SACoC April 2026 Newsletter

Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

SpringhasarrivedinSmithville,andwithitcomesa seasonfullofconnection,celebration,and communityspirit.Weareexcitedtoshareeverything happeningthismonthasourcalendarcontinuesto fillwithopportunitiestogather,engage,andsupport oneanother.

First,wewanttoextendaheartfeltthankyouto everyonewhojoinedusfortheMarchChamber MixerhostedbyAmericanLegionPost180.Itwasa wonderfuleveningofnetworking,conversation,and communityconnection—weappreciateallwhocame outandhelpedmakeitsuchagreatsuccess.Wealso

enjoyedkickingofftheCoffeeChatandlookforwardtocontinuingthose meaningfulconversationsinApril.

Thismonthispackedwithexcitingevents!BesuretojoinusforourApril ChamberMixerhostedbyRestorationRanch,agreatopportunitytoconnect withfellowmembersandcommunityleaders.We’realsolookingforwardtoour upcomingChamberLuncheonfeaturingguestspeakerRobertAndrade,Cityof SmithvilleEconomicDevelopmentDirector,whowillshareinsightsintothe growthandfutureofourcommunity.

AprilalsobringssomeofSmithville’smostbelovedtraditions.TheSmithville Jamboreeisrightaroundthecorner,bringingfun,music,andcommunitypride totheheartofourtown.Inaddition,MusicintheParkreturnseveryThursday inApril,offeringarelaxingwaytoenjoylivemusic,localdining,andtimewith familyandfriendsundertheeveningsky.

Asalways,weencourageyoutostayengaged,supportlocalbusinesses,and takeadvantageofthemanyopportunitiestoconnectthroughtheChamber.It’s theenergyandinvolvementofourmembersandcommunitythatmake Smithvillesuchaspecialplace.

ThankyouforbeingpartofwhatmakesSmithvillethrive.Welookforwardto seeingyouaroundtownthisApril!

Warmregards, KathyDanielson

ExecutiveDirector,SmithvilleAreaChamberofCommerce

Welcome from Kathy Danielson, Executive Director March Chamber Mixer Recap Coffee Chat with Kathy April Chamber Mixer Music in the Park April Luncheon SEF Scramble Recap Updates from Keep Smithville Beautiful

Chatter Podcast Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: Prosperity Bank Board Member Spotlight: Karrie McKeown City of Smithville Facade Grant April Calendar of Events Member Events Welcome New & Renewing Members Advertising Opportunities Visit Smithville Texas Board of Directors Membership Levels Cornerstone Partners

RECAP IN 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!

Cornerstone Partners

Coffee Chat with Kathy – April 8th

Start your morning with connection and conversation at the March Coffee Chat with Kathy on Wednesday, April 8th at 7:30 AM. Join Kathy Danielson, Executive Director of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, for a relaxed hour of community updates, networking, and meaningful conversation over coffee. This gathering is open to both Chamber members and non-members—we welcome everyone who wants to stay informed and engaged in our local business community. We will meet at the Chamber Office, 102 NE 1st Street, Smithville, Texas.

Interested in hosting a future Coffee Chat at your business? We’d love to partner with you! Contact the Chamber at 512-237-2313 or Chamber@SmithvilleTx.org for more information.

Bring a friend and join us—we look forward to seeing you there!

Cornerstone Partners

JoinUsfortheAprilMixersponsoredbyRestorationRanch!

JoinusforaneveningofconnectionandcommunityatourMarchChamberMixer,sponsoredbytheAmericanLegionPost 180!ChamberMixersarearelaxed,welcomingwaytonetwork,strengthenrelationships,andgettoknowfellowbusinessand communitymembers.Membersandprospectivemembersarealwayswelcome.

Thursday,April16,2026

5:00–7:00PM 172AHillsPrairieRoad Bastrop,TX78602

Doorprizeswillbegivenoutat6:00PM!|Don’tmissoutonthefun.|Markyourcalendarsandbringafriend!

Bring your family, invite your friends, and make an evening of it. Start by visiting one of our wonderful local restaurants, then head down to the Gazebo Park at the end of Main Street to enjoy live music and relaxed at the park.

Every Thursday in April | 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Joinusforthe2ndQuarterlyChamberLuncheonoftheyear!

Theseluncheonsfocusoneducation,advocacy,andgovernmentalaffairs,providing valuableinsightsandnetworkingopportunitiesforbusinessandcommunityleaders.

OurspeakerisRobertAndrade,thenewCityOfSmithvilleEDCDirector

Cornerstone Partners

The Smithville Education Foundation is thrilled to share the success of our 1st Annual SEF Scramble FORE! Education Golf Tournament! Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we hosted 36 teams and proudly surpassed our initial fundraising goal. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic participants, and the wonderful team at ColoVista for their exceptional hospitality—allofwhommadethedaysuchasuccess.

Funds raised through this tournament directly support programs that enrich education in Smithville ISD, including Enrichment Programming—which provides students with opportunities in art, science, and various activities—along with Innovative Teaching Grants that equip teachers with new classroom tools and resources, and the Top 10 Percent Graduate Banquet, which honors outstanding seniors and their favorite educators. These efforts, along with senior scholarships, create meaningful and lasting impacts for our students. We are truly grateful for the continued support of our community and look forward to doing it againnextyear!Markyourcalendarsandbudgetsnow!

Cornerstone Partners

Updates from Keep Smithville Beautiful

(Committee of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce)

The Smithville Community Gardens hosted a Plant Swap on Saturday, March 14 Participants were able to bring or receive plants, seeds, tools, pots, gardening supplies, tips, etc. th

Also, we are pleased to announce the addition of Ann Rosecrance to the KSB Board. Ann is a resident of Smithville and a chemist with more than 30 years of experience in the environmental field. She regularly helps with KSB community events, litter cleanups and household hazardous waste cleanup days. Ann volunteers with the Smithville ISD Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program and provides kids with science and environmental education. She has 2 daughters and loves to spend time with her 3-year old granddaughter. If you see her around, please help us welcome Ann!

-KSB team (Facebook @KeepSmithvilleBeautiful)

We were happy to participate in the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off Event on Saturday, March 21st! It was a successful event, and we were proud to support the effort and provided donuts and coffee for the hardworking volunteers.

Thank you to everyone who came out to help keep our community clean and safe—we appreciate all who made this event a success!

Pictures from the HHW on March 21st

In a community like Smithville, strong local partnerships help drive progress, support businesses, and create lasting relationships. As a valued Cornerstone Partner of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, Prosperity Bank plays an important role in strengthening both the financial wellbeing of individuals and the economic vitality of our region.

Located right here in Smithville, Prosperity Bank is more than just a place to manage finances—it’s a community-focused institution dedicated to serving the people and businesses that call this area home. Their team understands the unique needs of small towns and works closely with customers to provide personalized banking solutions that make a difference.

Prosperity Bank offers a full range of financial services designed to support every stage of life and business. From personal checking and savings accounts to home loans, auto loans, and mortgage services, they provide the tools individuals and families need to plan for the future. For local businesses, Prosperity Bank delivers essential support through commercial lending, business accounts, and financial guidance that helps entrepreneurs grow and succeed. What truly sets Prosperity Bank apart is their commitment to building relationships. Their knowledgeable staff takes the time to understand each customer’s goals, offering tailored solutions and dependable service. Whether someone is opening their first account, purchasing a home, or expanding a business, Prosperity Bank is there every step of the way.

Beyond their financial services, Prosperity Bank is deeply invested in the communities they serve. Their involvement in local initiatives, partnerships, and organizations—like the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce—demonstrates a genuine commitment to community growth and success. As Smithville continues to thrive, partnerships like the one we share with Prosperity Bank help ensure a strong and vibrant future. We are proud to recognize Prosperity Bank as a Cornerstone Partner and appreciate their ongoing dedication to supporting our community.

Cornerstone Partners

Getting to Know Our Board Members

Karrie McKeown

This month, we’re pleased to spotlight Karrie McKeown, the Secretary of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, involved with the Smithville Jamboree, and has wroked for the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center for 30+ years!

Karrie McKeown is a proud hometown girl, raised in Smithville, where she continues to live and thrive since 1976. With a heart for community and a mind for detail, Karrie has dedicated over three decades to public service as a Contract Administrator at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Her 32-year tenure at one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions is a testament to her commitment and excellence, marked notably by her achievement of a lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager Certification in 2014. Karrie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tarleton State University in 1985, laying the academic foundation for her long and successful career in contract administration and procurement.

Outside of work, Karrie finds joy in antiquing and has a deep passion for giving back to her community—a value she holds close to her heart. Whether volunteering her time or supporting local initiatives, her love for Smithville and its people shines through in all she does.

Check out our online calendar for event details!

Chamber Chatter Podcast Is Back!

We’reexcitedtosharethattheSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommercewillbebringingbackthe ChamberChatterPodcastbeginningMarch2026!Thispopularpodcasthasbeenonpausesince2021, 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

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.

Cornerstone Partners

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.

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

Cornerstone Partners

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.

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