Virginia
⭐ Town of Rocky Mount, Virginia
⭐ Healing Strides
⭐ Franklin County Family Resource Center
⭐ Tri-Area Community Health
⭐ United Way of Franklin County
⭐ B99.9 - Southern Virginia's Country Station
⭐ Standing Watch - Office of the Sheriff, Franklin County, Va
⭐ Rocky Mount Health and Rehabilitation Center
⭐ SML YMCA of Franklin County, VA
⭐ Franklin County Family YMCA

Events like this perfectly capture what makes Franklin County so special — neighbors coming together, smiling kids, and community pride shining bright. 💛

10/31/2025

It’s almost here! Chamber Members — join us in November for an exciting evening of connection, celebration, and community at the Ribbon Cutting & Chamber Mixer at Kaleidoscope: The Gathering Place! 🌈✨

Come explore this vibrant new space, meet the team behind it, and enjoy a fun evening of networking with fellow Chamber Members over great food and conversation.

📅 Thursday, November 20th
⏰ 5–7 PM
📍 2500 Hardy Rd., Hardy, VA 24101

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate a colorful new addition to our business community and connect with your fellow members! Chamber Mixers are one of the many great benefits of joining the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Not a member yet? Contact Erin Stanley for a guest pass and membership info:
(540) 721-1203, [email protected]

10/29/2025

We had the pleasure of attending Jen Rowland’s Chasing Wide Open Book Launch yesterday evening at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah in Lynchburg - and we couldn’t be more proud of our friend! Jen’s passion, authenticity, and message about stepping into courage and purpose truly resonated with everyone in the room.💛

If you weren’t able to make it to last night’s event, there’s still another chance to celebrate with Jen! 🎉

📍 Rocky Mount Event
🗓️ Thursday, November 13, 2025
⏰ 5:30 – 7:30 PM
📌 Olde Towne Social House - 335 S. Main St., Rocky Mount, VA

Come connect, be inspired, and join us in cheering on a local author who continues to make a meaningful impact in our community. ✨

Photos by Christine Kennedy

10/29/2025

Introducing our newest Member:

VA Tech Support

10/29/2025

Coming up soon, Chamber Members — and we need your input!💡

As we prepare for the 2026 Franklin County Connects schedule, we’re inviting our business community to share ideas for next year’s lineup. What topics, speakers, or challenges would you like to see featured in future sessions?

Your feedback will help us shape another year of engaging, practical, and inspiring conversations designed to help local businesses grow and thrive.

Join us for our November Franklin County Connects meeting and be part of the discussion that helps guide the year ahead!

📅 Date: Wednesday, November 12th
📍 Location: The Franklin Center, 50 Claiborne Ave, Rocky Mount

🕒 Schedule:
8:30–9:00 AM — Mingling & networking
9:00–10:00 AM — Strategic Planning Session

Franklin County Connects meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month, offering valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and elevate your business strategy. Don’t miss this one — your ideas can help shape what’s next!

🌟 Not a member yet? Contact Erin Stanley for a guest pass and more information on joining the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce: (540) 721-1203, [email protected]

10/28/2025

We had a wonderful time celebrating the Ribbon Cutting for Salon Brielle today!‍✨

Our Chamber family gathered at 1123 Celebration Ave, Suite 104B, Moneta to welcome this talented team and toast their exciting new chapter in the Smith Mountain Lake community. Known for their warm atmosphere, personalized service, and passion for helping clients feel their best, Salon Brielle brings creativity and care to every appointment. 💕

A huge thank-you to our Chamber Ambassadors Michelle Crumpacker, Susan Balderson, and Tina Johnson, and Board Member Nicole Johnson for helping us celebrate this milestone. We’re so proud to support Salon Brielle as they bring style, confidence, and a fresh new energy to the lake!

10/28/2025

Renewal by Andersen of Roanoke is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the 2025 Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili & Craft Festival! 🌶️🔥

As a trusted name in window and door replacement, Renewal by Andersen helps homeowners bring comfort, efficiency, and beauty to their homes — values that align perfectly with the spirit of community and craftsmanship celebrated at this beloved SML tradition. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service makes them the perfect partner for an event that brings people together to celebrate local flavor, creativity, and connection.

Join us Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Bridgewater Plaza for a day filled with bold chili flavors, live music, local craft vendors, and lakeside fun — all made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors like Renewal by Andersen.

📍 Bridgewater Plaza
🗓️ Saturday, November 8

We’re grateful to Renewal by Andersen of Roanoke for their support of the Chamber and continued investment in the Smith Mountain Lake community.

10/28/2025

Testimonial Tuesday!🎓
Leadership Academy 2026 Registration is Open!

Hear from one of this year’s participants, Will Dubuisson, Program Manager for Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County, as he shares his experience in the Smith Mountain Lake Leadership Academy and how it’s shaping his leadership journey.

Having lived and worked around the world — from Dubai to Alaska to Australia — Will brings a global perspective to his work in community development. Since joining Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County in 2022, he’s been dedicated to expanding the organization’s local impact and strengthening community connections.

🎥 Watch his testimonial below to hear how the Academy is helping him lead with purpose and vision — and why you should apply for the 2026 class!

👉 Apply here: https://www.visitsmithmountainlake.com/leadership-academy/

📩 Questions? Contact Baylie Kelley at [email protected]

10/27/2025

It’s happening TOMORROW! ✂️✨

Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of Salon Brielle with their official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

📅 TOMORROW – Monday, October 28
⏰11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 1123 Celebration Ave, Suite 104B, Moneta, VA 24121

Come meet the talented team, tour their stunning new space, and help us give Salon Brielle the warm Smith Mountain Lake Chamber welcome they deserve. 💛

Ribbon Cutting for Salon Brielle on October 28 from 11:30a-1p

10/27/2025

We’re proud to recognize Rock Outdoors as a 2025 Bronze Chamber Champion!

Serving outdoor enthusiasts across the Smith Mountain Lake region, Rock Outdoors is your trusted source for high-quality gear, apparel, and adventure essentials. Whether you’re out on the water, exploring the trails, or just living your best lake life, their team is passionate about helping you get outside and make the most of every adventure.

Thank you, Rock Outdoors, for your continued support of the Chamber and for encouraging our community to explore, connect, and live boldly!

Learn more at: business.visitsmithmountainlake.com/list/member/rock-outdoors-14416

🌟 Chamber Champion support provides a critical source of income that enables the Chamber to sustain operations, provide services to members, promote tourism, and manage our state-certified Visitor Center. This program features three levels of investment—Gold, Silver & Bronze.

Interested in becoming a Chamber Champion for 2026?
Contact Erin Stanley at (540) 721-1203 or [email protected]

10/25/2025

We’re just 2 weeks away! The 2025 SML Fall Chili & Craft Festival presented by Kevin Ferrell Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance , is almost here — and we can’t wait!🔥

📅 Saturday, November 8, 2025
📍 Bridgewater Plaza

Get ready to warm up your fall with bold chili flavors, local makers, and lakeside fun at one of Smith Mountain Lake’s favorite annual traditions.

What to Expect:

🌶️Gates open at 11 AM
🌶️Chili tastings & voting from 12–2 PM (People’s Choice, Showmanship & Best Chili Awards)
🌶️Craft vendors & live music from 11 AM – 4 PM
🌶️Awards announced at 3:30 PM

⭐ Tickets: $10 (sold at the gate, cash or credit accepted)

A big thank-you to our generous sponsors who make this event possible:

Presenting Sponsor: Kevin Ferrell, Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance
Platinum Sponsor: Melvin's Farm to Fork(providing 10lbs of beef for chili teams!)
Gold Sponsor: Renewal by Andersen of Roanoke
Supporting Sponsors: Mango's Bar & Grill, Sounddawgs Production LLC, Smith Mountain Eagle, and Bank of Botetourt

🚗 Parking at Bridgewater is limited; free overflow parking and shuttle service will be available at Ecumenical Trinity Church.

Invite your friends, bring your appetite, and join us in just 3 weeks to help crown this year’s chili champion! 🍲