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| Chamber of Commerce of
Smyth County, Inc |
March
2010 | |
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Welcome Our Newest Members!
Jason Atwell
Individual
Jeff Cassell
Individual |
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Ribbon Cutting at New Riverfront Restaurant
Location
Thursday
April 1
10:30am
Main Street, Chilhowie |
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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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Comcast
Offers Business
Services
Comcast is offering Business Class Voice, Internet, and
TV packages at discounted rates and with 24/7 service and
support.
Contact:
Jason Spina
Local Comcast Business Service Representative
423-791-2565 |
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Appalachian Power Presentations
Offered
Appalachain Power has more than 30 trained speakers that
can present programs to your club or organization.
Current topics include:
When the Lights Go Out
and
Watt, Why, and How
Programs can be customized to suit your audience.
Contact:
_________________ | |
 Entrepreneur Express Works for
Smyth County Businesses
Thursday, March 18 was a great success for small
business owners in Smyth County.
Nearly 30 business owners and entrepreneurs
attended as the Chamber of Commerce hosted the 4th
Annual Entrepreneur Express Workshop at the Smyth Career
and Technology Center in Seven Mile Ford. The
Chamber worked alongside Smyth County Economic
Development and the Virginia Department of Business
Assistance to provide a program with more than 7
presenters providing information about starting a
business, using effective marketing strategies, and
financial planning. Refreshments and a delicious
plated lunch were made by the Culinary Arts students at
SCTC, courtesy of Wachovia Bank.
Sandy Ratliff, creator of the Entrepreneur Express
program, will provide one-on-one follow up sessions for
small businesses on April 2 and 27 at the Chamber
office. For details, call the Chamber:
276-783-3161.
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 Chamber Joins Social Media
Network
The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. is
updating technology use by joining the social media
network of Facebook. Find
us online and become a Fan! We will use
Facebook as another medium for posting information and
events invitations.
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 Networking Breakfast a
Success
St. Patrick's Day was lucky for Smyth County as
more than 60 local business professionals and community
leaders gathered for the Chamber of Commerce's first
quarter Networking Breakfast. The event was held
on Wednesday, March 17 at the General Francis Marion
Hotel, Conference Center in Marion. Guests enjoyed
a breakfast of waffle bites, mini quiche, and fruit as
they built their professional networks. Each
business or organization gave a 30 second "commercial"
to tell the group about their newest developments.
Danielle Hatfield of the General Francis Marion Hotel
was invited to share with the group some of the
developments that she is working on, including using
social media and a monthly luncheon program designed to
attract various audiences. The luncheon program
will kick off on April 21 with an Administrative
Professionals luncheon event.
The Chamber hosts Networking Breakfasts each
quarter as a free event open to both members and
non-members. For information about future events,
contact the Chamber office: 276-783-3161.
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 Director's
Corner
We're finally experiencing warmer weather and
seeing signs of Spring all around. Jonquils are
blooming and people are spending more time
outdoors. Spring time is a great time for renewal,
thanks, and "springing" into action.
Renew your Chamber membership today and invite a
friend to join the fun. Be sure to take advantage
of the Chamber Ca$h incentive program and refer new
members to join!
Give thanks to the administrative professionals in
your office for their hard work throughout the
year. Give them special recognition or treat them
to a luncheon on April 21 in honor of Administrative
Professionals Day.
Spring into action by getting involved in your
community. Join a Chamber Committee and lead
others in making a difference for Smyth County.
Enjoy the warm weather and spruce up your home or
business for Area Beautification and Spring Clean
Up. Step out in the warm weather to participate in
community events such as Easter Egg Hunts, Farmer's
Markets, and Artwalk 2010.
Remember, the Chamber of Commerce is here to
support you and the Smyth County community as we go into
full swing with our many activities.
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 Artisan Trails are
Coming
Artisan Trails are coming to Smyth County!
The 'Round the Mountain Trail
Development Team has been hard at work to recruit
artists, galleries, craft venues, and unique lodging and
restaurants to join the Smyth County Trail. The
Chamber is serving as a host for an informational
session on Tuesday, March 30 from 10am until 2pm.
Additional sessions will be held at the Black
Rooster Gallery from 2-5pm this week. Help will be
on hand to answer questions and to assist participants
in signing up to join 'Round the Mountain and the Smyth
County Trail. The Trail will be part of the 'Round the Mountain
trail system that covers 19 counties in Southwest
Virginia. The Heartwood Artisan Gateway, currently
under construction in Abingdon, will serve as the lead
connection point for 'Round the Mountain trails.
As a neighboring county, Smyth County expects to have a
great advantage in drawing visitors to our trail.
For details about 'Round the Mountain in Smyth
County, contact the Chamber of Commerce:
276-783-3161.
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 Chamber Sponsors "Introduction
to Exporting" Seminar
The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, along with
Smyth County Economic Development, is sponsoring a
FREE "Introduction to Exporting"
seminar on Tuesday, May 4 at the Higher
Education Center in Abingdon. The seminar is
presented by the Virginia Economic Development
Partnership, office of International
Trade.
This opportunity will provide an interactive
session about the fundamentals of exporting and
export resources. The seminar is free, but space
is limited. Pre-registration is required for
participants. To register, please contact Diane Thomas: 276-623-1536 or the
Chamber office: 276-783-3161. |
 Committees in
Action
The Committees of the Chamber of Commerce are
beginning their program of work for
2010. With renewed interest and additional
committee leaders, the Chamber is hoping to expand its
programs this year. However, the committees will
need the support of the Chamber membership to ensure
sucess for their activities. Check out the list of
committees to see where your
interest and expertise would be effective. Join a
Committee today! Contact the Chamber office for more information:
276-783-3161.
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 Student Government
Day
The Chamber of Commerce will host the Annual
Student Government Day event on Wednesday, May 12,
2010. Students from across the county will be
selected the shadow government and civic leaders for the
day. The goal of the program is to raise awareness
about the work and influence of various professionals in
our community and to help students become more
interested in being active in local government.
Students will be hosted at various locations including
each town hall, the county administration, and the
Chamber of Commerce. For details about how you can
be involved, contact the Chamber office:
276-783-3161.
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LWC Corporate
Challenge
Are you the competitive
type? Do you always strive to win? Are you
looking for motivation to get or stay fit? The
Lifetime Wellness Center is sponsoring the Corporate
Challenge fitness program and contest from April 5-May
12. The Challenge is designed to promote
wellness among business professionals. The cost is
$50 for each team of 5 participants. There will be
cash prizes and trophies for the winning teams.
For details contact Colleen Hawkins or Meg
O'Donnell at the Lifetime Wellness Center:
276-782-1199.
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 The Disney Institute -
Still Time to Register
The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, in
conjunction with the Washington County and Bristol
Chambers, is co-sponsoring the Disney Institute on
Leadership at Virginia Highlands Community College on
April 22, 2010. The Institute provides a
first-hand understanding of the strategies that have
made Disney one of the world's most successful
companies. The day-long workshop teaches
innovative business models that can be directly applied
to any size organization for immediate results.
Take advantage of this great opportunity, register
today. |
 Spring Into
Action
The Spring season brings warmer weather and fun in
the sun in Smyth County. Events such as the
Mountain Do Triathlon and the Farmer's Markets bring our
citizens together to support causes, organizations, and
each other's business ventures. Be sure to check
the list of upcoming events for information
about the exciting activities that are heading our way
this spring! If you have an activity that you would like us to
add to our website, be sure to contact the Chamber
office: 276-783-3161.
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 Seasons of Smyth County Photography
Contest
The first submission deadline for the "Seasons of
Smyth County" Photography Contest is almost
here! The winter weather Smyth County has seen
this year is sure to have made some beautiful
pictures. Submit your photos today to be included
in this season's contest.
The submission period for Winter season photographs
will end on March 31, with Spring submissions beginning
on April 1. Winners will be chosen from each
seasonal deadline in 2010 and an overall winner
will be published as the cover of the Seasons of Smyth
County photo book, to be published by the Chamber of
Commerce in early 2011.
|
 Sesquicentennial Committee Offers
Presentations
The Smyth County Civil War Sesquicentennial
Committee is offering informational presentations for
civic groups, historical and cultural organizations, and
all Smyth County schools. Presentation Topics
include "What Made the Civil War so Deadly," "How the
Civil War Affects Us Today," "Moses Hendricks and the
Campbell Guard," and more. Smyth
County's volunteer committee is led by John Clark
of Saltville and Dan Kegley of Chilhowie. If you
are interested in learning more about this organization
or having a speaker present to your group, please
contact John Clark (276-496-7530) or Dan Kegley
(276-646-5936).
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 2010
Census
Census Day is April 1, 2010!
Citizens should have received Census forms during
the month of March. These 10 question forms are
designed to be fast and easy to complete, taking only 10
minutes to answer. By submitting your Census form
by mail, you can help the government save millions of
dollars. The Census is important because it helps
to determine funding for schools, roads, and government
services in our area. The Census also regulates
how we are represented on all levels of
government. It is a safe, confidential, and easy
way to help your community. For more information
about the 2010 Census visit 2010census.gov. | | |
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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
WINTER PHOTO SUBMISSION DEADLINE
March 31, 2010
Chamber of Commerce
Office
CENSUS 2010
Census Day
April 1, 2010 RIBBON CUTTING: New
Riverfront Restaurant
April 1, 2010
10:30am
Main Street, Chilhowie
ENTREPRENEUR EXPRESS FOLLOW-UP SESSION
April 2, 2010
Chamber of Commerce Office April 3, 2010
11:ooam-2:00pm
Hungry Mother State Park
ART WALK 2010 &
ALIVE AFTER 5
April 9, 2010
Downtown Marion Historic
District ADVENTURE TOURISM WORKSHOP
April 9, 2010 8:30am-4:00pm Holiday Inn,
Norton ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY
LUNCHEON EVENT
April 21, 2010
11:00am-2:00pm
General Francis Marion Hotel, Conference
Center
April 22, 2010
8:00am-4:30pm
Virginia Highlands
Community College
MOUNTAIN DO TRIATHLON
April 24, 2010
10:00am
Hungry Mother State
Park
ENTREPRENEUR EXPRESS FOLLOW-UP SESSION
April 27, 2010
Chamber of Commerce Office
INTRODUCTION TO EXPORTING SEMINAR
May 4, 2010
9:00am-12:00pm
SWVA Higher Education Center, Abingdon
MARION REGIONAL
FARMERS' MARKET
May 8, 2010
8:00am-12:00pm
STUDENT GOVERNMENT DAY
May 12,
2010
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Contact the
Chamber
Chamber of Commerce of Smyth
County, Inc.
276.783.3161
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