Ribbons are being cut all across Smyth County and businesses celebrate grand openings and new development. on April 19 the Chamber and Marion Downtown visited the new Marion Massage Clinic, located on Iron Street, as they celebrated the opening of their new business.  The clinic owners are working to build their clientele and offer a variety of therapeutic services.  

The Chamber of Commerce invites the community to Save the Date for more celebrations coming soon.  On April 30 from 4-7pm, the DaVita Dialysis Clinic of Marion will host an Open House to showcase their new medical facility and services.  Royal Oak Pediatrics has moved to a new office location on Terrace Drive in Marion.  They are having a Ribbon Cutting event on May 10 at 12noon and an Open House on May 11 from 12-3pm.  Two years after tragedy struck, W-L Construction and Paving is celebrating the opening of their brand new office building.  The Chamber is helping them cut the ribbon on May 20 at 12noon.  Help these businesses celebrate and join us for these special events!

The LEAD Smyth County Team A is proud to present the 2013 Smyth County Volunteer Fair on Saturday, May 11 in Ferrell Hall at Hemlock Haven. The Volunteer Fair will provide an opportunity for community non-profits and service organizations to showcase their work.  Organizations do fantastic work, but face a shortage of volunteers. At the same time, many people have a desire to volunteer, but don't know where they are needed. The Volunteer Fair will bring the two groups together. Volunteers and would-be-volunteers will be able to explore opportunities and talk with representatives so they can find ways to serve their community.

The 2013 Smyth County Volunteer Fair is sponsored by the Smyth County Chamber of Commerce LEAD Smyth County class, a non-profit leadership initiative.  The Team consists of Scott Bowen, Michael Colston, Liz Hjort, and Brook Vernon.

If your organization would like to participate, please RSVP by Monday, May 6 email at Smythvolunteerfair@gmail.com or call the Chamber office: 276-783-3161.

Check out the 2013 Smyth County Volunteer Fair on Facebook!

SCYPP Gets Active With Partnerships

The Smyth County Young Professionals for Progress has already kicked off 2013 with their first Ca$h Mob of the year and events in coordination with other regional YP groups.  The group partnered with the Wythe-Bland YP and STAY Southwest to host a combined mixer event on April 10.  The event was held at the Wohlfhart Haus Dinner Theatre in Wytheville and featured guest speaker Abe Loper.  Additionally, SCYPP served as a sponsor for a regional Lead & Learn Workshop.  SCYPP also sent representatives to attend the workshop where the focus of the event was development of young community leadership. Other activities that SCYPP is working on are recruiting members through the 2013 Volunteer Fair and a May mixer to get organized for the Summer Concert Series.  Stay tuned for details or follow SCYPP on Facebook and join their mailing list!

The Karl's Kaleidoscope Mountain Bike Race, organized in memory of one of the original Bike Smyth County founders - Karl Kalber, will be held on Saturday, May 11. This event is a race that offers courses from beginner to expert and works to raise funds for a local charity.  2013 marks the second year for this annual race, and each year the prizes feature hand crafted artwork for the top placing riders.  For details and registration, check out Karl's Kaleidoscope online.

LEAD Smyth County 2013 Celebrates Graduation

The Chamber of Commerce was excited to bring this leadership development program back to Smyth County.  It has been 15 years since our last leadership training program graduated, and in 2012 we set the goal of getting LEAD Smyth County on its feet again.  A part of the Chamber's mission is to be a partner and a leader in our community for development, advancement, and civic leadership training.  Each of these goals are made a reality when we see the success that the participants of the LEAD Smyth County program have had during the past 8 months. The LEAD participants have been all over Smyth County to find out about ways that they can get involved and make a difference in the community.  The LEAD teams are developing community impact projects that are designed to be a catalyst for positive change in the Smyth County community.  Team A has chosen a project focusing on volunteerism and community activism, and Team B is developing an educational program for community pride. Each team member has had an integral part in developing the project and they presented their plans at the LEAD Graduation ceremony on April 23, 2013.  The Graduation Ceremony recognized the sponsors of the LEAD program and teh accomplishments of the LEAD Smyth County class of 2013.  The Chamber offers congratulations to each of our LEAD Teams for the outstanding work they have done on their projects.  Both projects are certain to have a significant impact on our community as they work to build awareness and connect people.

LEAD Team A Project: Smyth County Volunteer Fair 2013

LEAD Team B Project: Smyth County - Live Here. Play Here. 

SCALE is hosting the "Mother of all Home Parties" in honor of Mother's Day on Saturday, May 11.  The event will include a home party and craft show featuring representatives from Pampered Chef, Thirty-One, Nerium, and more.  There will also be booths from local crafters and opportunities to shop locally for that perfect Mother's Day gift.  The event will be held at Marion Baptist Church from 10am-3pm and will end with BINGO at 6pm.  There are chances to win prizes and a drawing for $1000 to honor SCALE's 25th anniversary.  All proceeds from the event will support SCALE programs in the Smyth County community.

SCALE Online

The VFW will sponsor its Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27 beginning at 10:00am.  The parade will run from the top of Main Street in Marion, by the Blue Ridge Job Corps campus to the bottom of the hill.  Spectators may view the parade along the Historic Downtown District. 

The Chamber of Commerce will continue our tradition of setting up a lemonade stand to help kick off summer.  Look for the Chamber's big green tent and stop by for FREE LEMONADE at the corner of Main and Broad.

VFW Post #4667 will also host a cookout and commemoration service at the Post on Goolsby Street in Marion.  The community is invited to this free event that will feature the music of Letters from Home: A Tribute to the Andrews Sisters.  The musical group will also perform at the Lincoln Theatre on Sunday, May 26 at 2:00pm.  

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. will honor Smyth County businesses and industries for their contributions to our community at the annual Business and Industry Appreciation Luncheon.  The luncheon will be held at the General Francis Marion Hotel and Conference Center from 12:00-1:00pm on Friday, June 7, 2013.  All Smyth County business and industry leaders are invited to attend.  We hope you will join us for Business Appreciation Week 2013 as we acknowledge local and regional efforts to Advance Workforce Excellence.

Our luncheon will recognize business and industry growth, entrepreneurial opportunities, and progress in Smyth County.  In additon, we will have a special presentation from Anita McGinnia, Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, who will discuss efforts among business leaders in our region to ensure that our workforce is competitive and prepared to face the challenges of developing technology.

Reserve Your Seats Today!

Family Fish & Fun Day - June 8

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County is once again teaming with Hungry Mother State park to host the Annual Family Fish & Fun Day.  These events are held each year in conjunction with Virginia's Free Fishing Days, and this year they will take place on Saturday, June 8.  The Free Fishing Days allow individuals to enjoy fishing the lakes and rivers of the Commonwealth without purchasing a license, and is promoted by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as a way to learn about fishing and boating, reconnect with family and friends, have an adventure, and get in touch in nature.  

Family Fish and Fun Day will begin with the Annual Carp Fishing Tournament at 8:00am.  The contest offers three age categories: 7 and under, 8-15, 16 and older.  Trophies are awarded for the largest fish in each age group and a special prize is given for the Overall Largest Fish.  All participants are eligible for door prize drawings.  Registration for the Tournament costs $2 per person and includes a free hot dog lunch.  All fish are weighed and measured by 12:00noon before lunch and the awards ceremony.  Registration, lunch, and awards will be located behind The Restaurant at Hungry Mother, but fishing is open on the whole lake.  This event is fun for the whole family!  For details, contact the Chamber office: 276-783-3161. 

Check out the Event Page online!

"There's nothing to do around here." It's a refrain heard not only locally, but in every community in America at one time or another. But Marion is working to change that. Last year, the Town of Marion partnered with Marion Downtown and the newly-formed Smyth County Young Professionals for Progress group to bring live music to the Marion Farmers Market as part of the town's ArtWalk. This year, the partnership is bringing five new bands to the Market Stage, each with their own blend of tunes. The Marion Summer Concert Series is set for the second Friday night of each month at the Marion Farmers Market with concerts beginning at 8pm.  The Smyth County Young Professionals for Progress group offers food and beverage concessions at the concert. The concerts are free and open to the public. Photo ID is required to purchase alcohol.

June 14 - Wise Old River

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County partnered with the Upper Tennessee River Roundtable to host Spring Clean Up Week 2013.  This year the celebration occurred during the week of April 22-27, kicking off the week with Earth Day and wrapping up with Arbor Day and a special community project. Spring Clean Up Week involved a challenge for our local schools to be involved in the Elementary School Phone Book Recycling Contest and Clean Campus Challenge for Smyth County's Middle and High Schools.

Additionally, the Chamber hosted a River Clean Up Project on Saturday, April 27. The event was planned to encourage members of the community to come together for a fun project to keep our river clean, our community beautiful, and our citizens mindful.   The River Clean Up Project took place at Riverbend Park in Marion.  Even with rain in the forecast, more than 20 volunteers came out.  They picked up everything from fishing line and broken glass to metal and diapers.  One volunteer noted that an old Pepsi can she found had the old style peel back lid.  She stated, "It proves that trash doesn't just go away.  It stays, forever!"  The volunteers were excited to make a difference and collected more than a dozen bags of trash.  

Each year, the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. seeks nominations for our Children First Award.  This award is given annually to an individual who has made a positive impact on the students of Smyth County's schools.  The individual may be a teacher, administrator, school nurse, guidance counselor, media specialist, administrative assistant, custodian, bus driver, cafeteria employee, maintenance employee, volunteer, or any other person who has made a noteworthy contribution to the education and well-being of Smyth County Students.  The children of Smyth County are the future of our community, and we must all work together to ensure their success.  Help us recognize the efforts of someone who is making our future brighter by leading the way for Smyth County's children!

 Nomination Form

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County brought Sandy Ratliff back to share her knowledge of iPad technology and business tips.  Ratliff is a representative of the Virginia Department of Business Assistance who works with entrepreneurs, business owners, and community organizations to help ensure that they are making the most of the resources available.  Her expertise with iPad technology was shared at the iPad for Business workshop, held on April 25 at the General Francis Marion Hotel.  She shared tips on how individuals can use their iPads for running a business as well as making life a bit faster & easier. The workshop was designed for professionals, independent business owners, and folks who just want an easier option to connect and integrate technology. It offered the latest updates on tips tricks and the best in affordable apps with a hands-on, interactive experience.  Participants brought their own iPads and were able to explore and download the best applications and get started organizing their personal and professional lives.  With nearly 30 in attendance, this workshop is in high demand across the region and the state.  

The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a follow-up workshop, iPad Specifics, on July 11.  This workshop is the second of Ratliff's series and is designed for users to take their iPad technology to the next level.  The workshop will be held from 9:00am-12:00noon at the General Francis Marion Hotel and Conference Center in Marion. The fee for the workshop is $10 per person and includes a catered lunch. Registration is open and available by contacting the Chamber of Commerce office at 276-783-3161.

Register Online for iPad Specifics! 

Ca$h Mob Hits The Herb House 

Ca$h Mob's have been held in Marion, Chilhowie, and Saltville, hitting businesses that are locally owned and operated.  The Ca$h Mob project seeks to recognize the contributions of local entrepreneurs and drive support for "Shop Local" efforts.
The first Ca$h Mob of the year was held on Thursday, April 4 at the Herb House Trading Company in Downtown Marion.  SCYPP encouraged mobbers to bring friends, family, and money to spend at this family-friendly location.  The mob planned to meet outside at the Herb House community fence, but the weather brought a change of plans and mobbers made their way immediately into the store. Despite the ice storm, the Ca$h Mob was able to draw more than 30 participants to the event with many spending more than the suggested $10.  Several of mobbers were familiar with the Herb House and their local fare, but most were first-time visitors impressed with the variety of products and services offered in the unique venue.  The Herb House Trading Company is a "community-based" business with a focus on locally made art, crafts, and foods.  The business also offers art workshops, paint your own pottery, and discussion groups to support idea development. 
The Ca$h Mob events are publicized through social media, using the Smyth County Young Professionals for Progress Facebook page to list details about the event. The next Ca$h Mob is being planned for the early summer.
For more information about Ca$h Mobs in Smyth County, contact the Chamber of Commerce office: 276-783-3161, or check out SCYPP online.

The HealthiBonz Challenge is hosting the First Annual HealthiBonz Community Feista on Saturday, May 4 at Holston Hills Community Golf Course.  The event will feature exhibitors, a 5k run, and a 1k walk to promote community health, preparedness, and wellness.  The run begins at 7:30am with awards, breakfast, and fiesta to follow.  

Organizations are invited to participate as exhibitors and may contact Ken Little for details.   

On April 4, 2013, the Marion Downtown Revitalization Association was honored by the Virginia Downtown Development Association with an Award of Excellence in Business Development, Promotions and Marketing for their unique "Pop Up Marion" small business program and their innovative "Small Business Boot Camp".

"We are so honored that our colleagues from across the Commonwealth have selected our town and our program for this prestigious award," said Ken Heath, Marion's Director of Economic and Community Development and Downtown Director.  "The Pop Up Marion Program and Small Business Boot Camp bring together all the tools necessary for entrepreneurs in a creative new way, and we are tickled pink at the success it's brought to the class participants, the new businesses, and especially the new jobs it has brought to our community.  We're happy that the program is being adapted and reused in other towns across Virginia and the US - and we're so proud that it all started right here in Marion! Our hats are off to all our partners - the Town of Marion, the Virginia Main Street Program,  the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, People Inc., and Wells Fargo for making this a success in creating opportunity here at home."

The Annual Awards of Excellence program recognizes and encourages excellence in historic downtown revitalization throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Awards of Excellence are presented to showcase the achievements of organizations, individuals, and government in meeting the challenges of downtown management and revitalization.

For more information about the Business Bootcamp program contact Ken Heath at 276-783-4190.