SACoC July 2026 Newsletter

Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

A Message from the Executive Di

AswewelcomeJuly,Iwanttotakeamomentto reflectonanotherbusyandrewardingmonthfor theSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommerce.

Junewasfilledwithopportunitiestoconnect, celebrate,andstrengthenourbusinesscommunity. WeenjoyedawonderfulChamberMixerhostedby FayetteMemorialFuneralHomeandQuintoPatio, participatedincommunityevents,recognizedour members,andcontinuedbuildingrelationshipsthat helpmakeSmithvillesuchaspecialplacetolive, work,anddobusiness.OurstaffalsoattendedtheTexasChamberof CommerceExecutivesAnnualConferenceinAbilene,bringingbacknew ideasandresourcesthatwillhelpusbetterserveourmembersand community.

AswemoveintoJuly,welookforwardtocontinuingthatmomentum.Be suretomarkyourcalendarsforourJulyChamberMixeronThursday,July 16,hostedbyVFWPost1309.ChamberMixersareagreatopportunityto network,meetfellowbusinessprofessionals,andlearnmoreaboutwhatis happeninginourcommunity

OurAmbassadorCommitteecontinuestogrowandmakeanimpact throughmemberoutreachandengagementefforts.Ifyou'relookingfora waytobecomemoreinvolvedwiththeChamber,Iencourageyouto attendanAmbassadorCommitteemeetingandlearnmoreabouthowyou canhelpwelcomeandsupportourmembers.

Julyisalsoatimetocelebratethestrengthandresilienceofourlocal businesses.Thankyoutoourmembers,volunteers,sponsors,and communitypartnerswhocontinuetosupporttheChamber'smissionof promotingeconomicgrowthandfosteringathrivingbusiness environment.

Weappreciateyourmembershipandlookforwardtoseeingyouat upcomingevents.Together,wearebuildingastrongerSmithville.

Warm regards, Kathy Danielson

Executive Director, Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

In This Edition

Welcome from Kathy Danielson, Executive Director Chamber’s Ambassador Program Update from Keep Smithville Beautiful

Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: Bluebonnet Electric Co-Op Board Member Spotlight: Ellie Thomas

June Mixer Recap

78957 Magazine Advertising

July Mixer

New & Renewing Members

August Luncheon

July Calendar of Events

Member Events

Advertising Opportunities Visit Smithville Texas Board of Directors

Membership Levels

Cornerstone Partners

The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee continues to build connections, support Chamber members, and serve as a welcoming presence throughout our business community. Ambassadors play an important role in strengthening relationships among Chamber members, assisting with events, celebrating milestones, and helping businesses make the most of their Chamber membership.

One of the committee's ongoing initiatives is presenting Chamber member plaques to businesses and organizations throughout the area. These visits provide an opportunity to connect with members, learn more about their businesses, and recognize their commitment to our community. We look forward to sharing more photos and member spotlights in the coming months.

The Ambassador Committee is always looking for enthusiastic Chamber members who want to become more involved. Serving as an Ambassador is a great way to expand your professional network, increase visibility for your business, develop leadership skills, and support the growth of the Smithville area business community.

If you've ever wondered what the Ambassadors do or how you can get involved, we invite you to attend our next meeting and learn more.

The next Ambassador Committee meeting will be held Tuesday, July 7th from 5:00–6:00 p.m. at VeraBank, located at 701 W. State Highway 71, Bastrop, TX 78602. Current Chamber members, new members, and prospective members interested in learning more about the Chamber are encouraged to attend

Ambassador Chair Janet Roby continues to inspire the committee through her commitment to community and connection.

"I believe deeply in the power of connection and community. The Chamber represents collaboration, support for local businesses, and a shared commitment to helping our community thrive. As an Ambassador, I've seen firsthand how welcoming new members, celebrating milestones, and simply showing up consistently can make a meaningful difference." Did You Know?

The Ambassador Committee serves as a resource for Chamber members, helping businesses connect with opportunities, events, and fellow members. Whether you're new to the Chamber or looking for ways to become more engaged, the Ambassadors are here to help.

For more information about the Ambassador Committee or to learn how to become an Ambassador, contact Janet Roby at 210-998-9802.

Chamber Builder

Updates from Keep Smithville Beautiful

(Committee of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce)

HereatKSB,wearealreadythinkingaboutOctoberwith planningunderwayfortheOctober17thSustainableHome andGardenShow!Pleasejointhe show’snextplanning meetingSaturday,June20th12pm-1pmattheSmithville PublicLibraryorreachouttoAnnifyouwouldliketojoin virtually:annrosecrance@gmail com

Thisyear’sshowwillincludetwoyouth-focusedcommunity initiatives:PlasticCollectionChallengeandWastetoWonder RecyclableArtContest!Linkherefor volunteer/vendor/exhibitor/sponsordetailsandregistration.

Planninghascommencedforthe2026Sustainable HomeandGardenShow!Thisyear’sshowwillbeheld Saturday,October17th,202610:00am-3:00pmat RailroadParkPavilion,Smithvillewiththetheme “PartneringtoKeeptheColoradoRiverClean.”

Seeimagebelowfordetailsonvolunteeropportunities andlinkhereforvendor/exhibitor/sponsordetailsand registration.Anyfundsraisedbeyondcoveringevent costsdirectlysupportourongoingsustainability programmingwhichincludeshazardouswastedrop-off events,litterclean-ups,andenvironmentaleducation andartactivitiesforkids.

Sustainability tip from the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District: Have you checked for water leaks lately? Fixing leaks is one of the easiest ways to save water, save money, and help protect our groundwater resources.

Keep Smithville Beautiful is looking for new board members and community advisorsplease contact keepsmithvillebeautiful@gmail.com if you’re interested in joining our small but mighty team!

CORNERSTONE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT CORNERSTONE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative as a valued Cornerstone Partner. Since 1939, Bluebonnet has provided safe, reliable, and affordable electric service while investing in the communities it serves throughout Central Texas.

Today, Bluebonnet is one of the largest electric cooperatives in Texas, serving more than 146,000 meters across 14 counties and maintaining over 13,000 miles of power lines. As a member-owned cooperative, Bluebonnet focuses on serving its members by reinvesting in infrastructure, technology, reliability improvements, and community programs.

Beyond delivering electricity, Bluebonnet supports educational initiatives, scholarships, youth leadership programs, economic development efforts, and local organizations that help strengthen communities across the region.

The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is grateful for Bluebonnet's continued partnership and investment in our community. Their support as a Cornerstone Partner helps advance Chamber programs and initiatives that benefit local businesses and residents alike.

Chamber Builder

Cornerstone Partners

Getting to Know Our Board Members

Ellie Thomas

This month, we’re pleased to spotlight Ellie Thomas, of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Branch Manager, Community Banking Officer, Frontier Bank of Texas!

Ellie Thomas is a dedicated community leader with a passion for service and building strong relationships.

Ellie and her husband, Jeramie, a Smithville native, are proud to call Smithville home. Together they are raising their four children—Grace, Grant, and twins Graham and Grady—and are actively involved in the community they love.

Originally from New Braunfels, Ellie graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science. She currently serves as Branch Manager at Frontier Bank, where she is known for her commitment to exceptional customer service and helping others achieve their goals. Ellie's enthusiasm for community involvement and relationship-building makes her a valuable member of the Chamber Board. She is passionate about supporting local businesses, fostering connections, and helping create opportunities that contribute to the continued growth and success of Smithville.

When asked about serving on the Chamber Board, Ellie shared her excitement about giving back to the community and helping strengthen the Chamber's impact throughout the area.

Thank you, Ellie, for your leadership, dedication, and service to the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce and the community we serve!

Chamber Builder

Cornerstone Partners

June Chamber Mixer Brings Community Together

The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce was pleased to host another successful Chamber Mixer in June, thanks to the generous hospitality of our hosts, Fayette Memorial Funeral Home and Quinto Patio.

The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for Chamber members, local business owners, community leaders, and guests to connect, network, and strengthen relationships in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed great conversation, made new connections, and learned more about the businesses and organizations that help make our community thrive.

Events like our monthly mixers play an important role in building a strong business community by encouraging collaboration, sharing ideas, and fostering meaningful partnerships. It was encouraging to see such a great turnout and to witness both familiar faces and new attendees engaging with one another throughout the evening.

The Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to Fayette Memorial Funeral Home and Quinto Patio for hosting the event and for their continued support of the Smithville business community. Their hospitality helped create an enjoyable evening for everyone in attendance.

Thank you to all who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at future Chamber events as we continue working together to support local businesses and strengthen our community.

Chamber Staff Attend TCCE Annual Conference

Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

Executive Director Kathy Danielson and Office Manager Elisa Puentes recently attended the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) Annual Conference in Abilene, Texas.

The conference brought together chamber professionals from across the state to share ideas, learn best practices, and explore innovative ways to strengthen local chambers and the communities they serve. Throughout the event, attendees participated in educational sessions focused on membership engagement, economic development, community partnerships, leadership, marketing, advocacy, and organizational growth.

Attending the conference provided Kathy and Elisa with valuable opportunities to network with fellow chamber professionals, exchange ideas, and gain insights that can be applied to support Chamber members and the Smithville community. The conference also offered access to industry experts and resources designed to help chambers remain effective, relevant, and responsive to the needs of local businesses.

"The opportunity to connect with other chamber leaders from across Texas is invaluable," said Kathy Danielson. "We returned with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and practical tools that will help us continue serving our members and supporting

economic growth in Smithville."

Professional development opportunities such as the TCCE Conference allow Chamber staff to stay informed about emerging trends, successful programs, and innovative strategies that benefit local businesses and communities. By investing in continued learning, the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce remains committed to providing valuable resources, strong advocacy, and meaningful connections for its members.

The Chamber appreciates the continued support of its members, partners, and community leaders who make opportunities like this possible. Kathy and Elisa look forward to putting what they learned into action as they continue working to strengthen the Smithville business community.

Chamber Builder

JoinusforaneveningofconnectionandcommunityatourJuneChamberMixer,sponsoredbyFayette MemorialFuneralHome&QuintoPatio!ChamberMixersarearelaxed,welcomingwaytonetwork, strengthenrelationships,andgettoknowfellowbusinessandcommunitymembers.Membersand prospectivemembersarealwayswelcome.

Thursday,July16,2026 5:00–7:00PM 557Loop230W Smithville,TX78602

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

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS - JUNE

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 Chamber Builder

9 E Ranch Cabins Lost Pines Bastrop

Adena Lewis

American Legion Post 180

Anytime Fitness Smithville

Bastrop 1832 Farmers Market

Bastrop County Cares

Bastrop County Democratic Party

Bastrop Signs and Banners

Capital Farm Credit Consuela

El Mexicano Grill

Germer Insurance

Lost Pines Toyota

Anytime Fitness Smithville

Caroline Noya

Davis Ranch Retreat

Fayette Memorial Funeral Home

First National Bank of Bastrop

Janis Penick, Kuper Sotheby's International Realty

Marrs-Jones Funeral Home All Faiths of the Pines Chapel

Mosaic Art & Home

Quail Run Townhomes/Ewers Brothers LLC

R E S Construction

Rogers Custom Automotive

Serenity Star - Comfort Café

Sign and Banner Texas

Smithville Auto Parts

Smithville Housing Authority

Smithville Noon Lions Club

Susan Nogues Real Estate, LLC

The Bluebonnet Room

The Nitsche Group, Insurance Services

Towers Nursing Home

Chapel

Molly Todd, Realtor

Red, White and Blue Veterans of Bastrop County

Roscoe Bank- Cornerstone Home Lending

Susan Nogues Real Estate, LLC

The Winning Shot

Vincent's Roofing Inc

Join the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce today!

BeingamemberoftheSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommercemeansmorethanjustjoiningan organizationitmeansbeingpartofathrivingcommunity.Yourmembershipconnectsyoutovaluable networkingopportunities,increasesyourvisibility,amplifiesyourvoice,andprovidesresourcesforlearning andgrowth.WearedeeplygratefultoourcurrentmembersfortheirongoingsupportandengagementyouaretheheartofourChamber!Ifyou'vebeenconsideringjoining,nowistheperfecttimetoinvestin yourbusinessandourcommunity.

Let’sgrow,connect,andsucceedtogether!

Visithttps://business.smithvilletx.org/member/newmemberapptolearnmore.

Cornerstone

Partners Chamber Builder

MEMBER EVENTS

Partners

MEMBER EVENTS

MEMBER EVENTS

TheSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommercepodcasthasbeenonpausesince2021,andwe’reeagerto relaunchitasafreshwaytoshareexcitingupdatesabouttheChamber,spotlightourmembers,and highlightthepeople,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!

Chamber Builder

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

Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder

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

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