Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce
A Message from the Executive Director Augustishere,andit'shardtobelievehowquickly summerhasflownby!
Oneofthehighlightsofthepastfewweekswas welcomingthenewestmembersoftheSmithvilleISD family.Itwasapleasuretohostournewteachersatthe Chamberandpresenteachofthemwithawelcome totefilledwithgenerousgiftsandinformationdonated byouramazingChambermembers.Thankyouto everyonewhohelpedmaketheseeducatorsfeelat homeinSmithville.
OurAmbassadorCommitteecontinuestogrow,andweinviteanyonelooking tobecomemoreinvolvedwiththeChambertojoinus.Ournextmeetingis Tuesday,August4,from5:00–6:00pm attheChamberoffice
Applicationsarealsoopenforthe2026–2027B.E.S.T.LeadershipProgram.If you'rereadytogrowyourleadershipskills,expandyourprofessionalnetwork, andbecomemoreengagedinourcommunity,Iencourageyoutoapplysoon. PleaseremembertovoteforyourfavoriteSmithvillebusinessesand organizationsintheBestofBastropCounty2026competition,andbesureto reserveyourseatforourAugustChamberLuncheon,wherewe'llhearfrom SmithvilleISDSuperintendentDr MolleyEaly
Ifyou'vebeenthinkingaboutpromotingyourbusiness,thisweekisyourlast opportunitytoadvertiseinthe78957Magazine.TheChamberalsooffers manyotheradvertisingopportunitiesthroughouttheyear,andwe'dbehappy tohelpyoufindthebestfitforyourbusiness.
Welcome from Kathy Danielson, Executive Director Ambassador Program Welcoming New SISD Teachers Update from Keep Smithville Beautiful Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: Frontier Bank Board Member Spotlight: Wendi Moltrum July Mixer Recap Meet Me at the Depot B.E.S.T. Leadership Program 78957 Magazine Advertising August Mixer August Luncheon New & Renewing Members August Calendar of Events Member Events Advertising Opportunities Visit Smithville Texas Board of Directors Membership Levels Cornerstone Partners
I'mespeciallyexcitedtoannounceabrand-newcommunitytraditioncomingthisfall--MeetMeattheDepot! BeginninginSeptember,we'llgatheratthehistoricSmithvilleDepotonthefirstSaturdayofSeptember, October,andNovemberforamorningofmusic,history,classiccars,refreshments,andcommunityfellowship I hopeyou'llmakeplanstojoinus besuretoreadmoreaboutthisexcitingneweventinsidethenewsletter! ThankyouforyourcontinuedsupportoftheSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommerce. HaveawonderfulAugust,andIlookforwardtoseeingyouaroundtown!
Warm regards,
Kathy Danielson
Executive Director, Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce
ChamberAmbassadorUpdate
TheSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommerce
Ambassadorscontinuetoplayanimportantrolein supportingourChamber,ourmembers,andour community.Whetherattendingmeetings,welcoming newbusinesses,assistingwithevents,orworking behindthescenes,eachAmbassadorcontributestheir time,talents,andenthusiasmtohelpstrengthenthe Smithvillebusinesscommunity
Wewouldliketorecognizeandthankourcurrent Ambassadorteamfortheirdedicationandservice:
JanetRoby–AmbassadorCommitteeChair&HR Director,ParobekPlumbing&AC
KimDugey–CommercialBanker,VeraBank CodyBlissit–Adjutant,AmericanLegion
AllisonBastien–GraphicDesign&PrintSales, BastropSigns
AnnRosecrance–KeepSmithvilleBeautiful
JeffRietz–RegionalSalesManager,Highline Internet
EricGil–Commander,AmericanLegion BreMeador–RealEstateAgent
KimberlyBeaver–HairStylist
BayleeGoodall–RelationshipManager,Capital FarmCredit
WendiMoltrum-WellsentialHealth
Thankyoutoeachoftheseoutstandingindividualsfor theircommitmenttoservingtheChamberandhelping makeSmithvilleanevenstrongerplacetolive,work, anddobusiness.
AugustAmbassadorMeeting
OurnextAmbassadormeetingwillbeheldon Tuesday,August4,at5:00p.m.attheSmithvilleArea ChamberofCommerceoffice
ShopLocalGiftBasketRaffleFundraiser
TheAmbassadorCommitteeisalsoexcitedto announcethatplanningisunderwayforourupcoming ShopLocalGiftBasketRaffleFundraiser.Thisnew fundraisingeffortwillhelpsupportChamber programs,events,andinitiativesthatbenefitourlocal businesscommunity
We'recurrentlyreachingouttoChambermember businessesfordonationsofgiftcards,products, services,anduniqueexperiencesthatwillbe combinedintothemedgiftbaskets.Theresponsehas alreadybeenencouraging,andwe'relookingforward toshowcasingtheincrediblegenerosityofourlocal businesses
Whenticketsgoonsale,communitymemberswill havethechancetosupporttheChamberwhilealso havingtheopportunitytowinamazinglocallysourced prizes.
RaffleTicketPricing
$5–1Ticket
$20–5Tickets
$50–15Tickets
Thedrawingdatewillbeannouncedsoon,and winnersdonotneedtobepresenttowin.Ticketswill beavailablethroughChamberAmbassadorsandat theSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommerceoffice. EveryticketpurchasedhelpssupporttheChamber'smissionof promotinglocalbusinesses,strengtheningcommunity partnerships,andcreatingopportunitiesforeconomicgrowth SupportLocal.WinLocal.MakeaDifference. Ifyou'reaChambermemberinterestedindonatingan itemorserviceforoneofourrafflebaskets,we'dlove tohearfromyou.Together,wecanmakethis fundraiserafunandsuccessfuleventthathighlights theverybestofSmithville.
Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder
Welcoming the New Faces of Welcoming the New Faces of
Smithville ISD Smithville ISD
Eachnewschoolyearbringsfreshopportunities, newbeginnings,anddedicatededucatorswhoare readytomakeadifferenceinthelivesofour students.TheSmithvilleAreaChamberof Commercewashonoredtowelcomethenewest membersoftheSmithvilleISDteachingstaffduring theircommunitytourwithastopattheChamber office.
AspartoftheirintroductiontoSmithville,eachnew teacherreceivedawelcometotebagfilledwith information,gifts,andspecialoffersfromlocal businessesandorganizations.Thesethoughtful donationsreflectthegenerosityofourbusiness communityanddemonstratejusthowexcited Smithvilleistowelcometheseeducators.
TheChamberextendsitssincereappreciationtothe followingbusinessesandorganizationsforhelping makeournewteachersfeelathome:
AllyMedical
BastropandBuescherStateParks
BluebonnetTrailsCommunityServices
EdwardJonesFinancialAdvisorMicahOliver ExploreBastropCounty
FayetteMemorialFuneralHome
FilmAlley–ASchulmanTheatre
FirstBaptistChurchSmithville FirstNationalBank
FirstUnitedMethodistChurch,Smithville FrontierBankofTexas
FrontierCellars
FrostBank
HOTWORX
KristynikPlumbing
Thesewelcomebagsaremorethanjustgifts they areareflectionofthewarmth,generosity,and communityspiritthatmakeSmithvillesucha specialplacetoliveandwork Byintroducingour newesteducatorstolocalbusinesses,services,and organizations,wehopetheyquicklyfeelconnected tothecommunitytheynowserve.
TheSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommercethanks everybusinessandorganizationthatcontributedto thisyear'steacherwelcomebags.Yourgenerosity helpscreateamemorablefirstimpressionand demonstratesthestrongpartnershipbetweenour businesscommunityandSmithvilleISD. Toallofournewteachers:WelcometoSmithville! Wearegratefulyou'vechosentobepartofour community,andwewishyouasuccessfuland rewardingschoolyear.
LaGrangeChamberofCommerce
LivingRoomChristianBooks&Gifts
LoriTuggleStateFarm
Mix-o-logie
ParobekPlumbing&AirConditioning
ProsperityBank
SmithvilleAreaChamberofCommerce
SmithvillePublicLibrary
TexasWorkforceSolutionsRuralCapitalArea
TheLodgeatLostPines
TheShopAroundtheCorner
SmithvilleGardenClub
Welcoming the New Faces of Welcoming the New Faces of Smithville ISD Smithville ISD
Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder
Updates from Keep Smithville Beautiful
(Committee of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce)
HereatKSB,wearealreadythinkingaboutOctoberwith planningunderwayfortheOctober17thSustainableHome andGardenShow!Pleasejointhe show’snextplanning meetingSaturday,June20th12pm-1pmattheSmithville PublicLibraryorreachouttoAnnifyouwouldliketojoin virtually:annrosecrance@gmail.com.
Planninghascommencedforthe2026Sustainable HomeandGardenShow!Thisyear’sshowwillbeheld Saturday,October17th,202610:00am-3:00pma RailroadParkPavilion,Smithvillewiththetheme “PartneringtoKeeptheColoradoRiverClean.
Thisyear’sshowwillincludetwoyouth-focusedcommunity initiatives:PlasticCollectionChallengeandWasteto WonderRecyclableArtContest!Linkherefor volunteer/vendor/exhibitor/sponsordetailsand registration.
Well owners: Are you interested in having your well sampled for microplastics and PFAS by a UT research team as part of the “Protecting Water Quality in the Lower Colorado River” project? Please reply to this email with your name, email, phone number, and address and/or questions.
Seeimagebelowfordetailsonvolunteeropportunities andlinkhereforvendor/exhibitor/sponsorde registration.Anyfundsraisedbeyondcov costsdirectlysupportourongoingsus programmingwhichincludeshazardousw events,litterclean-ups,andenvironment andartactivitiesforkids.
Did you know there are rain harvesting rebates for Bastrop County residents? Free Rainwater Harvesting 101 session: Saturday, August 22, 10 am to 12 pm at Bastrop Community Gardens(1067 State Hwy 71, Bastrop). RSVP to (512) 360-5088 by 5:00 PM, Monday, August 17 and see link here for details on session and LPGCD rebate program.
Keep Smithville Beautiful is looking for new board members and community advisors - please contact keepsmithvillebeautiful@gmail.com if you’re interested in joining our small but mighty team!
CORNERSTONE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
TheSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommerceisproudtorecognizeFrontier BankasoneofourvaluedCornerstonePartnersandthankthemfortheir continuedinvestmentinourcommunity.
Sinceopeningitsdoorsin2007,FrontierBankhasremaineddedicatedto providingpersonalizedbankingserviceswhilebuildinglastingrelationships withindividuals,families,businesses,andorganizationsthroughoutCentral Texas.Asalocallyownedcommunitybank,FrontierBankunderstandsthe importanceofpersonalconnectionsandhelpingcustomersachievetheir financialgoals.Theircommitmenttoexceptionalcustomerserviceis reflectedintheirmotto:"WeHaveOneLevelofService.PERSONAL."
Morethanjustafinancialinstitution,FrontierBankisatruecommunity partner.Throughsponsorships,localpartnerships,educationalinitiatives, andsupportofcommunityevents,theycontinuallydemonstratetheir commitmenttohelpingSmithvilleandthesurroundingareagrowand thrive.Theirteambelievesthatinvestinginthecommunityisjustas importantasinvestingintheircustomers.
TheChamberisespeciallygratefulforFrontierBank'songoingsupportof ourprograms,events,andinitiativesthatstrengthenourlocalbusiness community.Theirpartnershiphelpsuscontinueourmissionofpromoting economicgrowth,supportinglocalbusinesses,andenhancingthequality oflifeinSmithville.
Thankyou,FrontierBank,foryourcontinuedpartnership,community leadership,andformakingapositivedifferenceinSmithville!
Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder
Getting to Know Our Board Members
Wendi Moltrum
This month, we’re pleased to spotlight Wendi Moltrum, of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors with Wellsential Health (Towers Nursing Home)!
TheSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommerceispleasedtospotlightWendiMoutrum,whoservesonourBoard ofDirectorsandbringsapassionforpeople,service,andcommunityinvolvement. WendiisemployedbyWellsentialHealth(TowersNursingHome).Withmorethan30yearsofexperiencein pharmacyand18yearsasaPharmacyInstructor,Wendihasdedicatedhercareertocaringforothersand helpingpeopleimprovetheirqualityoflife.
Aboutsevenyearsago,sheembracedanewchallengebytransitioningintoskillednursingcare,working closelywithbothdementiaandrehabilitationresidents.Today,sheenjoyscreatingengagingactivities, introducingnewgames,andfindingcreativewaystobringjoyandmeaningfulexperiencestotheresidentsat TowersNursingHome.
OriginallyfromLasVegas,Nevada,WendilaterlivedamongthebeautifulredwoodsofNorthernCalifornia beforemakingTexasherhome.Afterrelocatingjustoverayearago,shequicklyfellinlovewiththeLoneStar StateandthewelcomingspiritoftheSmithvillecommunity.
NowbeginninganotherexcitingchapterthroughherinvolvementwiththeSmithvilleAreaChamberof Commerce,Wendiiseagertobecomemoreengaged,buildrelationships,andgivebacktothecommunityshe nowproudlycallshome.
WearegratefultohaveWendiservingontheChamberBoardandlookforwardtotheenthusiasm, compassion,andfreshperspectiveshebringstoourorganization.
Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder
July Chamber Mixer Brings Community Together
The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce was delighted to welcome members, guests, and community partners to our July Chamber Mixer, hosted by VFW Post 1309. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for local businesses and organizations to come together in a relaxed setting to network, build relationships, and strengthen the connections that make our community thrive.
We extend our sincere appreciation to VFW Post 1309 for their generous hospitality and for providing such a welcoming venue. Their support helped create an enjoyable atmosphere where attendees could meet new faces, reconnect with fellow Chamber members, and exchange ideas that help our local business community grow.
Throughout the evening, conversations flowed, new partnerships were formed, and familiar friendships were strengthened Events like our monthly Chamber Mixers remind us that some of the best opportunities begin with a simple introduction and a shared commitment to supporting one another.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the July Mixer such a success. We look forward to seeing you at our next Chamber event as we continue working together to build a stronger, more connected Smithville
A New Tradition Begins: Meet Me at the Depot
A New Tradition Begins: Meet Me at the Depot
Thisfall,theSmithvilleAreaChamberof CommerceandVisitSmithvilleareexcitedto launchabrand-newcommunitytraditionthat celebrateseverythingweloveaboutour hometown.MeetMeattheDepotisafree, family-friendlygatheringdesignedtobring neighbors,visitors,andfriendstogetherinoneof Smithville'smostcherishedlandmarks the historicMKTDepot.
MeetMeattheDepotismorethanjustan event it'sacelebrationofthepeople,stories, andtraditionsthatmakeSmithvillesucha specialplacetocallhome.It'sanopportunityto reconnectwitholdfriends,meetsomeonenew, andintroducevisitorstothewarmthandcharm thatdefineourcommunity.
OnthefirstSaturdayofSeptember,October,and November,theDepotwillcomealivewithmusic, conversation,history,andhometownhospitality.
Whetheryou'realifelongresident,newtothe area,orspendingtheweekendinSmithville,this isyourinvitationtoslowdown,enjoythe morning,andexperiencetheheartofour community.
Visitorscanlookforwardto:
Livemusicfromtalentedlocalperformers
Classiccarsondisplay
LocalstorytellerssharingSmithville'srich history
Vintagegamesforallages
Teaandlemonadeservedwithasmile
Plentyoffront-porchconversationsand opportunitiestoconnectwithfriends, neighbors,andvisitors
JoinusattheSmithvilleMKTDepot,locatedat 102NE1stStreet,onSeptember5,October3, andNovember7,from9:00a.m.toNoon.
Bringyourfamily,inviteyourneighbors,and makeplansnowtobepartofwhatpromisesto becomeoneofSmithville'snewestandmost belovedtraditions.
Wecan'twaittosay,"MeetMeattheDepot!"
Invest in Your Future Through the B.E.S.T. Leadership Program
Leadershipdoesn'thappenbychance it growsthroughlearning,collaboration,and communityinvolvement.Ifyou'rereadyto expandyourskills,buildmeaningful connections,andmakeagreaterimpactin SmithvilleandacrossBastropCounty,nowis theperfecttimetoapplyforthe2026–2027
B.E.S.T.LeadershipProgram.
TheSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommerce encourageslocalbusinessprofessionals, entrepreneurs,nonprofitleaders,educators, andcommunitymemberstoconsiderthis outstandingleadershipdevelopment opportunity.TheB.E.S.T.(Bastrop,Elgin, Smithville,andTaylor)LeadershipProgramis designedforindividualswhowanttogrow personallyandprofessionallywhilegaininga deeperunderstandingofthecommunities theyserve.
FromSeptemberthroughMay,participants willtakepartineightengagingsessions coveringtopicssuchasleadership, communication,teamwork,economic development,localgovernment,education, healthcare,andhumanservices.Alongthe way,they'llconnectwithcommunityleaders andfellowparticipantsfromthroughoutthe region,creatingrelationshipsthatoftenlast wellbeyondtheprogram.
Sinceitsinceptionin2004,theprogramhas graduatedmorethan400leaders,manyof whomnowserveininfluentialroles throughoutBastropCounty.
Whetheryou'reanemergingprofessional,a businessowner,orsomeonelookingto becomemoreinvolvedinthecommunity,the B.E.S.T.LeadershipProgramisaninvestment inyourfuture andinthefutureofour region. Applicationsarenowopen,butspaceis limited.Ifyou'rereadytotakethenextstep inyourleadershipjourney,weencourageyou toapplytoday.
Formoreinformation,contactBecki Womble,IOM,CCE,ACM,President/CEOof theBastropRegionalChamberofCommerce, atbwomble@bastropchamber.com.
Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder
JoinUsfortheAugustMixersponsoredbyProsperityBank!
JoinusforaneveningofconnectionandcommunityatourAugustChamberMixer,sponsoredby ProsperityBank!ChamberMixersarearelaxed,welcomingwaytonetwork,strengthenrelationships,and gettoknowfellowbusinessandcommunitymembers.Membersandprospectivemembersarealways welcome.
Thursday,August20,2026 5:00–7:00PM 406MainStreet Smithville,TX78602
Doorprizeswillbegivenoutat6:00PM!|Don’tmissoutonthefun.|Markyourcalendarsandbringafriend!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS - JULY
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
Cinda Wilkey
Covert Chevrolet-Buick-GMC
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Micah Oliver, CFP®, AAMS™, CRPC™
Film Alley Bastrop
Good Bull Golf Carts
Independence Title Company Innosaw LLC
Jill Strube (Individual)
John Chabot "The Caterer"
Judge Chris Duggan
Kids Outdoor Zone, Inc.
Lori Tuggle State Farm
Lost Pines Cleaners
Mike & Joanna Morgan
One Stop Leasing and Property Management
Roadhouse Bastrop
Second Street Wellness
Smithville Brewing Company
Smithville Education Foundation
Smithville Food Pantry
Smithville Garden Club
St. Paul's Catholic Church
Join the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce today!
BeingamemberoftheSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommercemeansmorethanjustjoiningan organizationitmeansbeingpartofathrivingcommunity Yourmembershipconnectsyoutovaluable networkingopportunities,increasesyourvisibility,amplifiesyourvoice,andprovidesresourcesforlearning andgrowth.WearedeeplygratefultoourcurrentmembersfortheirongoingsupportandengagementyouaretheheartofourChamber!Ifyou'vebeenconsideringjoining,nowistheperfecttimetoinvestin yourbusinessandourcommunity.
Let’sgrow,connect,andsucceedtogether!
Visithttps://business.smithvilletx.org/member/newmemberapptolearnmore.
Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder
MEMBER EVENTS
Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder
MEMBER EVENTS
Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder
MEMBER EVENTS
Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder
MEMBER EVENTS
Cornerstone Partners Chamber Builder
TheSmithvilleAreaChamberofCommercepodcasthasbeenonpausesince2021,andwe’reeagerto relaunchitasafreshwaytoshareexcitingupdatesabouttheChamber,spotlightourmembers,and highlightthepeople,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 Chamber Builder
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
Wendi Moltrum Wellsential Health
Josh Coy First National Bank
Janet Roby Parobek Plumbing
Kim Dugey VeraBank
Dr. Molley Ealy Ex-Officio
Caroline Noya Community Member
Cheryl Burns Vice Chair
Karrie McKeown Secretary
Craig Strickland Treasurer Ellie Thomas Frontier Bank
Cathy Meek Chair
Cinda Wilkey Community Member
Kathy Danielson Executive Director
Elisa Puentes Office Manager
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 CHAMBER BUILDERS
CORNERSTONE PARTNERS
