Community Voices: A Video Testimonial Series for The Smith Mountain Lake Center

Over the past several weeks, The Smith Mountain Lake Center has been recording a new series of short video testimonials featuring community members, business owners, and long-time supporters.

These videos are designed to share, in their own words, why a dedicated, year-round community space matters to Smith Mountain Lake. The series highlights perspectives from people who live and work in the area and who see value in a place that supports arts, education, entertainment, meetings, and connection close to home.

Photo: Ian Kyle of Visualize Media Productions films Vicki Gardner’s video testimonial at Westlake Cinema.

Recent video shoots

The testimonial series was filmed across two video shoots in December and January. Together, the videos feature a range of voices from across the community. They all speaking to the importance of having a shared space that brings people together and strengthens community life.

Participants reflect on how the Center can serve as a gathering place for learning, performances, events, and everyday connection. They praise its goal to support the surrounding local economy and organizations that already call Smith Mountain Lake home.

The testimonial videos are being released gradually on the Smith Mountain Lake Center’s website, YouTube channel, Facebook page, and Instagram page. This rollout makes it easier for supporters to follow the series and for us to keep messaging consistent across channels.

The first voices in the Community Voices series

The first three videos in the Community Voices series feature community leaders Andy Bruns, Joanna Gruver, and Andie Gibson, each offering a distinct perspective on why the Smith Mountain Lake Center matters.

Andy Bruns brings a perspective shaped by years of working with local businesses and community advocates across Smith Mountain Lake. As Executive Director of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, he sees firsthand how strong communities depend on education, connection, and the exchange of ideas.

Joanna Gruver is the owner of Jo & Co Jewelers at Westlake Towne Center. She shares a business-owner perspective on how the Center can strengthen community life and support local businesses by creating reasons for people to come together outside of the peak summer season.

Andie Gibson is the publisher of Smith Mountain Lake Insiders, a locally focused publication covering events and community life at Smith Mountain Lake. She offers insight into the gap the Center can fill and how a multi-use venue creates opportunities for new programming.

Up next in the series is Troy Keaton, pastor of Eastlake Community Church, who reflects on the importance of having a welcoming, shared space that brings people together across the broader community.

Stay connected

As outreach and fundraising continue, we’ll use this space to share updates, new videos, and other information about the Smith Mountain Lake Center. We invite you to check back regularly and explore the stories being shared by members of our community.

Photos: Community video testimonials were directed by Ian Kyle of Visualize Media Productions and produced by Gretchen Tipps of Bay Roan Creative.