SACoC 2026 February Newsletter

Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

A Message from t

Ithasbeensuchajoysteppingintothisroleand gettingtoknowSmithville’sincrediblecommunity andbusinessmembers.I’vetrulyenjoyedmeetingso manyofyouatrecenteventsandappreciatethe warmwelcomeI’vereceived—itmeansmorethanI cansay.

Haveyousecuredyourticketsyetforthe2026 ChamberAnnualBanquet?We’regearingupfora wonderfuleveningandarecurrentlyseekingSilent Auctionitemsandsponsorstohelpmakethisevent asuccess.Ifyou’reinterestedincontributingor sponsoring,wewouldlovetohearfromyou.

IalsowanttoextendaheartfeltthankyoutotheSmithvilleHeritageSociety andEdwardJones–MicahOliver,FinancialAdvisorforhostingsuchafantastic JanuaryChamberMixer.Itwasagreateveningofconnectionsandconversation. BesuretojoinusnextatMutt’sLastStandforourFebruaryChamberMixer— welookforwardtoseeingyouthere!

Don’tforgetourChamberLuncheononWednesday,January28th,featuring guestspeakerDanaPlattwithCARTS,whowillshareexcitingupdatesabout transportationinitiativesandcommunityconnections.

Lookingahead,we’reexcitedtoannouncethereturnofChamberCoffeeChats andtheChamberChatterPodcastbeginninginMarch!CoffeeChats areopentobothmembersandnon-members,andwe’dloveforyoutojoinus forthesecasual,informativegatherings.We’llbesharingmoredetailssoon.

Welcome from Kathy Danielson, Executive Director

January Luncheon

February Chamber Mixer

Coffee Chat with Kathy Chamber Chatter {Podcast 2026 Chamber Banquet

January Mixer Recap

Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: Highline

February Calendar of Events

Member Events

Welcome New & Renewing

Members

Advertising Opportunities Visit Smithville Texas Board of Directors

Membership Levels Cornerstone Partners

We’vealsoupdatedouradvertisingopportunitiesacrossoureBlasts,newsletters,website,andpodcasts.Ifyou’re lookingtogetinfrontofyourcustomersandsupporttheChamber,pleasereachouttosecureyouradvertisingspot.In addition,we’llbeannouncingupcomingChamber101sessionstohelpmembersbetterunderstandandmaximizetheir benefits.

Lastly,westillhaveafewMixerhostingopportunitiesavailableforbusinessmembers—butthey’refillingfast!Letus knowifyou’reinterestedinhosting.

ThankyouagainforyourcontinuedsupportoftheChamber.Ilookforwardtoseeingyouaroundtownandatthe AnnualBanquetverysoon!

Warmregards, KathyDanielson

ExecutiveDirector,SmithvilleAreaChamberofCommerce

Join us for our first Quarterly Chamber Luncheon of 2026 on Wednesday, January 28th at the VFW Hall. We’re pleased to welcome Dana Platt with CARTS (Capital Area Rural Transportation System) as our featured program.

Many in our community are eager to learn more about CARTS’ routes, services, and the vital role it plays in connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, and other resources throughout the region. This is a great opportunity to hear firsthand how CARTS supports our rural communities and helps ease the burden of long commutes for so many.

Stay tuned for ticket details and RSVP info we look forward to starting the year with a meaningful and informative event!

Cornerstone Partners

JoinusforaneveningofconnectionandcommunityatourFebruaryChamberMixer,hostedbyMutt’sLastStand!Chamber Mixersarearelaxed,welcomingwaytonetwork,strengthenrelationships,andgettoknowfellowbusinessandcommunity members.Membersandprospectivemembersarealwayswelcome.

Thursday,February19,2026 5:00–7:00PM Mutt’sLastStand

Coffee Chats with the Chamber Are Brewing Again!

Back This March 11th!

Make plans to join the Coffee Chat with Kathy on Wednesday, March 11th at 7:30 AM!

Join Kathy Danielson, Executive Director of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, for casual conversation, community updates, and a great way to connect over coffee.

This Coffee Chat is open to Chamber members and non-members—we’d love to have you join us!

Location to be determined — and we’re looking for a host!

Are you a local business interested in hosting this Coffee Chat? Give us a call at 512-237-2313 or email Chamber@SmithvilleTx.org to let us know.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or check the Chamber Event Calendar on our website for location updates as the date approaches.

Bring a friend and start your day with connection—we look forward to seeing you!

Cornerstone Partners

Chamber Chatter Podcast Is Back!

We’ree backthe ChamberC since2021, andwe’reeagertorelaunchitasafreshwaytoshareexcitingupdatesabouttheChamber,spotlight ourmembers,andhighlightthepeople,businesses,andorganizationsthatmakeSmithvillethrive.

We’reinvitingChambermembersandcommunitypartnerstobefeaturedasguestspeakers Whether you’dliketotalkaboutyourbusinessofferings,nonprofitmission,anupcomingevent,orabig announcement thisisagreatplatformtoshareyourstory Anddon’tworryifyou’recamerashy we aretoo!We’lltakegoodcareofyouandmakeitacomfortable,funexperience.

Planaheadandgetonthecalendarnow spotswillfillquickly!

SponsortheChamberChatterPodcastin2026! Businessescansponsoranepisodefor$150perepisode Eachsponsoredepisodewillreceivebroad exposureastheChambersharesthepodcastacross:majorpodcastplatforms,theChamber’s YouTubeChannel,ChamberFacebookpage(7,500+followers),ChambereBlastsandNewsletters (1,198inboxes)

ThisreachextendswellbeyondSmithvilleandBastropCounty,makingitapowerfulandaffordable marketingopportunity

Pleasenote:thereareonly10speakerandsponsorshipopportunitiesavailablefor2026 once they’refilled,that’sit!Interestedinbeingaguestorsponsoringanepisode?

Contactusat512-237-2313orChamber@SmithvilleTx.org.

We’dlovetofeatureyouontheChamberChatterPodcast!

Cornerstone Partners

Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: Highline

We’re proud to highlight Highline as one of our valued Cornerstone Partners! Highline is a community-focused fiber-optic internet and voice service provider dedicated to delivering real, high-speed connectivity to rural and underserved areas—including right here in Central Texas. By expanding access to premium fiber broadband, Highline helps families stay connected, supports students in online learning, and empowers local businesses to compete and grow in today’s digital world. Fast, reliable internet is no longer a luxury—it’s an essential tool for work, education, entertainment, and everyday life. Recently, Highline expanded its Texas service footprint through the acquisition of local fiber assets, further strengthening the infrastructure that keeps Smithville and surrounding communities connected to what matters most. This investment reflects Highline’s long-term commitment to the region and its belief in the potential of rural communities. What truly sets Highline apart is not just their lightning-fast fiber technology, but their genuine dedication to the people they serve. Highline is locally engaged, easy to work with, and focused on delivering excellent customer experiences—connecting people with honesty, integrity, and a personal touch.

Thank you, Highline, for helping bridge the digital divide and for your continued support of Smithville’s residents, businesses, and future growth!

Cornerstone Partners

MEMBER EVENTS

MEMBER EVENTS

MEMBER EVENTS

MEMBER EVENTS

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

We would like to thank these new businesses/organizations that have joined the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce. Remember to support your local business and those that continue to support our community.

Kimberly Beaver at Style House

Elisa Puentes

Alfred Beck

THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS

American Legion Ladies Auxiliary #180

Ascension Seton Smithville

Barbara Adkins

Bastrop Central Appraisal District

Bastrop Opera House

Casa Kingfisher LLC

Children's Advocacy Center

Clarence's Refrigeration & Electric

Combined Community Action

Pamela Latham

Maurice Cook Milton's, Inc.

Pines Media

Renee Blaschke

Rising Phoenix Adventures Tours & Events

Smithville Community Clinic

Smithville Community Gardens

Smithville Heritage Society and Museum

Smithville Rebekah Lodge #180/Odd Fellow Lodge #393

Southern Direct Primary Care, PLLC

StyleCo. Interiors

Zapco, Inc.

Join the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce today!

Being a member of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce means more than just joining an organization it means being part of a thriving community Your membership connects you to valuable networking opportunities, increases your visibility, amplifies your voice, and provides resources for learning and growth We are deeply grateful to our current members for their ongoing support and engagement - you are the heart of our Chamber! If you've been considering joining, now is the perfect time to invest in your business and our community

Let’s grow, connect, and succeed together!

Visit https://business smithvilletx org/member/newmemberapp to learn more

Cornerstone Partners

Your Next Stop: Smithville, Texas

A look at how the Chamber and City are partnering to grow tourism and community pride.

The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to work alongside the City of Smithville in a shared mission to promote our town as a vibrant and welcoming destination. One of the key ways we’re doing this is through the official tourism website, VisitSmithvilleTX.org.

This website was created to celebrate everything that makes Smithville special—our historic Main Street, thriving arts scene, family-friendly festivals, rich film history, and natural beauty. From charming shops and local eateries to outdoor adventures and unique places to stay, the site is packed with resources for both visitors and residents.

It also features a calendar of community events, guides to dining and lodging, and helpful links for planning a visit. Whether someone is coming from across the state or just across the county, VisitSmithvilleTX.org helps them experience all that our town has to offer.

This partnership between the Chamber and the City is a great example of how we’re working together to support local businesses, boost tourism, and build long-term economic vitality for Smithville. We encourage you to explore the site, share it with friends and family, and help us spread the word—Smithville is more than just a hidden gem… it’s a destination worth discovering.

VisitSmithvilleTX.org

THANK YOU OUTGOING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce extends its heartfelt thanks to Caroline Noya, Sandra Greaney, and Alexis Peck for their dedicated service on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Each of these leaders has given generously of their time, talent, and passion to support our members and strengthen the Smithville community. Their leadership, thoughtful guidance, and commitment have helped move the Chamber of Commerce forward and made a lasting impact on our organization.

We are deeply grateful for their service and proud to recognize the difference they’ve made.

Thank you, Caroline, Sandra, and Alexis, for your dedication to the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce and to the community we all serve.

Point your guests to VisitSmithvilleTX org for local lodging, dining, and shopping all the essentials to help them feel right at home in our one-of-a-kind town

This is a monthly publication of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce.

REMINDER: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP

If you're a Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce business member make sure to take advantage of your membership by submitting your events, sales, or business information to us to include in our Monthly Newsletter

Please email your information to us and be sure to include a supporting image for social media to Info@SmithvilleTx org

The deadline for submissions is the 3rd Monday of each month by 12PM

Click HERE to stay up-to-date with events hosted by the City of Smithville. (Scroll to the bottom of their page to view the calendar.)

2026 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Cornerstone Partners

Know someone who would enjoy staying up-to-date with all the happenings in our community? Feel free to share this newsletter with your family and friends! Encourage them to subscribe so they can receive future updates directly in their inbox and stay connected with everything happening in Smithville

THANK YOU CORNERSTONE PARTNERS