SACoC eBlast January 20 2026 by SmithvilleChamberTx

January 20, 2026 ~ Chamber eBlast

Hello Smithville Chamber Members and Friends,

As we continue into the new year, I want to take a moment to thank you for the warm welcome I’ve already received. It’s truly been a pleasure meeting so many wonderful people throughout Smithville, and I look forward to continuing to connect with you in the weeks and months ahead.

We kicked off the year with a fantastic Chamber Mixer hosted by the Smithville Museum & Historical Society and Edward Jones Micah Oliver, Financial Advisor. It was a great evening of networking, conversation, and community, and a wonderful reminder of the strong partnerships that make our Chamber so special. Thank you to our hosts and to everyone who joined us.

This past weekend, the Chamber Board of Directors gathered for our annual retreat, where we spent meaningful time working on plans and priorities for 2026. The energy, ideas, and commitment around the table were inspiring, and we’re excited about the direction ahead. We’ll also be introducing our new Board Members soon -- please join us in welcoming them as they step into leadership roles for the year ahead.

On Monday, many of us joined our neighbors in Elgin for the MLK Jr. Day Walk for Peace, Justice, and Equality. It was a powerful opportunity to come together in reflection, unity, and service, and we’re grateful to all who participated.

Looking ahead, I encourage you to make plans to attend our upcoming January Chamber Luncheon on Wednesday, January 28th, featuring guest speaker Dana Platt of CARTS, who will share valuable insights and updates impacting our region and local businesses.

Mark your calendars for one of our most anticipated events of the year -- the 2026 Chamber Banquet and Awards on Friday, Febrauary 6, 2026! We are especially excited about this year’s theme, Hometown Hotrods & Heroes, and can’t wait to celebrate with you at what promises to be a fun, memorable evening honoring the people who help keep Smithville moving forward.

Don't miss your opportunity to submit nominations for our Chamber Awards, including Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, and Organization of the Year. These recognitions are a meaningful way to highlight the individuals, businesses, and organizations that make a lasting impact in our community, and we encourage you to take a few moments to nominate someone deserving. Submit your nominations here: https://forms.gle/CVFPx2JYeSV6LqUT6

As always, please feel free to share this email with colleagues, friends, or neighbors and encourage them to sign up to receive our bi-monthly eBlasts and monthly newsletters so they can stay connected to Chamber news, events, and opportunities.

A friendly reminder to make the most of the Chamber Event Calendar--it’s a great way to stay informed about upcoming events and to promote your own. Members are encouraged to submit and share their events so we can help spread the word.

Thank you again for your continued support of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce. It has truly been a joy getting to know this community, and I can’t wait to meet even more of you as we move forward together.

With gratitude,

Kathy Danielson Executive Director Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce

January 2026 Quarterly Chamber Luncheon

Join us for the first 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 Dana Platt, CARTS' Community Engagement Director. She will be sharing information on the Smithville Station remodel, as well as, CARTS' plans to begin a commuter route in March 2026.

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, January 28, 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: Dana Platt, CARTS

Luncheon Tickets

Hometown Hotrods & Heroes

2026 Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, businesses, and organizations that make Smithville shine! The Annual Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet returns on Friday, February 6, 2026, with a fun, high-energy theme honoring hometown pride, classic style, and community heroes.

Step back in time with vintage flair, hotrods, and hometown spirit as we recognize the 2025 Chamber Award recipients, including:

Citizen of the Year

Renee Blaschke Keep Smithville Beautiful Organization of the Year Business of the Year

Artist of the Year

Doors open at 6:00 PM, where guests will enjoy appetizers, a signature cocktail, beer, and wine, along with time to mingle, network, and browse the silent auction. Dinner and the awards program begin at 7:00 PM, catered by Accidental Catering, followed by live entertainment at 8:00 PM by The Jonathans, delivering a lively salute to the music of the 1950s and 1960s

Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite 50s or 60s attire and fully embrace the theme for a night filled with fun, nostalgia, and celebration.

Tickets:

$75 Chamber Members

$85 Non-Members

An evening of recognition, entertainment, and community connection awaits- this is one celebration you won’t want to miss. More details and ticket information can be found at www.SmithvilleTx.org.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Banquet Tickets

Banquet Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2026 Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet. This annual event provides a valuable opportunity to showcase your business while supporting the Chamber and celebrating our local community.

To secure your sponsorship, please contact the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce at 512237-2313 or Chamber@SmithvilleTx.org

Small Business Tip of the Month: Start the Year with Simple Systems!

Strong businesses don’t rely on memory alone-they rely on systems. Taking time early in the year to simplify how you track customers, finances, and tasks can save hours of stress later.

Choose one area of your business (invoicing, scheduling, customer follow-ups, or inventory) and document a simple, repeatable process for it.

The Chamber can help connect you with local service providers, tech resources, and fellow members who have found systems that work-sometimes the best ideas come from businesses just like yours.

The Chamber is excited to help promote our business members events! To have your events, sales, specials, and more included in our monthly Chamber Newsletter, simply email us at info@smithvilletx.org. Our newsletter is sent to all members and non-members, and the details may also be shared across our social media platforms.

Let's get the word out and support each other!

Also, be sure to add your events to the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce event calendar on our website. If you need assistance, contact us at 512-237-2313 or chamber@smithvilletx.org

Upcoming Events

JANUARY

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Revolutionary Wall - Bastrop County Historical Society (Event hosted through January 31, 2026)

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Career Tracks Training Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | 4:00-7:00pm

BCHS Quarterly Meeting | 6:00-8:00pm

Open Mic Night at Mutt's Last Stand | 7:00-9:00pm

Friday, January 23, 2026

Moors & McCumber at The Bugle Boy | 8:00-10:00pm

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Household Hazardous Waste Event | 9:00am-12:00pm

Karaoke at Mutt's Last Stand | 8:00-11:00pm

Cari Hutson at The Bugle Boy | 8:00-10:00PM

Johnny Utah Unplugged at Mutt's Last Stand | 8:00-11:00pm

Sunday, January 25, 2026

First Baptist Church Service: Pastor Daryl Huff | 8:45AM & 10:00AM

Smithville's Farmers Market | 10:00AM-1:00PM

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Smithville Garden Club Meeting | 9:30-11:00am

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

January 2026 Quarterly Chamber Luncheon | 11:15am-1:00pm

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Open Mic Night at Mutt's Last Stand | 7:00-9:00pm

Friday, January 30, 2026

Dale Watson at The Bugle Boy | 8:00-10:00pm

Saturday, January 31, 2026

First Baptist Church Men's Ministry "The Armory" Breakfast & Skeet Shoot 8:00AM-5:00PM

The Prairie Subdivision Open House | 12:00-4:00PM

Karaoke at Mutt's Last Stand | 8:00-11:00pm

Ruben V at The Bugle Boy | 8:00-10:00pm Comedy Showcase at Mutt's Last Stand | 8:30-9:30pm

Click HERE for a full listing of Chamber and Member Events

Red indicates an event of Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Event

Be sure to add your events to the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce website and we will add them here in our bi-monthly eBlasts and monthly Newsletters.