December Ribbon Cuttings

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

We would like to thank all of our members for a great end to 2025! We have seen so much growth, networking, and community development this year. Congratulations to the members that joined, held ribbon cuttings, and celebrated milestones with us. We could not do what we do without the support of our wonderful members and are so excited to see what 2026 has in store!

New Members in December

We are so excited to welcome these businesses as members!

PG & Manny's Car Center

Hampton Inn Van Buren

CrossFit Activate

Beyer CPA & Advisors, PLLC

Center for Psychiatric Wellness

Revived Coffee Co.

Bio-One Big Red

Angela Gray

AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH

November 2025

We would like to congratulate Jill Golding with United Federal Credit Union on being chosen as our November 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!

Jill Golding - United Federal Credit Union

Krystina Israel - Mercy Hospital Fort Smith

Sterling Henderson - ClearCreek Wealth Management

Bryn Tucker - Heart to Heart Pregnancy & Family Care Center

Virginia Shelly - Real Property Management First Choice - Fort Smith

“From Branch to Community Impact as a Senior Market Development Manager I believe community involvement goes together with leadership. From supporting local businesses to building connections, it’s a privilege to give back and grow alongside the people we serve”.

“I may not be from the area originally, but this community welcomed me, and Fort Smith has become home thanks to the people and business’ I connect with”.

Jill has over a decade of experience in financial services and community engagement, with a proven track record of driving membership growth and strengthening local partnerships.

As Senior Market Development Manager, Jill will lead initiatives to expand United’s footprint across Arkansas, focusing on member acquisition, corporate partnerships, and community engagement. Jill will align market development strategies with branch operations to meet membership, loan, and deposit growth goals. Jill joined United in 2022 as a Branch Manager, where she managed over $60 million in assets and led business development efforts to enhance corporate engagement and public relations. She has been instrumental in representing United through her service on the boards of Girls Inc., River Valley Community Outreach, Community Rescue Mission, and as a Fort Smith Chamber Ambassador.

About United Federal Credit Union:

United Federal Credit Union has served its members since 1949 by helping build a sound financial future. United consists of more than 194,000 members/owners worldwide and manages more than $4 billion assets. Its corporate office and main branch are in St. Joseph, Michigan with additional branches across 7 states. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal opportunity lender. Equal housing lender.

Congratulations to Jill and all of our Ambassadors on another great month!

Thank you to Fig and Fern Floral for helping celebrate our Ambassador of the Month!

First Friday Breakfast

We had a fantastic morning at our December First Friday Breakfast on December 5th!

We closed out 2025 with an impactful message about our State's economic progress and workforce data from the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Randy Zook. 

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible!

Presenting Sponsor: Cromwell Architects Engineers

Hosting Sponsor: Hytrol

Buffet Sponsor: Landmark CPAs 

Coffee Bar Sponsor: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith

Location Sponsor: University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

Incentive Drawing Sponsor: Choctaw Casinos & Resorts

Business Brew

We had a fantastic and festive morning of networking at our December Business Brew, held on December 15th at Lites Etcetra!

Thank you to everyone who has attended a Business Brew this year. We love helping our members form connections and strengthen their business!

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible!

Presenting: Red River Credit Union

Hosting: Lites Etcetera

Breakfast: The Fort Smith Convention Center

Business After Hours

Our last networking event of 2025 was a blast! Business After Hours was held on December 18th, on the 7th floor at 524 Garrison Ave.

Our Jingle & Mingle game got members talking and the food and beverages were a delicious addition to the evening.

Thank you to Hampton Inn by Hilton Fort Smith and Regions Bank for hosting.

Junior Leadership & Career Academy

The Public Service & Military session on December 3rd might’ve been our best yet!

We kicked off our day at The Blue Lion hearing from FBI Special Agents on what it takes to join the FBI, and tested out being City Board of Directors.

The Fort Smith Fire Department welcomed us for a tour showcasing all of their trucks and equipment. Any student that wanted to had the opportunity to rise to the top of the city in their ladder trucks!

We joined Officer Shoptaw for lunch at the Fort Smith Police Department, and got to meet Pawfficer Fuzz!

We ended the day with the 188th Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard, learning about all the career pathways available in the armed forces. Thank you for your service!

We had a great 2025, thanks to our awesome partners and program sponsors!

Presenting: OG&E 

Partner: AT&T, Silgan Plastics 

Gold: ABB, First National Bank, Hytrol, Mercy Hospital, RightFiber 

Session: ArcBest

Annual Lunch & Break: Georgia-Pacific/Dixie

Leadership Fort Smith

Our Crime & the Courts session on December 11th was an eye-opening and impactful day for our LFS class!

We began the morning at the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office, where the SWAT team shared an inside look at their operations across the region, followed by a powerful tour of both the Adult and Juvenile Detention Centers.

From there, the group walked to the Fort Smith Police Department learn about their many community impact programs and enjoy a delicious lunch sponsored by Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers!

Our Session Sponsors, The Guidance Center & Harbor House, Inc. joined us to discuss the vital services they provide to individuals in our community and their collaboration with the court system.

In the afternoon, we met the LFS alumni “Dream Team” at the Sebastian County Prosecutor’s Office. Special thanks to Attorney Dan Shue for always welcoming our class. At the courthouse, participants observed arraignments, heard from Judge Tabor and Judge Terry, and wrapped up the day with an insightful session on local drug trends from Cody Elliot, Drug Task Force Coordinator. 

Thank you to our annual sponsors for their support of our program!

Presenting: Arkansas Colleges of Health Education

Partner: BHC Insurance, Mercy Hospital Fort Smith

Grow Your Business in 2026 with the Fort Smith Chamber — Marketing Guide Now Available!

Our 2026 Fort Smith Chamber Marketing Packet is now available! Follow the link below to see all the exciting ways you can get involved next year!

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!

Ready to shine in 2026? Host one of our Networking Events!

Contact Arianna Daniels to learn more about hosting a Business Brew, Business 2 Business Luncheon, or Business After Hours next year.

2026 First Friday Breakfast Series: January 9th

Join us on January 9th at 7:30AM at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center! This month our featured guest speaker is Cole Jester, Arkansas Secretary of State. Whether your looking to expand your network, gain valuable insights, listen to an informative program, or simply enjoy a delicious breakfast among peers, this event is for you. 

Seats are limited, so don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow business professionals and community leaders. We look forward to seeing you there!

2026 Business 2 Business Connection Luncheon: January 15th

You're invited to our First Quarter Business 2 Business Connection Luncheon - an event designed to connect and inspire professionals over lunch from 12:00PM-1:00PM and a new space each quarter! This quarter, we will be at the Bakery District. This dynamic event provides businesses and individuals with a platform to showcase their products and services through an interactive speed networking session. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or seasoned professional, this is your chance to expand your network, boost brand visibility, and create buzz about your company or organization!

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).

2026 Business Brew Series: January 20th

Join us at our January 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 The Hangout Fitness and Sports. 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).

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.

Arvest Makes Inaugural Forbes’ America’s Best-in-State Companies List 

Bank ranks No. 5 overall among Arkansas-based companies

FORT SMITH, Ark. (December 15, 2025) – Arvest Bank has been recognized in Forbes’ first-ever America’s Best-in-State Companies list, measuring associate and customer satisfaction and business growth. Arvest is listed #5 overall among Arkansas companies and is the highest-ranked bank to be recognized in the state.

According to Forbes, more than 50,000 companies nationwide were evaluated and scored based on size, financial strength and customer and employee satisfaction. To ensure smaller companies in smaller states received appropriate recognition, each state has its own list.

Read the full press release here.

Hytrol Honored as a U.S. Best-in-Class Employer by Gallagher

JONESBORO, Ark. — Hytrol Conveyor Co. has been recognized as a Best-in-Class Employer as outlined in Gallagher's 2025 U.S. Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey for implementing effective strategies and achieving measurable outcomes, such as cost reductions and enhanced employee wellbeing. This prestigious honor underscores Hytrol’s outstanding dedication to fostering a workplace where employees thrive through innovative strategies that prioritize health, financial confidence, and career growth—all while maintaining a sustainable cost structure.

A Workplace That Inspires

Gallagher’s Best-in-Class Employer designation serves as a testament to Hytrol’s people-first approach. It communicates to both current and prospective employees that the organization is deeply invested in their wellbeing and professional success.

Read the full press release here.