September 2026 September 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 As we wrap up August and look ahead to fall, I’m grateful for the businesses, organizations, volunteers, and community members who make Smithville such a wonderful place to live, work, and do business. August gave us plenty of opportunities to connect and celebrate! A special thank you to Prosperity Bank for hosting our August Chamber Mixer. We had a fantastic turnout and a fun evening of networking and visiting with our Chamber community. We also loved celebrating Frontier Bank’s 2nd Anniversary in Smithville!
And August isn’t over yet! Join us for our Quarterly Chamber Luncheon on Wednesday, August 26, featuring Dr. Molley Ealy, Superintendent of Smithville ISD. We’re also excited to welcome our newest Chamber members: Bastrop County African American Cultural Center & Freedom Colonies Museum, Clear Core Water Filtration, Evoque, Main Street Gifts & More, and Sundance Gardens. We’re equally excited to announce Parobek Plumbing & Air Conditioning as one of our newest Chamber Builders! Our Ambassador Committee meets next on Tuesday, September 1, from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Chamber office. If you’re looking for a great way to get more involved with the Chamber, we encourage you to join us!
In This Edition Welcome from Kathy Danielson, Executive Director Ambassador Program Update from Keep Smithville Beautiful Cornerstone Partner Spotlight: Blue Ribbon Board Member Spotlight: Janet Roby August Mixer Recap Meet Me at the Depot August Luncheon September Mixer New & Renewing Members September Calendar of Events Member Events Advertising Opportunities Visit Smithville Texas Board of Directors Membership Levels Cornerstone Partners
Did you know Smithville also has an incredibly active Smithville Noon Lions Club? Join them every Tuesday from noon–1:00 PM at Quinto Patio. Everyone is welcome—you simply purchase your own lunch. Now we’re gearing up for a busy and FUN fall in Smithville! Look for Meet Me at the Depot, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW), the Community-Wide Garage Sale, KSB’s Fall Super Sweep, the Smithville Music Festival, and so much more. Keep an eye on our calendar, social media, and eblasts for all the details. I can’t wait to see you around Smithville this fall! Warm regards, Kathy Danielson Executive Director, Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Ambassadors: Connecting, Serving & Supporting Smithville The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee continues to stay busy supporting our members, strengthening connections, and finding new ways to serve our local business community.
Shop Local Gift Basket Raffle – Ticket Sales Starting Soon!
Excitement is building for the Ambassador Committee’s Shop Local Gift Basket Raffle Fundraiser! Thanks to the generosity of our Chamber members, the Ambassadors are putting together some fantastic From welcoming new businesses and attending locally sourced prizes featuring gift cards, products, Chamber events to helping members become more involved, our Ambassadors are an important part of the services, and experiences from businesses throughout our community. Chamber. Their enthusiasm, volunteer spirit, and willingness to lend a hand help make our programs and Raffle tickets will be available soon! events successful throughout the year. Ticket Pricing: September Ambassador Meeting $5 – 1 Ticket $20 – 5 Tickets Our next Ambassador Committee meeting will be held: $50 – 15 Tickets Tuesday, September 1 5:00–7:00 PM Tickets will be available from Chamber Ambassadors Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Office and at the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber members interested in becoming more office. involved are always encouraged to learn more about The winner will be announced at the October the Ambassador program. It’s a great way to build Chamber Mixer, and you do not have to be present to relationships, grow your network, and become an win! active part of what’s happening within the Chamber Ambassador Committee and our community.
Janet Roby – Ambassador Committee Chair & HR Director, Parobek Plumbing & AC Kim Dugey – Commercial Banker, VeraBank Cody Blissit – Adjutant, American Legion Allison Bastien – Graphic Design & Print Sales, Bastrop Signs Ann Rosecrance – Keep Smithville Beautiful Jeff Rietz – Regional Sales Manager, Highline Internet Eric Gil – Commander, American Legion Bre Meador – Real Estate Agent Kimberly Beaver – Hair Stylist Baylee Goodall – Relationship Manager, Capital Farm Credit Wendi Moltrum – Wellsential Health
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Updates from Keep Smithville Beautiful (Committee of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce)
Here at KSB, we are already thinking about October with planning underway for the October 17th Sustainable Home and Garden Show! Please join the show’s next planning meeting Saturday, June 20th 12 pm - 1 pm at the Smithville Public Library or reach out to Ann if you would like to join virtually: annrosecrance@gmail.com. This year’s show will include two youth-focused community initiatives: Plastic Collection Challenge and Waste to Wonder Recyclable Art Contest!Link here for volunteer/vendor/exhibitor/sponsor details and registration.
The Smithville Lighthouse Brigade is hosting a Community Potluck and Conversation about Water & Our Environment Thursday, September 5, 5:30-8 pm at the VFW Hall.
CORNERSTONE PARTNER CORNERSTONE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT
The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Blue Ribbon Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical as one of our valued Cornerstone Partners. For more than 20 years, Blue Ribbon has been serving Central Texas communities with a commitment to quality workmanship, honest service, and dependable solutions for homeowners. Locally owned and operated, the company has built its reputation by treating customers like neighbors and making quality service the standard. And Blue Ribbon is about much more than keeping your air conditioner running during a Texas summer! Their experienced team provides a wide range of home services, including heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical, drain and sewer services, and indoor air-quality solutions. With service available right here in Smithville, Blue Ribbon combines professional expertise with the local knowledge that comes from living and working in the communities they serve. As a Cornerstone Partner, Blue Ribbon's support also represents an investment in the work of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce and our efforts to strengthen our local businesses and community. Thank you, Blue Ribbon, for your partnership and for supporting the Smithville community! To learn more about Blue Ribbon or schedule service, visit BlueRibbonServices.com or call (737) 350-1343.
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Getting to Know Our Board Members Janet Roby This month, we’re pleased to spotlight Janet Roby, of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Janet is the HR Manager for Parobek Plumbing & AC, and our Ambassador Committee Chairperson!
This month, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Janet Roby, a dedicated member of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Chairperson of the Chamber’s Ambassador Committee. Janet serves as the HR Manager for Parobek Plumbing & AC, bringing six years of experience supporting human resources operations and helping build a strong organizational culture. Her professional background, however, extends far beyond HR! Janet began her career as a firefighter, later becoming a wildland firefighter and serving on a Hotshot Crew. She also spent six years working as a criminal law paralegal, supporting complex cases through research, documentation, and case preparation. Her education is just as diverse, with bachelor’s degrees in English and Fire Science and an associate degree in Business. Service to others has long been an important part of Janet’s life. For more than 13 years, she has volunteered with Soldiers’ Angels, supporting deployed military personnel. Her dedication to volunteerism has earned her several Presidential Volunteer Awards. Janet brings that same spirit of service and leadership to the Chamber. As Chairperson of the Ambassador Committee, she helps lead one of the Chamber’s most active groups—welcoming members, encouraging involvement, building connections, and helping businesses get the most from their Chamber membership. We are grateful to have Janet’s experience, enthusiasm, and commitment represented on our Board of Directors and within our Ambassador program. Thank you, Janet, for your leadership and for all you do for the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce and our community!
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August Chamber Mixer Brings Community Together What a wonderful evening of networking, conversation, and community at our August Chamber Mixer hosted by Prosperity Bank! We had a fantastic turnout and loved seeing so many Chamber members, local business owners, and community friends come together for a fun and relaxed evening. Our monthly Mixers are always a great reminder of just how special our Smithville business community is—and this one certainly didn’t disappoint! A BIG thank you to Prosperity Bank for being such gracious hosts and providing a wonderful evening for everyone. We truly appreciate your hospitality, your partnership, and your continued support of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the night such a success. Great people, great conversations, and a whole lot of fun—we couldn’t ask for a better Chamber Mixer!
A New A New Tradition Tradition Begins: Begins: Meet Meet Me Me at at the the Depot Depot
This fall, the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Smithville are excited to launch a brand-new community tradition that celebrates everything we love about our hometown. Meet Me at the Depot is a free, family-friendly gathering designed to bring neighbors, visitors, and friends together in one of Smithville's most cherished landmarks—the historic MKT Depot. On the first Saturday of September, October, and November, the Depot will come alive with music, conversation, history, and hometown hospitality. Whether you're a lifelong resident, new to the area, or spending the weekend in Smithville, this is your invitation to slow down, enjoy the morning, and experience the heart of our community. Visitors can look forward to: Live music from talented local performers Classic cars on display Local storytellers sharing Smithville's rich history Vintage games for all ages Tea and lemonade served with a smile Plenty of front-porch conversations and opportunities to connect with friends, neighbors, and visitors
Meet Me at the Depot is more than just an event—it's a celebration of the people, stories, and traditions that make Smithville such a special place to call home. It's an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet someone new, and introduce visitors to the warmth and charm that define our community. Join us at the Smithville MKT Depot, located at 102 NE 1st Street, on September 5, October 3, and November 7, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Bring your family, invite your neighbors, and make plans now to be part of what promises to become one of Smithville's newest and most beloved traditions. We can't wait to say, "Meet Me at the Depot!"
SMITHVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE August 2026 GUEST SPEAKER DR. MOLLEY EALY Smithville ISD Superintendent August 26, 2026 VFW Hall: 557 NW Loop 230 Smithville TX 78957
Purchase Tickets www.SmithvilleTx.org / 512-237-2313
Join Us for the September Mixer sponsored by The Bluebonnet Room & Main Street Gifts & More! Join us for an evening of connection and community at our September Chamber Mixer, sponsored by The Bluebonnet Room & Main Street Gifts & More! 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, September 17, 2026 5:00 – 7:00 PM 115 Main Street Smithville, 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!
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS - AUGUST 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.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS - AUGUST 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.
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THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS Advanced Pain Care Austin Community College District Austin Telco FCU Bluestone Ranch Bryan & Trina Binyon Carus Dental Frontier Bank Frost Bank - Bastrop Jessica Runnels - State Farm KONA Ice of Bastrop County Mark’s Heating & Air Conditioning Pat Haner PKC KARATE BASTROP ACCELERATE TAEKWONDO Rotary Club of Bastrop County Sandy Meyerson Save An Angel Southwestern HVAC Sales SWTC - Career Tracks Upton Ranch
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.
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September 2026 Check out our online calendar for event details!
Members: Be sure to add your events to our web calendar!
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MEMBER EVENTS
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MEMBER EVENTS
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MEMBER EVENTS
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MEMBER EVENTS
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The Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce 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!
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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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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 VeraBank
Josh Coy First National Bank
Janet Roby Parobek Plumbing
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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 CHAMBER BUILDERS
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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.