Chamber seeking support for SML Number Plate

he Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce is trying to get a specialty Virginia number plate for the lake.
Annette Stamus, marketing and communications manager for the Chamber, said 350 pre-paid applications are needed for approval from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
The plates were designed by Next Generation Designs, which created a new logo for the Chamber last year. The logo is featured on the left side of the license plate, with the Chamber’s slogan, “Closer than you think!” below.
The plates, which can feature up to six numbers and/or letters, will cost an additional $25 a year above the cost of a standard Virginia plate. Stamus said the Chamber would receive a portion of the cost.
Stamus said the Chamber also must receive formal written authorization from the surrounding counties — Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania — to move forward. She said their approval shouldn’t be a problem.
“We’re pretty much in agreement with all of them,” said Stamus.
The biggest hurdle, she said, is getting 350 people to prepay for the new numberplate.