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| Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc | June 2010 |
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Ribbon Cutting Event!
Chilhowie Pizza Restaurant
Friday, July 2
11:00am
Come out to one of Smyth County's newest dining establishments and enjoy delicious pizza, hot subs, and more! |
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Find Us On
Facebook
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Have an Upcoming Event?
Contact the Chamber office to have your event included on our Community Events Calendar and website events listing.
276-783-3161
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Have News to Share with Chamber Members?
Contact the Chamber office to have your news posted in our next Newsletter.
276-783-3161
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 Winter Season Winners!
The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. is proud to announce the winners for the Seasons of Smyth County Photography Contest, Winter Season. Photos were submitted between January 1 and April 30 for the Winter Season deadline. With nearly 60 entries, the contest judges had a difficult time selecting a winner. First Place in the Winter Season contest went  to Nina Rizzo for her scenic photo titled "The Old Mill in Winter." Rizzo's photo was taken by Old Ebenezer Road in Marion. Kala Taylor Abel's photo "Abandoned," taken in Saltville, was the Second Place winner. Third Place was named to J.P. Graham for his "Whitetop Sunset" photo, taken overlooking Smyth County from the peak of Whitetop Mountain.  The Chamber would like to thank all participants for their entries, and encourage everyone to share their Spring Season photos in the next entry deadline on June 31. All entries will be included in the Seasons of Smyth County Photography book to be published in 2011. Contest winners will be specially featured in the book and receive a complimentary copy. Contest rules and forms are available at the Chamber office and online. For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce: 276-783-3161. |
 Spring Photo Deadline - June 30
There is still time to submit photos for the Spring Season Deadline of the Seasons of Smyth County Photography Contest. Photos and forms may be submitted by email to info@smythchamber.org or in person at the Chamber office, 214 West Main Street, Marion. Show off your skills and get your work published in the Seasons of Smyth County Photography Book, to be published in 2011. Seasonal winners will be specially featured in the book, with the Overall Winner being used for the cover! For more information contact the Chamber office: 276-783-3161. |
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 May Area Beautification Awarded to Riverfront Restaurant Restoration
Congratulations to Myrtle properties of Chilhowie for being named as the winner of the Area Beautification Award for the month of May. This family-owned property management group was responsible for the renovation of the Vance Hardware building on Main Street that now serves as home to the Riverfront Restaurant. The renovations not only add to the beauty of the historic district in Chilhowie, but have also helped to develop business.
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 Director's Corner
Take A Smyth County Stay-cation
The Virginia Tourism Corporation is celebrating 40 years of Virginia is For Lovers with their 40 Trips in 40 Weeks sweepstakes. One lucky winner received a vacation package themed as a Wilderness Road adventure in Smyth County. The package includes 7 nights accommodations in one of Hungry Mother State Park's beautiful mountainside cabins and tickets to Saltville's own Museum of the Middle Appalachians. The Chamber of Commerce has been working with VTC to organize an itinerary of other events and package deals for the winner and his guests.
Too often we hear the complaint from locals that there is "nothing to do" in Smyth County, but we would beg to differ with anyone who makes such judgements. The itinerary that we compiled for the week-long vacation package was an astonishing 11 pages in length! There are daily events at Hungry Mother State Park, museums, trails, outdoor recreation, educational activities, sports, shopping, and dining all right here in our very own community.
With budgets tight and travel costs high, the Chamber encourages you to consider taking a "stay-cation" this summer. Rediscover the fun adventures that Smyth County has to offer. Take a class at the Settlers' Museum, test your tastebuds at Davis Valley Winery, sample the produce at our Farmers' Markets, relax in the Wavepool, hike parts of the Appalachian Trail, or listen to local music at the Smyth County Jam. Whatever your idea of fun, there's something for everyone.
Need ideas for a Smyth County Stay-cation? Contact the Chamber office: 276-783-3161or info@smythchamber.org. |
 24th Annual Chili Championship
Marion Downtown is hosting the 24th Annual Chili Championship on July 16 as a part of the Downtown Days summer festival. The events Downtown are held in conjunction with the Hungry Mother Arts & Crafts Festival during the 3rd weekend of each July.
The Chamber of Commerce will once again compete for the prize in the Chili Cookoff. Be sure to stop by the "Big Green Tent" for a sample of Chamber Chili specially made by the Chili Team led by Cary Sauls.
The Chili Cookoff event begins at 6:00, with tasting at 8:00 and judging at 9:30. For more information about Downtown Days events contact Marion Downtown! at 276-783-4190.
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You-Link-Twit-Face Social Media Workshop - Coming Soon!
The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. is updating technology use by using social media, and we want to help you make the best use of these free online tools for your business! The Chamber is joining forces with the Virginia Department of Business Assistance to sponsor "You-Link-Twit-Face" a social media for business workshop. The workshop will be held at the Old Chilhowie High School and Library on Thursday, August 26. The workshop is FREE for Chamber members, $10 for non-members. For details contact the Chamber office: 276-783-3161. Follow the Chamber on Facebook. |
 Bike and Fish Day Events
The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2010 Bike Smyth County and Family Fish & Fun Day at Hungry Mother State Park on June 5.
The events were held during the Free Fishing Weekend in Virginia and no license was required, and the tournament had over 45 participants. The largest fish (2.7 lbs, 18" long) was caught by Randy Davis who received the Overall Trophy. After a drawing, numerous prizes were also presented to participants. Prizes included fishing poles, tackle box, shirts, cds, and more!
The Bike Smyth County participants had a choice of two routes, a Family Ride or an Advanced Ride. The Family Ride was about an 18 miles down Walkers Creek Road and Wassum Valley, then back to the park. The Advanced Riders proceeded onto Cleghorn Valley Road and came back to the park via Porter Valley Road for a total of over 30 miles! Prizes given to bike ride participants included bicycle accessories.
The Bike Smyth County events also included the First Annual Kids' Sprint Races for ages 3-12 years. There was a brief presentation about bike safety before the races began that stressed the importance of wearing a helmet and maintaining proper distance from other bikers. The participants also had a chance to be live on FM94 with announcer Henry Thomas. Prizes included bike accessories, t-shirts, and each participant received a treat bag.
The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Hungry Mother State Park and our sponsors New Peoples Bank, CenturyLink, and Wal-Mart for their continued support of this event. We look forward to working together in the future!
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 Elementary Farm Tours 2010
The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2010 Farm Tours. All of the Smyth County Elementary schools were involved and it was a great success.
We would also like to thank all of the farmers who helped organize and provide extra treats for the children. Locally milked and bottled Duchess Milk was provided by Dan Slemp and Joey Blankenship from Sugar Grove, Virginia.
The children toured the milking parlors, pet calves, get behind the wheel of a tractor, go on hayrides, and guzzle down some delicious milk with a snack. All of the teachers were given goodie bags with coloring books, pencils, and stickers to disperse among their students.
This annual event brings together local farmers, Chamber members and committees, and Smyth County Schools. It is a great opportunity for young students to learn about agriculture and how it is a part of all of our daily lives.
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 2010 Parade Lemonade
The Smyth County Courthouse was an impressive display of flags and crosses that encouraged our entire community to join in remembering our fallen troops this Memorial Day. The Chamber of Commerce once again participated with the VFW Memorial Day Parade activities by setting up a lemonade stand. This year we moved our tent downtown so that patrons could more easily access our free lemonade and information booth. Thanks to those who participated and also to those who dropped by for a refreshing drink!
To get involved in more community activities with the Chamber, please call 276-783-3161.
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 Saltville Salutes Local Industries
Palmer Avenue, in the middle of Saltville, was shut down for several hours on the afternoon of June 10 making room for Saltville' s Industry Appreciation Celebration. People came from all over Smyth County to visit business and industry information booths, test their taste buds with Cobia Farms fresh cooked fish, observe a product demonstration by Reline America, and enjoy a beautiful afternoon of music and fellowship in the Saltville Commons. The Chamber was there to support the event with an information tent, cold drinks, and giveaways. Saltville set a great example for supporting local business and industry that also served as an educational tool for the public. |
 MountainView Pediatrics Breaks Ground
Growth and development is in the works for MountainView Pediatrics as they broke ground at their newest facility on Monday, June 7, 2010. When the clinic opened in 2003, founded by Dr.. Rachel Rogers, there were only three employees. In the past seven years MountainView has grown to include three physicians, two nurse practitioners and twelve additional staff members. In its new location at 1200 North Main Street in Marion, MountainView Pediatrics will have nearly 10,000 square feet of office space which will include separate well and sick waiting areas and administrative offices, and will sixteen examination rooms. The development of the property includes renovating the existing home and a large addition that will compliment the original architecture.
With this expansion, MountainView Pediatrics hopes to broaden its services to bring more specialized pediatric care to the area. Dr. Rogers and her partner of six years, Dr. Amy Harden, as well as their newest physician, Dr. Henry Rance hope to provide a wide range of care for children and adolescents in Marion and the surrounding community. Completion of the new facility is expected to be December, 2010.
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CHAMBER CA$H!
Want to earn some extra "cash?"
Make the Most of your Chamber Membership: Help the Chamber to recruit new members and earn "Chamber Cash" for yourself! For each new individual member you refer you can earn $10 credit and for each business or organization $15. "Chamber Cash" can be used toward almost any Chamber function, from events to next year's membership!
For more information contact the Chamber office at 276-783-3161.
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| | Upcoming Events
June 25, 2010
Courthouse Square
12:00noon
ERIC ALBANO YOUTH SOCCER FOUNDATION LUAU
June 25, 2010
Hemlock Haven
5:00pm
GREAT AMERICAN BACKYARD CAMPOUT
June 26, 2010
Hungry Mother State Park
All Day!
SPRING PHOTO SUBMISSION DEADLINE
June 30, 2010
Chamber of Commerce Office
LUNCHTIME ON THE LAWN
July 2, 2010
Courthouse Square
12:00pm
CAR NUTS CAR CLUB SHOW
July 3, 2010
Warrior Park
8:00am-3:00pm
LITTLE SALTY'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
July 4, 2010
Museum of the Middle Appalachians
1:00pm-3:00pm MARION'S HOMETOWN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONJuly 4, 2010 MSHS Stadium
6:00pm-10:00pm
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT THE FREE CLINIC
July 8, 2010
Holston Hills Country Club
11:30am
LUNCHTIME ON THE LAWN
July 9, 2010
Courthouse Square
12:00pm
SECOND FRIDAY'S ARTWALK
July 9, 2010
Downtown Marion
5:00pm
LUNCHTIME ON THE LAWN
July 16, 2010
Courthouse Square
12:00pm
HUNGRY MOTHER ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
July 16-18
Hungry Mother State Park
All Day!
MARION'S DOWNTOWN DAYS FESTIVAL
July 16-18
Downtown Marion
All Day!
NINTH DISTRICT CONFERENCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS
July 19, 2010
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon
9:00am
LUNCHTIME ON THE LAWN
July 23, 2010
Courthouse Square
12:00pm
LUNCHTIME ON THE LAWN
July 30, 2010
Courthouse Square
12:00pm
CHRISTMAS IN JULY FESTIVAL
July 31, 2010
Chilhowie
All Day!
LET'S GO FISHING FOR A CURE
July 31, 2010
Hungry Mother State Park Boat Ramp
11:00am |
Contact the Chamber
Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc.
276.783.3161
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