Laurie Smith and her goats Pancakes and Waffles. (Photo/Bob Hurley)
Background: President and owner of L.E. Smith Enterprises LLC, a marketing and advertising business whose clients include RappCats, Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection, FamilyFutures and Friends of the Library; President, Businesses of Rappahannock (BOR); Co-Chair and Executive Director, Rappahannock Farm Tour; former board member, Rappahannock Animal Welfare League. Moved from Fauquier County to Amissville in 1998. Lives with her partner, Mark Reinhardt in Rappahannock Lakes where they raise goats, chickens and rabbits.
The Spark: I’ve got multiple sparks. First, growing up in Louisa County, Va., my grandparents were a huge influence on me. They were farmers and would do anything for anyone. As a kid, I watched them regularly prepare food for needy neighbors or even cover the cost of an overdue electric bill for someone who was unable to pay. They continued their charitable work into their 90s.
Second, working with small businesses and nonprofits my entire career, I’ve seen how these organizations form the backbone of their communities, especially in Rappahannock. They are the ones who support community-building events, underwrite local sports leagues, help those in need and provide volunteers for numerous activities. Their energy and enthusiasm has been and continues to be a real motivation for me.
Proudest Achievement: Prior to 2017, the Farm Tour was an informal organization that received some support from the county government. When it became apparent the county could no longer support the tour, Susan Blake, my incredibly talented co-chair, and I decided to turn it into a nonprofit entity, something neither of us had done. Since then we’ve continued building regional interest with visitors coming from the Piedmont and Northern Virginia areas. Despite stormy weather in 2023 and 2024, we averaged about 2,500 tour weekend visitors for each of those years.
The tour helps people appreciate the importance of keeping open spaces in agriculture and preventing urban sprawl from encroaching on productive farmland. Interestingly, some past visitors were so impressed with what they saw, they ended up purchasing farms out here.
Biggest Challenge: Losing my father, David Smith, in 2008. He was the deeply supportive, motivating force that really helped me develop my business skills and a ‘can-do’ spirit. There are so many days when I’m facing challenges with BOR or the tour and
I ask myself, ‘What would my dad do?’ Although he’s no longer here to help, I find the advice and support he gave me continues on. He is still my rock.
Professionally, finding volunteers to help out, especially with the Farm Tour, is always a challenge. It takes several dozen volunteers to help with the planning and staffing during the tour weekend in September. Certainly financial support from individuals and small businesses is deeply appreciated and needed, but getting volunteers to help with parking, signage and community outreach is never easy.
Why It Matters: This beautiful tight-knit community is where we all live and work. It is truly such a special place. We should all do our best to give back in whatever capacity we can. You’ll find giving back to others just makes you feel good. Also, we plan to find new ways to continue getting younger people more involved in the Farm Tour with the hope they can benefit from community service and build self-esteem.
Favorite Rappahannock Treasure: I can’t pick just one thing. It is the beautiful vistas, the unspoiled countryside and the generous spirit of those who donate their time and resources to keep Rappahannock the special place it is. The Covid years were a shining example of our community’s cohesion. Small businesses, farmers, nonprofits and many individuals all came together to support each other during that very challenging time.
