CoC October 2025 Newsletter

October 2025 October 2025 NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER

Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

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

What an exciting month it’s been in Smithville! From the energy at our September Chamber Mixer hosted by Smithville Brewing Company to the celebration at the Ribbon Cutting for BACA Martial Arts Academy, it’s clear our community is full of momentum and enthusiasm.

We were also honored to welcome a delegation of European business leaders exploring opportunities in the U.S. with Smithville as their only stop in Bastrop County. Their interest speaks volumes about our town’s potential and the growing visibility of our local business community. And just last week, the Bastrop Film Mixer brought together over 100 film professionals from across the state. These quarterly events are helping position Smithville and Bastrop County as key players in the Texas film industry, creating exciting opportunities for local economic development.

As we look ahead, there’s even more to be excited about! Don’t miss upcoming events like the Community-Wide Garage Sale, Keep Smithville Beautiful’s Sustainable Home & Garden Show, and of course, the highly anticipated 7th Annual Smithville Wingfest on October 18th. Be sure to check out the Chamber Event Calendar to stay informed and involved.

As your Chamber, we are always looking for ways to keep our members and friends informed, connected, and inspired. Beginning this fall, our newsletter will occasionally feature Spotlight columns of short updates that shine a light on the important work happening through our committees and community partners.

From economic development to beautification efforts, these pieces will highlight the many hands working to make Smithville thrive.

We’re excited to launch this new feature with an Economic Development Spotlight contributed by the City of Smithville. In future editions, you’ll also hear from committees like Keep Smithville Beautiful, the Governmental Affairs Committee, and others.

Thank you for being part of this dynamic and growing community, we’re glad you’re here.

In This Edition

Welcome from Caroline Noya, Chair of the Board Message from Gabriela Romero, Membership Engagement Manager Community-Wide Garage Sale KSB - Sustainable Home & Garden Show October Mixer 7th Annual Wingfest Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: Frontier Bank Board Member Spotlight: Craig Strickland September Event Recaps October Calendar of Events Quarterly Luncheon Spooky Sip & Story Economic Development Spotlight Member Events Welcome New & Renewing Members Advertising Opportunities Board of Directors Membership Levels Cornerstone Partners

A Message from Gabriela Membership Engagement Manager

Hello Chamber Members, What an exciting month it has been here at the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce! From lively mixers to member spotlights, the energy and support from our community continues to shine. I’ve been so encouraged by the way our members show up, connect, and make a difference.

This past month, we celebrated with our mixer at Smithville Brewing. I am so grateful to Anytime Fitness and First National for their donations for door prizes. We welcomed new faces into our Chamber including the Smithville Little League, BACA Martial Arts Academy, Tim Whetstone with Whetstone Services and continued to grow engagement through initiatives like Cornerstone Partner Spotlights, along with Community Host and Chamber Board Member of the Month feature. These efforts have not only highlighted the incredible businesses and individuals that make Smithville thrive but have also built stronger connections between members.

I understand that everyone is so busy especially with the holidays coming, but I am going to start a Chamber Portal learning lab for all those who would like to get the most out of their membership.

Through the Chamber Portal you can create events that will be shown on the Smithvilletx.org website, update company information, you can even have your own job listings! The Chamber portal is a great tool for you to use to your advantage, and I am more than willing to set some time aside and walk you through all the benefits.

On a personal note, I want to thank the Smithville Garden Club for inviting me to speak at their 90th anniversary club meeting!! Such a great community to be a part of. It’s truly inspiring to be involved with such a supportive network, and I look forward to continuing to grow alongside all of you.

With gratitude, Gabriela Romero Membership Engagement Manager Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

Cornerstone Partners

Smithville’s Community-Wide Garage Sale – Saturday, October 4, 2025 Rain or Shine | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM It’s treasure-hunting time! The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for our beloved semi-annual Community-Wide Garage Sale on Saturday, October 4, 2025. With 50+ sales happening all across town, you never know what treasures you’ll discover.

How to Shop: Start your adventure by picking up a free map of participating sales at the Chamber front porch.

Maps will be available beginning Friday, October 3, at 3:00 PM, and will remain stocked throughout event day.

Want to Host a Sale?

At Home: Get your sale listed on the official map for just $15.

In Town: Don’t have the right spot? Reserve a space at Railroad Park for $15 and take advantage of downtown foot traffic.

Boost Visibility: Rent a bold “Stop Here” yard sign for $10 to guide shoppers your way. Signs can be picked up Thursday, October 2, and Friday, October 3, between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Chamber office. (Signs must be returned by Monday, October 6.)

Important Dates: Registration closes: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM Stop Here Sign Pick-Up: Thursday, October 2 & Friday, October 3, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Chamber office Maps Available: Friday, October 3 at 3:00 PM on the Chamber porch Don’t miss this chance to shop, sell, and explore Smithville! Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 4, 2025 — we can’t wait to see you stomping around town.

Cornerstone Partners

Cornerstone Partners

Keep Smithville Beautiful, a committee of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, presents the “Sustainable Home and Garden Show” on Saturday, October 4 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Railroad Park Pavilion, Smithville Historic District. Join us for a free, fun, and family friendly event - a Smithville tradition since 2011! This year’s theme is “Waste Less, Share More.” *Local, expert demonstrations and exhibitors * Fix-A-Flat Bike Repair * Sustainable products for sale* Jr.High Student Art Show & Activity for Kids* This event is generally free to attend and registration is not required.

To sign up as a table and/or sponsor,

https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/1263/campaig n/4777/overview

Cornerstone Partners

Join Us for the October Mixer with Frontier Bank!

We’re excited to invite you to the October Chamber Mixer, hosted by Frontier Bank!

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, October 16, 2025 Location: Frontier Bank 107 NW Loop 230, 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

Sponsorship Opportunity for the SACoC Wingfest We are excited to be hosting Wingfest on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Railroad Park located at 100 NE 1 st St. This event aims to support community initiatives and educational programs.

Each year the festival continues to grow, and this year we anticipate up to 500 visitors for this fun family event that includes a Chicken Wing Cookoff, Chicken Bingo, Chicken Pageant, and more!

We are seeking cooking teams along with generous sponsors like you to help us with entertainment, prizes, and more. Your support will be recognized on the day of the event, and as a sponsor, your company will receive recognition on social media and the Chamber website, name recognition on signage or banners, and acknowledgement during the event.

For more information on participating as a Cooking Team, or for Sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Chamber website, or contact Cathy Meek, Wingfest Chair, at 512-420-6755.

Thanks in advance for your support and hope to see you at the ultimate Wingfest Poultry Party!!!!

CORNERSTONE PARTNER CORNERSTONE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT

In a town like Smithville, where relationships matter and local values run deep, Frontier Bank has quickly become more than just a financial institution — it’s a cornerstone of the community. From day one, Frontier has blended smart banking with sincere engagement, earning a reputation not just for financial solutions, but for heartfelt service.

What sets Frontier apart is its unwavering commitment to Smithville’s growth. Whether it’s sponsoring youth programs, supporting local schools, or rolling up their sleeves to volunteer at town events, the team at Frontier is fully invested — not just in business, but in people. Their presence is more than transactional; it’s transformational.

Cornerstone Partners

Getting to Know Our Board Members Craig Strickland 1. What inspired you to serve on the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Board?

I wanted to get more involved in our community and get to know more of my fellow residents. So I signed up as a Volunteer to plan and work on the 2022 WingFest event. Afterwards some of our then board members asked if I would like to get more involved as a Board member and the rest is history.

2. What do you see as the Chamber’s most important role in the community?

Providing education and support to our Business Members and providing an interface between them and our community.

3. How would you describe the business community in Smithville in just a few words?

Rugged Independence and Resiliency.

4. How did you first come to Smithville, and what made you stay?

I moved to Smithville from Pflugerville after divorce force the sale of my old home.

Between the high cost of housing around Austin, and my desire to live somewhere more like my old small hometown of Huffman, I found Smithville and haven’t looked back since. I got involved and met a lot of people here, it’s my new hometown.

5. What’s your go-to comfort food or favorite local restaurant?

Breakfast at the Comfort Cafe

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

RECAP IN PICTURES

Cornerstone Partners

EVENTS FROM SEPTEMBER

A delegation of European business professionals is exploring opportunities to start a business in the U.S., with a specific focus on Smithville—the only location they’re considering in Bastrop County. One member of the group previously lived in Bastrop and expressed a strong interest in Smithville as their ideal setting.

The Bastrop Film Mixer, organized by the Heart of Texas Chamber and led

by MarkAnthony Baca, was held at the Bastrop Hampton Inn and drew a crowd of over 100 attendees from across Texas and beyond.

Representatives from the Smithville Film Commission were among those present at this quarterly gathering, which is designed to promote the film industry throughout Bastrop County. The evening featured two guest speakers from the Dallas/Fort Worth area and brought together a diverse mix of industry professionals—including actors, producers, directors, stunt coordinators, casting directors, hair and makeup artists, location scouts, real estate agents, caterers, students, and more.

Cornerstone Partners

October 2025

Check out our online calendar for more events!

Cornerstone Partners

October Quarterly Chamber Luncheon 2025 Join us for the last Quarterly Chamber Luncheon of the year!

These luncheons focus on education, advocacy, and governmental affairs, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities for business and community leaders.

Doors open at 11:15 AM for networking before lunch is served at 12:00 PM. To assist with catering logistics, we strongly encourage advance registration and payment. Tickets are $25 in advance. Day-of registrations are $30 and cannot be guaranteed.

Reserve your seat and be part of the conversation shaping our community!

Date: Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025 Time: Doors open at 11:15 AM | Buffet at 12:00 PM | Event ends at 1:00 PM Location: Dr. George M. Jones VFW Post #1309, Smithville Guest Speaker: TBA Tickets: $25 (includes a catered lunch) | $30 for day-of registration (subject to availability)

Cornerstone Partners

Cornerstone Partners

The following Economic Development Spotlight is submitted by the City of Smithville to share updates and insights from Jill Strube, Director of Economic Development & Grants Administration.

The building blocks of economic development begin with vision, capacity, and resources. Smithville has always had grand visions for its future, and we have a great team working at high capacity with all the resources we can gather. Due to the limitations of small budgets, we have been fortunate in our ability to find grants to pay for many projects, which have been successful due to the fantastic team and community partners who love this amazing place.

A common formula for economic development success is illustrated by a pyramid that guides activity priorities. The foundation must include sound infrastructure projects, workforce development, and emphasis on quality of life/community capacity. The next level is the retention and expansion of existing businesses, and support for innovation and entrepreneurship. At the top of the pyramid is new business recruitment -and site selectors for new businesses will seek the communities that excel in their activities supporting the other foundational building blocks. Smithville has a full plate of economic development activities in all of these areas.

INFRASTRUCTURE: The City plans for and manages infrastructure improvements such as drainage, sidewalks and ADA ramps, road maintenance, burying and maintaining electric lines and so on. Since January 2024, more than 45 housing permits have been submitted. The latest effort in this nonstop work to keep the lights on, the water running, and the toilets flushing includes the improvements and new capacity planned for wastewater facilities, which will enhance Smithville's position with regard to attracting businesses with higher needs for utilities than we can currently accommodate.

WORKFORCE: Career Tracks, located in Smithville but serving the wider rural area, is a gateway for career path training in healthcare, skilled trades, Information Technology, finance, certified driver's licensing, culinary arts, and more. Since doors opened, over 500 individuals have either graduated or are currently training to attain their certifications, and over 92% of graduates have been placed in jobs that offer them a living wage and a career path to upward mobility. This program helps stabilize our community and improves their ability to pay rising housing and utility costs, while working in meaningful, rewarding, and lucrative new careers.

Additionally, the Smithville Independent School District offers several certification programs that will allow high school students in a variety of fields to step directly into a job once they graduate.

QUALITY OF LIFE: The Cultural District, the Community Ownership & Resource Education program, the ADA Accessibility program, and the Library and Recreation Center programming all speak to community capacity and quality of life. These ongoing programs point to that intangible but ever important attraction factor -people will only stay in a place that enhances their lives and places that have a high quality of life are the places that attract others.

Cornerstone Partners

Director of Economic Development & Grants Administration, continued...

EXISTING BUSINESS SUPPORT: The Chamber has been supporting Smithville's businesses for over 100 years, offering networking, educational, and marketing opportunities, and always advocating for their success. The Facade Grant, a collaboration between the City and the Chamber, has provided $30,000 to businesses for improvements like signage, painting, and repair work. This year, that program will be revamped to provide larger grant awards, smaller required match, and a broader range of eligible expenses.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SUPPORT: The Texas Department of Agriculture Implementation Grant program has provided over $1.4M to the construction of the "Rural Business Development Center" (AKA, the "Smithville Innovation Center"), which should be ready to open doors by mid-November. In addition to the training programs that Career Tracks provides, this Center will bring training opportunities to entrepreneurs who have a great idea for a business, but lack components needed for a successful business plan. A "Business 101" course will be offered through this Center for people who are thinking about starting up or leveling up to ensure that more of our small businesses can thrive through all the various the challenges they must face.

BUSINESS RECRUITMENT: Last but certainly not least, business recruitment is an essential part of the work we do. Since January, I have submitted information for 26 Requests for Information from active site selectors through Opportunity Austin and GSLI to throw our hat in the ring and get noticed by companies looking to expand into Central Texas. Additionally, I was invited to speak on the panel for the Industrial Sector through the Austin Interface Conference in March, 2025, getting Smithville in front of over 100 site selectors and local developers. In October, Smithville will be represented at the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association Expo and Conference.

Economic development is a wide and deep set of activities that should lead to higher prosperity for the entire community. A "no growth" attitude means the demise of any town -- as people move away, retire, or pass away without passing on their legacy, small rural communities can also slowly fade to ghost towns. In Smithville, growth has been slow, steady, and consistent, and the work we do in supporting a comprehensive Economic Development strategy will ensure that our small businesses and all the families who have lived here for generations or only for the past few months or years will continue to be proud to call Smithville their home.

Help us continue to grow to be the town you most want Smithville to be! Check out and make comments on the Comprehensive Plan (https://langfordplanning.com/smithville-rcp). Don't keep your great ideas and insights to yourself! Please let us know what you think.

This has been an overview of Economic Development in Smithville. For more information and a deeper dive, see the Update on the Economic Development Strategic Plan: https://ci.smithville.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/1165/EcoDevoActivitiesUpdateAugust2025?bidId=.

In upcoming articles, I'll discuss each of these elements in more detail. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions, comments, or suggestions.

Thank you for your interest in Economic Development in Smithville!

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)

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.

RENEWING MEMBERS Austin Community College District Austin Telco FCU Frost Bank Good Bull Golf Carts KONA Ice of Bastrop County

PKC Karate Bastrop Accelerate Taekwondo Smithville Education Foundation Smithville Food Pantry Smithville Garden Club St. Paul's Catholic Church

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

Head over to our Visit Smithville TX website for more information about dining, lodging, shopping, parks, and more at www.VisitSmithvilleTX.org.

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