By Andie Gibson 

Eastlake Marina
  For the four partners of Eastlake Marina, the new full-service dealership just came together naturally. Dana Kuhn had grown up building mahogany boats with his father and spending a lot of time at the lake. He had also developed a highly successful business plan for his non-profit organization. Ron Sweet had been around the lake for years and was an expert in boat sales. And Jason Kuhn was attending Virginia Commonwealth University’s intensive Business Marketing program. They each met Roy Wilson over the motor of a boat and instantly knew that this was the man to start a business with.
  “I kept hearing people say that Roy was the best repair and service technician on the lake,” commented Dana. “When I had him work on my boat, we started talking about our business objectives and everything just seemed to work out.”
  Realizing each of their unique talents, the four teamed up to start the only full-service dealership on the east side of the lake. Dana brought his business expertise to the table hoping to capitalize on the plan he implemented with his non-profit organization. Roy added his skills as a mechanic. Ron brought his knowledge of boats and sales experience. And Jason added the marketing expertise.
  They began the business by renovating the warehouse at the intersection of Rt. 608 and Rt. 626. The team built an office, showroom and four service bays to create a dealership that could offer a perfect combination of sales and service. Other lines are in the works, but Eastlake Marina has already picked up new boats from several premier lines including Malibu ski boats and Manitou pontoon boats, as well as their thoroughly inspected used boats.
  “We felt like this area of the lake was under-serviced,” explained Roy. “We’re not limiting our services to the east side, we’ll go anywhere on the lake. We chose to be here for the people who want a dealership that also offers quality service on this side of the lake.”
  Just about all of Eastlake Marina’s service technicians are certified in their specialty. With service as their main goal, the team is quick to explain that they will take care of anything that comes through the door. And, more importantly, you don’t have to get your boat to their door to get the high-quality service of Eastlake Marina. The service team has off-site capabilities and will make on-water service calls to your dock or slip, or you can bring your boat to their service slip at Parkway Marina.
  “We are offering a better overall quality of service,” explained Dana. “Often when you purchase a boat, you are left wondering where to have it serviced. We make sure that all of our customers are confident that they will have the service to support their purchase.”
  For more information on Eastlake Marina, call 540-297-8889

Vitazen
  As Smith Mountain Lake continues to grow, more and more specialized shops are coming to the area, so we no longer have to drive to Roanoke or Lynchburg for the things we need. VitaZen is a great step in that process. By carrying vitamin supplements, homeopathic remedies and a large selection of natural products, VitaZen offers something that is hard to find anywhere – much less at the lake.
  If you’re not familiar with VitaZen, their slogan tells you everything you need to know: “Supplements for a Healthy Mind, Body and Soul.” That and the creative name of the store actually describe the two different aspects of their product lines. Vitamins and supplements combined with natural products to relax soothe and nurture.
  VitaZen’s main features are their vitamins, minerals and herbs as well as weight loss products, muscle building products, supplements for men and women and even pet products. The shelves are lined with homeopathic remedies for everything from allergies to joint problems. And, you can shop at VitaZen with the confidence that you are getting the best blends and consistency available.
  “I did a lot of research to choose the best product lines,” said owner Brett Keister. “When choosing supplements, you have to check into the reputation of the company and the purity of the product. If you can find something cheaper at a discount store, there is usually a reason.”
  On the Zen side of the store, Brett carries a wide assortment of unique products. From a beautiful salt crystal lamp to hand lotion, everything they offer is chosen for its ability to make you feel good. Whether you want to take a few minutes for yourself with a cup of hot Numi tea, or fill your home with the incredible scent of Soy Wax and Beanpod candles, this is the section where you can find the supplements for your mind and soul.
  “We wanted to offer things that you couldn’t find at other stores around the lake,” explained Brett. “I had worked with GNC since 1995, so I knew a lot about the supplements, but we wanted to offer products that could balance the mind, body and soul. If you’re not in a good place mentally, you need to find whatever works for you. Read a book, sit in the tub or listen to music. We wanted to address what works for different people.”
  With that in mind, Brett ordered a variety of books on different subjects and  is always happy to search for a particular title or theme and order it for you. Vitazen has several different body care lines featuring scrubbers, soaps, body wash and a selection of organic shampoos, conditioners and even deodorants. They carry teas and teasans, natural sounds CDs, aromatherapy, essential oils and more.
  Brett and his wife opened VitaZen together. As a Registered Nurse, Glenda Wynne was always interested in treating the whole body instead of waiting for something to go wrong and, as a diabetic, Brett had realized from personal experience how different people need different care. For years they had wanted to open a store like this in the area, and Westlake Towne Center gave them the extra push to go ahead and do it. For more information, call 540-721-9365.

Cindy Barber – Books & Ledgers
  Many business owners and individuals have one particular area that slows them down – accounting. When it comes to balancing books, figuring taxes and organizing finances, many people cringe. Not Cindy Barber. As the President of Books & Ledgers, this is what she loves.
  “I’ve always just loved numbers,” explained Cindy. “I love sitting at the computer and making things balance. Even after more than 17 years in the business, when something balances perfectly the first time, I cheer.”
  Books & Ledgers offers bookkeeping and accounting services including account payables and receivables, financial statements, bank reconciliation, payroll, payroll taxes, and more. While the company can handle full accounting responsibilities, Cindy tailors her services to each situation, and no job is too small. She offers free consultations and will even plan a one-time set-up session for those who just need a little help establishing a system.
  “The most important thing is to talk with the client, get to know them and make sure we are a good fit,” said Cindy. “I have worked in public and corporate accounting and have a wide range of experience with everything from manufacturing to service companies. I also work with individuals on their personal finances.”
  Starting Books & Ledgers was Cindy’s way of becoming more involved with the community. She worked for a Lynchburg manufacturing firm but felt the commute limited her ability to be involved with our area. Now she offers a service to the businesses and individuals who would rather spend their time doing something other than accounting. And at the same time, she gets to spend more time at the lake.
  “I really want to be more involved with the community,” said Cindy. “The people of this area are so wonderful and giving. I want to be a part of that.”
  Cindy and her husband moved to Smith Mountain Lake 14 years ago after searching from Ohio to Georgia to find the perfect place. They loved Smith Mountain Lake so much they packed up and moved here before either of them found jobs in the area. Now, the Barbers are even more in love with our area and feel it’s the perfect place to raise their two children.
  “It’s a fabulous lake,” Cindy commented. “We moved here because we love SML, and it’s the only place we want to be.”
  In the four months since Cindy started Books & Ledgers, she has already helped several clients significantly. One is bringing in $2,500 more a month with all accounts receivable paid on time for the first time in the history of the company.
  “Sometimes it’s hard for people to let go of things and trust others to do them correctly,” explained Cindy. “But once I get going, they get so excited about having more free time and knowing that their accounting is done correctly.”
  Cindy offers office appointments or will come to your home or business. She has a Business Administration degree from Kent State and is certified in both Quicken and QuickBooks software. She will also work with Word, Excel or the program of your choice. While many companies have lost sight of customer service values, that is Cindy’s highest priority. She explained, “I’m a professional with a high standard of quality customer service.”
  For more information about Books & Ledgers, call Cindy Barber at 540-871-0972. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Southern Belles to Offer Floating Hospitality
  Lori Ghiringhelli, AnneMarie Albergo and Daine Brzeski are enthusiastic new owners of Southern Belle, the lake’s latest sightseeing and fun-on-the-water cruise attraction. All three have resettled here from New York for the express purpose of entertaining lake residents and visitors aboard the former Angelique, which they’ve purchased from Campers Paradise and re-christened, aptly enough, Southern Belle.
  Captain Diane Brzeski has held her Coast Guard certificate for 12 years, owning and operating some eight boats in New York Harbor and regularly navigating the treacherous 8-knot current of Hells Gate where the East River meets Long Island Sound. A real boat addict, Diane has long dreamed of captaining commercial cruises. She spouts her new vessel’s statistics without hesitation: 55’ length; 16’ beam; 25 gross tons; powered by twin 240 hp Mercruiser diesel outdrives; generator, heat, AC; newly USCG inspected and declared quite fit for livery. Built in 1990 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, all of the boat’s service has been on the serene waters of SML. The availability of “just the right boat” brought Diane here with no hesitation — and exuding a heavy case of entrepreneurial excitement.
  Partner #2, Lori Ghiringhelli, brings hospitality expertise from her catering work in New York City, plus a genuine love of pampering guests. “Be ready to be spoiled,” she says.  “We’re all doting moms at heart, and with table seating for just 48 passengers, it is small enough to provide individualized attention.” Of the three self-proclaimed “Chicks of the Sea,” Lori will see to the fine linens and food (three entrée choices on 2-hour dinner cruises will be “gourmet” and prepared by the Southern Belles in the Campers’ Paradise kitchens). All three partners have earned their Food Safety Handling Certificates from the Board of Health and are CPR and First Aid trained.
“We look forward to hosting families and groups of all ages. We’ll be equipped to take very good care of them,” she says. 
  AnneMarie Albergo is the “management” partner. “Our plan calls for Friday/Saturday/Sunday sunrise breakfast cruises and daily two-hour dinner/sunset and special event cruises beginning this spring,” she says (Maiden voyage April 12, Grand Opening in early May). Weddings, receptions, birthdays, Mother’s Day (senior moms half price), Fourth of July, group and club charters—as well as unscheduled departures “whenever there’s a group ready to go,” says AnneMarie. Sightseeing cruises will be $12-$15 for adults and dinner cruises $28, with discounts for seniors, children and veterans. Disabled vets will be welcomed free of charge. “They’re the real heroes,” she says, with confirming nods from her partners. 
  The Southern Belle has been fitted with modern heads (restrooms), a fully stocked bar, new wallpaper and carpeting, plus a stairway to an observation deck topside. Complete schedules will be published at www.southernbellecruises.com.