Open House Party hosted by Sharp Equipment
You’re invited to an Open House Party hosted by Sharp Equipment – and it’s 100% FREE! On Friday, October 24th from 11 am to 1 pm, we’re throwing an Open House Party to showcase our new facility & services for our amazing customers and community. So come hungry, bring your friends, and get ready for good eats, giveaways, and an opportunity to donate to support the Community Holiday Dinners. Chambers Bank will be grilling out and KTCS will be doing a live event! We’d love for you to join us at Sharp
2025-2026 Academic Year Scholarship Recipients - ACHE
Fort Smith, AR (August 19, 2025) We are pleased to announce the winners of the Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 academic year medical scholarships to students who are working hard to receive degrees in healthcare to eventually fulfill the needs of the 7-county area we serve. There were 18 recipients that received a total of $41,000.00 in awards:Click here for full news release.
2025 July Grants - ACHE
Fort Smith, AR (August 19, 2025) – The Degen Foundation is pleased to announce the July 2025 Grant Awards. These organizations are making a difference in our area, especially to the clients that utilize their services. After the sale of Sparks Hospital in 2009, The Degen Foundation was reorganized and now awards grants to other nonprofit organizations that provide health services and promotes health and education to the needs of the uninsured and the underserved population in the seven county area that we
VB Chamber Welcomes Jessica Blasingame as Director of Operations
Van Buren, AR – The Van Buren Chamber is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Blasingame as the organization’s new Director of Operations. In this role, Jessica will oversee the Chamber’s operational functions including the marketing and communication strategy to further strengthen the Chamber’s mission of supporting local businesses and fostering community growth. Jessica brings with her a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership and community engagement. She previously served with the
Jill Golding Promoted to Senior Market Development Manager
From Branch to Community Impact: Jill Golding Promoted to Senior Market Development Manager FORT SMITH, Ark. – United Federal Credit Union (United) is pleased to announce the promotion of Jill Golding to the position of Senior Market Development Manager (SMDM) in the Arkansas region. Golding brings over a decade of experience in financial services and community engagement, with a proven track record of driving membership growth and strengthening local partnerships.Click here for full Press Release
Thompson Graduates from Community Development Institute
CONWAY, Ark. -Phyllis Thompson, Director of Membership for the Van Buren Chamber, was among the individuals who were awarded graduation certificates during the 39th annual Community Development Institute (COi) at the University of Central Arkansas on August 1, 2025. Phyllis completed all three years of the lnstitute's program of study. "The past three years have been an amazing journey. I met some of the most amazing people across the state with whom I can continue to learn from and share ideas . I am
Lights, Camera, Traction: A Modern Playbook for Small Business Video Marketing
The average consumer scrolls faster than ever, barely flinching before passing over posts, images, and even text-heavy ads. In that restless digital current, video stands still—commanding attention, telling stories, and moving people to act. For small business owners navigating the noisy world of modern marketing, video isn’t just a tool—it’s a necessity that bridges the gap between visibility and engagement. When done right, it doesn’t just showcase a product; it builds trust, cultivates loyalty, and
Amazing Ambassador - August 2025
We are honored to recognize Brandy Karnes as our August 2025 Amazing Ambassador! Brandy is a dedicated Retail Manager at Arkansas Blue Cross, where she has served for nearly 23 years. For the past four years, she has led the Fort Smith office, commuting from her home in Washington County. Through the Van Buren Chambers Ambassador Program, Brandy has had the opportunity to engage with local business owners, participate in ribbon cuttings, and support community initiatives. She is passionate about
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Methodist Village Senior Living Launches Free Community Caregiver Series
Methodist Village Senior Living Launches Free Community Caregiver Series Starting August 2025 Fort Smith, AR - Methodist Village Senior Living (MVSL) is proud to announce the launch of a new Community Caregiver Series beginning August 7, 2025, designed to support and empower individuals caring for loved ones at home. This free educational series will provide hands-on training, practical techniques, and valuable resources for family caregivers throughout the River Valley.Click here for full Press Release.
Stretching Every Dollar: Smart Moves for High-Impact, Low-Cost Marketing
Building a strong marketing plan doesn't have to mean bleeding your budget dry. In fact, some of the sharpest strategies out there come from businesses that had to get scrappy from the start. When money’s tight, creativity becomes the best currency, and every campaign decision starts carrying more weight. The goal isn’t to cut corners—it’s to work smarter with what’s already within reach, and sometimes that means embracing the constraints. Lean Into What’s Already Working Before diving into anything
How Business Owners Can Bring in the Right Professionals to Fuel Sales and Marketing Growth
You don’t need a lecture about wearing too many hats. If you’re a business owner, you already know that every day feels like a collision between spreadsheets, Slack notifications, client demands, and the constant whisper of sales goals you haven't hit yet. Somewhere in there, someone told you to "scale," whatever that means this week. But whether you’re running a scrappy startup or steering a mid-sized firm with too many moving parts, the truth is the same—eventually, you’ll need help. And not just any
The CTA, BOI and FinCEN: What Does this Mean for Van Buren, AR Businesses?
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. As of today, 12/05/2024, Van Buren, AR business owners have 26 calendar days(or 19 business days) left to file their Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN. 1. Determine if Your Business Must File. A “reporting company” is any small business, corporation, or LLC that is registered with the state, unless exempt. Exemptions apply to
Transform Your Marketing Game: The Essential AI Tools You Need
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, staying ahead in marketing requires more than creativity and hard work; it demands intelligence—artificial intelligence, to be precise. Utilizing AI for marketing promises not just enhanced efficiency but also unprecedented levels of personalization and effectiveness, setting you leaps and bounds ahead of your competition. From predictive analytics and customer segmentation to real-time trend analysis and content optimization, AI has become the cornerstone of
The Complete Guide to Starting and Making Money from a Small Farm
In the contemporary era, small-scale farming is not just about growing crops and raising livestock. It has evolved into a profitable business venture that requires strategic planning, effective management, and innovative monetization strategies. In this article, we provide valuable insights into how you can successfully start and monetize your small farm.Start by Investing in the Best Business Technology Adobe Acrobat can be a valuable asset in launching your small farm business. You can try this page
