Smithville Chamber outlines outreach, weekly newsletter and monthly business visits

The Smithville Chamber of Commerce updated the Board of Aldermen on a memorandum of understanding with the city and on outreach programs aimed at promoting local events and supporting new and existing businesses. Chamber president Becky Pendleton Meek told the board the chamber and city have been visiting businesses to identify needs and offer help.

Becky Pendleton Meek, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said the retention visits—conducted monthly with city staff—have included PAX (a rebranded hardware business), Dentistry at Smithville Marketplace, Smithville Ford and Taylor Plumbing. “Basically, what we got from most everybody, number 1, is I’m really surprised that you guys took the time to come out here and talk to us,” Pendleton Meek said, summarizing business reaction and adding that most reported sales at or above their business plans.

The chamber’s executive director, Erica, described web tools that channel community notices to the chamber-managed calendar and a weekly newsletter called “the scoop.” “If somebody wants to add an event…there’s a button towards the top that says add an event,” Erica said, noting the calendar is open to the public while newsletter placement and other member benefits are reserved for chamber members.

Board members and staff praised the chamber’s work, noting that event materials are being distributed at parks and that making the executive director position full time has improved outreach. Aldermen discussed better coordination with the city’s Economic Development Committee; one member suggested quarterly or monthly updates to keep aldermen informed.

The chamber said it will continue business retention visits—planning two in July—and pursue partnerships for video interviews and student involvement in recording outreach material. The session ended with a request from an alderman for regular updates; no formal action beyond discussion was taken.