DENIM & DIAMONDS ~
What
a Night! ~
Message from Chamber Board President, Caroline Noya
Welcome to the March edition of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce newsletter! We're still celebrating the success of our recent Awards Banquet, where we had the honor of recognizing outstanding individuals and businesses that contribute to our community’s success. It was a fun night of celebration and recognitions! We are grateful to our sponsors Diamond - Ascension Seton Smithville Hospital, Denim - Roscoe State Bank, Photo Booth - Sundance Expressions Marketing, Buffet - Mitch Jameson, Allstate Insurance, Adult Beverage Sponsor -
Brown Distributing, Friends of the Chamber - Pines Media and Smithville Brewing Company - and everyone who came out to make it a festive and successful night. Congratulations to all Award Recipients!
Business of the Year: Smithville Brewing Company
New Business of the Year: Abbey's Tavern & Grill
Organization of the Year: Born Again Emporium
Renee Blaschke Keep Smithville Beautiful Award: Sarah Nutt Citizen of the Year: Susan Guedry
Remember that our upcoming Quarterly Luncheon is this Wednesday - an excellent chance to connect, share insights, and strengthen the bonds within our business community while learning about the State of the City from City Manager Robert Tamble. I hope to see you there at the VFW!
Registration is closed now but walk-ups may be accommodated if the catering allows.
Prices at the door are $30/person.
We are sorry to say farewell to Sarah Gutierrez, Frontier Bank and Victoria Allen, The Front Room Wine Bar, who have stepped down from their positions on our Board because of increasing work responsibilities and obligations. We thank both of them for their valuable contributions to our hard-working Board. We are also thrilled to introduce Ellie Thomas as our newest Board member. Ellie is the Branch Manager and Community Banking Officer at the Smithville Branch of Frontier Bank. Her wealth of experience and commitment to our mission will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow and support local businesses. Please stay tuned for the announcement of more new Board members in the coming months!
We will be starting our Lunch and Learn programs in the very near future. Our first two will be on Marketing Basics (Making a business plan and Planning a budget) and Effective Use of Social Media in your small businesses. More details to follow.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
Host a Monthly Chamber Mixer ? Showcase Your Business!
Chamber members in good standing are invited to host our popular monthly Chamber Mixer, held on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 5 PM to 7 PM. This is a no-fee sponsorship opportunity that allows your business to shine as the exclusive featured location for the evening, with up to 85 guests enjoying your space.
As a host, you’ll provide appetizers, beverages, and two door prizes, creating a welcoming atmosphere for attendees to connect and network. Hosting a mixer is an incredible way to highlight your business, give guests an in-person experience, and stand out in the Smithville business community.
If you’re ready to put your business in the spotlight, contact the Chamber today to secure your spot as a host!
Don’t miss out on our February Chamber Quarterly Luncheon tomorrow! We're thrilled to welcome City Manager Robert Tamble as our keynote speaker, providing an important update on the State of the City. This is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and stay informed about the future of our community. See you there!
Date: Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Time: 11:15am - 1:00pm
Location: VFW Hall
Address: 557 NW Loop 230, Smithville, TX 78957
Luncheon Tickets: $30 at the door while available.
Doors open at 11:15am for networking and socializing. The lunch program will begin at 12:00pm and conclude promptly at 1:00pm, followed by door prizes and announcements.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!
The air was filled with excitement as Don Loucks stood proudly before his peers, receiving the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This prestigious honor recognizes a lifetime of exemplary aviation achievements, and for Don, it was the culmination of decades of dedication to flight.
The highlight of the day was the presentation by a semi-retired Army officer, part of the FAA Safety Team (FAAST). With years of experience, he spoke eloquently about the significance of the award and the legacy of aviation pioneers like the Wright brothers. Before presenting Don with his "Blue Ribbon" packet, which contained a comprehensive record of Don’s flying history?his first solo flight, types of aircraft, licenses, and military ranks?he showed part of the documentary about the Wright brothers that had aired on Discovery. It was a fitting tribute to the past, setting the stage for honoring Don's remarkable journey in aviation.
The ceremony was filled with admiration and respect for Don's career. Sandy Meyerson seized the moment to speak fondly about the 84R, sharing stories of their work together. It was a special day, one that celebrated not only Don’s achievements but also the enduring spirit of aviation and the community that sustains it.
Congratulations Don!
Wednesday, February 26th
Smithville Chamber Quarterly Luncheon
Friday, February 28th
HHW: Re-Blended Paint Give-Away
Friday, February 28th - March 2nd
Texas Independence Day Jam at Rising Sun Vineyards & Yegua Creek Brewery
Saturday, March 1st
Bowl Painting Party - Smithville Empty Bowl Project
Smithville Heritage House & Museum Open
Thursday, March 6th
First Thursday Downtown - Cancelled due to Road Construction
LPAA Artist Reception: One Woman Perspective - Melodie Spears Schmidt
Smithville Community Clinic Diabetes Class
Friday, March 7th
Texas Independence Day Jam
Saturday, March 8th
Smithville ISD Free Community Health Fair
Monday, March 10th
Smithville Stitchers Quilt Guild Meeting
Tuesday, March 11th
Teen Night - Smithville Public Library
Thursday, March 13th
Smithville Community Gardens Meeting
Saturday, March 15th
Household Hazardous Waste Event
Thursday, March 20th
Chamber March Mixer
Smithville Community Clinic Diabetes Class
Saturday, March 21st - Sunday, March 30th
Keep Smithville Beautiful Spring Super Sweep
Monday, March 24th
Smithville Community Clinic Suicide Support Group
Wednesday, March 26th
SACoC Lunch & Learn: Marketing Basics with Jose Rivera Marrero
Saturday, March 29th
Smithville Empty Bowl Project
Every Sunday
Smithville's Farmers Market
Click HERE for a full listing of Chamber and Member Events
Melodie Spears Schmidt “Journey of Spirit”
Melodie worked as a business manager for a prominent Texas artist in the 80’s, then published a newsletter marketing the work of artists all over the US in the 90’s. During this same period, she owned/operated two fine art galleries in Austin called “Spirit Echoes”. Although many believed the name represented the Native American influence her gallery evoked, it was about how people can use their talents to express Spirit within... echoing a oneness with the true creator. She later sponsored a series of art festivals in Austin and Roundtop while getting back to her roots as an artist.
Today Melodie is retired with her husband, Dennis, two dogs and two cows out in the country north of Smithville. She finally has time to devote to her passion of creating soft pastel and acrylic paintings. Her work can be viewed at the LPAA Gallery in Smithville and the Kerr County Arts Center in Kerrville.
This exhibit is her largest to date, encompassing works from high school and beyond to current works available for sale.
The show will continue through May 10th.
For More info call or text 512-771-0706 or email melodie@spiritechoes.com. Facebook: Spirit Echoes Art. @spiritechoesart
LPAA Gallery Hours Fri./Sat. 10:00 AM? 5:00PM. First & third Sunday 1 ? 5:00 (or by appt.)
For a link to Vouchers click HERE
To sign-up to Volunteer click HERE
