January 2026
January 2026
Monthly Newsletter 512-237-2313
Chamber@SmithvilleTX.org
www.SmithvilleTX.org
102 N.E. 1st Street, Smithville, Texas, 78957
This is a monthly publication of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce ssage from the Executive Director
A Me
Happy New Year, Smithville! As we begin 2026, I’m honored to introduce myself as your new Executive Director of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce. I’m thrilled to join this vibrant, welcoming community and look forward to meeting more of you in the weeks ahead. It’s a privilege to help lead the Chamber as we support our members, strengthen local businesses, and build a meaningful year of events and connection. What better way to close out last year than with the 34th Annual Festival of Lights—a truly amazing event! The turnout was incredible, and it was a perfect showcase of Smithville’s community spirit. Thank you to everyone who helped make it so special! We’re already off to a great start in 2026. Join us for our January Mixer on Thursday, January 15th, sponsored by the Smithville Heritage Society and Edward Jones – Micah Oliver, Financial Advisor. And don’t forget to secure your tickets for our first Chamber Luncheon of the year on Tuesday, January 28th, featuring Dana Platt, Community Engagement Director for CARTS. She’ll be sharing updates on the Smithville Station remodel and plans for a new community route launching March 2026. As always, Chamber members—be sure to add your events to our Chamber Calendar, and everyone—check it often to stay informed about all the great things happening in town. I’m truly excited to serve the Smithville community and work alongside our Board of Directors, Community Hosts, city partners, and local leaders. I look forward to meeting you—at events, in the office, or around town! Warm regards, Kathy Danielson Executive Director, Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce
In This Edition Welcome from Kathy Danielson, Executive Director Introducing: Kathy Danielson Introducing: Elisa Puentes January Mixer January Luncheon Message from Keep Smithville Beautiful Festival of Lights Recap Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: Wellsential Health (Towers Nursing Home) January Calendar of Events Member Events Welcome New & Renewing Members Advertising Opportunities Visit Smithville Texas Board of Directors Membership Levels Cornerstone Partners
Meet Kathy Danielson — Our New Executive Director The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to introduce Kathy Danielson, C.F.E.E., T.M.P., as our new Executive Director. With over 25 years of leadership experience in tourism, events, and community engagement, Kathy brings a proven track record of building strong relationships, growing organizations, and creating memorable events that energize entire communities. Kathy most recently served as the Community Engagement Director for the City of Bastrop, where she led the marketing, operations, and event production for the Bastrop Convention Center and major citywide celebrations like Mardi Gras, Easter in the Park, the annual Christmas Parade, Boo Bash, Farm Street Opry, and Boogie Back to Bastrop Western Swing Festival. Before moving to Texas, she was the Executive Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau in Foley, Alabama, where she successfully increased tourism revenue and created nationally recognized events, including the award-winning Heritage Harbor Days. With deep experience in strategic partnerships, volunteer coordination, sponsorship development, and business advocacy, Kathy is passionate about serving small businesses and building vibrant, resilient communities. She is a Certified Festival & Events Executive (C.F.E.E.), a Tourism Marketing Professional (T.M.P.), and an active member of several state and regional associations in the hospitality and events industries. Kathy has already shared how much she admires Smithville’s unique blend of small-town character and big-hearted community spirit. She looks forward to meeting each of our members, hearing your ideas, and working together to make 2026 our best year yet. Please join us in giving Kathy a warm Smithville welcome!
Cornerstone Partners
Welcome Elisa Puentes to the Chamber Team! We are delighted to welcome Office Manager, Elisa Puentes to the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce team! Elisa brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and heart to her role, and we are excited for the expertise and energy she adds to our organization. With more than 25 years of experience in administration, payroll, human resources, and community engagement, Elisa has worked across a variety of sectors—from construction and landscaping to city government and public safety. Most recently, she served as the Executive Administrative Assistant for the City of Bastrop’s Community Engagement Department, supporting the Convention Center, Main Street Program, Communications Department, and Cultural Arts Commission. In that role, she managed everything from event planning and meeting coordination to budget preparation and community outreach. Elisa is bilingual in Spanish and English, an active Notary Public, and is known for her outstanding organizational skills, her ability to connect with others, and her genuine commitment to helping communities thrive. Her background also includes experience with DOT compliance, insurance and claims filing, tax documentation, and support of Spanish-speaking employees—making her a versatile and valuable resource. Elisa has already shared how much she appreciates Smithville’s small-town charm, its forwardthinking spirit, and the way this community always comes together to support one another. She is excited to get to know our Chamber members and looks forward to serving and supporting the businesses and people that make Smithville such a special place. Please help us give Elisa a warm welcome—we’re so glad to have her on board!
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Join Us for the January Mixer with the Smithville Heritage Society & Edward Jones, Micah Oliver Financial Advisor! Kick off the new year by connecting with fellow business and community members at our January Chamber Mixer, hosted by the Smithville Heritage Society and sponsored by Edward Jones – Financial Advisor Micah Oliver. Chamber Mixers are a relaxed, welcoming way to network, build relationships, and learn more about the Smithville business community. Members and prospective members are always welcome! Thursday, January 15, 2025 ~ 5:00 – 7:00 PM ~ Smithville Heritage Society (602 Main Street, Smithville) Door prizes will be given out at 6:00 PM! | Don’t miss out on the fun. | Mark your calendars and bring a friend!
Your Ad Here! Contact us at Chamber@SmithvilleTx.org to purchase your ad.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Join us for our first Quarterly Chamber Luncheon of 2026 on Tuesday, January 28th at the VFW Hall. We’re pleased to welcome 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!
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We’d like to thank our outgoing board members Caroline Noya and Woody Raine for their many years of dedication and valuable contributions to Keep Smithville Beautiful and our community! These two have been instrumental in waste collection events, litter clean-ups, Sustainable Home & Garden Show, and so much more. They will be missed! Related, Keep Smithville Beautiful is looking for new board members please reply to this email if you’re interested in joining our small but mighty team and/or attend our upcoming meeting: Wednesday, January 14th 4 pm @ the Chamber of Commerce. The next household hazardous waste (HHW) drop-off event (tires and electronics only) is Saturday, January 24th. A limited number of vouchers are available here 3 weeks before the event but volunteers are ensured the ability to drop off their items and take home items at the end of the day. Click here to register as a volunteer. Ongoing activities (start the new year off right!): Can you help pick up litter on the southside of town? Please contact Bill who coordinates ongoing street sweeps: Wlglass47@gmail.com. Interested in a private tour of a thriving food forest and tips for your own? Contact Carol to coordinate: caroljackson5555@gmail.com. Waste management and other environmental considerations at City Council meetings (2nd Mondays of the month 6 pm @ City Hall). Farmers market Sundays 10 am - 2 pm @ Railroad Park, please bring your own bags! Come help at the Smithville Community Gardens Tuesdays @ 4 pm and Saturday mornings @ 9 am including lovely coffee in the garden with your reusable mug. No gardening experience necessary! Bastrop County Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas meets monthly! -KSB team (Facebook @KeepSmithvilleBeautiful)
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RECAP IN RECAP IN PICTURES PICTURES
Did you know that as a Chamber member, you have access to post your events on the Smithville Chamber Event Calendar? It’s a valuable tool to help you promote your business, increase visibility, and connect with the community. We encourage all members to take advantage of this free resource! Whether you're hosting a sale, workshop, fundraiser, or grand opening, your event belongs on the calendar. Need assistance? We’re happy to help. Call us at 512-237-2313 Or email Chamber@SmithvilleTx.org Let’s work together to keep Smithville vibrant and informed!
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CORNERSTONE PARTNER CORNERSTONE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT
Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: Wellsential Health / Towers Nursing Home For over 50 years, Towers Nursing Home has been a trusted name in compassionate care and a vital part of the Smithville community. Now operating under the Wellsential Health brand, this longtime healthcare partner continues to serve with excellence through a state-of-the-art facility built to meet the evolving needs of post-acute and long-term care patients. Through a person-centered care model, Wellsential Health offers individualized care and rehabilitation plans tailored to each patient’s goals—whether it’s a short-term recovery or long-term community living. Their services include physical, occupational, and speech therapies, as well as postsurgical recovery, cardiac care, dementia care, stroke and wound care, and IV therapy. When home is no longer the best option, Towers Nursing Home provides a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment, where spiritual, social, and medical needs are met with dignity and attention. For family caregivers needing time to recharge, Respite Care is also available, offering trusted support when it’s needed most. With highly trained staff, specialized activities, and outcome-focused therapies, Wellsential Health continues to build on its legacy of trust, compassion, and community connection. We’re proud to shine a spotlight on this dedicated Cornerstone Partner and grateful for the care and commitment they bring to Smithville.
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January 2026 Check out our online calendar for event details!
Save the Date for the Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, February 6, 2026!
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MEMBER EVENTS
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MEMBER EVENTS
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MEMBER EVENTS
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MEMBER EVENTS
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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.
WELCOME RENEWING MEMBERS Craig Strickland Lori Tuggle State Farm Jimmy Jenkins Little Spoon Vending Smithville Stitchers Quilt Guild Polaris Fun Center of Bastrop First Baptist Church Leigh Killgore Mr Chill Cooling & Heating Services LLC
Bastrop County Tourism Family Crisis Center Nancy Catherman Smithville Hospital Authority Bruce and Sallie Blalock Mike & Liz Kahanek Buescher State Park Pease Custom Floors The Prairie Subdivision
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.
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2026
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512-237-2313 | www.SmithvilleTx.org | Chamber@SmithvilleTx.org
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
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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.)
2025 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman Caroline Noya
Kathy Danielson
Executive Director
Secretary Cathy Meek
Ellie Thomas Frontier Bank
Treasurer Craig Strickland
Karrie McKeown Smithville Jamboree
Josh Coy
First National Bank
Nicole Smith
BACA Entertainment
Sandra Greaney Kids Outdoor Zone
Alexis Peck Smithville Rec Center
Elisa Puentes Office Manager
Thank you to our 2025 Board of Directors for their service to the Chamber of Commerce - we will announce our 2026 Board of Directors in the February Newsletter.
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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
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.