Well, if you had asked me in 1997 if “Smitty” and Smitty’s Notes would be around in 2022. I would have chuckled and said “I don’t think so”. Yet, here we are – celebrating its 25th Anniversary and couldn’t be more proud of its longevity in the Winston-Salem community.

Started as a way a few friends figured out what to do over the weekend, has morphed into a multi prong effort over the years. From a event list, young professional advocacy tool, a downtown economic development vehicle, community development informer, website and people connector. In the late 90’s and early 2000’s, our community had lost its way. I figured I would do my part to make a contribution to help us find our way.

From connecting people, serving on boards, being involved in community initiatives, problem solving, trouble shooting, doing television, radio and writing columns in print. Some of what was said wasn’t pretty at times. However, it needed to be said. Our city was in dire straits, and as a native, I wasn’t going to see Winston-Salem become irrelevant. I was described as an angry young man on a mission… I’ve mellowed out quite a bit nowadays…

Over the years, I have met some great people. Many are friends today. Some I would not have met if it weren’t because of Smitty’s Notes. I take much pride in the dinner program created called “Evening with Eight – Plus Smitty!”, which connected community leaders with people in Winston-Salem. Over 1,200 people and 60 community leaders broke bread together over ten years. I’m proud of the Smitty’s Notes Wine Tours, highlighting at the time, our budding regional wine industry in the early 2000’s.