From the Publishers, Magazines, Summer 2025

From the Publishers: A Year of Growth and Gratitude

Andie Gibson
May 22, 2025

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Jennifer Church and Andie Gibson, SML Insiders publishers, holding the inaugural issue of the magazine. — Jennifer Church and Andie Gibson, SML Insiders publishers, with the inaugural issue of the magazine.

This time last year, our team was anxiously putting the finishing touches on the very first print issue of SML Insiders. We had big hopes, a tight-knit crew and a deep love for Smith Mountain Lake—but we could never have predicted just how warmly this community would embrace our magazine.

Since then, so much has happened—both professionally and personally—for our small but mighty team. We’ve grown, learned and leaned on one another through some big milestones and even bigger life challenges. Along the way, your support has made a real difference.

Over the past year, we were honored to receive our second Tourism Advocate of the Year Award from the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce, launched a brand-new publication—the SML Dining Guide, a resource locals and visitors have long been asking for—and continued our mission of showcasing in both print and online the people, places and stories that make this community so special. You spoke. We listened. And we’re just getting started.

Thank you for being part of our journey—from the ones who scour every page to those who share kind words when they see us around the lake or help spread the word on social media. You’ve helped us build something truly meaningful.

Cheers to the start of year two, with sunshine on the water, stories that connect us and a community that continues to inspire.