Entreprenuer Express Workshop                                                       March 13, 2007   

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County hosted Entrepreneur Express: Moving Your Business Forward on Thursday, March 13, 2007 at the Smyth Career and Technology Center in Seven Mile Ford. The entrepreneurial business and management workshop offered practical hands on lectures and exercises covering key elements of business practice, run by successful practitioners .Segments included: How to Start & Operate a Business, Growing Your Business/Marketing Strategy, Financing/Managing Assets, Available Resources & Resource Fair, Starting & Operating a Tourism Venture. Sponsors of the workshop included: Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Virginia.org, Virginia Small Business and Deveolment Centers (VSBDC), Virginia Department of Business Assistance, SCORE.

Lunch was provided by the Town House Grill.

For more information about business assistance, please contact Sandy Ratliff at the Virginia Department of Business assistance or visit www.vastartup.org

Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Decorating Contest            December 26, 2007                                                                                                                    The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc.  sponsored  its Annual Christmas Decorating Contest for the homes of Smyth County residents during the month of December.

Beginning Thursday, December 17^th and continuing through Thursday, December 22^nd, residential houses throughout Smyth County were  judged between 6 and 9 p.m.  Participants were encouraged to be creative and to be prepared to be judged any evening during this period. Each participant  received a Christmas ornament compliments of the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc.

Winners for the Annual Christmas Decorating Contest are...                                               

We We would like to thank all of those who participated and look forward to your participation in future contests.

Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Meeting                                     December 4, 2007 

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County held its 27^th Annual Dinner Meeting on   December 4^th, 2006 at Hemlock Haven Conference Center, Hungry Mother State Park. This year we were pleased to have Rebecca Pepin as our guest speaker. Mrs. Pepin, is a news anchor for Fox Tri-Cities & News Center 5 news and author of “Faces of Freedom Profiles of America's Fallen Heroes: Iraq and Afghanistan”.

Mrs. Pepin’s  book is an honoring tribute to American Forces that have fought and died for freedom. The book profiles fallen heroes who lost their lives in Iraq or Afghanistan. Also in attendance was Ms. Ruth McGlothlin, whose son Ryan, a Marine, gave the ultimate sacrifice two years ago when he lost his life in Iraq. Ryan’s story is featured in this book. The Chamber of Commerce had copies for sale at the dinner. Mrs. Pepin graciously stayed after her presentation to sign copies of her book. All proceeds go to Fisher House and Wounded Warrior Project.

Committee awards were also presented during the evening program. This year’s award honored a downtown business in downtown Marion. The Area Beautification Committee awarded Laura Sturgill of Appalachian Realty the 2007 Overall Area Beautification Award for Smyth County. Appalachian Realty has taken a building beside of our courthouse and converted it into a lovely office building.  Some might remember when it was a service station, for others, just a vacant structure. Today you will see it as a very attractive office housing Appalachian Realty.

 The Education Committee presented three local High School students were awarded the Tom Burkett Educational Scholarship Award. One recipient from each local high school was awarded. The recipients of the scholarship meet criteria including academic achievement and community involvement.  The winners were: Emi-Elizabeth Irene Scott from Chilhowie High School, Brianne Marie McGhee from Marion Senior High School, and Fergerson from Northwood High School.

Smyth County Career Fair                                                                October 11, 2007

The Education Committee and the Industrial/Commercial Support Committee of the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. along with Smyth County Schools held the Smyth County Career Fair on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at Blue Ridge Job Corps Center Gymnasium, in Marion.  The Career Fair is a unique opportunity to bring employers to a central location to allow about 685 students to explore the opportunities and qualifications needed for employment. Both sophomores and seniors from each of the county’s high schools attended the fair.

Annual Town & Country BBQ                                                                 August 16, 2007

The Agriculture Committee held it's Annual Town and Country BBQ at the Chilhowie Land Company's Airplane hangar. Awards for Business Person of the Year, Farmer of the Year, FFA, FBLA, 4-H, and Children's First were given out. Pictured from left: Emily Scott (Outstanding 4-H Member), Laura Sturgill (2007 Business Person of the Year), Chris Gore (Outstanding FFA Member), Diane Tibbs (Children! First Award), and Seth and Misty Umbarger (Farm Family of the Year).

Ribbon Cutting at Rite Aid                                                                         July 26, 2007       

      Pictured are Mayor David Helms,Marion Town Manager  John Clark, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County Jerry Jones. Rite Aid representatives pictured include: District Manager Larry Frisbie, Pharmacy District Manager Dave Moore, Loss Prevention Manager Robbie Comer, Store Manager Keeley Combliss,  Pharmacy Manager Younes Cherkaovi, Pharmacy Technician Jessica Fletcher, Shift Supervisors Shirley Harris and Maria Peake, and Cashier Missie Testerman.

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. welcomes the newly remodeled pharmacy, Rite Aid who celebrated with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 10:30 am. Taking part in the event were staff, community leaders, an patrons.

Rite Aid Corporation is a nationwide drugstore chain.  Rite Aid is the largest drugstore chain on the East Coast and the third largest drugstore chain in the U.S. Rite Aid offers many products which include items such as: Pharmacy items, beauty and spa, nutrition and wellness, personal care, wellness, household, and food. 

Rite Aid is open weekly from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm. The Rite Aid Pharmacy is open Monday through Saturday 9:00 am -9:00 pm and Sunday's from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm.

For more information about Rite Aid, please contact them at 276-783-4115.

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Family Fun & Fish Day held at Hungry Mother State Park                   June 2, 2007

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, would like to thank everyone who   participated on June 2 for the 2007 Family Fish and Fun Day at Hungry Mother State Park.  The event was a huge success. The Chamber of Commerce wishes to continue this event by sponsoring the fishing tournament again in the future.

This event was also a time to help restock our local food banks.  Admission to the park was a $1.00 per car or 1 can or box of food per person.  We would like to thank those who donated food.

The Chamber of Commerce would also like to thank those who contributed to our Family Fish & Fun Day. The following organizations donated the prizes we awarded to our tournament winners:

Wal-Mart, Tuscan Grill, Virginia Highlands Community College, Wytheville Community College, and Highlands Union Bank. We also want to thank everyone at Hungry Mother State Park who made the event possible

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Before Hours Mixer at Smyth County Community Hospital                      May 1, 2007

                                             Wings Air rescue Helicopter Pictured: Virginia Senator William Wampler, Jr. and                                      Joyce Wyatt, RN and Smyth County Community Hospital House Supervisor.

 The Chamber Before Hours Mixer was held at Smyth County Community Hospital in the Education Building on Tuesday, May 1, 2007. The  mixer began at 6:45 am.

CEO & President of Smyth County Community Hospital, Lindy White, began the morning's presentations. Featured speakers included Virginia Senator William Wampler, Jr. and MSHA Cardiologist Dr. Jeffrey Schoondyke. Wings Air Rescue Helicopter was on site and gave rides to a few lucky attendees. Ed Herbert, VP  of Marketing, also gave a presentation followed by numerous door prizes.

The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Smyth County Community Hospital and Mountain States Health Alliance for sponsoring our first breakfast mixer. We appreciate the opportunity for our members to earn more about Smyth County Community Hospital.

Chamber of Commerce would also like to invite other members to highlight their business or industry by choosing to hold a mixer. We also like to encourage our members to participate in Chamber events. For more information, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 276-783-3161 or email at info@smythchamber.org.  __________________________________________________________________

Winner of 2007$10,000 Cash Giveaway                                                     April 16, 2007                                              

CONGRATULATIONS to Evans Scyphers, Marion VA for winning the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County’s 5^th Annual $10, 000 Cash Giveaway on April 16, 2007

The Chamber would like to give special thanks and recognition to the following Chamber board directors, members, and organizations for helping make our $10,000 Cash Giveaway a success:

Automotive Connection, Atkins Grocery, Blevins Grocery, Hall & Co. Printing & Design, Inc., Radio Shack of Marion, Conway Motors, Carters Pharmacy, BB&T Branches: Atkins, Chilhowie, Saltville, Bank of Marion Branches: Royal Oak, Marion Downtown, Chilhowie, Saltville, In Towner Gift Gallery, Food City in Chilhowie, Marion Automotive, Tobacco Shop/Angels Attic, Rouses Fuel, Family Ford, Wal-Mart, Wright Equipment, A Cut Above, WZVA Radio Z103.5, WMEV Radio FM94, Smyth County News & Messenger, Saltville Progress

The Chamber of Commerce would especially like to thank the following three individuals for all of their hard work. Phil Collins, Eddie Mathesis, and Richard Walker.

Thanks from all Chamber members for your hard work with this annual fundraising event.  Your efforts continue to make a difference in the Smyth County community.

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Grand Opening Appalachian Realty Co., Inc.                                       April 4, 2007

 The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. congratulates Appalachian Realty Co., Inc. who celebrated their Grand Opening with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at 12 noon. They have moved to 123 West Main Street, Marion having renovated the old Joy service station. Taking part in the event were family, friends, and community leaders.

Appalachian Realty Co., Inc. offers a wide variety of services to their customers. They are committed to provide accurate evaluation of property and offer professional advice and guidance through every step of the home buying or selling process.  

For inquiries, please call Appalachian Realty Co., Inc. at (276) 783-5173 or
Fax: (276) 783-5174. ___________________________________________________

Entreprenuer Express Workshop                                                       March 22, 2007   

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County hosted Entrepreneur Express: Moving Your Business Forward on Thursday, March 22, 2007 at the Smyth Career and Technology Center in Seven Mile Ford. The entrepreneurial business and management workshop offered practical hands on lectures and exercises covering key elements of business practice, run by successful practitioners .Segments included: How to Start & Operate a Business, Growing Your Business/Marketing Strategy, Financing/Managing Assets, Available Resources & Resource Fair, Starting & Operating a Tourism Venture. Sponsors of the workshop included: Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Virginia.org, Virginia Small Business and Deveolment Centers (VSBDC), Virginia Department of Business Assistance, SCORE, the Placement and Technical Assistance Center.

Lunch was provided by the Town House Grill.

For more information about business assistance, please contact Sandy Ratliff at the Virginia Department of Business assistance or visit www.vastartup.org

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Ribbon Cutting at O'Dell's Market                                                               March 10, 2007                        

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. welcomed and introduced O’Dell’s Market who celebrated its Grand Opening with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, March 10, 2007 at 11:30 am. Taking part in the event were family, friends, and community leaders.

Owners O’Dell and Judy Sexton offer a wide variety of products to their customers which include: Fresh Produce, Dark Roasted Coffee from Sugar Grove, Dutch Kettle Jams & Jellies, Virginia’s Best Flour, Cornmeal, and Seasoned Flour, Stick Candy, Dried Beans, Foothill’s Ham Products, Seed Potatoes and Onion Sets, Coming Soon: Greenhouse flowers

 O’Dell’s Market is open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. For inquiries, please call 276.782.1875.

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$10,000 Cash Giveaway Now Underway!                                         February 2,2007                                                                                        

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ONLY 1, 000 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD!                                                 GET YOURS BEFORE THEY ARE GONE!                                            Tickets are on sale at the Chamber of Commerce office                       Call: 276-783-3161.  _________________________________________________________

Ribbon Cutting at Hall & Company Printing & Design, Inc.                  Tuesday, January 30, 2007

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. welcomed and introduced Hall & Co. Printing & Design, Inc. who celebrated its opening with a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on January 30, 2007 at 12 noon at its Food City Plaza location in Marion. Taking part in the event were several family, friends, and community leaders.

Hall & Co. Printing provides quick, quality printing and excellent customer service to the public, including business, industry, organizations, and churches. Services offered include custom design options for promotional materials for business or personal use such as: business and appointment cards, brochures, stationery, letterhead, flyers, newsletters, forms, etc.

In addition, Hall & Co. Printing also offers:

• UPS Shipping• Fax Service• Color & Black & White Copies• Note Pads• Receipt Books• Copier Paper• Laminating• Wedding/Anniversary Invitations, Napkins, & Programs• Rubber Stamps & more!

Hall & Co. Printing is open Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For inquiries, please call 276.783.4700 or email hallandco@earthlink.net.

Hall & Co. Printing is owned by Tracy and Geoff Hall, and operated by Tracy Hall and co-worker, Joni Johnson. The business is eVA registered and SWAM certified.

A March open house is being planned

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Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Decorating Contest           Thursday, December 21, 2006                                                                                                                    The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc.  sponsored  its Annual Christmas Decorating Contest for the homes of Smyth County residents during the month of December.

Beginning Thursday, December 14^th and continuing through Thursday, December 21^st, residential houses throughout Smyth County were  judged between 6 and 9 p.m.  Participants were encouraged to be creative and to be prepared to be judged any evening during this period. Each participant  received a Christmas ornament compliments of the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc.

Winners for the Annual Christmas Decorating Contest are...                                               

We would like to thank all of those who participated and look forward to your participation in future contests.

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Chamber of Commerce 26th Annual Dinner Meeting                          Tuesday, December 5, 2006

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County held its 26^th Annual Dinner Meeting on   December 5^th , 2006  at Hemlock Haven Conference Center, Hungry Mother State Park.The program this year focused on the teamwork, the winning edge, and continued growth of Smyth County.  Busch series Cup driver and Smyth County native Eric McClure was the guest speaker for the evening.Committee awards were also presented during the evening program. The Area Beautification Committee awarded Mr. & Mrs. Grant Hall, Jr. the 2006 Overall Area Beautification Award for Smyth County. The award honored them for their hard work and improvements to the Highway Drive-In, most popularly known as the Dip Dog Stand.The Education Committee presented three local High School students were awarded the Tom Burkett Educational Scholarship Award. One recipient from each local high school was awarded. The recipients of the scholarship meet criteria including academic achievement and community involvement.  The winners were: Whitney Nicole Hopkins from Chilhowie High School, Michael Chase Morgan from Marion Senior High School, and Tanya Renee Widener from Northwood High School. 

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Chamber of Commerce Moves                                                           Thursday, September 28, 2006                                                                The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. has moved- downstairs. Our offices  moved to the ground level offices of the Smyth County Community Foundation Building on Thursday, September 28, 2006. This is the same building we were most recently occupying upstairs. Our telephone, fax number, and email will all remain the same. We encourage you to come by to visit.

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Annual Town & County BBQ
Thursday August 31, 2006
The Agriculture Committee held it's annual Town and Country BBQ at the Chilhowie Land Company's Airplane hangar. Awards for Business Person of the Year, Farmer of the Year, FFA, FBLA, 4-H, and Children's First were given out. Pictured left to right: Joe Ellis (Business Person of the Year), Ralph Stokes (Children's First), Lindy White (Business Person the Year), and Bryan Stokes (Farmer of the Year).

Sharyn McCrumb Book signing
Friday August 25, 2006
Appalachian novelist and New York Times Best Selling Author, Sharyn McCrumb met fans and signed her latest book, St. Dale at the General Francis Marion Hotel. St. Dale, an award winning novel, is the story of ordinary people who go on a pilgrimage in honor of racing legend Dale Earnhardt and find a miracle. Sharyn is currently working on a second NASCAR themed novel.
   

Downtown Evening of Art
Friday August 14, 2006
Marion celebrated a Downtown Evening of Art with the grand reopening and reception of the Appalachian Spirit Gallery and grand opening of the Black Rooster Art Gallery.

Appalachian Spirit Artists, Ned Johnson, CiCi Brown Vesce, Duane Cregger, Marilyn Peacock, Avery Cornett, Sylvia Richardson, and Suzy Sukle welcomed the public to the Appalachian Art Gallery showing off new artists, new work, and new improvements made to the building. As an added treat, Music on the Porch was performed by local folk singer, Bill Huber, pictured bottom right. Photos courtesy of Dan Kegley.
   

     
The Black Rooster Gallery held an "All Media Show" featuring various artists from Richmond, Virginia and Kim Russell Snider of Gray, Tennessee. The Gallery is located inside of the recently restored General Francis Marion Hotel.  Jenni Kirby of the Crossroads institute and Joe and Susie Ellis hope to spark interest in local artists and craftsman who would like to show their work at the Black Rooster or the Crossroads Institute.