August Monthly Newsletter

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Celebrating the Success of the 3rd Annual

ation provided for attendees and exhibitors — a $600 community benefit.

Bastrop County Health Fair

When the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce launched the Bastrop County Health Fair three years ago, our goal was simple but ambitious: bring together the resources, providers, and education our community needs to live healthier, happier lives, all under one roof, free of charge, and open to the public.

This year’s Health Fair, held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, exceeded even our highest expectations. From the moment the doors opened at 10:00 a.m., families, seniors, students, and professionals poured in, eager to connect with the 40+ exhibitors and 17 health service providers offering everything from free health screenings to wellness resources, fitness demonstrations, and community programs.

By the Numbers – 2025 Health Fair Impact

• Attendance: Nearly 775 visitors — our largest turnout yet!

• Exhibitors: 40 health-related organizations (30 Chamber members, 10 non-members) representing businesses from across Bastrop County and Central Texas.

• Resource Vendors: 14 non-profits (7 Chamber members, 7 non-members) sharing valuable community resources.

• Blood Donations: 28 units collected in one day — a $5,600 value — providing lifesaving support to our region.

• Mammograms: 11 women screened, a $2,200 value to the community.

• CPR Certifications: 28 participants trained and certified — a $1,680 value, but more importantly, expanding lifesaving readiness.

• Chair Massages: Nearly five hours of relax-

• Health Screenings: Over 10 free skin cancer screenings ($5,550 value) and nearly 10 colon health screenings ($15,000 value).

• Blood Pressure Checks: Continuous demand with lines throughout the day — an uncounted but significant impact.

• Child ID Kits: 248 kits completed for local families — a $1,240 community value.

• Presentation Stage: Four sessions covering topics from healthcare coverage and mental health to sports rehab and aesthetic wellness.

• Workshops & Trainings: Hands-on learning in sugar-free cooking, Narcan administration, and Stop the Bleed techniques.

These numbers are exciting, but real success lies in the individual stories. One attendee shared that she hadn’t had her blood pressure checked in years: the free screening revealed a serious issue, and she was immediately connected with a local clinic for follow-up care. A young family learned about local birthing options.

Partnerships Make It Possible

Events like this don’t happen without a village of partners, sponsors, and volunteers. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our Premier Sponsor St. David’s South Austin Medical Center & St. David’s Emergency Center Bastrop, Elite Registration Sponsor Ascension Seton and Presentation Stage Sponsor Advanced Pain Care. Other supporting sponsors include Ringel & Brymer, Community Impact, UX Web Co., Roadhouse Bastrop, Aqua Water Supply Corporation, A+ Federal Credit Union, Chapala Fiestas & Grill, Bastrop County Cares, Austin Skin, Padgett Hearing Aid Center, Bastrop ISD and St. David’s Foundation.

Our exhibitors and resource tables went above and beyond, engaging attendees with interactive booths, giveaways, and valuable resources. The Bastrop County Health Department provided on-the-spot local information, while our local fitness centers led energizing movement breaks throughout the day. There was also the KidZone, keeping children active and entertained. One highlight for the kiddos was the Mascot Parade held at 1PM.

Volunteers from the Bastrop Chamber along with family members of Chamber Staff, kept everything running smoothly, greeting guests, assisting vendors, and making sure everyone felt welcome.

Why It Matters

Bastrop County continues to grow, and with growth comes the challenge of ensuring that all residents, new and long-time alike, have access to quality healthcare and wellness resources. The Health Fair is more than just an event; it’s a bridge connecting people to services they may not even know exist.

The Chamber’s role is not just to promote business, but to strengthen the overall quality of life in Bastrop County. Good health supports a strong workforce, thriving families, and a vibrant local economy. This event is a direct investment in our community’s well-being.

Looking Ahead

With over 29 exhibitors and resource vendors already committed, the 4th Annual Bastrop County Health Fair is on track to be even bigger and better on August 8, 2026! We’ll continue to evaluate feedback from attendees and exhibitors to ensure the event meets evolving community needs.

If you’re a business, healthcare provider, or community organization interested in being part of next year’s Health Fair, I encourage you to reach out early. The momentum we’ve built over the past three years tells me we’re on the right track and the best is yet to come.

On behalf of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, thank you to everyone who supported, attended, and believed in this event. Together, we’re making Bastrop County not only a great place to live and work, but also a healthier place for all.

With healthy gratitude,

Celebrating 11 Years of Leadership

Join us in congratulating Becki Womble on 11 incredible years as President/CEO of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce! Becki’s visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and passion for our community has shaped the Chamber into the thriving organization it is today. Her commitment to fostering growth, building strong partnerships, and advocating for Bastrop continues to inspire us all. Thank you, Becki, for more than a decade of outstanding service and impact!

Congratulations, Jami Haney!

We are thrilled to celebrate Jami Haney’s 4-year anniversary as Vice President of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce! Over the past four years, Jami has been an integral part of our team— bringing leadership, dedication, and a passion for serving our members and community. Her commitment to excellence and her tireless efforts have helped the Chamber thrive. Thank you, Jami, for all you do.

Summer’s Over

As Bastrop students prepare for a new school year, we’re taking a playful look back at our own leaders’ school days. We asked our Board of Directors: What did you want to be when you grew up? Eight members shared their childhood photos and big dreams, from teachers and drill team instructors to astronauts and athletes.

While their careers took different paths, each now serves our community with the same dedication they imagined for their futures. It’s a reminder that every leader starts with a dream, and that curiosity and learning never go out of style.

Think you can match the smiling faces in these throwback photos to the leaders you know today? Take a look and see how many you can guess correctly.

Here’s to a safe, successful, and inspiring year for all Bastrop students, teachers, and families.

To our Friends and Partners at the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce,

August is a time of excitement and anticipation as students, teachers, and families prepare for a new school year in the Bastrop Independent School District. Back-to-school is more than an annual tradition—it’s a reminder of the shared responsibility we all have in shaping the future of our community.

At Bastrop ISD, we hold high aspirations for our students. We are committed to academic excellence, strong character development, and opportunities that prepare every student for success beyond graduation—whether that means college or university, technical school, a career, or military service. Achieving these goals requires more than great schools; it requires strong partnerships.

That’s where our business community plays such an important role. Your support, mentorship, and engagement provide real-world connections that bring learning to life. From offering internships and job shadowing experiences to serving as guest speakers or supporting programs and events, there are countless ways you have made a difference and can continue to as we embark upon the new school year.

On behalf of nearly 14,000 students and more than 1,800 employees, I am grateful for our partnership with the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce and with all of its nearly 800 members. I appreciate everything you do to invest in the success of our students. When schools and businesses work together, we strengthen our workforce, our economy, and our future.

Thank you for being a valued part of the Bastrop ISD family. Here’s to a great school year!

The more you engage with your Chamber, the more value you’ll gain in return.

As summer fades into fall, the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce is buzzing with opportunities to help you connect, promote, and grow. Whether you’re a long-standing member or brand-new to the Chamber family, now is the perfect time to make the most of your membership and take your business to the next level.

In every thriving community, there’s an unseen network of connections, advocacy, and opportunity working quietly in the background. At the center of that network is the local Chamber of Commerce.

Far from being just a group of businesspeople who meet for lunch once a month, the Bastrop Chamber is a powerful engine for growth, both for individual businesses and for the community as a whole. Yet, many business owners join, pay their dues, and never fully tap into what the Chamber can do for them. That’s a missed opportunity.

The truth is, the more you engage with your Chamber, the more you stand to gain. This fall is the perfect time to dive in.

Networking That Builds More Than Just Contacts

Business success often hinges on who you know, and the Chamber is a built-in networking powerhouse. This season’s calendar is filled with luncheons, ribbon cuttings, and mixers. Each of these events are a chance to be among the community sharing your story, meeting decision-makers, and discovering potential collaborations.

These aren’t just social gatherings; they’re business opportunities. Even a single conversation at a luncheon or mixer can spark an idea, open a door,

or lead to a valuable partnership down the road. When you show up, you’re not just attending, you’re investing in the relationships that help your business grow.

Advocacy That Gives You a Voice

While you’re busy running your business, the Chamber is working behind the scenes to protect your interests. Whether it’s lobbying for small business incentives at the state level, advocating for infrastructure improvements, or supporting local policies that help commerce thrive, the Chamber ensures your concerns are heard where it matters most.

When you’re engaging, attending meetings, joining committees, or participating in surveys—you help shape the policies that affect your industry’s future.

Visibility That Puts Your Business Front and Center

Your membership comes with built-in marketing power. The Chamber is here to help you spread

the word about your business, so be sure to use us! Submit your press releases, hot deals, job postings, and upcoming events for inclusion on the Chamber website, which has already had 1.8K visitors already this month. Staying visible keeps your business top-of-mind in the community.

Don’t forget about sponsorship opportunities. Whether you choose to sponsor a luncheon, fundraiser, program, or an event, your brand will be seen by an engaged audience of local leaders and residents. Sponsorships boost recognition while showing that your business is invested in Bastrop’s growth and success.

Resources That Give You an Edge

From leadership programs to training and informational events, the Chamber provides resources to keep you competitive. Whether it’s mastering new technologies, navigating local legislation, or connecting you with experts in vital business topics, we help strengthen your operations and set you apart in the marketplace.

Your online Chamber profile is one of your most valuable tools. It’s often the first place people look when searching for local services. Keep it current by updating your contact information, logo, and description. Depending on your level of membership, you can add photos, videos, or a short “about us” to make your listing stand out and turn searches into sales.

Community Involvement That Builds Trust

People want to do business with those who are invested in the place they call home. By volunteering for Chamber events, sponsoring local initiatives, or contributing to community improvement projects,

you show that you’re committed to more than just the bottom line.

Joining a Chamber committee is another great way to deepen your involvement. Committees are where ideas take shape, events are planned, and advocacy efforts are made. They connect you with like-minded business leaders and give you a voice in shaping programs that impact Bastrop’s future.

The Bottom Line

The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce isn’t a passive benefit—it’s a platform. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. By showing up, engaging in programs, and leveraging the Chamber’s network, you strengthen your own business while helping build a vibrant, prosperous community for everyone.

So, the next time you see an invitation from your Chamber, be sure to click “Register to Attend.” Show up. Participate. Share your news. Sponsor an event. Update your profile. Because when you engage with your Chamber of Commerce, everybody wins.

This fall, take advantage of every opportunity to connect, promote, and lead, and watch your business grow alongside our vibrant community.

St. David’s Emergency Center/St. David’s South Austin

Austin Ear Nose & Throat

Wellsential Health

MDVIP

Soulage Wellness & Aesthetic Center

Premier Family Physicians

St. David’s Foundation

Wellcare

Lost Pines IV Medics

Little Longhorns & Co.

Sleep Solutions Central Texass

Ally Medical Emergency Room

Riverwood Medical Clinic

Small Wonder Eyecare

Bastrop Law Group

Bastrop County Public Health Department

Serenity Hospice

Ortho 360

Advanced Pain Care

Mountain Star Insurance Group

Pain Specialists of America

Altus Hospice

Servpro

Ascension Seton

Bone Doctors

PAM Rehabilitation Hospital

Direct Care of Texas

Austin Medical Clinic

Spero Rehab

The Bastrop Birthing Center

Bastrop Skate Palace

The Gym in Lost Pines

Atlas Pain Institute

Humana

Community Resource Tables

Acadian Ambulance Service

Alcoholics Anonymous

Bastrop County Cares

Bastrop County Veterans

Boy Scouts of America

Breast Cancer Resource Center

Career Tracks

Rural Whole Health Coalition

Community Impact Newspaper

Everybody Texas

PHI Helicopter

Texas HHSC

Alcohol & Substance Abuse

Bluebonnet Trails Community Services

Jackson Water Well Drilling & Service LLC

Waste Connections

Simply Sweet Cupcakes

Bastrop Opera House

Agilent Technologies

9E Ranch Cabins

Just Perfect Painting LLC

Carson Stephens Capital Strategies

Texas Rain (V)

Scouting America

Walmart

Ortho 360 Bastrop

CenTex Storage

Red White & Blue Veterans of Bastrop Coun

Padgett Hearing Aid Center

Chase Anderson

Terry Beattie

Divine Epoxy

Austin Charter Bus Company

Mark Lee Insurance Agency -

Allstate

Chapala Fiestas & Grill

Alta Trails

Horizons Coffee Bar

Dr. Chad E. Byler / Bastrop Dental Associ

Austin Telco Federal Credit Union

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center -

Keeling Ce

River Valley Christian Fellowship

LCs RV Park

Zapco, Inc.

Aqua Jet, Inc

Bastrop County Tourism and Economic Devel

August 14: Alive After Five: UX Web Guy

September 3: Bastrop Chamber Monthly Luncheon: Disaster Preparedness and Business Recovery.

September 8: State of the City Dinner

October 8: State of BISD Lunch

August 20: Bastrop Chamber Monthly Board Meeting

August 21: Enhanced Ribbon Cutting: Ringel & Brymer Relocation Celebration

September 1: Bastrop Chamber Office Closed for Labor Day

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August Monthly Newsletter by Bastrop Chamber of Commerce - Issuu