SACoC April 2026 Newsletter

APRIL 2026 APRIL 2026

Monthly Newsletter 512-237-2313

Chamber@SmithvilleTX.org

www.SmithvilleTX.org

102 N.E. 1st Street, Smithville, Texas, 78957

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

Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce A Message from the Executive Director Spring has arrived in Smithville, and with it comes a season full of connection, celebration, and community spirit. We are excited to share everything happening this month as our calendar continues to fill with opportunities to gather, engage, and support one another.

First, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the March Chamber Mixer hosted by American Legion Post 180. It was a wonderful evening of networking, conversation, and community connection—we appreciate all who came out and helped make it such a great success. We also enjoyed kicking off the Coffee Chat and look forward to continuing those meaningful conversations in April.

This month is packed with exciting events! Be sure to join us for our April Chamber Mixer hosted by Restoration Ranch, a great opportunity to connect with fellow members and community leaders. We’re also looking forward to our upcoming Chamber Luncheon featuring guest speaker Robert Andrade, City of Smithville Economic Development Director, who will share insights into the growth and future of our community.

April also brings some of Smithville’s most beloved traditions. The Smithville Jamboree is right around the corner, bringing fun, music, and community pride to the heart of our town. In addition, Music in the Park returns every Thursday in April, offering a relaxing way to enjoy live music, local dining, and time with family and friends under the evening sky.

As always, we encourage you to stay engaged, support local businesses, and take advantage of the many opportunities to connect through the Chamber. It’s the energy and involvement of our members and community that make Smithville such a special place.

Thank you for being part of what makes Smithville thrive. We look forward to seeing you around town this April!

Warm regards, Kathy Danielson Executive Director, Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

In This Edition Welcome from Kathy Danielson, Executive Director March Chamber Mixer Recap Coffee Chat with Kathy April Chamber Mixer Music in the Park April Luncheon SEF Scramble Recap Updates from Keep Smithville Beautiful Chamber Chatter Podcast Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: Prosperity Bank Board Member Spotlight: Karrie McKeown City of Smithville Facade Grant April Calendar of Events Member Events Welcome New & Renewing Members Advertising Opportunities Visit Smithville Texas Board of Directors Membership Levels Cornerstone Partners

RECAP IN 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

Coffee Chat with Kathy – April 8th Start your morning with connection and conversation at the March Coffee Chat with Kathy on Wednesday, April 8th at 7:30 AM. Join Kathy Danielson, Executive Director of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, for a relaxed hour of community updates, networking, and meaningful conversation over coffee.

This gathering is open to both Chamber members and non-members—we welcome everyone who wants to stay informed and engaged in our local business community.

We will meet at the Chamber Office, 102 NE 1st Street, Smithville, Texas.

Interested in hosting a future Coffee Chat at your business? We’d love to partner with you! Contact the Chamber at 512-237-2313 or Chamber@SmithvilleTx.org for more information.

Bring a friend and join us—we look forward to seeing you there!

Cornerstone Partners

Join Us for the April Mixer sponsored by Restoration Ranch!

Join us for an evening of connection and community at our March Chamber Mixer, sponsored by the American Legion Post 180! Chamber Mixers are a relaxed, welcoming way to network, strengthen relationships, and get to know fellow business and community members. Members and prospective members are always welcome.

Thursday, April 16, 2026 5:00 – 7:00 PM 172A Hills Prairie Road Bastrop, TX 78602 Door prizes will be given out at 6:00 PM! | Don’t miss out on the fun. | Mark your calendars and bring a friend!

Register your Garage Sale HERE

Cornerstone Partners

Smithville, Texas | April 2026 Music in the Park is Back – April 2026! 🎶 Join us every Thursday in April for one of Smithville’s favorite spring traditions —Music in the Park!

Bring your family, invite your friends, and make an evening of it. Start by visiting one of our wonderful local restaurants, then head down to the Gazebo Park at the end of Main Street to enjoy live music and relaxed at the park.

Every Thursday in April | 6:00 – 8:00 PM Grab a chair or blanket, settle in, and enjoy great music under the evening sky. It’s the perfect way to unwind, connect, and celebrate community.

We’ll see you at the park!

2026 Line Up Johnny Rockit Band Envy of Them All Ally Taylor Big John Mills & Friends

Cornerstone Partners

Join us for the 2nd 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.

Our speaker is Robert Andrade, the new City Of Smithville EDC Director 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, April 22, 2026 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 Speakers: Robert Andrade, the new City Of Smithville EDC Director Purchase Your Tickets Here

Cornerstone Partners

The Smithville Education Foundation is thrilled to share the success of our 1st Annual SEF Scramble FORE! Education Golf Tournament! Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we hosted 36 teams and proudly surpassed our initial fundraising goal. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic participants, and the wonderful team at ColoVista for their exceptional hospitality—all of whom made the day such a success.

Funds raised through this tournament directly support programs that enrich education in Smithville ISD, including Enrichment Programming—which provides students with opportunities in art, science, and various activities—along with Innovative Teaching Grants that equip teachers with new classroom tools and resources, and the Top 10 Percent Graduate Banquet, which honors outstanding seniors and their favorite educators. These efforts, along with senior scholarships, create meaningful and lasting impacts for our students. We are truly grateful for the continued support of our community and look forward to doing it again next year! Mark your calendars and budgets now!

Cornerstone Partners

Cornerstone Partners

Updates from Keep Smithville Beautiful (Committee of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce)

The Smithville Community Gardens hosted a Plant Swap on Saturday, March 14th.

Participants were able to bring or receive plants, seeds, tools, pots, gardening supplies, tips, etc.

Also, we are pleased to announce the addition of Ann Rosecrance to the KSB Board. Ann is a resident of Smithville and a chemist with more than 30 years of experience in the environmental field. She regularly helps with KSB community events, litter cleanups and household hazardous waste cleanup days. Ann volunteers with the Smithville ISD Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program and provides kids with science and environmental education. She has 2 daughters and loves to spend time with her 3-year old granddaughter. If you see her around, please help us welcome Ann! -KSB team (Facebook @KeepSmithvilleBeautiful)

We were happy to participate in the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off Event on Saturday, March 21st! It was a successful event, and we were proud to support the effort and provided donuts and coffee for the hardworking volunteers.

Thank you to everyone who came out to help keep our community clean and safe—we appreciate all who made this event a success!

Pictures from the HHW on March 21st

CORNERSTONE PARTNER CORNERSTONE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT

In a community like Smithville, strong local partnerships help drive progress, support businesses, and create lasting relationships. As a valued Cornerstone Partner of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, Prosperity Bank plays an important role in strengthening both the financial wellbeing of individuals and the economic vitality of our region.

Located right here in Smithville, Prosperity Bank is more than just a place to manage finances—it’s a community-focused institution dedicated to serving the people and businesses that call this area home. Their team understands the unique needs of small towns and works closely with customers to provide personalized banking solutions that make a difference.

Prosperity Bank offers a full range of financial services designed to support every stage of life and business. From personal checking and savings accounts to home loans, auto loans, and mortgage services, they provide the tools individuals and families need to plan for the future. For local businesses, Prosperity Bank delivers essential support through commercial lending, business accounts, and financial guidance that helps entrepreneurs grow and succeed.

What truly sets Prosperity Bank apart is their commitment to building relationships. Their knowledgeable staff takes the time to understand each customer’s goals, offering tailored solutions and dependable service. Whether someone is opening their first account, purchasing a home, or expanding a business, Prosperity Bank is there every step of the way.

Beyond their financial services, Prosperity Bank is deeply invested in the communities they serve.

Their involvement in local initiatives, partnerships, and organizations—like the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce—demonstrates a genuine commitment to community growth and success.

As Smithville continues to thrive, partnerships like the one we share with Prosperity Bank help ensure a strong and vibrant future. We are proud to recognize Prosperity Bank as a Cornerstone Partner and appreciate their ongoing dedication to supporting our community.

Cornerstone Partners

Getting to Know Our Board Members Karrie McKeown This month, we’re pleased to spotlight Karrie McKeown, the Secretary of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, involved with the Smithville Jamboree, and has wroked for the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center for 30+ years!

Karrie McKeown is a proud hometown girl, raised in Smithville, where she continues to live and thrive since 1976. With a heart for community and a mind for detail, Karrie has dedicated over three decades to public service as a Contract Administrator at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Her 32-year tenure at one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions is a testament to her commitment and excellence, marked notably by her achievement of a lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager Certification in 2014.

Karrie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tarleton State University in 1985, laying the academic foundation for her long and successful career in contract administration and procurement.

Outside of work, Karrie finds joy in antiquing and has a deep passion for giving back to her community—a value she holds close to her heart. Whether volunteering her time or supporting local initiatives, her love for Smithville and its people shines through in all she does.

Cornerstone Partners

April 2026 Check out our online calendar for event details!

Smithville Noon Lion’s Annual Fish Fry

Cornerstone Partners

MEMBER EVENTS

Cornerstone Partners

MEMBER EVENTS

Members: Send your event flyers to info@Smithvilletx.org

Cornerstone Partners

MEMBER EVENTS

Cornerstone Partners

Chamber Chatter Podcast Is Back!

We’re excited to share that the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce will be bringing back the Chamber Chatter Podcast beginning March 2026! This popular podcast has been on pause since 2021, and we’re eager to relaunch it as a fresh way to share exciting updates about the Chamber, spotlight our members, and highlight the people, businesses, and organizations that make Smithville thrive.

We’re inviting Chamber members and community partners to be featured as guest speakers. Whether you’d like to talk about your business offerings, nonprofit mission, an upcoming event, or a big announcement—this is a great platform to share your story. And don’t worry if you’re camera shy…we are too! We’ll take good care of you and make it a comfortable, fun experience.

Plan ahead and get on the calendar now—spots will fill quickly!

Sponsor the Chamber Chatter Podcast in 2026!

Businesses can sponsor an episode for $150 per episode. Each sponsored episode will receive broad exposure as the Chamber shares the podcast across: major podcast platforms, the Chamber’s YouTube Channel, Chamber Facebook page (7,500+ followers), Chamber eBlasts and Newsletters (1,198 inboxes).

This reach extends well beyond Smithville and Bastrop County, making it a powerful and affordable marketing opportunity.

Please note: there are only 10 speaker and sponsorship opportunities available for 2026—once they’re filled, that’s it! Interested in being a guest or sponsoring an episode?

Contact us at 512-237-2313 or Chamber@SmithvilleTx.org.

We’d love to feature you on the Chamber Chatter Podcast!

Cornerstone Partners

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.

Cornerstone Partners

THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS Bastrop Signs and Banners City of Smithville Leyendecker Executive Search

WELCOME CHAMBER BUILDER MEMBER

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

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

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.

Kathy Danielson

Elisa Puentes Office Manager

Executive Director

2026 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Cathy Meek Chair

Cheryl Burns Karrie McKeown Craig Strickland Ellie Thomas Vice Chair

Caroline Noya Wendi Moltrum Community Wellsential Member Health

Secretary

Treasurer

Frontier Bank

Kim Dugey Vera Vank

Josh Coy First National Bank

Janet Roby Parobek Plumbing

Cornerstone Partners

Cinda Wilkey Community Member

Dr. Molley Ealy Ex-Officio

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.