Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce
Monthly Newsletter
November 2019

For the latest information or updates on events check our website at www.fortsmithchamber.org
Upcoming Events!
Our 2020
Marketing Opportunities
are available now!

Schedule an appointment to speak with us about supporting our events and programs that are important to your organization and we can discuss how these opportunities can help you grow your business!

Do you have funds left in your organization's 2019 advertising budget? We can help you find the best use of those resources to finish out this year too!
Date and Time:
Friday Nov 1, 2019
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM CDT

Location:
UAFS Smith-Pendergraft Center
Reynolds Room

Fees/Admission:
$18.00 per member
$20.00 non member
Speaker: 
Dr. Terisa Riley, was named chancellor of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith by University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt April 16, 2019, and began her appointment July 1, 2019. 

Dr. Riley is an experienced higher education administrator who has spent more than 25 years serving in virtually every facet of higher education, from academics to administration. Before her appointment as UAFS Chancellor, she served as Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and University Administration at Texas A&M University of Kingsville, as well as holding previous positions as the institution's chief student affairs officer, chief financial officer, chief administrator, and chief enrollment management officer.
Learn More - Schedule an Appointment!

Join other organizations in our community in telling your story to the students in our region. Help them discover why they should work for you! Give them the knowledge of your current operations and career pathways helping them to align their work skills with your desired needs! Edge Factor is providing a tool to bridge the gap of understanding and connection between our regional students and area industry by providing exciting, inspiring digital content with a spotlight on local businesses. Schedule an appointment with Tonya Sarlls to learn more about this partnership opportunity by emailing her at tsarlls@fortsmithchamber.com
Location:
Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce
Board Room
612 Garrison Avenue
 
Date/Time Information:
Tuesday, November 5
8:30-10:00 AM

Fees/Admission:
$50
Description:
According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, stress symptoms may be affecting your health without you realizing it. You may think illness is to blame for that irritating headache, your frequent insomnia or your decreased productivity at work. Stress may actually be the cause. 

Participants will learn...
- science behind how we respond to stressful events
- how we 'turn on' the stress response with worry and non- threatening situations
- damage to the body caused by psychological stress
- practical and sustainable responses to stress
- a renewed motivation for balance between professional productivity and personal peace
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!

Lunch and the program are free, but reservations are required.

Please RSVP to  ARStateChamber@arkansasstatechamber.com   by Thursday, November 7th.
To provide beneficial networking opportunities for our Members, the Chamber is hosts "The Fort Smith Chamber Breakfast Club!".
Each month we will host an informal networking event over coffee and continental breakfast. 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.
Location:
The Fort Smith Chamber
612 Garrison Ave.
Fort Smith, AR 72901

Date/Time Information:
Tuesday, Nov 19, 2019
8:00 am - 9:00 AM

Fees/Admission:
Free for Chamber members
$5 for Guest (cash, check, or credit card accepted at the door)
Date and Time:
Tuesday November 19, 2019
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Location:
Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce Board Room
612 Garrison Avenue
Fort Smith, AR 72901

Fees/Admission:
No Fee
Description:
In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center presents “Financing Your Business” on Nov. 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. If you need money for your business, join us as we explore different sources of capital including loans, grants, and alternative financing options. Also hear from a lender who will discuss topics pertaining to achieving credit readiness. There is no charge to attend thanks to BancorpSouth. Seating is limited with registration required no later than Nov. 18, at 479-356-2067 or asbtdc.org/russellville-events.
Education News & Events!
Higher Education & Workforce Development Session
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Session Sponsor:
Break Sponsor: Ellis Landscaping
Community Outreach Session
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Session Sponsor: Gerdau
Lunch Sponsor: United Way
Healthcare Session
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Session Sponsor:
PAWFFICER FUZZ WISHES LOCAL BUSINESSES A CAT TUESDAY

Business Owners of Fort Smith, Pawfficer Fuzz would like to wish you a purrrrrfect Tuesday! To show our appreciation for the local business community, the Fort Smith Police Department and its elite Feline Unit would like to drop by a local business each month for a meet-and-greet and featured space on the FSPD social media channels. Pawfficer Fuzz may even have a pawwwwsome trick or two up his sleeve for you.
If you’re interested in helping him celebrate, let the Little Guy know RIGHT MEOW by reaching out to FSPD Crime Prevention Officer Robyn Shoptaw ( robyn.shoptaw@fortsmithpd.org). We hope to do this at least once per month. Each business will be randomly selected and notified in advance.
Member Spotlight!
Ambassador of the Year
Congratulations to Alex Sanchez with Arvest Bank that is our Ambassador of the Year for 2019! Alex also won Ambassador of the Month in December 2018, August 2019, and September 2019!
In addition to volunteering as Chamber Ambassador, Alex works for Arvest Bank at a Community Development Senior Representative. With this role Arvest is putting together a Financial Literacy Program to educate our community and Alex will help to introduce this program in the Fort Smith region. He is also charged with coordinating various Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) activities within this market area to ensure compliance with lending, investment, and service guidelines.

Alex volunteers in our community beyond the Chamber in working with as commissioner with the Fort Smith Housing Authority. He serves on several organization boards and committees including Western Arkansas Planning and Development District, Future Fort Smith Committee, Fort Smith Adult Education Center, Partners in Education, The Girls Shelter of Fort Smith, Inc., Latin American Council of the River Valley, and many more. He also gives time to help as a mentor at Spradling Elementary School and as a Community Interviewer at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. Keep up the good work Alex!


Alex has been with Arvest Bank for 11 years; he has a passion for helping his community, and for helping people find financial solutions for life.

You can reach Alex at:
Arvest Marketing Department
5000 Rogers Ave. 4th floor
479-709-8813- Office
479-221-0327- Mobile
Sneak Preview for December 2019
Contact Lindsey Trantham to learn more about sponsoring our upcoming Shop Local campaign! Email her at ltrantham@fortsmithchamber.com