SACoC May 2026 Newsletter

Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

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AswestepintoMay,it’shardnottoreflectonwhatan incrediblefewweeksithasbeenforourcommunity

FromtheenergyandexcitementoftheSmithville Jamboreetothemeaningfulconnectionsmadeatour recentevents,it’sclearthatSmithvillecontinuesto shineasaplacewherepeoplecometogetherandtruly supportoneanother.

WehadawonderfulMixerhostedbyRestoration Ranch—suchabeautifulsettingpairedwithan inspiringmission.OurAprilLuncheonwasanother highlight,featuringRobertAndrade,whoshared valuableinsightsandvisionforourcommunity’sfuture.Wealsohadthepleasure ofcelebratingtheribboncuttingforAPlacetoCallHomeRVPark,welcominga fantasticnewbusinesstoourarea.

Andofcourse,MusicintheParkhasonceagainbroughtourcommunitytogether inthebestway.WearewrappingupthisbelovedseriesthisThursday,April30th withAllyTaylorw/JansenLanders—besuretojoinusforagreateveningof music,friends,andsmall-towncharm.

Lookingahead,Mayisfullofexcitingopportunitiestostayconnectedand involved.We’regearingupfortheFirstRespondersAppreciationLuncheonon May6th,hostedinpartnershipwiththeSmithville,Elgin,andBastropChambers ofCommerce,the20thAnnualSmithvilleFly-InonSaturday,May9th,theCoffee ChatwithKathyonMay13th,theB.E.S.T.CountywideMixeratSpiderwood StudiosonMay14th,andourMayChamberMixerhostedbyKellarFarmson May21st.

Withsomanywonderfuleventsonthehorizon,weencourageyoutovisitour websiteandexploretheChamberEventCalendar.Membersarealwayswelcome —andencouraged—toposttheireventsandsharewhat’shappeninginour vibrantcommunity.

ThankyouforbeingpartofwhatmakesSmithvillesospecial.Welookforwardto seeingyousoon!

Warmregards, KathyDanielson

ExecutiveDirector,SmithvilleAreaChamberofCommerce

In This Edition

Welcome from Kathy Danielson, Executive Director Music in the Park 20 Annual Smithville Fly-In th Cahmber’s Ambassador Program Updates from Keep Smithville Beautiful

Recaps from April Events

Coffee Chat with Kathy Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: Lori Tuggle, State Farm Agent

Board Member Spotlight: Craig Strickland

City of Smithville Facade Grant May Calendar of Events

Member Events

Welcome New & Renewing Members

Advertising Opportunities

Visit Smithville Texas Board of Directors

Membership Levels Cornerstone Partners

Smithville, Texas | April 2026

Bring your chairs, blankets, and friends, or grab dinner from one of our local restaurants and enjoy the show.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who makes Music in the Park possible this event is brought to you by the City of Smithville, Lost Pines Artisans Alliance, Songs of Smithville, Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Cultural District. We are also incredibly grateful for the generous support of our sponsors: Doug Hess, Law Offices of Phillip Slaughter, Indian Lake Home Owners Association, Faire La Nouba, and Farmers Insurance – Britni Landers.

You won’t want to miss this special night as we close out another fantastic season of Music in the Park!

Cornerstone

GetreadyforoneofSmithville’smostanticipatedtraditions—the20thAnnualSmithvilleFly-In!This family-friendlyeventissettobringexcitement,aviation,andcommunityspirittogetherforafun-filled dayyouwon’twanttomiss.

Alongtimefavoriteforresidentsandvisitorsalike,theFly-Inoffersauniqueopportunitytogetupclose toavarietyofaircraft,meetpilots,andexperiencethethrillofaviationrighthereinourownbackyard. Fromstaticplanedisplaystointeractiveexperiences,there’ssomethingforallagestoenjoy.

Guestscanlookforwardtohelicopterrides(availableforpurchase),foodvendors,andplentyofspace torelaxandtakeinthesightsandsoundsoftheairfield.Oneofthehighlightsofthedayisthealwayspopularcandydrop—anexcitingmomentforkidsandfamiliesthataddstothefestiveatmosphere.

HostedbytheFriendsof84R,thiseventcontinuestogrowyearafteryear,celebratingnotonlyaviation butalsothestrongsenseofcommunitythatmakesSmithvillesuchaspecialplace.

EventDetails

Saturday,May9,2026

10:00AM–2:00PM

SmithvilleCrawfordMunicipalAirport(84R)

Freeadmissionandparking (RainDate:May16,2026)

Bringyourfamily,inviteyourfriends,andcomeenjoyadayofhigh-flyingfun.Whetheryou’rean aviationenthusiastorjustlookingforagreatwaytospendtheday,theSmithvilleFly-Inisaneventyou won’twanttomiss!

Cornerstone

AmbassadorPr eanImpact.

TheSmithvilleAr amisoneofthemostengaging andrewardingw ormemberswho wanttobemoreinvolved,thisprogramplaysavitalroleinstrengtheningrelationships, welcomingnewmembers,andhelpingeveryonebetterunderstandhowtheChamberworks fortheirbusiness. OurAmbassadorsserveasthefriendlyfaceoftheChamber—attendingevents,supporting fellowmembers,andactingasavaluableresourceforthoselookingtogetthemostoutof theirmembership.Whetherit’smakingintroductions,sharingopportunities,orsimply showinguptosupportlocalbusinesses,thisgrouphelpskeepourChamberstrongand connected.

Ifyou’veeverwonderedhowtomaximizeyourmembership,growyournetwork,andplaya moreactiveroleinthecommunity,becominganAmbassadorisagreatplacetostart.

WeinviteyoutojoinusforournextAmbassadormeeting: Thursday,May5th 5:00PMattheChamberOffice

Thisisagreatopportunitytolearnmoreabouttheprogram,meetcurrentAmbassadors,and seehowyoucangetinvolved.ThecommitteeisledbyJanetRoby,whoseleadershipand enthusiasmcontinuetomakethisgroupawelcomingandimpactfulpartoftheChamber. Comeseehowyoucanmakeadifference—foryourbusinessandforourcommunity.

We’dlovetohaveyoujoinus!

Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder

Updates from Keep Smithvill B tif l

(Committee of the Smithville

Did you know that the City proclaimed April 22nd “Keep Smithville Beautiful and Earth Day” at the last City Council meeting?

ContinuingintoMay,BastropCountywillbehostingafreegiveawayofpartiallyfilledhazardouswasteproductsSaturday,May2nd9amto 11amat109TaylorSt.Smithville.Noregistrationrequired,justgobytopickupfreecleaningsupplies,chemicals,andre-blendedpaint! Pleasenotethiseventisforpickuponly,NOTdropoff.

We’realsoexcitedtosharedetailsaboutarecentKSB-supportedproject!Lastmonth,JamiSmith-Hanchey/RisingPhoenixAdventuresanda teamofSmithvilleHighstudentsrefurbishedandprotectedIndependencePark.Thisvolunteerteamoiledthesign,benches,andtablesas wellaspaintedthepillarsandcrossbarswithstainandprotectant.ThankyouJamiandteamforyourdedicationtokeepingSmithville beautiful-itlooksgreat!

Keep Smithville Beautiful is looking for new board members and community advisorsplease reply to this email if you’re interested in joining our small but mighty team!

Can you help pick up litter on the southside of town? Please contact Bill who coordinates ongoing street sweeps:Wlglass47@gmail.com.

Lastbutnotleast,thenumbersarein!Aspartofthisyear’sSpringSuperSweep,62volunteersincluding6youthcleanedup10milesin Smithville(landandriverviakayaks/canoes)resultingin70bagsoftrash/recycling!ThankyouagaintoallourSpringSweepers!

JoinUsfortheMayMixersponsoredbyKellarFarms!

JoinusforaneveningofconnectionandcommunityatourMayChamberMixer,sponsoredbyKellar!ChamberMixersarea relaxed,welcomingwaytonetwork,strengthenrelationships,andgettoknowfellowbusinessandcommunitymembers. Membersandprospectivemembersarealwayswelcome.

Thursday,May21,2026

5:00–7:00PM 687Hwy71West Smithville,TX78602

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

Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder

Coffee Chat with Kathy – May 13th

Start your morning with connection and conversation at the May Coffee Chat with Kathy on Wednesday, May 13th 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 Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder

RECAP IN PICTURES

e access to post your events on the Smithville Chamber Event our business, increase visibility, and connect with the community e of this free resource! Whether you're hosting a sale, workshop, our 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

Despiteless-than-idealweather,wewerethrilledtoseesuchawonderfulturnoutatourApril ChamberLuncheonthispastWednesday.Wearetrulygratefultoeveryonewhomadetheeffort toattend yourcontinuedsupportandengagementarewhatmakethesegatheringsso meaningful.

Wewouldliketoextendaspecialthankyoutoourfeaturedspeaker,RobertAndrade,forsharing hisvisionandinsightswithourattendees.Hisperspectivesparkedthoughtfulconversationand providedvaluableinformationforourbusinesscommunity.

Eventslikeourmonthlyluncheonsareagreatreminderofthestrengthandconnectionwithinour community.Theyofferanopportunitytocometogether,exchangeideas,andbuildrelationships thatsupportgrowthacrossSmithville.

Weappreciateeveryonewhojoinedusandlookforwardtoseeingyouatournextluncheon!

Cornerstone

Celebrating a New Beginning: A Place to Call Home RV Park

We were proud to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for A Place to Call Home RV Park—and what a wonderful event it was!

Thank you to everyone who joined us in supporting and welcoming this beautiful new addition to our community. It was a great turnout and a meaningful way to celebrate the hard work and dedication that brought this project to life.

With its spacious sites and impressive amenities, A Place to Call Home RV Park truly lives up to its name offering a comfortable, inviting place for guests to relax and enjoy all that our area has to offer. It’s clear that thoughtful care and attention have gone into every detail.

We are so happy for the owners and all they’ve accomplished, and we look forward to seeing their continued success and the positive impact they will have on our community.

Be sure to check them out!

Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder

LoriTuggleStateFarmAgency

Thismonth,we’reproudtoshineaspotlightononeofourvaluedCornerstonePartners,LoriTuggle, StateFarmAgent.Throughherdedicationtoexceptionalserviceandstrongcommunityties,Lorihas builtanagencythattrulyreflectsthespiritofcaringforneighborsandsupportinglocalbusinesses.

AttheLoriTuggleStateFarmAgency,thefocusgoesbeyondinsurancepolicies—it’saboutbuilding lastingrelationshipsandhelpingindividuals,families,andbusinessownersfeelconfidentintheir coverage.Whetherit’sauto,home,life,orbusinessinsurance,Loriandherteamtakethetimeto understandeachclient’suniqueneedsandprovidepersonalizedsolutionsthatofferrealpeaceofmind.

Knownforherapproachablestyleandcommitmenttocustomerservice,Lorihascreatedan environmentwhereclientsfeelwelcomed,informed,andsupportedeverystepoftheway.Heragencyis builtontrust,reliability,andagenuinedesiretohelpothersprotectwhatmattersmost.

AsaCornerstonePartneroftheSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommerce,Loriplaysanimportantrolein strengtheningourbusinesscommunity.HercontinuedsupporthelpsmakeChamberprograms,events, andinitiativespossible,andwearegratefulforherinvestmentinthesuccessofSmithville.

WeencourageyoutolearnmoreaboutLoriTuggleandherteamandseehowtheycanhelpsupport yourinsuranceandfinancialserviceneeds.

Getting to Know Our Board Members

Craig Strickland

This month, we’re pleased to spotlight Craig Strickland, Treasurer of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and IT Architect & Section Manager with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts!

Originally from the small town of Huffman, Craig Strickland most recently lived in Pflugerville before making Smithville home. He brings with him an extensive career in the IT field, where he managed server data centers and provided technical support for major organizations including IBM, Apple, Dell, and Texas state agencies.

Craig comes from a family deeply rooted in community involvement and entrepreneurship. His background includes a family-run video rental business (back when that was the place to be!) and a proud legacy of three generations of diesel mechanics. He is also a proud father of three children, each pursuing their own paths including a daughter who is now a PhD university professor of astrophysics.

With a strong foundation in team leadership and technical expertise, Craig is passionate about giving back. He is excited to use his skills to support and strengthen the Smithville community he is proud to call home.

Cornerstone Partners

Members:

MEMBER EVENTS

Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder

MEMBER EVENTS

Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder

MEMBER EVENTS

Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder

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

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 Chamber Builder

THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS

Apple Lumber

Austin Skin Physicians

Bastrop County Republican Party

Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center

Bluebonnet Electric Co-op CARTS

Cen-Tex Family Services, Inc

Classic Bank, N.A.

Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Micah

Oliver, CFP®, AAMS™, CRPC™

Grace Lutheran Church

Hampton Inn & Suites

Mike Shell Mixologie, LLC

Nancy Catherman

Partners of The Smithville, TX

Memorial Park

Restoration Ranch

Roadhouse Bastrop

Roving Volunteers in Christ's Service

Save An Angel

Smithville West Business Park Story with Video Subway

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

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

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