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.
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CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Music on Main, 80's Style was a Huge Hit
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The third and final Music on Main of 2023 was held Saturday night and was a huge success thanks to 80's glam cover band, LA ROXX. With their musical talents and flare for glam, the guys put on a show that will have you thinking you're in a time machine.
Several hundreds showed up to rock out, with many participating in the 80's Dress-Up Contest. Winners were chosen in two categories - adults and kids. The costumers definitely brought their A-game! See winners below.
As with all Chamber events, Music on Main would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and other generous individuals. We would like to shout out our sincerest thanks to: Union Bank of Mena, Mena Regional Health System, UA Rich Mountain, Area Solar, Aleshire Electric, Avalon Keep Botanical Gardens, First Financial Bank, Rich Mountain Electric, Shelter Insurance/Baywash Carwash, Belle Point Distributing, Sterling Machinery, Walmart Community Grants, Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission, Papa's Mexican Cafe. We would also like to thank the City of Mena, Mena Parks Department, Mena Street Department, McMillan Pool, Silver Screen Cinema, Lexi Dilbeck, John Vacca, Steve McMellon, and James Armand. And, of course, our wonderful team of volunteers! We could NOT do this without you all!
Photo Credits: Lexi Dilbeck
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Winners of the Adult 80's Dress-Up Contest and their prizes are:
1st - Vince Rudman - $100 gift certificate to American Artisans
2nd - Leah Taylor - $50 gift certificate to Papa's Mexican Cafe
3rd - Yvonne Newland - Two tickets to Mena Silver Screen
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Winners of the Kids 80's Dress-Up Contest and their prizes are:
1st - Brinlee Basehar (Pictured far left) - $25 gift certificate to SassySquatch
2nd - Chandler Howard (pictured right) - 10 entries to McMillan Pool
3rd - Lily Arender (pictured center) - Two tickets to Mena Silver Screen
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Chamber Connections Magazines Available Now
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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
at 524 Sherwood Ave. in Mena to pick up your copy.
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OR check out the digital copy HERE
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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 House
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 on Fast Lane
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
If you are interested in becoming a Chamber member, please reach out to our office.
524 Sherwood Avenue
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-2912
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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.
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Polk County Forms Broadband Initiative
Needs Public Help with Survey
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Please take this state level survey to enhance grant opportunities for
broadband coverage in Polk County. Survey ends July 31, 2023.
Internet service and connection speeds have long been a thorn in the side of rural Arkansans, but a recent nationwide goal has places like Polk County seeing hopes and wishes turn into reality. On July 17th, the Polk County Broadband Initiative held their first meeting with the end goal being all of Polk County having access to fast and reliable internet services. The Initiative is led by Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison and has a variety of local leaders involved. Judge Ellison said that 98% of Polk County is underserved when compared to the current internet standard. The Initiative hopes to change that.
In order to accomplish their goals, they need the public's help. Arkansas recently announced they will receive over $1 billion dollars from the from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funds will be used to expand broadband access in Arkansas and address affordability and digital skills needs throughout the state.
Polk County hopes to get a piece of that. The survey above is a state-level survey that is due on July 31st. It will show the state the needs of our citizens and, hopefully, result in some of that grant funding trickling our way.
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Join the Arkansas Better Business Bureau Education Foundation and U.S. Small Business Administration Arkansas District Office for a virtual Lunch and Learn connecting you to resources to grow your business. The event will be Thursday, July 20, 12 pm - 1 pm. This month, we will be joined by Kim Williams from Arkansas Tourism and Project Manager for Eclipse 2024.
Tourism is big business in the Natural State! On April 8, 2024, we will have even more reasons for people to visit us.
Write it down…and save the date. Parts of Arkansas will be the place to be during what has been dubbed the Great North American Eclipse. To experience the total phase of the eclipse, gazers must be in the narrow path of totality, which will run through the center of The Natural State from southwest to northeast. Cities such as Hot Springs, Little Rock and Jonesboro are located within that narrow swath of totality. Learn how businesses around the state have an opportunity to position and market themselves to the tourists heading in from all over to see the 2024 Eclipse.
𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘊𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 # 23-14-𝘊. 𝘚𝘉𝘈’𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴, 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘚𝘉𝘈 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘴.
BBB Serving Arkansas | 17711 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR 72223
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🚨🚨🚨Attention 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.
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Marines Look to Raise Funding to Honor Local Hero
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Ed Anderson, of the local Marine Corps Detachment League, and others have begun a mission that they hope to see to fruition sooner rather than later. The mission includes honoring a local legendary marine, Herbert A. Littleton.
Littleton served as a radio operator in the Marines during the Korean War and was killed during the heroic act of throwing himself atop a grenade so that others in his company could be saved. According to Anderson, who was also a radio operator for the Marines, Littleton's last words were, "Save the radio." Because of that, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, and is one of only 29 in the state of Arkansas that have ever received the honor.
Anderson explained that 25 of those 29 honorees have plaques at a memorial staged in Little Rock. Over the years the plaques have lost their luster and are chipping in places and need to be replaced. As such, Anderson and the Medal of Honor committee in Arkansas have decided to use their time raising funds to replace the current plaques and also add the other four that have yet to be placed. The total cost of the project is estimated at $160,000.
THV 11 recently visited Mena to learn more and created a beautiful news story from their interviews. You can view the video here: Medal of Honor
Anderson would like Polk County to step up and donate enough to cover the cost of Littleton's plaque. He said they have raised some already but have a bit to go. If you'd like to donate, you can click the QR code pictured, or contact Ed Anderson at 281-387-0400. Donations may also be made at Union Bank of Mena in the Herbert A Littleton Marine Corps Fund Raising Account.
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Wine Women & Wealth was designed to help women learn more and be empowered so they have more confidence and control of their finances.
Next event: Thursday, July 20th, 6:00-8 pm
Location: Mena
RSVP for venue details and to reserve a free seat.
Pam Thompson, 479.216.1761
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Attention: Bridal Expo has changed dates! It will now be held on September 9th from 6-9 p.m.!
Contact Avalon Hall for more information!
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Avalon Hall Seeks Vendors for Upcoming
Bridal & Celebration Expo
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Rich Mtn. Fiber Co. Joins Arkansas Yarn Crawl
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Mena Silver Screen Weekend Lineup
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July 21-23 - FRIDAY, SATURDAY, and SUNDAY MOVIE LINE-UP
ATTENTION: Note Change of Hours
Don’t forget to like, share, and comment on their Facebook post for your chance to win two free tickets to this weekend's show!
Cinema 1) Sound of Freedom
Cinema 2) Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1
Friday & 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 $15
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Pet of the Week:
Scary Spice
Do you have room in your heart and home for one of our shelter pets?
Meet SCARY SPICE!
Hi, My name is Scary Spice. But there is nothing scary about me, I'M CUTE. I love to run, jump and play. If you're looking for an active kitten, then look no further. I am so loveable I will lay in your lap and purr all day while you pet me. I am litter box trained. I'm good with kids, other cats and just so happy to meet you. Come to the shelter today, to meet me.
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
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2024 Great American Solar Eclipse
Tips & Happenings
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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.
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Start Your Eclipse Planning Early
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Get Eclipsed AND Married at Avalon Keep Next April
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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 can’t 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. You’ve 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. It’s the largest elopement ceremony you’ve 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.
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Eclipse Party at The Blue
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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
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Government Contracts Available for Small Businesses
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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.
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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:
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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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL THE CHAMBER AND COMMUNITY NEWS YOU WANT TO KNOW
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Our yearly visitor and relocation guide is available online
or you can request a paper copy by visiting our website.
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