April 07, 2022
The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce office is open to the public.
You can contact us at:
479-394-2912

small businesses during the COVID-19 Outbreak

We also have a list of Business Resources available. Whether you're starting a new business or trying to improve an existing business, we're here for you.

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chamber Announces Headliner for ‘Music on Main’ Series
The music of Cody Cooke & the Bayou Outlaws will fill the air of downtown Mena on Friday, May 20, as the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce’s newest community event hits the streets. “Music on Main” is sure to bring locals and visitors alike to the downtown area for a night of musical entertainment and fun, fun, fun.
Cody Cooke and the Bayou Outlaws are one of the few, authentic, electrifying home-grown Louisiana flavored country bands who put the “good time” back into live country music. Critics and fans alike take notice and welcome the good ole’ sounds of songs reminiscent of Hank Williams (1, 2, and 3), Waylon Jennings, Jamey Johnson, Randy Travis and Merle Haggard. DJs and radio have embraced their sound and dubbed Cody and the Bayou Outlaws’ music as “much needed rough and rowdy country for the 21st century.”

Cody’s debut release, “Gitcha’ Country On” shot up to #7 on the Billboard Country Music Heat Seeker chart and was nominated for two Grammy awards. Their first single, “Buck Wild” climbed Nashville’s Music Row charts and is still played regularly on country music radio – it’s been added to 32 stations recently and is continuing to gain momentum.

“There’s no better feeling than knowing that folks all around the country are requesting one of my songs,” Cody says. His sophomore release, “Sons of the South” climbed to #1 on the Billboard’s Heat Seeker chart for the Southeast and has gained the band opening slots, allowing him to share the stage with some of country music’s best: David Allan Coe, Brantley Gilbert, Neal McCoy, Randy Rogers, Colt Ford, Travis Tritt, Kevin Fowler, Pat Green, Shooter Jennings, Randy Houser, Justin Moore, Whiskey Myers, Jason Boland and others. The band’s highly entertaining and energetic live shows have gotten them repeat invitations to play at legendary festivals such as Sturgis Bike Week, Lone Star Rally, Daytona Bike Week, Mud Nationals, Tuff Hedeman Rodeos, and others.

In addition to the music, the Red Ball Convoy will have a static display of military vehicles lining South Mena Street for people to view and appreciate. The Red Ball Convoy is a group of military vehicle enthusiasts who visited Mena last year and couldn’t wait to come back!

The event will also feature a food truck court on Martin Street. Food will begin being served around 6 p.m. with the entertainment lasting from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
“We are looking forward to providing the community with quality entertainment for all ages,” said Melanie Wade, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “The downtown area provides the perfect setting for a musical venue, complete with dancing in the streets.”

The event is poised to draw locals and visitors, and one the Chamber hopes to continue throughout the summer. “Our goal is to eventually be able to hold several Music on Main events each year with a variety of music genres. Sponsorship is so important for these goals and we can’t be thankful enough to those who have already generously donated to our vision.”
If you are interested in sponsorship of the event, or would like to volunteer for Chamber events, contact them at 479-394-2912 or send an email to: director@menapolkchamber.com 
2022 Chamber Member Appreciation Banquet Tickets are Now Available!
If you are interested in purchasing tickets for this year's Member Appreciation Banquet, please contact the chamber of commerce.
524 Sherwood Avenue, Mena, AR 71953

Ticket Prices:
Members: $40
Guests: $50
Table of 8: $350

Chamber of Commerce Member Spotlight of the Week!
 
Home of Fabulous Finds, Inc.

On the corner of Hwy 71 and Mena Street, Fabulous Finds has been in business for 18 years. However, the corner property now has new owners, a twist on the old name, and new services. New ownership began about three months ago when it was purchased by Timothy & Rebeca Morren.

As of January 01, 2022, Home of Fabulous Finds no longer operates a pawn store at this location, but rather an upscale variety store. They offer the community a place to buy, sell, and trade musical instruments and fine jewelry, along with a new line of Linux computers and mobile phones. Rebeca said most of their jewelry is appraised by a GIA certified appraiser, so their customers know they are purchasing 100% authentic diamonds. They have a wide selection of newly designed rings and can custom order beautiful jewelry set from the highly reputable Stuller.com for your upcoming wedding or anniversary.

Along with jewelry, Home of Fabulous Finds offers a large variety of musical instruments such as guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, violins, and much more. They also offer instrument repairs. Rebeca, formerly of the Arkansas Department of Education, works on the instruments herself.
Timothy says, "We are very excited to buy a centrally located downtown hub. Our vintage building was established at the dawn of Mena in the year 1900 and had many purposes over the past 122 years. Home of Fabulous Finds resides here on this essential corner and is the only music store within 80 miles. Much needed products and services are purchased daily by local musicians, entertainers, churches, and out of state travelers looking for new or vintage instruments. Our son is a live entertainer in Branson, Missouri at the Tony Orlando Theatre. He frequently hangs out here to show the instruments to our customers and tune them before leaving the store.”

Please come check out Home of Fabulous Finds in person at 801 Mena Street in Mena, Arkansas. They are also on social media websites Facebook and Instagram!


Welcome our Newest Chamber Members

It's been a busy month here at the Chamber of Commerce, but we've been able to welcome several new members and we'd like to give them a shout-out! Be sure to welcome them when you visit their establishments and look for more ribbon-cutting announcements in the near future.

New Heights Gymnastics
Talimena Times
River Valley Wealth Management
Chambers Bank
TNA's Towing & Recovery
Heath Valley Campground
Conifer Area Properties
Spurgin's Southern Auto
Big Fork Mall
Miss Dee's Retreat
Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind
Home of Fabulous Finds, Inc.
Suzy Q's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor
Teeter Motor Company

COMMUNITY
It's that time of year again. The CALL in Polk County will be hosting "Egg My Yard". All orders must be turned in by April 10th.

Categories
25 eggs ($20)
50 eggs ($35)
100 eggs ($65)
Golden Eggs: 1- ($6) 2-($10)

To fill out the form click the link below. Make sure to add your email address. We will send you an online link to pay. More information can be found on the Polk County Facebook Page.

Pet of the Week:
Hankie

Hi! I am brand new to the shelter. 
You can call the shelter at 479-394-5682 to find out more about me.

All animals at HSO are current on their vaccinations and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

Breed and age are determined based on observable physical traits. Actual lineage and birth date are rarely known.

Adoption Fees:
Cats $50
Dogs 6 years and over $50
Dogs 6 months to 5 years $75
Puppies under 6 months $100
See our pets at:  www.hsomena.org and  www.petfinder.com

Come visit our pets Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-2pm.



 Humane Society of the Ouachitas
Tues. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
368 Polk 50
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-5682
Your Talimena Time: Tourism Guide for Spring 2022!
Click the photo below to be redirected to the Spring 2022 Tourism Guide for the Talimena Scenic Byway!
JOB LISTINGS
Union Bank of Mena
Account Service Representative
We are Union Bank of Mena where our people and community come first! The Bank invests in their neighborhoods, schools, civic organizations, and businesses because we all work together to meet the challenges of tomorrow and realize the dreams of today.
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
The Account Service Representative serves as a point of contact for customers via telephone and/or in person. The ASR responds to inbound calls on a range of customer issues from account balance inquiries, online banking assistance and other bank related products. The Representative assists customers with their individual needs in a friendly, courteous, efficient and cooperative manner. ASR's balance internal accounts and use a variety of electronic methods to process daily banking operations.
We are seeking a candidate that is friendly, organized, and can execute the projects and work of the team. Applicants should have strong verbal and interpersonal skills in order to cross-sell bank products and services. If you have a passion to succeed, come grow with Union Bank of Mena!
WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?
  • Team-centric work environment
  • Great insurance benefits
  • 401k Retirement Plan with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 7.5%
  • Generous paid time off
  • Advancement opportunities
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required.
  • Previous banking or customer service experience is a plus.
  • A valid driver's license and ability to be covered under the Company's automobile insurance is required.
POSITION KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
  • The ability to talk to others to convey information effectively.
  • The ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • The ability to pay close attention to details.
  • Good organizational and analytical skills.
  • Good interpersonal communication and computer skills.
  • Ensure that confidential information is safeguarded.
  • The ability to operate a telephone, scanner, copier, and fax machines.
  • The ability to lift to twenty-five (25) pounds.
  • The ability to utilize technology to solve problems.
  • The ability to work with different groups of people to get things done.
  • The ability to communicate and develop meaningful relationships with others.
  • Promote professionalism at all times

**This position is not eligible for remote work.

Sonic Drive-In
Carhop/Skating Carhop
Looking for a way to apply that boundless enthusiasm you wake up with every morning? We can help. At SONIC, you get great pay, flexible hours and a cool uniform—while doing the job you love.
As a SONIC Carhop, you are part of an elite group, filling a role offered by no other company. Being a Carhop (aka super cool food server) is like being an astronaut, only you work in a drive-in restaurant instead of space, and the food’s way better. You’re responsible for serving and delivering that food safely and efficiently, ensuring our guests have a truly out-of-this-world experience at SONIC Drive-In restaurants.
SONIC Carhop/Skating Carhop server duties may include:
• Ensuring that all restaurant menu items meet operational standards
• Greeting all guests in a polite and friendly manner with a smile
• Making accurate change quickly and efficiently for restaurant guests
• Carrying and balancing a tray weighing up to 25 pounds
• Serving our guests in a timely manner
• Clearing trays from our guests’ cars
Depending upon the employment practices of the individual SONIC Drive-In restaurant owner, some SONIC Drive-Ins employ Skating Carhop servers:
• Skating Carhop servers are unique to the SONIC Drive-In restaurant brand and bring a special “surprise and delight” element to the guest experience.
• Skating Carhop servers must complete the SONIC Skating Training Program.
• Upon successful completion of this program, Skating Carhops perform the above duties while roller skating.
In the words of one of our Skating Carhop servers:
"From where I'm skating, working at SONIC is a blast and the tips are great too!" Carhop/Skating Carhop server requirements:
●Ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays
●Ability to be flexible in all situations based on business need
●Effective communication skills; basic math and reading skills
●Willingness to abide by the appearance, uniform and hygiene standards at SONIC
Skating Carhop server requirements:
●Successfully completed assigned SONIC Skating Training Program
●Roller skate proficiently and frequently on various surfaces when delivering food
●Ability to continuously stand, balance and carry a tray, and sweep while roller skating
●General knowledge and understanding of the restaurant industry or retail operations preferred, but not required
Additional Carhop/Skating Carhop server Qualifications…
●Friendly and smiling faces that enjoy providing courteous service to our restaurant guests!
●A willingness to cross-train on all the stations – it never gets boring here!
●A team player keen on cleanliness and safety.
Sure, classic cars and vintage threads may be things of the past, but the Sonic Drive-In experience will always be groovy, right on, awesome, wicked, fab, the bee’s knees, cruisin’ . . . you get the picture! It’s downright sensational!!
All that’s missing is you, so APPLY TODAY!
SONIC and its independent franchise owners are Equal Opportunity Employers.


Sonic Drive-In
Cook
Who says FUN and RESPONSIBILITY can’t hang together? At SONIC Drive-In restaurants, you’ll have all that, along with great pay, flexible hours, a cool uniform and the camaraderie of fantastic co-workers.
As a SONIC Drive-In restaurant Cook, you will oversee the Appetite Satisfaction Department, which involves operating the following stations: Food Production, Grill, Fryer and other tasks if applicable.
Cook tasks in the restaurant may include:
- Preparing and cooking food orders to meet product quality standards
- Food preparation and portioning
- Cooking on the grill
- Operating the fry station
- Dressing items to order
- Packaging all menu items and checking for product quality and consistency
- Cleaning including trash disposal, mopping, sweeping, washing dishes, wiping counter-tops and sanitizing food areas SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook Requirements:
- Ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays
- Ability to be flexible in all situations based on business need
- Effective communication skills; basic math and reading skills
- Ability to follow directions
- Willingness to abide by the appearance, uniform and hygiene standards at SONIC Drive-In restaurants
- General knowledge and understanding of the restaurant industry or retail operations preferred, but not required Additional SONIC Drive-In Restaurant Cook Qualifications...
- Friendly and smiling faces that enjoy providing quality products for our guests!
- A willingness to cross-train on all the stations – it never gets boring here!
- Motivated individuals who are team players and committed to keeping our drive-in clean and safe.
Sure, classic cars and vintage threads may be things of the past, but the SONIC Drive-In restaurant experience will always be groovy, right on, awesome, wicked, fab, the bee’s knees, cruisin’ . . . you get the picture! It’s downright sensational!!
All that’s missing is you, so APPLY TODAY!
SONIC and its independent franchise owners are Equal Opportunity Employers.


Arkansas Blood Institute
TERRITORY ACCOUNT MANAGER (FORT SMITH, AR) - Fort Smith, AR

HELP SAVE LIVES
Are you passionate about community involvement? Do you love meeting new people and achieving goals? Do you thrive in a high-energy, positive team environment?
Arkansas Blood Institute is actively seeking qualified candidates for a Territory Sales Consultant. This is a vital and rewarding position that will play a key role in sharing our lifesaving mission. Arkansas Blood Institute is part of one of the fastest-growing independent blood centers in the U.S.
The successful Territory Sales Consultant is a professional, goal-driven "people person" who is an active, knowledgeable member of the community. The Consultant is responsible for promoting blood drive programs to community leaders and groups, companies and businesses, educational groups, churches, and other civic and community groups.
A candidate must be customer-focused and possess experience with sales and event planning. This position is responsible for recruiting new donor groups and expanding existing accounts for established territory. As such, the Consultant will plan, organize and promote effective and exciting events and presentations to share Arkansas Blood Institute's mission. He/She is expected to develop and assess a strategy to achieve assigned collection goals and meet performance metrics.
Considered applicants must have 1-3 years sales related experience. Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree is preferred.
Location: Fort Smith, AR
Days: Monday through Friday; some weekends
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; some evenings
Salary Range: Competitive salary, commission plan, and excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability, 401(k), paid time off, tuition reimbursement and holiday pay
Position:
Recruits new donor groups and promotes growth in existing accounts for established territory. Consultants are expected to meet performance metrics and achieve assigned collection goals.
Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED required; Associate degree or Bachelor's degree preferred
  • 1-3 years sales related experience
  • Public speaking/presentation experience preferred
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Required Licenses, Certifications:
  • Valid driver's license
  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Must provide MVR with zero points and no moving/traffic violations in the past 3 years
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Assist groups in scheduling blood drives in the established territory to meet established goals, including major and minor holidays.
  • Identify opportunities for growth within the current group base, and facilitate a plan to achieve growth percentage for total unit collection within the territory
  • Solicit and recruit new groups and organizations for mobile drives within established territory/region
  • Rebook recurring mobiles for the following year
  • Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with key accounts
  • Gives presentations and represents OBI in order to promote blood collection
  • Identifies and provides feedback on issues regarding customer needs/requirements, customer issues/concerns and satisfaction, potential expansion opportunities, competitor activities/strategies, etc
  • Interacts effectively and professionally with team members and contacts internal and external to OBI
  • Plans work schedule efficiently to maximize the number of sales calls and minimize expense
  • Prepares and submits reports of data used for planning
  • Maintain data integrity within account records
All other duties may be assigned by a supervisor

Sterling Machinery is currently accepting applications for Experienced/Lathe/Vertical/Horizontal Machining Center Operator. 1st or 2nd shifts available, 5 years of experience preferred, and competitive wages available.

Available benefits include:
  • Medical and Dental insurance 80% paid by the company
  • PCP Office Co-Pay
  • Prescription Drug Card
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Paid holidays
  • Credit union membership
  • Retirement plans
  • Christmas Bonuses
  • Vacation time

Pay depends on experience.

Fill out an application at the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services @ UARM Campus Mena, Arkansas.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Drug Screen before and during employment. 


For information on local job fairs and job listings please contact:

 Arkansas Division of Workforce Services

Physical: 1100 College Drive
Abernathy Building
Mena, AR 71953-4393
Phone: 479-394-3060
Mailing: P.O. Box 230
Mena, AR 71953-0230
Fax: 479-394-4910
Monday through Friday – 8:00 am until 4:30 pm
 
Job Seekers Resources:
 
Career Expo and Job Fairs:



If you would like your business's job openings listed, please email or call us. We will remove the listing after two weeks unless notified otherwise.
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