Healthcare Reception

We had a wonderful turnout at our annual Healthcare Reception on September 18th at the U.S. Marshals Museum! From networking with passionate healthcare professionals and supporters to welcoming new physicians, the energy in the room was inspiring. We want to give another congratulations to our 2025 Physician of the Year, Dr. Andre’ Jozef Nolewajka, who was also honored during the reception!

Thank you to all of our sponsors and attendees for helping us celebrate the healthcare industry!

2025 Healthcare Heroes

Each week in September, community members nominated their “healthcare heroes” and gave those healthcare professionals a chance to receive a prize bag as a thank you for their commitment to serving.

Thank you to our gift sponsors for helping us recognize our healthcare heroes!

Andy's Frozen Custard, Candy Craze, Expressions Flowers of Ft Smith, Fort Smith Coffee Co., Johnson Dermatology, Malco Fort Smith Cinema, Methodist Village Senior Living, The Hangout Fitness and Sports, 810 Billiards & Bowling, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Our Blood Institute in Fort Smith

Thank you Healthcare Committee!

As we wrap up Healthcare Month, we want to say a big THANK YOU to our Healthcare Committee for their time and commitment to the Chamber!

Among other activities, committee members help with the annual Physician of the Year, the Chamber’s Healthcare Heroes campaign, and collaborate on initiatives during Healthcare Month each September.

Row 1:

Susan Devero, Arkansas Colleges of Health Education 

Melissa Curry, Methodist Village Senior Living 

Jenna Clemons, Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care

Laura Wallace, ArcBest

Arianna Daniels, Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce 

Row 2: 

Dr. Paul Bean, Mercy Hospital Fort Smith 

Shea Foldvary, United Way of Fort Smith

Patti Irwin, Good Samaritan Clinic

Danny Cervantes, Our Blood Institute in Fort Smith 

Not Pictured: 

Dr. Shane Jennings, Baptist Health Fort Smith & Van Buren 

Jennifer Hallum, Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas, Inc.

Dr. Andre’ Jozef Nolewajka Awarded Physician of the Year for 2025

For the past 43 years, Dr. Nolewajka has been a dedicated physician and trusted leader in the Fort Smith medical community. During his years of serving patients, Dr. Nolewajka specialized in cardiology, providing life-saving care and improving the quality of life for countless individuals across the River Valley. He was also the sole cardiologist implanting cardiac devices at Mercy Fort Smith for many years.

Under his leadership, the cardiac device clinic expanded to serve more than 3,500 patients, a true testament to his skill and dedication. He also served with distinction as section chair and a valued member of the Cardiovascular Procedures Service Line Committee, helping shape strategic and clinical decision-making at the highest levels. Dr. Nolewajka was the visionary who helped establish Mercy Clinic in 2010, setting the foundation for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to care that continues to benefit our community today. Arkansas Communities President of Mercy, Ryan Gehrig and Chief Medical Officer of Mercy, Dr. Paul Bean said, “Dr. Nolewajka exemplifies everything this award seeks to honor – medical excellence, visionary leadership, selfless service and deep commitment to others. He has not only improved the health of thousands, but he has inspired all of us who have had the privilege to work with him.”

Check out healthcare news from some of our members below!

First Friday Breakfast

Our First Friday Breakfast on September 5th was such a great celebration of our region's university! Chancellor, Dr. Terisa Riley, discussed the impressive accomplishments of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith as well as the initiatives and impact the university has had in our community. 

We were honored to have our Presenting Sponsor, Sam's Furniture, present to meet our community leaders and experience all that Fort Smith has to offer.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible!

Presenting Sponsor: Sam's Furniture

Hosting Sponsor: Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas, Inc.

Buffet Sponsor: Beshears Construction, Inc.

Coffee Bar Sponsor: Landmark CPAs

Incentive Sponsor: Choctaw Casinos & Resorts

Location Sponsor: University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

Business Brew

Our Business Brew on September 16th was a blast! Members enjoyed breakfast, networking, trivia, a putting course, and a rock wall at the Bakery District. It was an energizing morning that highlighted the importance of collaboration and having a little fun!

A special thank-you to our sponsors for making this event possible!

Presenting Sponsor: Red River Credit Union

Hosting Sponsor: Bullfrog Bouncers LLC

Breakfast Sponsor: The Fort Smith Convention Center

Business After Hours

We had a great time at our Business After Hours event, hosted by The Fort Smith Convention Center on September 25th!

Attendees relaxed, networked, and competed in "Pauly Shore Bingo" for a chance to win tickets to the upcoming Bingo Loco event. It was a great evening of cocktails and connection!

Junior Leadership & Career Academy

Our JLCA class of 2026 had a fantastic first session learning about Business & Finance in Fort Smith, sponsored by Chambers Bank! 

From diving into the history of First National Bank of Fort Smith and The Bakery District, to hearing success stories from Bullfrog Bouncers LLC and Digs FS, and even creating our own business plans with the UAFS Center for Economic Development — this month's session was packed with learning and fun! 

Our students also enjoyed a great lunch, sponsored by Firstar Bank! Huge thank you to the financial experts who wrapped up the day with great advice. We’re already looking forward to next month!

Thank you to our Sponsors for making this program possible!

Presenting Sponsor: OG&E  

Annual Lunch & Break Sponsor: Georgia-Pacific  

Platinum Sponsors: AT&T, Silgan Plastic Food Containers- Fort Smith AR

Gold Sponsors: ABB Motors and Drives US, Hytrol, First National Bank of Fort Smith, RightFiber, Mercy Hospital

Session Sponsor: Chambers Bank

Leadership Fort Smith

It was a fantastic day exploring the past, taking in the present, and brainstorming the future with the Leadership Class of 2026 on September 11th. 

We started the day at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, continued our history exploration through the Fort Smith Museum of History, and rode the trolley through the Belle Grove Historic District. 

We transitioned to the present with our friends at The Bakery District, and spoke with our session sponsor, Crafton Tull, about the exciting advances they work on daily to contribute to the future of Fort Smith. 

Baptist Health Fort Smith & Van Buren joined us for an awesome lunch, and it was great to see Leadership Fort Smith alumni come back and pour into the group! Thank you for your continued support of the program. 

We toured the U.S. Marshals Museum, where we remembered 9/11 by viewing a piece of the Twin Towers on display. 

The Future of Fort Smith committee joined us to discuss their comprehensive plan, and how the community can be more engaged with future developments. We closed the day by hearing from Discover Fort Smith & Storm Nolan on how they’re impacting the future of Fort Smith, and why they chose to invest in this community. 

Thank you to our annual sponsors for your support of the program!

Presenting Sponsor - Arkansas Colleges of Health Education

Partner Sponsors - BHC Insurance, Mercy Hospital Fort Smith

September Ribbon Cuttings

Congratulations to the members who held ground breakings and ribbon cuttings with us this month! We are thrilled to celebrate these milestones with you! 

New Members in September

We are so excited to welcome these businesses as members!

Women's Leadership Summit

Kelley Ridge

Brogan Lopez DDS

Ray of Sunshine Pediatric Therapy

Colquitt Bath Co.

Arcare

Antioch for Youth & Family

Vitality Health and Wellness

Lennar

The Buckley Firm

CSL Plasma

Cheap Sleep Furniture and Mattress

Laster Eye Center - Rogers Ave location

K+Co. Hair studio

Arkansas Tobacco Education Initiative

Trenchless Lining & Diagnostics

AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH

August 2025

We would like to congratulate Bryn Tucker with Heart to Heart Pregnancy & Family Care Center on being chosen as our August Ambassador of the Month!

We would also like to recognize and thank the companies that allow their BEST to be a part of our ambassador team! 

Listed are the TOP 5 out of 55 ambassadors who were extremely engaged with our new members, volunteered at events, and had a great online presence this month! 

Bryn Tucker - Heart to Heart Pregnancy & Family Care Center

Ben Brown - Bullfrog Bouncers LLC

Krystina Israel - Mercy Hospital Fort Smith

Jill Golding - United Federal Credit Union 

Laura Asbill - Hampton Inn by Hilton Fort Smith 

Bryn Tucker is the Development Director at Heart to Heart Pregnancy and Family Care Center. She started in 2019 as a volunteer for Heart to Heart. She soon after joined the board, serving as volunteer and board member until accepting her role as Development Director. Having been a teen mom herself, she understands deeply what the clients are walking through, and it fuels her to do all she can to advocate for them and for the center as a whole.

Bryn has been a Fort Smith Chamber ambassador over the last six years and credits the connections she has made through the chamber. She is a proud wife of twenty-six years and mom of five wonderful adult children and Yaya to her beautiful grandbabies.

Congratulations to Bryn and all our Ambassadors on another great month!

Register now for VIP Leadership Training!

This dynamic, “real-world” training event focuses on Jon Harrison's proven VIP Way and the connections between the work environment, leadership and bottom-line results. When this process is fully implemented, their clients see significant improvement in employee performance and the work environment, which positively impacts the bottom line and the lives of their people.

What's Included:

- Dynamic teaching principles that will last a lifetime

- Take-home tools and helpful resources

- The 9-Expectations for Leaders/Employees

- Lunch

- Complimentary ongoing roundtable discussions (leaders only)

October 22 - 24, 2025

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

This event is applicable for all levels of leadership including front-line leaders, emerging leaders and executives.

Registration deadline is TOMORROW, October 15th.

2025 Annual Report Now Available

Our 2025 Annual Report is here! Dive in and read our recap of the past year. It has been an incredible year of growth, inspiration, collaboration, and community!

CLICK HERE TO READ IT

Does your business offer a military discount?

Does your business offer a military discount? Fill out the form linked above and your business will be listed on our website and will receive a window sticker!

View our military discount directory here: https://www.fortsmithchamber.org/military-discounts/.

Thank you to all of our area businesses who offer discounts and support our military members!

2025 Business Brew Series: October 21st

Join us at our October Business Brew: Your Monthly Morning Networking Hub!

Held every third Tuesday, our monthly Business Brew event happens from 8:00AM to 9:00AM at a new space each month. This month, we will be at Arvest Bank. This casual event provides a refreshing way to kick off your day and expand your network! The goal of our Business Brew event is to create an inviting space where you can meet other members, discuss your business, share your goals, and forge meaningful relationships. Conversations flow easily over a light breakfast and fresh coffee, helping you to connect authentically.

Feel free to bring your business cards, brochures, and any materials that tell your story! Wear your name tag and bring a door prize (optional).

Ballots & Bites-LFS Alumni

The Leadership Fort Smith Alumni Association is partnering with the Sebastian County Election Commission to bring you Ballots & Bites, an event to demystify the election process! Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Tickets are $10 for alumni who do not hold a current alumni membership, and free for membership holders. 

Submit Your News

Share your news with us and it could be included in the next Chamber Connections newsletter!

This feature is to celebrate company milestones, employee recognition, promotions, or other accomplishments. Please utilize your Chamber Master account for events, deals, or general news releases.

Methodist Village Senior Living Receives $30,000 Donation from Home Instead to Open Hospice Suite

Fort Smith, AR (Tuesday, September 9, 2025) - Methodist Village Senior Living (MVSL) is honored to announce a generous $30,000 donation from Home Instead, made possible by local owner Jonathan Fry, to support the opening of a dedicated hospice suite on the MVSL campus.

This compassionate gift will fund the creation of a serene, private space for current or newly admitted residents at the end of life. The hospice suite will be designed to offer dignity, comfort, and peace for the residents and the loved ones who surround them in their final days.

Read More Here

City of Fort Smith Hosting Veterans Day Parade, Releases Parade Route