Smith Mountain Lake Chamber recognized businesses at annual awards dinner

The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce rang in 2012 with the theme "Connect and Reconnect" at the 11th annual Chamber Awards Dinner. The event was held Jan. 19 at The Waterfront Country Club.

In addition to gathering the membership to kick off the business year, the dinner also served as a platform to recognize the work of area individuals and businesses for outstanding achievement.

The Norma Jean Teass Award for community leadership went to Cheryl Ward of Bank of Botetourt. Business of the Year was awarded to Bridgewater Marina & Boat Rentals.

Laker Media received the Regional Advocate Award, Tuscan Tavern received the Emerging Entrepreneur Award, Phil Hager Insurance received the Enduring Enterprise Award and the Service Excellence Award went to Haywood's Jewelers.

Winning businesses were chosen by the Chamber's membership. Nominees received votes based on last year's accomplishments.

The grand drawing of the night was provided by Joanna Hudzik of Haywood's Jewelers who donated 3/4-carat diamond stud earrings set in 14-karat white gold worth $2,100. Gavin Hager of Phil Hager Insurance won the drawing.

During the dinner, the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce formally introduced its new executive committee and board of directors.

"We're excited to work with our 2012 executive committee and board," said Vicki Gardner, the chamber's executive director. "This team of professionals cuts across a multitude of industries and brings to the table extraordinary experience and enthusiasm. We're looking forward to a great year."

The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber Executive Committee includes Steve Chiminello, Realtor, chairman; Mickey Johnson, Fox 21/27 and CW5, chairman-elect; Frank E. Baar, BMS Consulting, treasurer; Pat Cundiff, P.A.C. Interiors & Floor Fashions, secretary; and Bill Harlor, ex-officio.

Members of the chamber's board of directors are:

• Lindsey Coley, Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore
• Chris Finley, The Willard Companies
• Terri Stanley, Premier Appraisals
• Mike Greer, Virginia Western Community College
• Traci Blido, Bedford County Administration
• Tom Gordon, Blackwater Cafe
• Christopher L. Whitlow, Franklin County Administration
• Helen Wilcox, Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital
• Tom Buck, Mitchell's Point Marina
• Peggy Overstreet, Leisure Publishing
• Susan Myers, ServPro
• Lisa Hammock, Appalachian Power
• Dany Turner, Next Generation Designs
• Holly Sweet, Mariners Landing Resort Community and Conference Center
• Cheryl Ward, Bank of Botetourt
• Ted Puzio, Southern State Electric
• Gary Garst, Chirocare

Outgoing board members include Brian Weitzman, SML Animal Hospital; Frank Chrzanowski, HomeTown Bank; and Patricia Dade, Appalachian Power.

The Ambassador Council was recognized during the dinner for its special assistance throughout the year in mentoring new businesses joining the chamber. Members include: Chrzanowski; Ward; Deanna Early, Gateway Mortgage; Lorinda Gibbs, Carter Bank and Trust; Julie Kingery, Mountain Lake Realty; Cindy Gray, Laker Beverage & Tobacco; Gail Nordhaus, Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital; Ravelle Whitener, Ecstatic Design, LLC; Steven McDaniel, Long & Foster Realtors; Valerie Sell, Express Tag & Title/Solutions Matrix; Cindy Cates, Sellavision Media, LLC; Kim White, Advertising Specialties & Promotions; Tommy Lusk, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group; and Ashley Stanley, Premier Appraisals.

Annual Awards Dinner Committee members organizing the event included Chairman Terri Stanley, Cundiff, Susan Myers, Steve Miller, Ward, and Andy and Frances Pratt.