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July 21, 2026 ~ Chamber eBlast

Hello Smithville Chamber Members and Friends,

It has been a busy and exciting month for the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce!

Elisa Puentes and I recently had the pleasure of representing the Chamber in the McDade Watermelon Festival Parade. The streets were filled with families, smiling faces, and plenty of hometown spirit as the community celebrated one of the area’s favorite summer traditions.

We also enjoyed a wonderful turnout at our July Chamber Mixer hosted by VFW Post 1309. Thank you to the VFW for welcoming our members and guests and providing such a great space to connect, visit, and build new relationships.

As we look ahead, we encourage members to consider applying for the 2026-2027 B.E.S.T. Leadership Program. This program is a valuable opportunity to strengthen leadership skills, gain a deeper understanding of Bastrop County, and connect with leaders from Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville. Space is limited, so we encourage interested applicants to apply soon.

A quick reminder that we are preparing 50 Smithville ISD New Teacher Welcome Bags. Please drop off your business swag, promotional items, coupons, or information at the Chamber office by Thursday, July 23. We would love to receive your items as soon as possible, as we will be stuffing the bags on Friday. This is a wonderful way to welcome our new teachers and introduce them to your business and our community.

Speaking of promoting your business, be sure to contact Debbie Denny about advertising opportunities in the upcoming 78957 Magazine. The magazine will be distributed locally, regionally, and statewide, providing excellent exposure for Chamber members. (The deadline is July 31st!)

Advertising opportunities are always available on our website and in our weekly eBlasts and monthly newsletters. These are excellent ways to reach both our local community and visitors while increasing your business's visibility.

Voting is now open for the Best of Bastrop County 2026! Take a moment to support your favorite Smithville businesses, organizations, and community members.

Thank you for staying involved, supporting one another, and helping us continue building a stronger business community.

See you around town,

With gratitude,

Kathy Danielson, C.F.E.E., T.M.P.

Executive Director

Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

Interested in sponsoring the Chamber Chatter episodes in 2026 - a great opportunity to showcase your business and support Chamber programming.

If you’d like to be involved as a sponsor or guest, please contact the Chamber at 512-2372313 or Chamber@SmithvilleTx.org

Small Business Tip of the Month Be a Local Ambassador

Small

Business Tip of the Month ?

July

Every customer who walks through your door is a potential ambassador for Smithville.

Whether they're visiting for the day or have lived here for years, take a moment to recommend another local business, restaurant, attraction, or upcoming event. A simple suggestion like, "Be sure to stop by Main Street after lunch," or "You should check out the local museum while you're here," helps create a memorable experience for visitors and supports fellow Chamber members.

When our businesses work together, everyone benefits.

Chamber Connection: The Chamber is here to help you stay informed about upcoming events and member happenings so you can confidently recommend what's happening around town.

The Chamber is excited to help promote our business member events! To have your events, sales, specials, and more included in our monthly Chamber Newsletter, simply email us at info@smithvilletx.org. Our newsletter is sent to all members and non-members, and the details may also be shared across our social media platforms.

Let's get the word out and support each other!

Also, be sure to add your events to the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce event calendar on our website. If you need assistance, contact us at 512-237-2313 or chamber@smithvilletx.org.

Help us welcome approximately 50 new Smithville ISD teachers and staff members to our community!

The Chamber is preparing 50 Welcome Bags and invites our members to contribute branded items, business information, coupons, small giveaways, or treats.

Please provide 50 items and drop them off at the Smithville Chamber office by Friday, July 24. (102 NE 1st Street, Smithville, TX)

This is a great opportunity to introduce your business and help give our newest educators a warm Smithville welcome!

Questions? Call (512) 237-2313.

The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to share that applications are now being accepted for the 2026-2027 B.E.S.T. Leadership Program a premier leadership development program serving Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville.

If you're looking to grow as a leader, expand your professional network, and gain a deeper understanding of the people, organizations, and systems that shape Bastrop County, this program is for you.

Over the course of eight sessions from September through May, participants will:

✔ Develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills

✔ Gain insight into economic development and local government

✔ Explore education, healthcare, and human services

✔ Connect with community leaders from across the region

✔ Build relationships with fellow emerging leaders

Since 2004, more than 400 graduates have completed the program, with many going on to serve in leadership roles throughout Bastrop County.

Whether you're an emerging leader or an experienced professional looking to become more involved in your community, the B.E.S.T. Leadership Program is an investment in both your future and the future of our region.

~~Applications are now open, but space is limited!~~

If you've been thinking about taking the next step in your leadership journey, now is the time to apply.

Apply today at https://business.bastropchamber.com/form/Fill/LvXNjimp

For more information, contact: Becki Womble, IOM, CCE, ACM, President/CEO

Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce / bwomble@bastropchamber.com

Upcoming Events

July 2026

Tuesday, July 21

Spark Your Imagination | 10:00am-5:00pm

Wednesday, July 22

Spark Your Imagination | 10:00am-5:00pm

Summer Food Distribution - Stony Point Park | 1:00pm-3:00pm

Thursday, July 23

Spark Your Imagination | 10:00am-5:00pm

Friday, July 24

Fill the SISD Teacher Bags Deadline

Spark Your Imagination | 10:00am-5:00pm

Summer Food Distribution - New Life Baptist Church | 3:00pm-4:00pm

Summer Food Distribution - First Baptist Church | 5:00pm-6:00pm

Saturday, July 25

Spark Your Imagination | 10:00am-5:00pm

FBC Smithville Men's Ministry "The Armory" Breakfast and Washer Tournament | 8:00am-2:00pm

Smithville Community Clinic - Health on Wheels at Career Tracks 8:00am-3:00pm

Sunday, July 26

Spark Your Imagination | 10:00am-5:00pm Smithville's Farmers Market | 10:00am-1:00pm

Monday, July 27

Spark Your Imagination | 10:00am-5:00pm Mommy and Baby Yoga | 10:00am-12:00pm

Tuesday, July 28

Spark Your Imagination | 10:00am-5:00pm

Wednesday, July 29

Spark Your Imagination | 10:00am-5:00pm

Summer Food Distribution - Shiloh Community Center | 1:00pm-2:00pm

Thursday, July 30

Spark Your Imagination | 10:00am-5:00pm

Tech Ready, Job Steady - Next Level | 10:00am-12:00pm

Friday, July 31

Spark Your Imagination | 10:00am-5:00pm

Click HERE for a full listing of Chamber and Member Events

Red indicates an event of Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

Green indicates an event of the SACoC Keep Smithville Beautiful Committee

Be sure to add your events to the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce website and we will add them here in our bi-monthly eBlasts and monthly Newsletters.