Chili Cookoff 2010
July 16, 2010

Board Member and Chef Cary Sauls led the Chamber's Chili Cookoff Team, starting with a lesson in how to chop onions.

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. was glad to once again participate in the Marion Downtown Chili Championship on July 16, 2010.  The Chamber's team was led by Cary Sauls who is not only a Board Member, but is also the Culinary Arts Instructor and Chef at the Smyth Career and Technology Center.  The recipe that Sauls created for this year's chili included many unique, Eastern spices that inspired the Chamber's theme of "Charming Chamber Chili."  The team joked that their chili would be so delicious that it would charm tasters and judges like cobras from a basket!  Though the Chamber's chili was not the winner, the team had lots of fun and looks forward to next year's competition.

2010 Elementary Farm Tours
July 7, 2010

Agriculture Committee Chair Seth Umbarger leads a tour through the Laurel Springs Dairy milking parlor.

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.  
 
Each spring the Chamber's Agriculture Committee works to organize Farm Tours for students in each of Smyth County's Elementary schools.  The students visit local dairy farms as part of a unit of study about farming and dairy products.  This year the farmers and their assistants not only helped organize the tours, but they also provided extra treats for the children.  Locally milked and bottled, Duchess Milk was provided for each student by Danny Slemp and Joey Blankenship from Sugar Grove, Virginia.
 
The children had the opportunity to tour 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 treat bags for each student that included coloring books, pencils, and stickers.  This annual event is exciting for the students, teachers, parent volunteers, and the farmers as they all experience a day at the dairy.
 
For more information about Farm Tours contact the Chamber at 276-783-3161, email info@smythchamber.org, or visit the Chamber office at 214 West Main Street, Marion, VA.



Chilhowie Pizza Hosts Ribbon Cutting Event
July 6, 2010

Chilhowie Pizza Owner, Sam Arafa and Chamber President Henderson Graham (pictured center) cut the ribbon to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new restaurant.  They are joined by Chilhowie Pizza staff and Chamber Executive Director, Kristin Untiedt-Barnett.

Friday, July 2 was a day of celebration for the management and staff of Chilhowie Pizza Restaurant.  The Ribbon Cutting event marked the opening of owner Sam Arafa's fourth Italian-themed restaurant business.  The new Chilhowie Pizza Restaurant has made its home in a mountainside location along River Road in Chilhowie.  Open since May of 2010, the restaurant is managed by Renee Delp with the assistance of Bradley Powers and approximately 13 staff members.  The menu offers a variety of freshly cooked cuisine including made-to-order pizzas, hot subs, salads and pasta.  Service is offered for dine-in or carry out, and the restaurant is open 7 days per week from 11am-11pm.  With 10 years in the restaurant business, Arafa is excited about adding the Chilhowie location.  Sister restaurants include DaVinci's of Abingdon, Italiano of Bristol, and Venice of Varysburg. 




MountainView Pediatrics Breaks Ground on New Medical Facility
June 12, 2010

Ginger Sheets, Dr. Rachel Rogers, Dr. Amy Harden, Lindy White, Ken Heath, Mayor David Helms, and architect Mark Freeman lend a hand at the MountainView Pediatrics groundbreaking ceremony on June 7, 2010.

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.




Area Beautification Winner for April 2010
June 11, 2010

Project leader Bob Guy and Father Peter Maier, along with several parishioners, receive the Area Beautification Award for St. John Evangelist Catholic Church.

The winner of the Area Beautification Award for April 2010 is the St. John Evangelist Catholic Church of Marion.  The church has recently completed renovations that include a new entryway, foyer, and parking.  In addition, former Marion resident Jay Arthur Guy assisted the Church with the development of new landscaping that enhances the beauty of the renovations.  St. John Evangelist Catholic Church is located at the intersection of North Main Street and Park Boulevard in Marion. 




Seasons of Smyth County Winter Photo Contest Winners Announced
June 10, 2010

The Old Mill in Winter by Nina Rizzo, First Place

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 at www.smythchamber.org/photography_contest.htm.  For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce: 276-783-3161, info@smythchamber.org.

Bike Smyth County and Family Fish and Fun Day
June 9, 2010

Competitors in the Kids Sprint Races listen to safety instructions before the race. 

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County would like to thank everyone who participated on Saturday, June 5 in the 2010 Bike Smyth County and Family Fish and Fun Day at Hungry Mother State Park.  Both events were a great success.   

This event was held during the Free Fishing Weekend in Virginia and no license was required.  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, 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 mile ride 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 that were given for participating were bicycle accessories.  Bike Smyth County also included Children’s Sprint Races for ages 3-12 years.  There was a brief presentation about bike safety before the races began.  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 with this event and look forward to working together in the future! 

For more information about upcoming events contact the Chamber at 276-783-3161, email info@smythchamber.org or visit the Chamber office at 214 West Main Street, Marion,

Chamber Takes the Lead in Recognizing Local Business and Industry
May 22, 2010

Jack Tally, COO of First Fruits Beverage Company, recognizes his business partner and First Fruits CEO Roger Catarino at the Business and Industry Appreciation Luncheon.

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. took the lead in encouraging the recognition of our local businesses and industries for the statewide Business Appreciation Week 2010.  Throughout the week of May 16-22 Smyth County was host to various events designed to compliment the theme "A Commonwealth of Opportunity."  Each of the Town Councils from Chilhowie, Marion, and Saltville and the Smyth County Board of Supervisors joined the Chamber in adopting a proclamation recognizing the benefits that businesses bring to our local community.  Business Appreciation Week also served as a time to thank businesses for all that they do to provide jobs, contribute to the tax base, and support charitable causes.  The BAW 2010 theme highlights the opportunities that businesses have, as well as those that they create in our community.

The Chamber worked with the Towns and County to host Business Open Houses in each of the towns.  These events offered special sales and door prizes from participating businesses.  They also continued the Chamber's efforts for a "Shop Smyth County First" initiative that encourages citizens to support local businesses. 

In addition, the Chamber was host to nearly 80 guests representing more than 50 local businesses and industries for the Business and Industry Appreciation Luncheon.  The luncheon was held at the Riverfront Restaurant in Chilhowie on Thursday, May 20 and featured speakers Jack Tally of First Fruits Beverage Company and Beth Merz of Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area. 

The Chamber would like to thank all of the local governments, businesses, and industries that worked to make Business Appreciation Week 2010 a success.  For details about upcoming business events, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 276-783-3161, info@smythchamber.org.  Or visit the Chamber online at www.smythchamber.org or www.facebook.com/smythchamber.



High School Seniors Experience Local Government
May 12, 2010

Delegate Bill Carrico addresses the crowd at Student Government Day 2010.

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County and Smyth County Schools once again joined forces to conduct the Annual Student Government Day on May 12, 2010.  More than 130 High School Seniors representing Chilhowie, Marion, and Northwood participated in the day's activities that began with a presentation at The Lincoln Theatre.  After a welcome from Larry Estep and Dr. Michael Robinson of Smyth County Schools, Lincoln Theatre volunteer Alvin Crowder gave the students a brief history of the facility.  The students were then introduced to guest speaker, Delegate Bill Carrico.  Delegate Carrico shared stories of success that served as inspiration for the students as they prepare to move into the next chapter of their lives following graduation. 

The remainder of the day was spent with the students shadowing adults that work for and with local government agencies.  The 33 participating agencies included Smyth County's Board of Supervisors, Sheriff's Department, each of the Towns of Chilhowie, Marion, and Saltville, the Commissioner of Revenue, and Commonwealth's Attorney's office.  Students had the opportunity to learn about how each of these organizations function and the people that lead our community. 



Chamber Uses Social Media
April 16, 2010




The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. is updating their use of technology.  Through the use of electronic newsletters and social media, the Chamber is hoping to increase their community outreach and marketing contacts. 

The Chamber is using the Constant Contact online program to prepare and send e-newsletters that are sent to members via e-mail and are also available to the public on the Chamber’s website.  By using electronic media, the Chamber is able to publish newsletters more frequently and at a lower cost.  In addition, Constant Contact offers discounts for Chamber members who would like to use the program for their businesses.   

Social media is also a new method of communication being used by the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County.  With more than 3 of 4 Americans using social networks and the prominence of such media growing at a rapid rate, the Board decided to extend the Chamber’s online presence to include a Facebook page.  The Chamber will use Facebook as a supplement to their website to post information about community events, offer discussion boards, provide news links, and more.  Within the first few weeks, the Chamber’s Facebook page has acquired more than 135 fans.  To become a fan, visit the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/smythchamber.

 

Chamber Springs into Action
March-April, 2010

United Way Executive Director, Rhiannon Powers shares a story of her organizations' campaign success with Chamber Secretary Joel Pugh and Administrative Assistant Heather Mash at the March 17 Networking Breakfast event.

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. is off to a great start for the spring season.  The Chamber Board, office staff, and members have been busy with a variety of workshops and activities. 

On March 17, 2010, the Chamber hosted its first quarterly Networking Breakfast at the General Francis Marion Hotel, Conference Center in Marion.  With more than 60 attendees representing a variety of local businesses and organizations, the event served as an excellent opportunity for networking and promotion. Each business or organization gave a 30 second “commercial” to tell the group about their newest developments, and Danielle Hatfield of the General Francis Marion was invited to talk to the group about some of their newest programs including their use of social media and a luncheon series that will start with an Administrative Professionals Day event on April 21. 

The following day, on March 18, the Chamber joined forces with Smyth County Economic Development, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, and Wachovia Bank to present the 5^th Annual Entrepreneur Express Workshop.  The event was held at the Smyth Career and Technology Center in Seven Mile Ford and boasted an attendance of nearly 30 business owners and entrepreneurs.  The program provided information about starting a business, using effective marketing strategies, and financial planning.  Refreshments and a plated lunch were made by the students of the SCTC Culinary Arts Program under the direction of Cary Sauls, courtesy of Wachovia Bank.  Sandy Ratliff, of the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will be offering one-on-one Entrepreneur Express follow-up sessions at the Chamber office on April 27.

In addition to these events, the Chamber has been working as a partner with Smyth County’s tourism efforts.  The Chamber hosted a ‘Round the Mountain information session and has been visiting with owners of unique lodging and restaurants that qualify to join the Smyth County Artisan Trail.  The Chamber also took the lead on preparing applications for the county’s cultural assets nominations to be approved by the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission.  Chamber of Commerce representatives have also been active in attending meetings and workshops regarding regional tourism developments. 

Another of the Chamber’s spring projects is the continuance of the Seasons of Smyth County Photography Contest.  The office received more than 60 submissions for the Winter Season deadline and is now accepting submissions for the Spring Season. 

Spring also means that many of the Chamber’s annual activities are on their way.  April marks the beginning of the county-wide Area Beautification contests.  And with May will come Student Government Day, Business Appreciation Week, Spring Clean up Week, and Elementary Farm Tours.  Chamber committees are working hard to make these events a success for Smyth County.
 

Chamber Day at the Capital
February 1, 2010

Governor Bob McDonnell addressed the Chamber Day assembly in Richmond to discuss issues such as Virginia's economy.

The 2010 session of Virginia's General Assembly is in full swing, and this year our legislators face a difficult task as they appropriate funds with a tight budget.  The state of the economy is an issue for all levels of government and it was the lead concern addressed at the January 27th Chamber Day at the Capital.  Smyth County's Chamber Executive Director, Kristin Untiedt-Barnett, traveled to Richmond to participate in Chamber Day as the Commonwealth's newest leaders discussed their plans for Virginia's future. 

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling was the first to address Chamber Day.  He introduced the "Jobs and Opportunity Agenda" that includes $65 million in investments for international economic development, tourism and marketing, and business incentives for advanced manufacturing and energy.  This plan for economic recovery is to create a business environment where entrepreneurship is encouraged and new jobs can be created.   Bill Howell, the Speaker of the House of Delegates, reinforced Bolling's agenda by stating that the immediate task is daunting, but the long term is promising.  Virginia was recently named the number one state for doing business.  And although many Virginia businesses have had to make cuts, they are still producing and bringing in revenues.

Governor Bob McDonnell spoke in detail about his plans for Virginia's economy.  He proposed investments in biotechnologies and energy that could create jobs and build tax and royalty revenues.  McDonnell's plan includes budgeting approximately $7million for tourism, citing a five to one return on such investments.  The tourism budget would include efforts to promote Virginia's Civil War history during the 2011 Sesquicentennial Commemoration, as well as providing funding for the Virginia Film Office and incentives for film production in Virginia. 

These proposals were just a sampling of the many that will come before the General Assembly this session.  Though each of the Chamber Day speakers remained positive that the Commonwealth will see a positive change in the economic forecast, they all made note that cuts must be made.  Chamber Day provided an outreach for bipartisan support to help Virginia plan for the future and recover from economic struggles.

Census 2010 Road Tour Raises Awareness
January 13, 2010

Rhiannon Powers of the Smyth County United Way helps FM94 host Henry Thomas conduct on air Census trivia games to raise awareness and give away prizes.

With the sun finally shining, January 13, 2010 was a beautiful afternoon for the Census 2010 Road Tour to visit Smyth County.  Under the direction of the Smyth County Complete County Census Committee, the Census 2010 Road Tour made a stop at the Smyth Valley Crossing shopping center in Marion.  The purpose of the tour is to raise awareness about the upcoming Census.  During the Smyth County rally, the Census set up video kiosks, inflatable signs, tables with information, and fun giveaways.  Supporting organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, SCALE, Helping Hands Community Thrift Store, and the Smyth County United Way were on hand to assist with the distribution of information and prizes.  Local radio stations, FM94 and Z103.5, helped to spread the word with live feeds from the rally.  Prizes including event tickets, CDs, and even a trip to Disney were given to contestants who participated in Census trivia games.

The Smyth County Complete Count Census Committee is continuing their work to raise awareness throughout our local community about the importance of completing the 2010 Census forms.  Census forms will be sent by mail during the months of February and March, and should be mailed back by April 1, which is National Census Day.  This year's form includes only 10 questions and should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.  The information is completely confidential and must include all residents, both citizens and non-citizens.  Census takers will visit the households that do not return their forms by mail during the months following National Census Day.  The completed Census forms help to determine community needs so that the government can properly allocate funding for assistance programs and develop locations for schools, housing facilities, and hospitals.  In addition, the Census serves to assess our state, local, and congressional districts. 

For more information about the upcoming Census, visit 2010.census.gov or contact your local government office or the Chamber of Commerce. 

Chamber Newsletters Go Online
January 6, 2010

The Chamber News & Events Flyer has a new look as an online publication.

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. is proud to announce it's new online version of the Chamber News & Events Flyer.  In an effort to keep updating the use of technology in the Chamber office, the new version of the newsletter is designed using Constant Contact online marketing tools.  It will now be sent to the membership via email and will also be available online with a link from the Chamber website.  The News & Events Flyer follows a similar format as was used in past.  It features a click-able index of articles included in the issue, brief news articles, photographs, and links for more information to the Chamber website.  The Chamber hopes that this more cost-effective and environmentally friendly method of publishing the News & Events will also be more readily available to members and the general public.  In addition, the Chamber plans more frequent publication of News & Events so that the community can be up to date on Chamber happenings. 

Seasons of Smyth County Photography Contest Begins
January 1, 2010

A tree atop the mountains in Konnarock was frozen from limb to limb during a recent snow storm.

The Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County, Inc. is ready to start a busy year in 2010.  This year they are asking the community to help celebrate the best of the "Seasons of Smyth County!"  The Chamber is sponsoring a photography contest open throughout the year to anyone with original photos of landscapes, unique locations, local events and activities from the Smyth County, Virginia community.  All entries must follow the rules of the contest and should be submitted within the established seasonal deadlines.
Winter              January 1 – March 31
Spring              April 1 – June 30
Summer            July 1 – September 30
Autumn            October 1 – December 31
All photos must be original work without major alteration and must only include Smyth County settings.  Photos should reflect the season during which they are submitted and may be in color or black and white
The Chamber of Commerce will publish contest photos in a "Seasons of Smyth County" book published at the end of the contest.  One winner will be chosen from each season by a panel of judges, and will be featured as the chapter cover page in the book.  In addition, an overall winner will be chosen and featured on the cover of the book.  Winners will receive a complimentary copy of the published book.
Photos can be submitted by e-mailing a digital image along with a completed entry form and subject release form (for photos featuring people) to info@smythchamber.org.  Photos may also be mailed or delivered to the Chamber office.  There is no charge to enter the contest.  Complete contest rules and forms are available online at and at the Chamber of Commerce office at 214 West Main Street in Marion.

Download Forms Here