SACoC December 2025 Newsletter

DECEMBER 2025 DECEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER

Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

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

As 2025 begins to wind down, there's still one magical moment we’re all looking forward to - Smithville’s 34th Annual Festival of Lights and Lighted Parade this Saturday, December 6th!

This cherished tradition is more than just a holiday event—it’s a celebration of community, small-town charm, and the joy that comes from gathering together with friends, family, and neighbors. With downtown shopping, family fun, festive vendors, and the dazzling Lighted Parade, it’s a day that captures the spirit of Smithville like no other. We can’t wait to see you there!

As you're checking off your holiday list, don’t forget to shop local and support the small businesses that make Smithville such a vibrant place to live and work.

There are still Gingerbread Men available for adoption, so don’t delay! Help us decorate downtown and bring the sweet holiday magic to life - just contact the Chamber this week to reserve yours.

Please note: the Chamber office will be closed from December 19 through January 4. We’ll be recharging for the new year and coming back strong in 2026!

Be sure to save the date for our first Chamber Luncheon of the year on January 28th - more details coming soon.

Thank you for being such a spirited and supportive community. It’s truly our honor to serve you. From all of us at the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year!

In This Edition Welcome from Caroline Noya, Chair of the Board with Special Announcements Thank You to Caroline Noya Festival of Lights Adopt A Gingerbread Man December Mixer KSB - FallSuper Sweet Recap November Mixer Recap Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: First National Bank VisitSmithvilleTX.org Annual Member Survey December Calendar of Events January Luncheon: Save the Date Light’s Camera, Smithville!

Member Events Welcome New & Renewing Members Advertising Opportunities Board of Directors Membership Levels Cornerstone Partners

This December edition of our Chamber newsletter is a meaningful one for me personally. It marks my final newsletter to you as Chairman of the Board. With my term coming to an end, I will be rolling off the Board - yet rest assured, my involvement in Chamber life will continue. It has been one of my greatest honors to serve this community alongside such dedicated members, volunteers, partners, and friends.

Over the last two weeks, A LOT has been happening behind the scenes at the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, and I’m excited to share important updates about our leadership team.

Welcoming Our New Executive Director: Kathy Danielson We are proud to announce that Kathy Danielson has been hired as the new Executive Director of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce. She officially joined us on Monday, December 1, 2025.

Kathy approached a few of our Board members expressing interest in the Executive Director position, and her professionalism, experience, and enthusiasm made an immediate impression. She applied, interviewed on Friday, November 21, and clearly demonstrated that her background and vision are an exceptional fit for our Chamber’s future.

Kathy recently retired from the City of Bastrop where she was the Community Engagement Director at the Bastrop Convention Center and brings an impressive portfolio of leadership in tourism, hospitality, events, and community engagement.

Some of Kathy’s Areas of Qualification include Business Development, Recruitment/Volunteers, Budget Development, Public Speaking, Event Production, Sales and Marketing, Community Development, Strategic Partnerships, and Hospitality.

Her Professional Experience includes: Community Engagement Director, City of Bastrop, TX – Convention Center (2010–2025), Executive Director, City of Foley, AL – Convention & Visitors Bureau (1999–2010), Special Events Director, Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce (1996–1999).

Kathy’s extensive experience, leadership, and energy will help propel the Chamber to the next level, and we are delighted to welcome her to the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

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A Fond Farewell to Susie Cannon At the same time, we share heartfelt and bittersweet news. Susie Cannon has submitted her resignation, effective December 31, 2025.

Susie’s dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the Chamber simply cannot be overstated. She has provided steady, stabilizing leadership during one of the most tumultuous periods in our organization’s history - especially as eight other employees had departed. Her presence brought consistency, strength, and grace at a time when it was most needed.

Susie has agreed to assist with onboarding our new Executive Director throughout the rest of the year. She will continue supporting the Chamber and Kathy through the upcoming Festival of Lights, helping ensure another successful event and a smooth, organized transition.

We thank Susie with our deepest gratitude for her years of service and the quality of leadership she has given freely and faithfully. She will always be part of the legacy and heart of this Chamber.

Looking Ahead The Chamber Board has navigated its own set of challenges in recent years, always with the mission of supporting our local businesses and strengthening our community. These leadership transitions mark a new chapter - one filled with promise, growth, and renewed momentum.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Kathy Danielson as our new Executive Director and in offering a heartfelt farewell to Susie Cannon, along with our best wishes and prayers as both embark on their next chapters.

Thank you all for the privilege of serving as your Chairman of the Board. It has been an honor.

Wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season!

Caroline

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A Legacy of Leadership: Thank You, Caroline As this year draws to a close, we are honored to shine our December Board Member Spotlight on someone whose service has truly shaped the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce: Caroline Noya, who completes her term as Chairman of the Board at the end of 2025 and concludes two full terms of dedicated Board service.

Caroline’s contributions to Smithville reach far beyond the Chamber doors. She has spent years investing in the wellbeing, beauty, and future of our community. Her leadership résumé speaks for itself: Historic Preservation/Design Standards Advisory Committee (2019–2023) Planning & Zoning Commissioner (2018–Present) Rural Whole Health Coalition Board Member (since 2023/2024) Keep Smithville Beautiful, former Chairman and ongoing contributor; An advocate for homesteading, sustainability, and environmental mindfulness And of course, many in Smithville remember when Caroline helped rally our town through the It’s Time Texas Community Challenge, beginning all the way back in 2017. Twice a day, she faithfully visited City Hall to participate in exercises with staff, helping Smithville secure Champion status in the Extra Small category year after year.

Across every role she has held, Caroline’s approach has remained the same: hardworking, joyful, steady, and rooted in genuine care for people. She is one of those rare individuals who shows up with her whole heart. She leads with purpose, partners with others naturally, and treats every project like a promise she intends to keep. Those who have worked alongside her know well that if Caroline’s name is on a project, it will be completed with excellence.

Her time as Chairman of the Board has been marked by endurance, commitment, and a deep respect for the Chamber’s mission. She regularly encourages us to ground our work in the pillars the Chamber was founded on, keeping our efforts purposeful and true. Her dedication extends far beyond obligation; Caroline has invested her heart, mind, and soul in this organization.

Caroline is a devoted friend to many and a steadfast friend to Smithville. Our town is better because she chose to make it home. Her leadership, her laughter, and that bright smile that warms every room have blessed this community more than she knows.

Caroline, thank you for the time you invest, the care you carry, and the example you set. We love you, and we are grateful beyond words for all you’ve given to the Chamber and to Smithville.

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Adopt a Gingerbread Man & Help Us Sweeten the Season!

It’s not too late to join the fun! We’re inviting our entire member community to help transform downtown Smithville into a holiday photo-op everyone will love. Last week’s Gingerbread Man Farm was a huge success - and we still have plenty of Gingerbread Man adoptions available!

What’s a Gingerbread Man adoption?

You (or your business) sponsor a Gingerbread Man that will be displayed around town including a big, festive installation near Smitty and throughout Railroad Park. Your adoption helps decorate our town, support community events, and bring the holiday magic our families look forward to each year.

Ready to adopt?

Email chamber@smithvilletx.org Call 512-237-2313 Just say, “YES, I want to adopt!” and we’ll take care of the rest. ~ Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

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Join Us for the December Mixer with Towers Nursing Home!

Wrap up the year with community, conversation, and holiday cheer at our Holiday Chamber Mixer, hosted by Towers Nursing Home! Enjoy light refreshments, networking, and a festive atmosphere as we gather to celebrate the season together.

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, December 18, 2025 Location: Towers Nursing Home (372 Hill Rd, Smithville, TX 78957) 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.

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Thank You for a Successful Fall Super Sweep!

We’re still finalizing the numbers from last week’s Fall Super Sweep, but we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to help clean up litter on land and along the river.

Your efforts truly make a difference in keeping Smithville beautiful!

A special thanks to our amazing participating groups, including the Smithville Garden Club, Towers Nursing Home, Pines & Prairies Land Trust, Smithville Baseball Club, the Hennesy Family, Smithville High School FFA, Rising Phoenix Adventures, Lost Pines Master Naturalists, and the many individuals who joined the river cleanup.

If you participated but haven’t submitted your cleanup data yet, please email it to Bill/Keep Smithville Beautiful (KSB) as soon as possible.

Thank you again for showing up, pitching in, and helping preserve the natural beauty of our community!

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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!

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CORNERSTONE PARTNER CORNERSTONE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT

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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

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Chamber Members We Want to Hear from You! Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Membership Meeting! Your engagement and input help shape the direction of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce, and now we’re inviting you to take one more important step.

✨ Please take a few minutes to complete our Chamber Membership Survey! ✨ Your feedback is essential in helping us: ✔️ Strengthen our programs and events ✔️ Enhance member benefits ✔️ Set priorities for 2026 ✔️ Better support your business and our local economy Whether you’re a longtime member or recently joined, your voice matters. This is your Chamber— and we want to make sure it reflects your needs and goals.

Help us build a stronger year ahead—take the survey today!

Thank you for being an active part of the Smithville business community.

Check out our online calendar for event details!

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December 2025

Check out our online calendar for event details!

Chamber Office CLOSED December 19, 2025 - January 4, 2026

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SAVE THE DATE!

Join us for our first Quarterly Chamber Luncheon of 2026 on Tuesday, January 28th at the VFW Hall. We’re pleased to welcome CARTS (Capital Area Rural Transportation System) as our featured program.

Many in our community are eager to learn more about CARTS’ routes, services, and the vital role it plays in connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, and other resources throughout the region. This is a great opportunity to hear firsthand how CARTS supports our rural communities and helps ease the burden of long commutes for so many.

Stay tuned for ticket details and RSVP info—we look forward to starting the year with a meaningful and informative event!

Cornerstone Partners

Lights, Camera, Smithville!

Filming is starting to pick up again in Smithville, and we’re excited to share that both a music video and an independent film are being shot right here in town this month! Our charming locations, supportive community, and growing creative energy continue to make Smithville a desirable destination for filmmakers.

While not filmed in Texas, one of the producers and stars of this latest feature—Zachary Levi (best known for Shazam! and Chuck)—now calls Bastrop County home. As the owner of Wyldwood Studios on Hwy 1209, Zachary is passionate about helping grow the film industry in our region, and he’s actively working to bring more productions to the area.

Keep your eyes open—you just might recognize a few familiar faces around town in the weeks ahead!

Smithville continues to shine as a small town with big creative potential.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Smithville Film Commission.

Cornerstone Partners

MEMBER EVENTS

You're Invited: December 3rd Chamber Luncheon — Special Member Pricing!

Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce members are invited to attend the Bastrop Chamber's December Luncheon on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - and we’re excited to share that you can attend at Bastrop Chamber member pricing!

Just use promo code 5STAR at checkout when registering online at https://bit.ly/4p2GGkY This is a great opportunity to connect with our neighboring Chamber and engage with business leaders from across the region.

Don’t miss it!

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MEMBER EVENTS

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MEMBER EVENTS

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MEMBER EVENTS

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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.

WELCOME RENEWING MEMBERS Aqua Jet, Inc. George McMahan Calvary Baptist Church Nancy Janecek CASA of Bastrop, Lee & Fayette Counties RJ & RJ LLC dba Huebels Doug Hess Smithville Heritage Society and Museum Dumbeck Custom Homes Workforce Solutions - Rural Capital Area

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

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

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

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

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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.