CoC November 2025 Newsletter

November 2025 November 2025 NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER

Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

November 2025 Newsletter A Message from Chair of the Board, Caroline Noya

As we turn the page into November, I want to take a moment to thank all of you—our members, partners, and volunteers—for helping us keep the momentum going through a busy and successful fall season here in Smithville.

First, we extend a heartfelt thank you to Robert Tamble, who recently retired as Smithville’s City Manager. Robert has been a longtime supporter of the Chamber, and we are incredibly grateful for his leadership and commitment to our community.

Our October Mixer, hosted by Frontier Bank, and our 7th Annual Wingfest were both fantastic events—thank you to everyone who participated and supported. You can read our Wingfest recap and check out the list of winners inside!

Looking ahead, we’re excited for our November Mixer, hosted by First National Bank, which will support the beloved Blue Santa program. We’re also shining a light on our Cornerstone Partner Blue Ribbon Services this month—thank you for your continued support!

You’ll also find a recap of the KSB Sustainable Home & Garden Show, highlights from VisitSmithvilleTX.org, and details about upcoming holiday favorites like Adopt A Gingerbread Man and the Festival of Lights. It’s a joyful season in Smithville!

This issue also includes a Scam Alert, a full November calendar of events, opportunities to advertise, and a warm welcome to our new and renewing members. And don’t forget—our Annual Member Meeting is just around the corner.

As always, thank you for being part of the Chamber. We are proud to serve a community as vibrant, generous, and engaged as Smithville.

In This Edition Welcome from Caroline Noya, Chair of the Board Thank you Robert Tamble November Mixer Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: BlueRibbon Services KSB - Sustainable Home & Garden Show Recap October Mixer Recap 7th Annual Wingfest Recap Spooky Sip & Story Photos VisitSmithvilleTX.org Adopt A Gingerbread Man Festival of Lights Annual Member Meeting November Calendar of Events Scam Alert Member Events Welcome New & Renewing Members Advertising Opportunities Board of Directors Membership Levels Cornerstone Partners

A Heartfelt Thank You to Robert Tamble On behalf of the entire Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, we extend our deepest gratitude to Robert Tamble for his unwavering support and dedicated service—as Smithville’s City Manager and as a champion of our local business community.

A lifelong resident of Smithville with more than 50 years in our town, Robert’s background reflects tireless leadership and commitment. Before stepping into municipal service, he built a distinguished 30‑year career as an executive in the aerospace, semiconductor and energy‑storage industries— expertise he then brought to bear for the City of Smithville starting in 2014.

His involvement in Smithville’s success stretches far beyond his role as City Manager—Robert served three terms on City Council (2007‑2013), was chair of the SISD School Facilities Committee that helped pass the 2002 High School bond, and volunteers continuously in our local youth sports and civic organizations.

We are particularly grateful for his partnership with the Chamber—his advocacy for local businesses and community growth has been a true asset. As he steps into retirement, we will miss his vision, steady hand and gracious support.

Robert, thank you for all you’ve done for Smithville, for our Chamber and for the people you’ve always put first. Wishing you every joy and success in this next chapter—you leave behind a stronger, more connected community.

Warm regards, Your Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors & Staff

Cornerstone Partners

Join Us for the November Mixer with First National Bank!

We’re excited to invite you to the November Chamber Mixer, hosted by First National Bank - and it’s the annual Blue Santa event! Stay tuned for updates on this event but be sure to mark your calendars for this community favorite mixer!

This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Chamber members, meet new faces, and strengthen community ties.

We hope to see you there!

Date & Time: Thursday, November 20, 2025 Location: First National Bank 312 Main Street, Smithville, TX Don’t miss out on the fun. Mark your calendars and bring a friend!

Your Ad Here!

Contact us at Chamber@SmithvilleTx.org to purchase your ad.

Cornerstone Partners

CORNERSTONE PARTNER CORNERSTONE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT

We’re proud to recognize Blue Ribbon Services as one of our valued Cornerstone Partners and a trusted service provider in the Smithville area and beyond.

Locally owned and operated, Blue Ribbon Services offers full-service HVAC, plumbing, and electrical solutions for both residential and commercial clients. With a reputation built on integrity, expertise, and five-star customer service, they bring over 20 years of experience to every job—whether it’s a full system installation, a quick repair, or ongoing maintenance.

They also offer membership plans to help homeowners stay on top of routine service and save money throughout the year—because they believe comfort, safety, and efficiency shouldn’t come at a premium.

Beyond their technical expertise, Blue Ribbon Services is committed to building strong community relationships. Their investment in the Chamber and the local economy reflects their dedication not just to business—but to Smithville’s future.

Thank you, Blue Ribbon Services, for your continued partnership, leadership, and support of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce!

Learn more: www.blueribbonservices.com

Cornerstone Partners

Keep Smithville Beautiful's Sustainable Home & Garden Show A heartfelt thank you to everyone at the sustainability show! With ~30 participants (from the student art show to expert demos/tables to bike repair to climbing in the cab of a waste truck to baked goods and native plants) our community is so inspiring.

We’d also love to hear your feedback on the event including ideas for next year!

Cornerstone Partners

RECAP IN RECAP IN PICTURES 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

Wingfest Winners, Chicken Bingo, and Plenty of Feathered Fun! What an incredible day at the 7th Annual Smithville Wingfest—thank you to everyone who came out, competed, volunteered, and cheered on the fun!

We’re excited to announce this year’s Showmanship Award went to the “Golden Wings” team, proudly representing Towers Nursing Home / Wellsential Health.

Dressed in matching shirts and fully embracing the chicken theme, their spirit and presentation stood out! They took home the Award Plate and a $100 gift card to Smithville Brewing Company—thank you SBC for sponsoring this prize!

The crowd was also hungry for flavor, and they let their voices (and taste buds) be heard! The People’s Choice Award went to the “KOZ Cooks” team, whose unforgettable raspberry chipotle glaze set them apart from the flock. Voting was done by attendees placing their wristbands into team ballot boxes, and KOZ Cooks soared to the top. They proudly claimed the Award Plate and a $100 cash prize, sponsored by the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce.

We’re especially grateful to the Smithville High School FFA Chapter for volunteering their time and energy throughout the event—you helped make it a success!

And let’s not forget the always-popular Chicken Bingo, where lucky winners took home $125 in the first round and $100 in the second. The event wrapped up with a fan favorite: our Poultry Pageant, where a stunning “Silky” Rooster strutted away with the coveted sash!

Thank you, Smithville, for another memorable Wingfest filled with flavor, fun, and community spirit. Until next year—stay saucy!

Cornerstone Partners

Cornerstone Partners

RECAP IN RECAP IN PICTURES PICTURES

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

Cornerstone Partners

Cornerstone Partners

SAVE THE DATE

TUESDAY, 18 NOVEMBER

5:00PM - 7:00PM

LOCATION: TO BE ANNOUNCED

Annual Membership Meeting The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce invites all members—and those interested in learning more about membership—to join us for our Annual Membership Meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

This yearly gathering is both a time of reflection and anticipation. We’ll celebrate the wins and milestones of 2025, introduce our Board of Directors and Chamber staff, and look ahead to the goals and opportunities that await in 2026.

While there will be some formal elements to the evening, we also want it to feel personal and genuine—a true conversation with our members. Your feedback helps shape the work we do, and we’re currently developing a brief Member Survey to learn more about what you need and value most from your Chamber experience.

Whether you’re a longtime member, new to the Chamber, or simply curious about what we do, we’d love for you to be part of this important annual event. out our online calendar for event details!

Stay tuned for Check location details and RSVP information coming soon!

Cornerstone Partners

November 2025

Check out our online calendar for event details!

Cornerstone Partners

Stay Alert: Protect Yourself from the Latest Scams Stay Safe: Recognize and Avoid Common Scams As scams continue to evolve, it's more important than ever to stay informed and protect yourself—and your money. Here are some of the latest scam tactics targeting individuals and businesses, along with a few helpful tips to keep you and your information secure.

Lawyer Impersonation Scams Scammers are posing as lawyers or government officials, often targeting vulnerable individuals with urgent-sounding phone calls or emails. These impersonators may request immediate payments or sensitive personal data under the guise of legal representation.

What to do: Legitimate lawyers will never pressure you for private information or money over the phone. Always verify a lawyer’s credentials using your state’s bar association website.

Celebrity Relationship Scams Using fake social media accounts—sometimes even AI-generated voices or video—scammers pretend to be celebrities seeking companionship. Once trust is built, they request money, gift cards, or wire transfers.

What to do: Never send money to someone you've never met in person. No real celebrity will ask for financial help in a DM. Business Email Compromise (BEC) This scam targets businesses by hacking or spoofing vendor email accounts to request a change in payment details. The emails appear authentic but redirect funds to a scammer’s account.

What to do: Always confirm any account changes or unusual payment requests with your contact using a known phone number—not the one listed in the email.

General Scam Prevention Tips: ~ Verify all calls, emails, and texts before sharing any personal or financial information. ~ Be skeptical of investment offers that sound too good to be true. ~ Never pay anyone with gift cards—this is a red flag for fraud.

Staying alert and informed is your first line of defense. Share this with your team, your family, and your neighbors—because protecting our community starts with awareness.

Cornerstone Partners

MEMBER EVENTS

Cornerstone Partners

MEMBER EVENTS

Cornerstone Partners

MEMBER EVENTS

Members, want to see your event flyer displayed here?

Contact us at info@SmithvilleTx.org

Cornerstone Partners

MEMBER EVENTS

Members, want to see your event flyer displayed here?

Contact us at info@SmithvilleTx.org

Cornerstone Partners

2025 Newsletter Advertising Opportunities Banner Ad 8.3" x 2"

$50 per issue or $240 for 6 issues (20% Discount) Requirements: Graphic provided by business Quality: 300 DPI (jpeg, png, or pdf)

Our monthly newsletter is delivered to over 1,100 inboxes and also lives on the Chamber’s website—giving your message extended reach across the Smithville community and beyond.

Your Ad Here Standard Business Card 3.5" x 2" $25 per issue or $120 for 6 issues (20% discount) Requirements: Graphic provided by business Quality: 300 DPI (jpeg, png, or pdf)

Your Ad Here

Contact us at the Chamber to secure your ad today!

The mission of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the success of its members, to help improve the quality of life for the Smithville community, to provide opportunities for business owners and to serve as the collective voice in the business community.

512-237-2313 | www.SmithvilleTx.org | Chamber@SmithvilleTx.org

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.

Thank you to all businesses and organizations that have renewed their memberships, your continued support is very much appreciated.

Cornerstone Partners

WELCOME RENEWING MEMBERS Adobe Acrobat Austin Title Bastrop Economic Development Corporation Bugle Boy Foundation Cheryl & Stewart Burns Daricek Insurance Agency Jacki Short Realtor, Nik Shehu Property Group, All City Real Estate Lost Pines Artisans Alliance Parobek Plumbing & Air Conditioning, LLC Pat Haner Roscoe Bank- Cornerstone Home Lending Rotary Club of Bastrop County Sames Bastrop Sandy Meyerson The Lodge at Lost Pines Apartment Homes Join the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce today!

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

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.

Click HERE to stay up-to-date with events hosted by the City of Smithville.

(Scroll to the bottom of their page to view the calendar.)

2025 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman Caroline Noya

Secretary Cathy Meek

Rockin’ M Ranch

Ellie Thomas Frontier Bank

Treasurer Craig Strickland

Karrie McKeown Smithville Jamboree

Josh Coy

First National Bank

Nicole Smith

BACA Entertainment

Sandra Greaney Kids Outdoor Zone

Alexis Peck Smithville Rec Center

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

Point your guests to VisitSmithvilleTX.org for local lodging, dining, and shopping—all the essentials to help them feel right at home in our one-of-a-kind town.

This is a monthly publication of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce.