JULY 2025

Perfect Spread: Luxury Picnics That

Redefine Outdoor Dining in Smithfield, VA

Nestled in the heart of Smithfield, Virginia, Perfect Spread redefines outdoor gatherings with luxury picnics that blend elegance, comfort, and Southern charm. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, celebrating a milestone birthday, or hosting an intimate gathering, Perfect Spread transforms everyday moments into unforgettable experiences.

Founded by Ashlie Hampton, a seasoned event professional with over 30 years of experience, Perfect Spread reflects her lifelong passion for hospitality and design. After a successful career producing events for museums, nonprofits, and private clients in Florida, Ashlie relocated to Virginia to be closer to her family and brought her signature style and vision with her. Perfect Spread is a heartfelt continuation of her commitment to creating meaningful, joy-filled experiences for others.

Each picnic is thoughtfully curated, featuring elegant tablescapes, plush seating, and a handpicked selection of local fare—from artisanal cheeses and charcuterie to seasonal delights. Clients can choose from scenic locations throughout Smithfield or request a custom setup in their backyard. What truly sets Perfect Spread apart is its full-service approach: Ashlie and her team handle every detail, from planning and styling to setup and cleanup. All you have to do is show up and celebrate!

Perfect Spread caters to a wide range of events, including proposals, bridal showers, brunches, and gender reveals. With flexible packages and a deep personal touch, it’s more than just a picnic—it’s a curated experience designed to delight. Learn more or book at www.perfectspread.org.

**We know businesses in Isle of Wight County rock, and we want to tell the world. If you'd like to have your business featured in our newsletter and online for FREE, contact us and be prepared to tell your story!

Over the last few months, the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce has hosted ribbon cuttings to celebrate the opening of the following new businesses:

Ascension Healing Center (April) offers alternative and holistic health services blending Reiki, Sound Healing, Somatic Movement, Guided Meditation and Breathwork. 409 Main Street, Suite C, Smithfield

GO Car Wash (April) offers a fast, efficient, and fun car wash in a racing-themed atmosphere. GO has unlimited memberships and fleet services.

Bartlett Station in Carrollton (14237 Lori Ann Way – in front of Publix)

Smithfield Fit Body Boot Camp (May) is an international award-winning personal training center franchise that specializes in 30-minute weight loss boot camps.

1807 South Church Street (Smithfield Commons)

South Harbor (June) is a 340-unit, 55+ community. The ribbon cutting celebrated the opening of a $4M amenity complex that includes a clubhouse, heated swimming pool, pickle ball, bocce ball, and shuffleboard courts, a playground for visiting children, dog park, and nature trails. The footbridge was dedicated in honor of the late pastor and Isle of Wight County Supervisor William McCarty. 13567 Carrollton Blvd., Carrollton

New Business Licenses June

See the full list of new June business licenses:

PDF Format (.pdf) or Excel Format (.xlsx)

New Business Highlights from March-June:

• James River Tattoo LLC (Carrollton)
• Connors Country Store (Ivor)
• Main Street Diner (Smithfield)
• Os Wight Foot and Ankle Institute (Carrollton)

We extend a warm welcome to all of our new businesses.

Thank you for putting down roots to grow in Isle of Wight County!

ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE

The 2024 Isle of Wight County Economic Development Annual Report celebrates calendar year development activity. The report also highlights business attraction and retention efforts, including new businesses, the impact of the Port of Virginia, target industry sector outreach, workforce development initiatives, community roots/quality of life, and statistics and demographics.

View Annual Report Archives

ARE YOU HURRICANE READY?

June marked the start of the Atlantic hurricane season—a timely reminder for all businesses across the Isle to revisit their emergency preparedness plans.

A few helpful reminders from our friends at the Hampton Roads Alliance as we navigate what experts predict could be a busy storm season:

• Update your business continuity and communications plans
• Check flood insurance coverage and mitigate physical risks
• Back up critical data and ensure remote access systems are ready
• Sign up for regional alerts like Know Your Zone VA and IW Alert
• Explore grants and funding for floodproofing and adaptation

Don't delay—weather the storm by being hurricane ready!

SIGN UP FOR ISLE CHAT!

Economic Development wants to learn more about local businesses in order to provide assistance and resources based upon your needs. If you’re interested in expanding or starting a business or have concerns about matters that impact your business operations, we are here to help in reaching your goals and overcoming challenges. 

You can schedule a phone or video chat for up to 45 minutes with our Business Development Coordinator, Nicole Talton. For your convenience, appointments are available Monday through Friday. Thank you for continuing to nurture your local roots here in Isle of Wight County!   

Click here to schedule your Isle Chat

UPCOMING WORKSHOP

The Isle of Wight County Economic Development Department, along with the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center (SBDC), invites you to the next business workshop in the Elevate and Thrive Inside the Isle Series, scheduled for August 7th at the Smithfield Center (220 N. Church Street, Smithfield).

This workshop is FREE but registration is required! Please scan the QR code or click here to sign up. Please contact Nicole Talton at 757.365.6251 with any questions.

FEATURED AVAILABLE PROPERTY

25400 Old Mill Road - Class A Manufacturing & Distribution Facility Available for Lease

A Class A manufacturing and distribution facility is available for lease. The former Keurig Dr. Pepper facility is located in the Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park, off U.S. Route 460 in Isle of Wight County. The building sits on 64 acres and can be expanded to over 1 million square feet. The manufacturing/warehouse area is approximately 313,981 square feet and the two-story office is approximately 34,126 square feet. Ceiling height is 32.5' clear. Located within 28 miles of the Port of Virginia. Nationally known businesses, Safco Products Co. and World Market, are also located in the park. Located within a Virginia Enterprise Zone and a Foreign Trade Zone.

For more information, contact Geoff Poston, Thalhimer, at 757.650.8437 or geoff.poston@thalhimer.com.

Search the County's available properties database for more commercial or industrial properties.

If you own or represent a commercial property in Isle of Wight County that is available for sale or lease, please CONTACT US, and we will add it to our database.

SMITHFIELD IN SOUTHERN LIVING

Smithfield's recent feature on Southern Living's website is a testament to the town's rich cultural tapestry and culinary delights, showcasing its unique charm as a must-visit destination in Isle of Wight County. This extensive multi-page spread not only celebrates the arts and history that define this community but also invites visitors to explore our many local eateries and accommodations. As Southern Living puts it, "Smithfield is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile."

Want to check it out? Click here for the article or come experience the magic of Smithfield for yourself. Support our local businesses and immerse yourself in all the things that make our county truly special!

Visit the Farms

Take a tour, buy some locally grown fresh produce and learn more about where your food comes from! Get lost in a pumpkin maze, bump along on a hay ride, touch the soft wool of an alpaca, get the buzz on some bees, buy some grass fed/grass finished beef, visit a vineyard, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the rural setting. These farms of Isle of Wight County welcome visitors and shoppers alike.

Please click here for our 2025 brochure or visit the Tourism website for more information!

The Isle of Wight County Newcomer's Guide has been updated for 2025. If you are a new resident to the County, you may have some questions about the many services available. This information is designed to help ease your transition into your new home and life here inside the Isle.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT www.InsideTheIsle.com

757.356.1962