The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce office is open to the public.
You can contact us at:
479-394-2912
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 Spotlight: Ascend Pet Grooming
|
|
Attention all pet lovers in Mena, Arkansas! š¾ It's time to give a shout out to one of the newer members of our Chamber family, Ascend Pet Grooming owned by Ashley Midgette. We are excited to have her on board, bringing her passion for animals and a tail-wagging enthusiasm for top-tier pet care to our community.
Within the welcoming walls of Southern Paws, another esteemed newer member of our Chamber, Ashley is all set to make a splash with her full suite of pampering services for your furry friends. From luxurious baths and trims to those often dreaded but necessary nail trims, ear care, and even the infamous anal gland expression (yes, we went there!), Ascend Pet Grooming has everything your pet needs to feel and look their absolute best.
But what truly sets Ashley apart is her unwavering dedication to staying ahead of the pack when it comes to the latest grooming and pet care techniques. She's not just a groomer; she's a pet health and safety aficionado! Her goal? To ensure your beloved companions not only leave looking like a million bucks, but feeling like it too.
So, if your fluffy friend deserves some extra TLC or if your pup's nails are in dire need of a trim (let's spare the couch, shall we?), head over to Ascend Pet Grooming for a paw-some experience you won't soon forget. Because when it comes to your pets, Ashley is there to ensure they're not just a part of the family but the talk of the dog park too!
We're thrilled to have Ashley and Ascend Pet Grooming as part of our community, and we can't wait to see all the tails wagging and pets prancing out of Southern Paws. Don't hesitate to swing by and say hello, or better yet, give her a call at 479-385-7918 to schedule your pet's next royal treatment. š¶
You can celebrate both Ascend Pet Grooming and Southern Paws of Mena on Thursday, October 26, at 2 p.m. for their double ribbon cutting! More details are below!
|
|
It's Ribbon Cutting Season! Mark Your Calendars!
|
|
The Christmas Parade of Lights is just around the corner! With a 'Christmas Around the World' theme, it's sure to be a delightful experience! Pick up your parade registration forms at the Chamber of Commerce office, 524 Sherwood Ave., in Mena or request a copy via email at [email protected].
We can't wait to see your wonderful entries!!!
|
|
Chamber Connections Magazines Available Now
|
|
|
Our 2023-24 Chamber Connections magazine is here! It's full of great information about our Chamber and our beautiful and adventurous area! Stop by the Chamber office
ļ»æat 524 Sherwood Ave. in Mena to pick up your copy.
|
|
OR check out the digital copy HERE
|
|
Small Business Breaks:
ļ»æQuick Tips for Small Businesses
|
|
AEDCE is encouraging local chambers to share these helpful business videos with your membership.
Check out the first video in the link below! Thank you, First Security Bank, for being a part of the first segment!
|
|
ļ»æ
2023 New Members
Goodnight Family Healthcare, PLLC
Arkansas State Senator, Terry Rice
Rich Mountain Fiber Co.
The Mena Laundry
Deana Dixon, Realtor - Select Realty
Earthways Outdoor Services, LLC
WP-Goodness, LLC
Wild Hare Art Glass Studio
Harbor House Prevention Program
Access Medical Urgent Care Clinic
DLR Offroad and Offroad Rentals
Happy Tails Pet Services
MW Hope Financial Solutions
Belle Point Beverages
The Carriage Houseļ»æ
Burford Distributing, Inc.
The Turner Team - Keller Williams Realty
Born Again Recovery Ministries
Southern Paws of Mena
First Christian Church
D & D Mena Rentals
In Focus Care, Inc.
Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas
Southern Charm Manor
Genesis Cancer and Blood Institute
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4451
Rock Creek Cabins, LLC
davisdrew, LLC
Mena Creekside RV Park
Fish Net Lodge
Fully Baked Cafe
Skin Deep Medical Spa
Peak Wellness Medicalļ»æ
Ascend Pet Grooming
Budget Inn of Mena
Dillard's Windows and Glass
Blended Nutrition & More
Sharon J. Cole, Functional Medicine
Olde Time Agency, LLC
Ellison Family Pharmacy
Bradley's Garage
Gentiva Personal Care
If you are interested in becoming a Chamber member, please reach out to our office.
524 Sherwood Avenue
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2912
|
|
If you have questions about becoming a member of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce, visit our website at: www.menapolkchamber.com Email us at: [email protected] Or give us a call at: 479-394-2912.
|
|
šØšØšØAttention Chamber members
If you have something you'd like us to share in our weekly newsletter or on social media, send it to: [email protected]
We would love to feature your news, events, sales, job listings, and more.
|
|
Avalon Keep to Host Backroad Revival for
Sunday Singing & Lunch Buffet
|
|
If you love gospel music and close vocal harmony, this is a great way to enjoy an afternoon with your spouse or close friends. Accompanied by acoustic guitar, you'll enjoy being able to hear the words and music! Great food and entertaining personalities in a beautiful setting is the perfect way to celebrate a special birthday, anniversary or just a great excuse to escape the news of the day! PLUS! You're in for a special treat from our spotlight youth vocalist. Each month, we hope you'll help us encourage local youth to pursue their musical talents whether instrumental or vocal. Our guests give us consistent five stars so come see what's new to our region!
This is a lunch event this Sunday, October 22, with food bar opening at 1pm with concert starting shortly thereafter. We hope you'll bring friends and enjoy the afternoon at Avalon Hall.
To reserve your tickets, just click this link, https://avalonkeep.com/coming-events/ ,then click on the calendar date for this event to see what tickets are still available. Make your selection and select the number of seats you want to reserve.
|
|
MPS Holds Groundbreaking for Activity Center
|
|
The Mena Public Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday morning for the new Hensley Activity Center. The project has been on the district's master plan for over a decade. The building will be 190'x200' and be centrally located between Mena High School, Holly Harshman Elementary and Mena Middle School while attached to the existing field house. The field inside will be marked for multiple sports as well as various other school activities.
The Mena Schools would like to express their gratitude to the school board members, local government officials, teachers, staff, past administration, parents, community members & the Bearcat Foundation for your support.
Superintendent Dr. Lee Smith also recognized Mr. Phillip Hensley and the Hensley Family for their contribution to making the activity center possible.
Pictured above is Dr. Lee Smith, MPS Superintendent, with members of the Mena School Board and the Hensley family, breaking ground for the new Hensley Activity Center.
Pictured below is Dr. Smith receiving a donation from the Hensley family.
Photo credits: Mark Hobson, MPS
|
|
CVET Team Hosts Tailgate Party for Veterans
|
|
The Polk County CVET (Community Veterans Engagement Team) hosted a Tailgate Party for veterans and their families on October 6th, at the Polk County CBOC Veterans Clinic. CVET provided side dishes, desserts, cornhole, and music, while Pilgrim's Pride of DeQueen provided and cooked grilled chicken. The event was a success and local veterans can look forward to more events like this in the future.
CVET is a group of organizations that each provide support to veterans on their own. Coming together in CVET has been a great way to pull everyone's resources together to further benefit veterans in need. If you're interested in learning more, contact Tammy Hughes at the CBOC.
|
|
The Green House Cottages of Homewood
Invite Businesses to Join Their
ļ»æHalloween Festival on October 31st
|
|
Miss Polk County Winners Crowned
|
|
Over the weekend, the Miss Polk County Pageant was held and several winners walked away with plenty of hardware to commemorate the occasion. Over the next year, the queens will take part in service projects in and around the area. If you have need of a queen for an event, just contact Amber Goodner of AmeriChemm.
Photo By: Samantha Maechler
Back row (left to right): Sr Miss Service Queen-Raelynn Surber, Petite Miss Polk County-Jozie Lee Daniels, Miss Polk County-Kenzie Daniels, Jr Miss Polk County-Maddie Rowe, Young Miss Polk County-Kynlie Barton
Front row (left to right): Baby Miss Polk County and Jr Miss Service Queen-Landry Saige Metcalf, Little Miss Polk County-Evelyn Jean Ferguson, Tiny Miss Polk County-Leighton Mae Davis
|
|
CLUE Opens This Weekend at Ouachita Little Theatre
|
|
OLTās OPENING NIGHT FOR CLUE IS FRIDAY, OCT. 20!
The cast and crew for Ouachita Little Theatreās performance of the mystery comedy, āCLUEā is thrilled to invite you to this hilarious show! Directed by Jered Biard, who has put together a fantastic group of actors and backstage personnel, assures us we will be laughing our way hysterically through solving a murder mystery. This performance is rated PG for some adult themes and mild language. (It does concern murder and intrigue, after all!)
Shows run the last two weekends of October, Fridays and Saturdays @7:30 and Sundays @ 2:30. Tickets only $12 for adults, and $8 for students and senior citizens.
|
|
Got Guts? Donate Blood!
Donors will receive a limited-edition, glow-in-the-dark T-shirt and one free entry to the Little Rock Zoo
October 5, 2023 ā Spooky season is coming! Donāt be a scaredy cat. Save a life this fall by giving blood with Our Blood Institute.
Join Our Blood Institute at one of the following blood drives:
Ā· Bearcat Battle; Thursday, October 19, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Students who bring in a donor will receive a āHEROā Pop-It.
Ā· Walmart Mena; Saturday, October 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the bloodmobile.
Ā· Mena Community; Monday, October 30, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
Starting September 1st, eligible blood donors will receive a limited-edition, glow-in-the-dark āGot Guts?ā T-shirt and one free entry to the Little Rock Zoo.
āVein Drain is all about having fun with all things Halloween, but the reality is, every two seconds someone needs blood to see tomorrow,ā said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. āBy giving just an hour of your time, you can save the lives of up to three patients in immediate need or going through treatment at our local hospitals.ā
Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old* or older can give blood. Blood can be donated every 56 days and platelets can be given as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year.
Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777.
*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year-olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required.
###
Our Blood Institute is the sixth-largest independent blood center in the nation, with 16 donor centers across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, including five centers in Arkansas. OBI provides blood products for patients in more than 40 Arkansas hospitals, medical facilities, and air ambulances.
|
|
We ALL know someone who would LOVE to have more community, more financial education, more fabulous relationships in their life and more power over their daily decisions.
Wine, Women & Wealth is a women-centric event hosted by women to empower them in many ways!
Women control typically $.83 of every $1.00 spent in the households today and at some point in their lives will be 100% in control of the finances.
Invite a good friend and come learn great concepts and ideas in a fun and comfortable setting!
RSVP only with Limited Seating. Please RSVP and/or send questions to [email protected] or 479.216.1761.
Thursday, October 19th,
6 pm-7:30 pm
1171 Hwy 71, Mena
|
|
ARVAC Fundraiser Coming Up
|
|
ARVAC will have their Denim & Diamonds Fundraising Soiree on November 3rd. The annual event is sure to be a great time and benefits an excellent cause - ARVAC. If you would like tickets, see the information below. They are also seeking sponsorships. If you are interested, check out the graphic below the Denim & Diamonds ad.
|
|
Broadband Survey Open; County Seeks Public Input
|
|
|
Please complete the quick survey to help our county better understand the needs of the area. The survey should take less than five minutes to complete. Use the QR Code or click this link: https://uaex.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bIwRv86NNLac0po
Paper copies of the Survey will be available to the public at the Polk County Judgeās Office, Extension Office and at the Polk County Library. The Library also has four computers available for the public to use.
|
|
October Happenings at The Elks Lodge
|
|
Book Southern Charm Manor
ļ»æfor Your Next Adventure
|
|
Ensure your next Arkansas getaway includes plenty of outdoor adventure when you stay at this stunning Mena vacation rental! Located on 12 acres of land, this beautiful 4-bedroom, 4-bath home that sleeps up to 18, features an in-ground pool, a serene, covered deck, and convenient proximity to top area attractions like the ATV trails at Wolf Pen Gap! The Property includes: Pool Table, On-Site Ponds w/ Fishing, Central Heating & A/C, In-Unit Laundry, Ride-In Access to Wolf Pen Gap, and more! To book this beautiful home, go to: https://evolve.com/vacation-rentals/us/ar/mena/492354
|
|
Mena Silver Screen Weekend Lineup
|
|
MOVIE LINE-UP
October 20th, 21st, & 22nd
Make sure to like, share, and comment on their Facebook page for your chance to win 2 free tickets to this weekends show! Click HERE to find the post.
**Winner will be announced Thursday night here on their Facebook page!
Cinema 1) The Blind (This is the LAST weekend for The Blind)
Cinema 2) Hocus Pocus ($5 general admission for all)
Friday
7 pm Evening
Saturday
1 pm Matinee
7 pm Evening
Sunday
3 pm Matinee
7 pm Evening
Ticket Prices
Adult- $10; Matinee-$8
Senior- ( 55 and up) $6; Matinee-$5
Ages 4-10 $6; Matinee-$5
Ages 3 and under free
VIP $7 Upcharge
|
|
|
Pet of the Week:
Maggie
Do you have room in your heart and home for one of our shelter pets?
Meet MAGGIE!
Hi! I am Maggie. I am an 8 year old Basset Hound, and I am the best singer you will ever meet! I love to go on walks, and I am good with other dogs, cats and kids. I am also housetrained. Come meet me today!
All animals at HSO are current on their vaccinations and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. If not already spayed/neutered, there may be a short delay between when you select this pet and when they are ready to go home.
Breed and age are determined based on observable physical traits. Actual lineage and birth date are rarely known.
Adoption Fees:
-$60 for cats
-$60 for dogs over 6 years
-$80 for dogs 6 months old to 6 years
-$100 for puppies up to 6 months
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
To view the HSO Newsletter
|
|
Upcoming HSO Clinic is Full
|
|
Humane Society of the Ouachitas' September Spay-Neuter Clinic is FULL. The next clinic is November 14-16. Calls for appointments accepted beginning November 7. 479-394-8001.
|
|
2024 Great American Solar Eclipse
ļ»æTips & Happenings
|
|
Over the next few months we'll do our best to keep you updated on eclipse parties, camping & lodging spots, etc. We also have info listed on our Eclipse Page and will keep it updated as we receive information.
|
|
Start Your Eclipse Planning Early
|
|
Get Eclipsed AND Married at Avalon Keep Next April
|
|
Coming in April 2024, many dozens of couples will exchange or renew their wedding vows at this site during the total eclipse followed by the largest wedding reception ever held in Polk County.
VIP Tickets to the event will be available on a first come basis.
NOTE: The eclipse ceremony will be a non-denominational Christian service with prayer and blessing by a licensed officiant. The service will last approx. 2 minutes as vows are exchanged simultaneously.
Question: Why schedule the ceremony during a total eclipse?
Answer: There are many reasons.
1. You are a better kisser in the dark.
2. He is a beast and you have always loved the movie.
3. What better way to spend 4 minutes when you canāt see anything than to embrace your best friend.
4. This is just a cool idea.
5. You like the concept of having three bands playing at your reception.
6. Youāve always wanted somebody else to do all the planning and clean up afterward.
7. You already love your betrothed to the moon and back so why not proclaim it with others who feel the same way about theirs.
8. Itās the largest elopement ceremony youāve ever attended.
9. Avoid the crazy eclipse traffic by getting married and spending your honeymoon night in Mena or camp out at Avalon Keep Botanical Gardens. (Venue, Food and restrooms, hiking trails and music provided for one admission price) VIP Tickets go on sale July 20 at AvalonKeep.com.
|
|
Eclipse Party at The Blue
|
|
From camping, concerts, seminars, an eclipse watch party, and so much more, The Blue;Zipline and Farm in Mena will have everything you need to have a successful eclipse trip all in one convenient location! Check out their website: https://blueziplinefarm.com/solar-eclipse-festival
|
|
Aleshire Electric is now hiring Electrical Apprentices.
We are taking applications for full-time electrical apprentices. Pay is $15 per hour. Paid holidays, retirement plan, and vacation time (after 2 years). Must have basic construction skills, customer service skills, and have reliable transportation. Pick up an application at Aleshire Electric or email your resume to [email protected].
|
|
AmeriChemm has a job opening for Account Manager. See description below.
|
|
Mena Regional Health System has several job openings. You can find descriptions and applications at: MRHS Online
|
|
Government Contracts Available for Small Businesses
|
|
The Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center accepts bids on government contracts. Small businesses can often qualify to bid on and receive the contracts. Each week a list is updated for contracts close to or within the local area. Click this link to view current available contracts.
Personalized Counseling Service
Arkansas PTAC counselors are prepared to assist your business to help you secure government contracts. Through individualized counseling, you will learn how the procurement system can work for you. We will assist in developing a government marketing strategy by identifying which government agencies buy your product/service.
Daily Bid-Matching
Arkansas PTAC can help you find government advertised bidding opportunities through our web based bid-matching service. Working with your CPC counselor, you will develop a search profile (keywords) that will be used to search for open bidding opportunities and contract awards advertised on Federal Business Opportunities and more than 3,200 other federal, state, and local government procurement websites. You will be provided a Web link where you can access search results for the last 20 business days.
Bid Preparation Assistance
Arkansas PTAC counselors will help you with bid preparation by assisting you in understanding forms, regulations, clauses, representations and certifications.
Specifications and Standards
Arkansas PTAC has a database of more than 100,000 military specifications and standards. Government solicitations or bids often refer to various types of requirements, such as packaging, types of materials, shipping, or marking, that are cited only by reference. The CPC can research and provide these documents for your use for a minimal or NO fee.
Registrations and Certifications
Arkansas PTAC can assist with the various vendor registrations for federal, state, and local governments thus enabling your firm to receive solicitations or bidding forms automatically.
Procurement/Price History
Past procurement activity can help you determine if your price is competitive in relation to previous contract winners and provide potential subcontracting opportunities. Arkansas PTAC can provide the federal purchase history of your product, including information about:
*Agencies that purchased your product
*The volume of product bought
*The contract award amount
*Which firm was awarded the contract
Arkansas PTAC provides informative training seminars about timely contracting issues, including electronic commerce and the latest procurement guidelines.
FREE! Federal Government Registrations - SAM & FEMA
Arkansas PTAC assists with all levels of government registrations, including SAM & FEMA.
For more information, contact:
2301 South University Avenue, Room 110
Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
501-671-2390
ARE THESE BID OPPORTUNITIES RIGHT FOR YOU?
Bid matches are generated based on the information provided to Arkansas PTAC. Obtaining bid matches relevant to your industry may be a trial/error process. However, keywords, terms, phrases, NSNs, etc. may be added and deleted any time. Please contact our office if your bid matches do not accurately reflect the products or services you provide.
|
|
|
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 ā 8:00 am until 4:30 pm
Job Seekers Resources:
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.
|
|
|
|
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL THE CHAMBER AND COMMUNITY NEWS YOU WANT TO KNOW
|
|
|
|
Our yearly visitor and relocation guide is available online
or you can request a paper copy by visiting our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|