17 Nov November 2023
Volume 11, November 2023
AHOY! Greetings
Greetings SMLA members! I hope you have been able to enjoy the best time of the year at Smith Mountain Lake; when the leaves are turning, and the weather is beautiful. For me, Virginia is the best state in the union to enjoy the fall season and being able to enjoy our beautiful lake during this time of year is our bonus.
Business Partner Appreciation
The month of October is the time we reserve to celebrate our many supporters. I would like to recognize the contributions of our business partners because they are integral to the human ecosystem that protects Smith Mountain Lake. Businesses and residents alike know that SML would not be the Jewel of the Blue Ridge without our lake community.
Our business partners keep SMLA on track and moving forward. They provide financial support for our administrative and program operations, donate raffle prizes for our community events, and understand the value of a clean and safe lake to their business.
I especially would like to acknowledge our Defender of the Lake partners this month. These members support SMLA at the highest level, and we encourage everyone to return the favor when you need services at the lake.
Thank you, Defenders of the Lake!
For a complete list of all our Business Partners, click HERE
Volunteer Appreciation
On October 20th we celebrated the work of our volunteers by hosting an Oktoberfest for them at the Boardwalk Pavilion. Without volunteers, we would not accomplish the Association’s goals. More than 100 volunteers gave their time to our programs this year. Many of these volunteers support our Water Quality Monitoring Program, but this year, A Day At The Lake enticed many in the lake community to lend a hand.
Other volunteer groups who contribute to our mission include Save our Streams, Buffer Landscape, Habitat, Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Divers, and Water Safety Council.
We are so grateful and appreciative for the time you give, and effort you make, to keep SML Clean and Safe!
Thank You Volunteers!
Click Here to Learn More about SMLA Volunteer Opportunities
Improving Awareness and Recognition
I am always amazed at the number of people here at the lake who are not aware of SMLA, let alone the work we do for the lake. To address our brand awareness challenges, we made some changes at the beginning of this year including enhanced communication with our members and increased digital presence.
I hope you have enjoyed our periodic emails with information and updates about lake matters, as well as our website upgrades and social media posts.
Over 74% of members open our email
SMLAssociation.org users increased almost 500%
Our Facebook Followers increased 89%
2023 Year-End Remaining Business
As 2023 winds down, your Association is focused on these activities to close out the year and prepare for 2024:
- Election of new members to our Board of Directors
- 2024 budget recommendations and approval
- Nomination of 2024 executive committee officers
- Advocating for the resources necessary to protect SML
The Association will also continue its government relations work with the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce and Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission (TLAC) to ensure the Commonwealth of Virginia’s invests the resources necessary to investigate and respond to HABs at Smith Mountain Lake.
Wishing You and Your Family
a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!