Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce
Monthly Newsletter
May 2019

For the latest information or updates on events check our website at www.fortsmithchamber.org
The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce is a proud supporter of the River Valley Flood Relief Coalition that is working together as government entities, volunteer/relief organizations, and area businesses to help provide relief resources to our area citizens and businesses affected by this historic flooding event. 

The Chamber plans to reach out to our members to determine a list of those affected and create a list of needs. If you would like, you can contact us directly at 479-783-3111 to tell us about your situational needs regarding the flooding. We hope to provide the proper resource information and connections to help with the effects you are experiencing. If you would like to volunteer, donate, or receive more information about the flood relief resources available please note the information below:
Exciting & New Opportunity!
The Fort Smith Chamber is pleased to announce a partnership with the Employers' Advanced Cooperative on Healthcare that will bring Chamber employer members new options to consider in combating your rising health insurance costs. We will host three seminars for opportunities to learn more about this program!
Seminars held at the Fort Smith Chamber Office:
All Seminars start at 8:30 AM


Upcoming Events!
First Friday Breakfast
 Tom Emerick is the President and Co-founder of Edison Healthcare. Tom is also an entrepreneur, consultant, writer, and frequent speaker on the topic of healthcare economics.

In 2009, Tom was named by Healthspottr as one of the top 100 innovators in healthcare in the U.S. for his work on medical ethics. In 2013 a Forbes.com article named Tom one of 13 “Unsung Heroes Changing Health Care Forever.”
Considered by some to be an expert on population health, Tom is a writer and hosts a well-read blog called Cracking Health Costs in which he has published over six hundred articles on population health management. A book by the same title, an Amazon trade best seller was published in 2013, which Forbes online called one of the most “disruptive” health books of the year. Tom’s latest book, An Illustrated Guide to Personal Health, was published in 2015. This book is being used by at least one college as a textbook on personal health.

Previously Tom was with Walmart Stores, where his last position was Vice President, Global Benefit Design, which involved designing and managing benefits for over 1.0 million employees in the U.S., and 300,000 in international. For about six years, Tom also headed up Walmart’s Six Sigma and process improvement initiatives. Prior to Walmart, Tom had executive positions with Burger King Corporation, British Petroleum, and American Fidelity Assurance Company.
Tom has extensive international experience, particularly in Canada, Mexico, Cayman Islands, U.K., Germany, and Brazil, but about a dozen other countries as well.
In 2000 Tom was given the prestigious “Distinguished Former Student” award from the University of Central Oklahoma from which he has both BBA and MBA degrees.

Tom has served on a variety of boards, employer coalitions, and associations, including being on the board of the influential National Business Group on Health, the U. S. Chamber of Commerce Benefit Committee, and many others. He is frequently in demand as a speaker for health care conferences, such as the internationally known World Health Care Congress.


The goal of this event is to allow our members the opportunity to meet other members, promote their business, and grow their network. Be sure to  BRING  your  business cards brochures & any other information with you .
Free for Chamber members and $5 for Guests

Tuesday, June 18, 2019
8:00 - 9:00 AM

Chamber Boardroom
612 Garrison Ave.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center and the Google present “Reach Customers Online with Google” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 18 at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. In this workshop, you’ll learn how customers find your business online and how to promote your online presence. Topics include best practices for creating a free Google My Business listing, improving your website’s visibility in Google’s organic search results on all devices, advertising your business on Google, and more. Led by Pamela Starr, one of Google’s professional national trainers, this is a can’t miss workshop for every small business owner! There is no fee to attend, thanks to Arvest Business Resource Center. Seating is limited with registration required no later than June 17 at 479-356-2067 or asbtdc.org/russellville-events .
Education News & Events!
Member Spotlight!
Ambassador
of the Month
As a Commercial Lender at Firstar Bank, Michael Bloom manages business banking relationships with customers throughout Arkansas. He has 20 years of experience in commercial lending at both banks and credit unions. And 10 years of experience in credit operations management. Michael has extensive experience in commercial lending across many industries including manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and real estate. In addition to servicing commercial borrowers, he helps clients identify beneficial financial products and services. 

Michael’s home town is Lafayette, IN and he earned his bachelor’s degree from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University. Since then Michael has enjoyed living and working in 5 different states. Michael and his wife, Dottie, have been married for 31 years. They have 1 son who has 2 more years in his doctorate program in clinical psychology. They all 3 enjoy motorcycle riding, boating, various outdoor activities, reading, and traveling.
Firstar Bank has served Arkansas families and businesses for more than four decades. Named one of the highest-performing community banks in America, Firstar offers traditional, as well as sophisticated financial services and solutions, such as treasury and wealth management. In 2018, the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal ranked Firstar #3 in return on assets among banks in the area.

With more than $500 million in assets, Firstar has experienced robust growth since opening a location in the Green Pointe Shopping Center 7 years ago. In anticipation of continued success, the bank is scheduled to open a location in Chaffee Crossing in August 2019 and a Van Buren location in 2021. 

Michael is available to assist with your business banking needs. He may be reached at (479) 414-6656 or mbloom@firstar-bank.com.
Sneak Preview for July 2019
Leadership Fort Smith
New Class of 2020 Reception and Class Announcement

Wednesday, July 24, 2019
5:300 PM
The Blue Lion

$25 per ticket

The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces the Leadership Fort Smith Class of 2020!
                                       
Please join us and welcome the new Leadership Fort Smith class! The 25 participants selected for the Class of 2020 will be revealed at the New Class Reception on July 24, 2019.

If you would like to register and are not a member of the Chamber, please click on the "Not a Member" option when registering. You should be able to proceed from there with no problem. If not, please call Susan at 479-783-3111 for assistance. Thank you!