SACoC 2026 March Newsletter

March 2026

March 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 ssage from the Executive Director

A Me

Warm greetings to our Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce members and friends!

We have certainly been busy these past few weeks, and I have truly loved every opportunity to interact with our members and the community. Whether at events, in the office, or out around town, it has been a joy to connect, listen, and learn more about the incredible businesses and organizations that make Smithville such a special place. The energy and enthusiasm I continue to see remind me just how strong and supportive this community truly is.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the February Mixer at the Chamber. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and to meet new community members who are eager to get involved. These gatherings are such a meaningful way to build relationships, spark new ideas, and strengthen the partnerships that keep our local economy moving forward.

We are looking ahead with excitement to our March Chamber Mixer sponsored

by American Legion Post 180, as well as the upcoming Ribbon Cutting for CARTS. These events are excellent opportunities to show support, celebrate growth, and stay connected to what’s happening in our town. I’m also especially excited to host our very first Coffee Chat at the Chamber Office on Wednesday, March 11th. This casual morning gathering is designed to create open conversation, share updates, and provide a welcoming space for members and non-members alike to connect.

Please be sure to check out the Chamber’s Event Calendar regularly and stay engaged with us through our newsletters and social media. There is always something happening in Smithville, and we want to help you stay informed and involved.

We hope you have a wonderful last week of February, and I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events and around town soon!

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

In This Edition Welcome from Kathy Danielson, Executive Director City of Smithville Thank You February Chamber Mixer Recap Coffee Chat with Kathy March Chamber Mixer CARTS Ribbon Cutting Updates from Keep Smithville Beautiful Chamber Chatter Podcast Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: Lower Colorado River Authority Board Member Spotlight: Cathy Meek March Calendar of Events Member Events Welcome New & Renewing Members Advertising Opportunities Visit Smithville Texas Board of Directors Membership Levels Cornerstone Partners

A BIG THANK YOU TO THE CITY OF SMITHVILLE CREW! We want to extend our sincere appreciation to the hardworking team from the City of Smithville who recently pressure washed the sidewalks, steps, brickwork, and exterior of the Chamber building. Their effort truly made a noticeable difference!

While I didn’t manage to snap a photo of the crew in action (my apologies!), we are so grateful for the pride they take in keeping our town looking its best. The sky may have been a little overcast that day, but the building absolutely shines thanks to their work. Even Smitty can’t seem to take his eyes off it—it looks that good!

And yes, I hope I made up for missing the photo by delivering a batch of cookies to the team the next day. It’s a small token of appreciation for the big difference they make in our community.

Thank you again to our City workers for helping keep Smithville beautiful—we are grateful for all that you do!

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

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 – March 11th Start your morning with connection and conversation at the March Coffee Chat with Kathy on Wednesday, March 11th 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 March Mixer sponsored by the American Legion Post 180!

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, March 19, 2026 5:00 – 7:00 PM American Legion Post 180 145 American Legion Road, Smithville, TX 78957 Door prizes will be given out at 6:00 PM! | Don’t miss out on the fun. | Mark your calendars and bring a friend!

Click the image above to learn more.

Cornerstone Partners

Cornerstone Partners

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

The next Rainwater Harvesting 101 session will be Saturday, February 28th, 10 am to 12 pm at 401 Old Austin Hwy, Bastrop. RSVP to (512) 360-5088 and see link here for details on LPGCD’s rebate program.

Congrats to Smithville ISD 8th grader Cecilia Hruska whose art submitted as part of KSB’s sustainability show last year received honorable mention and is now a banner at the recycling center - thanks especially to Ms. Prihoda, Jill Strube, and Jimmy Jenkins as well. How inspiring to keep Smithville clean and beautiful!

Bastrop County Master Gardeners are out and about this Spring! Also Saturday, February 28th, 10 am to 12 pm is their Seed Swap at 1109 Main St. Bastrop - see FB event here for details. Then Saturday, March 14th 9 am- 1 pm is their annual plant sale at Mayfest Park, Bastrop - get there early and see FB event here for details.

Next up is our Spring Super Sweep litter clean up: Saturday, March 21st - Sunday, March 29th. Let’s build on the great work of almost 100 volunteers who came together to clean up our community in Fall!

Ongoing activities: Keep Smithville Beautiful is looking for new board members and community advisors - please reply to this email if you’re interested in joining our small but mighty team!

Don’t miss the special river cleanup with kayak/canoes provided on Sunday, March 29th at 3 pm in collaboration with Rising Phoenix Adventures, or you pick the place and we provide the supplies.

See details and register on SeeMyLegacy here. Please email Can you help pick up litter on the southside of town? if you have any questions, including places that others plan Please contact Bill who coordinates ongoing street sweeps: to pick up so you can join up!

Wlglass47@gmail.com.

Interested in a private tour of a thriving food forest and tips Ongoing activities continued: for your own? Contact Carol to coordinate: Come help at the Smithville Community Gardens Tuesdays caroljackson5555@gmail.com. @ 4 pm and Saturday mornings @ 9 am including lovely Waste management and other environmental coffee in the garden with your reusable mug. No gardening considerations at City Council meetings (2nd Mondays of experience necessary! the month 6 pm @ City Hall).

Check out a list of amazing local environmental Farmers market Sundays 10 am - 2 pm @ Railroad Park, organizations here, such as Alum Creek Wildlife please bring your own bags to reduce waste! You can also Management Association. drop off used plastic bags for the Smithville Food Pantry at -KSB team (Facebook @KeepSmithvilleBeautiful) the info booth.

CORNERSTONE PARTNER CORNERSTONE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT

Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) as a valued Cornerstone Partner and a vital pillar supporting both our Chamber and the greater Smithville community.

For more than 85 years, LCRA has served Central Texas by responsibly managing the lower Colorado River and delivering essential services that power and protect our region. From providing reliable electric transmission infrastructure and managing critical water resources to overseeing flood control operations and operating beautiful public parks, LCRA plays a foundational role in the infrastructure that keeps Smithville strong and growing.

LCRA’s commitment goes beyond utilities. Their work supports economic development, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. By safeguarding water supplies, maintaining dams and floodgates, and planning for long-term sustainability, LCRA helps ensure that our homes, farms, and businesses have the resources they need to thrive. Their parks and recreational areas also contribute to tourism and quality of life, offering outdoor experiences that benefit residents and visitors alike.

As a Cornerstone Partner of the SACoC, LCRA demonstrates leadership not only through service delivery but also through meaningful community engagement and collaboration. Their investment in Smithville reflects a shared commitment to responsible growth, environmental care, and regional prosperity.

We are grateful for LCRA’s continued partnership and for the steady, forward-thinking support they provide. Thank you, LCRA, for helping power, protect, and preserve our community—today and for generations to come.

Cornerstone Partners

Getting to Know Our Board Members Cathy Meek This month, we’re pleased to spotlight Cathy Meek, owner of Rocking M Ranch Weddings, Events and Lodging, Chair of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and a member of the Smithville City Council.

Cathy’s commitment to service runs deep. She began her career with the City of Austin before spending many years as a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Specialist, where she developed a strong passion for public service and building community resilience. In 2008, she relocated to Smithville and was appointed to the LCRA Regional Council, representing our community while continuing her FEMA disaster work until her retirement in 2016.

Retirement, however, was anything but slowing down. Cathy launched Rocking M Ranch Weddings, Events and Lodging, creating a beautiful venue that has become a special part of Smithville’s event landscape. She joined the Chamber soon after, initially as a volunteer and active member—seeing it as both a great networking opportunity and a meaningful way to support local businesses and Chamber initiatives.

In 2022, Cathy was invited to join the Chamber Board of Directors and now serves as ViceChair and as Committee Chair for several of our annual events. In 2024, she was elected to the Smithville City Council, strengthening collaboration between the City and the Chamber and helping ensure a cohesive approach to meeting community needs and advancing shared goals.

Cathy is always ready with a warm “Howdy!” and encourages everyone to get involved— whether by attending our fun annual events or signing up to volunteer. Her dedication, leadership, and enthusiasm continue to make a positive impact on Smithville, and we’re grateful for her service to our Chamber and community.

Cornerstone Partners

March 2026 Check out our online calendar for event details!

Smithville Noon Lion’s Annual Fish Fry

MEMBER EVENTS

Cornerstone Partners

MEMBER EVENTS

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

Cornerstone Partners

MEMBER EVENTS

Cornerstone Partners

MEMBER EVENTS

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

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 Aqua Water Supply Corporation Assured Partners Casa Kingfisher, LLC Clarence’s Refrigeration & Electric Debbie Denny Media Solutions G&C Printing Highline Innosaw, LLC Justin M. Fohn - Attorney at Law Kings Portable Thrones Lower Colorado River Authority Maurice Cook Milton’s, Inc. Pamela Latham Panama Rose Roscoe Bank - Cornerstone Home Lending Second Street Wellness Smith Supply Smithville Brewing Company St. David’s Foundation Star of Texas Plumbing VFW Post 1309 Zapco, Inc. 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

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

Wendi Moltrum Wellsential Health

Secretary

Kim Dugey Vera Vank

Treasurer

Josh Coy First National Bank

Frontier Bank

Janet Roby Parobek Plumbing

Cinda Wilkey Community Member

Dr. Molley Ealy Ex-Officio

Cornerstone Partners

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.