Updated Workforce & Economic Development Metrics

The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to collaborating with employers, educators, and community partners to strengthen our talent pipeline and ensure employers have a skilled, diverse workforce to support continued economic growth, personal and professional prosperity, and enhanced quality of life.

Our goals are to:

• Work with the business community to determine current and future workforce demand.
• Grow a skilled workforce driven by local business and industry needs.
• Connect the dots between education, training, and what employers require.
• Work with state agencies on initiatives that support the workforce development structure.

SBA American Manufacturing Initiative

This free tool from SBA helps connect businesses with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers. It’s built to support companies that want to onshore operations, strengthen their supply chains, and source the components they need—all proudly Made in the USA.

There is a video on the site that provides a good overview of how businesses can use the portal. 

https://www.sba.gov/priorities/american-manufacturers

 If you are looking for tools and resources to help your business, contact Ty Barrett, Regional Director at the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at ty.barrett@uafs.edu

2026 Business Expo & Career Fair

Our 2026 Business Expo & Career Fair on May 1st was an opportunity for local vendors and exhibitors to showcase their businesses, products, services, and employment opportunities to the community. This was a high-traffic event that attracted students, job-seekers, and community members in our region to explore and engage with local businesses.

With over 115 vendors and 500+ attendees, it was a packed and energizing day!

Thank you to all of our exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees for making it such a fantastic event!

Presenting Sponsors: ABB Motors and Drives US, RightFiber, Ritter Communications, First National Bank of Fort Smith 

Diamond Sponsor: QualServ 

Hospitality Sponsors: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith, Hiland Dairy, Water Tech, Inc. 

Media Sponsors: Lamar Advertising of Fort Smith, Fort Smith Radio Group, iHeart Media, Red Dirt Radio 

Social Media Sponsor: River Valley Democrat-Gazette 

Chamber Booth Sponsor: Baptist Health Urgent Care

Platinum Sponsors: Arcare, Arkansas Tech University - Ozark Campus, Express Employment Professionals, Mercy Fort Smith, Methodist Village Senior Living, Pafford Medical Services, Penmac Fort Smith, Rheem, UAMS West Regional Campus - Fort Smith, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

First Friday Breakfast

On May 1st, we held our biggest First Friday Breakfast of the year!

Our May First Friday Breakfast at the Expo brought together over 400 members and community leaders to hear a keynote message from Congressman Steve Womack. After the breakfast, attendees walked over to visit our 2026 Business Expo & Career Fair.

Congratulations to Brad Knight with ABB Motors and Drives US on being the winner of the $100 free play incentive drawing provided by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts!

Thank you to our First Friday Breakfast sponsors for making this event possible!

Presenting Sponsor: First National Bank of Fort Smith

Hosting Sponsor: Fort Smith ER & Hospital

Buffet Sponsors: Mercy Fort Smith 

Centerpiece Sponsor: Armstrong Bank

Coffee Bar Sponsors: United Federal Credit Union

Incentive Drawing Sponsor: Choctaw Casinos & Resorts

Business Brew

We had a great crowd at our Business Brew event on May 19th!

Attendees enjoyed coffee, pastries, and a networking game that helped them meet new people and learn new things about their peers. 

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible!

Presenting Sponsor: Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland

Hosting Sponsor: Arkansas Valley Habitat for Humanity

Location Sponsor: Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs Jeffrey-Glidewell Unit 

Breakfast Sponsor: The Fort Smith Convention Center

Partners in Education Luncheon

The Partners in Education Luncheon on May 28th brought together business and community leaders to celebrate those who make a difference by volunteering at Fort Smith Public Schools. From field days to student mentoring, their dedication is truly inspiring.

Congratulations to all the volunteers who won awards for their outstanding contributions! It’s wonderful to see such meaningful involvement with local students.

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this luncheon event!

Presenting Sponsor: Sam's Furniture- Fort Smith

Platinum Sponsors: Fort Smith ER & Hospital, Gerdau North America, Harry Robinson Buick GMC, Valley Behavioral Health System

Gold Sponsors: ArcBest, Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative, Centennial Bank, Chambers Bank, Gerber, SERVPRO of Fort Smith

Silver Sponsors: 1st Choice Pregnancy Medical Center, Andy's Frozen Custard, Arvest Bank, Candy Craze, Nabholz Corporation

Foodie Friday at Village Inn

We had a delicious brunch at our Foodie Friday at Village Inn on May 29th!

Thank you to everyone who joined us to support a local restaurant and Chamber member. Congratulations to the giveaway winners!

Foodie Friday takes us to various Chamber-member restaurants, coffee shops, and dessert spots to support, network, and enjoy great food. This is a fun, casual way to show some love to our local food and beverage members while building stronger business connections across the community.

Stay tuned for our next Foodie Friday meetup announcement!

May Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breakings

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

New Members in May

We are so excited to welcome these businesses as members!

Nolte Construction Group

RJ’s Plumbing and More

Vision Exteriors

Del Sol Mexican Grill

Bad and Boujee Salon and Spa

Serious Fiber, LLC

Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc

UADA Sebastian County Cooperative Service

Total BCY Electric

Bryant Law Partners, LLC

The Forum Barbershop, LLC

AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH

April 2026

We would like to congratulate Ben Brown with Bullfrog Bouncers LLC on being chosen as our April Ambassador of the Month!

Ben Brown "The Guy" is the owner and operator of Bullfrog Bouncers LLC, a thriving event rental and production company serving the River Valley and beyond. Since launching the business in July 2023 with his wife, Bullfrog Bouncers has grown rapidly, executing events for clients like Simmons Foods, Arvest, The Bakery District and non-profits such as Girls Inc., Main Street Fort Smith, Heart to Heart Pregnancy Center, and Fort Smith schools. Ben’s leadership has also earned him a spot on the Board of the Exchange Club.

Before starting Bullfrog Bouncers, Ben spent over 12 years as a Border Patrol Agent, safeguarding the nation’s borders. His previous experience also includes working for an event company spanning the west coast that produced 2,500 events annually for prestigious clients such as Microsoft, Intel, and Nike. Ben's expertise in event production, leadership, and team-building has shaped Bullfrog Bouncers into a key player in the local event industry.

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

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

2026 First Friday Breakfast Series: June 5th

Start Your Month with Connections, Conversations, and Coffee!

Join us on June 5th at 7:30AM at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center! This month our featured guest speaker is Andrew Meyer, Fort Smith Regional Airport Director. 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!

33rd Annual Jack White Golf Tournament

We are looking forward to seeing our members and volunteers on the green!

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!

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.

Federal Certifications For Your Small Business

Learn about certification-related criteria, registrations, and processes

needed for your business to attain these beneficial designations for

government contracting.

Plus get free resources to assist you with attaining certifications,

enhancing your government contracting prospects, and growing your

business. No cost to participate!

Fort Smith Regional Airport To Host Global Entry Enrollment Event

June 19-21, 2026

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) willhost a three-day Global Entry enrollment event at the Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM) on June 19-21, 2026. This event is exclusively for individuals who have received conditional approval and are ready to complete the interview portion of the Global Entry application process. Appointments are required.

To participate, applicants must complete an online application, pay a non-refundable fee, and pass a background check conducted by CBP. Once conditionally approved, they may schedule their interview during this special enrollment event at FSM.

For more information or to apply, visit the Trusted Traveler Programs website or the FSM website.