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
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
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
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
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
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