Back to School Bash for Public, Private, and Charter Schools

Each year, the Chamber and its members like to express our gratitude for the hard work and dedication of area teachers and faculty. The Back to School Bash events offer our members an opportunity to give back to public, private, and charter school faculty.

From delicious breakfast items to engaging vendor booths and exciting giveaways, these event were full of energy and appreciation for the impact that these individuals have in our community!

Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers for such a great Back to School Bash!

We had a great time at our Back to School Bash event for Private & Charter Schools, held on July 31st! Thank you, Teachers, for your hard work and dedication. We hope you have a wonderful school year!

Below are some highlights of our Back to School Bash celebrating the teachers, faculty, staff, and administration of the Fort Smith Public Schools! 

A special thank you to OG&E for being our Presenting Sponsor and providing a lucky teacher with tickets to an Oklahoma City Thunder game. Your dedication to our area's educators is inspiring.

We want to extend another big thank you to our Headlining Sponsor, Sam's Furniture. Sam's Furniture awarded two incredible educators with $5,000 home makeovers. Each of these educators have overcome major challenges in their lives, but despite this adversity, continued to show up for their students and leave a lasting positive impact on their schools.

Leadership Fort Smith Class of 2026 Participates in Opening Retreat

The Class of 2026 is off to an incredible start! We kicked off the LFS 2025 - 2026 year on August 22nd with our Opening Retreat at Mount Sequoyah, sponsored by Arvest Bank.

It was the perfect weekend to meet, connect, and start this journey together. We are looking forward to an amazing year!

Huge thanks to McClure Professional Services for leading such an impactful retreat! And thank you to Firstar Bank for sponsoring our delicious lunches!

These sessions would not be possible without our Annual Program Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor: Arkansas Colleges of Health Education

Partner Sponsors: BHC Insurance and Mercy Hospital

First Friday Breakfast

We had a great morning at our First Friday Breakfast on August 1st! Members networked, enjoyed breakfast, and heard a keynote message from Fort Smith Public Schools Superintendent Martin Mahan. 

Mahan discussed the accomplishments of the Fort Smith Public School system and the goals for the future to ensure success for our city's students and future workforce. 

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible!

Presenting Sponsor: Sam's Furniture

Buffet Sponsor: Centennial Bank

Coffee Bar Sponsor: Kaleb House

Incentive Sponsor: Choctaw Casinos & Resorts

Location Sponsor: University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

Business Brew

Connections were made, conversations were shared, and networks were strengthened at our Business Brew on August 19th!

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us. It was one of our biggest Brews yet. Events like this remind us how powerful collaboration and community can be.

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

Presenting Sponsor: Red River Credit Union

Hosting Sponsor: McClure Professional Services

Breakfast Sponsor: The Fort Smith Convention Center

We’re already looking forward to the next one. We hope to see you there!

August 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 August

We are so excited to welcome these businesses as members!

EZ-Gone Junk and More LLC

Cheryl Gentry Real Estate Academy

Hometown Market Days CO

In-Sync Pediatric Therapy Center LLC Van Buren

Profit Trigger, Inc.

In-Sync Pediatric Therapy Center LLC Fort Smith

Lotus House of Sober Recovery for Women

Bonnie Gayer Realtor Keller Williams

General Transportation Inc.

Savannah’s Boutique & Gift

Bill Sprayberry

AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH

July 2025

We would like to congratulate DeAnne Hankins with Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders on being chosen as our July 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! 

DeAnne Hankins - Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders

Ben Brown - Bullfrog Bouncers LLC

Jerry Lovins - Drivers Select and Direct Staffing Inc.,

Jill Golding - United Federal Credit Union 

Laura Asbill - Hampton Inn by Hilton Fort Smith

DeAnne Hankins is the Executive Officer for the Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders, where she works alongside local builders, tradespeople, and community partners to promote the home building industry and strengthen the region.

A resident of the Fort Smith area for more than 25 years, DeAnne is deeply rooted in the community she calls home. She is actively involved in her church, participates in numerous community events, and volunteers with organizations that make a difference. She currently serves on the board of Next Step Homeless Shelter, helping guide programs that provide support, resources, and hope to those in need.

DeAnne enjoys serving as part of the Chamber Ambassador Program, where she connects with local businesses, builds relationships, and helps foster the strong sense of community that makes the Fort Smith area thrive.

For DeAnne, giving back isn’t just a responsibility — it’s a passion. She believes that a strong community is built through service, relationships, and a shared commitment to helping others succeed. Whether organizing an HBA event, championing local causes, or lending a hand to a neighbor, DeAnne strives to leave every corner of her community better than she found it.

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

Fort Smith Chamber Announces the Physician of the Year

Each year, the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce strives to show its appreciation for the importance of healthcare to the quality of life and economic strength of the area. During the month of September, the Fort Smith Regional Chamber’s Healthcare Celebration will welcome Chamber members and its community partners to highlight the significance of our regional healthcare systems, healthcare workers, and new practitioners. This tribute to our local healthcare industry includes a “Physician of the Year” selected by the Chamber’s Healthcare Committee.

The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce Physician of the Year Award recognizes a local healthcare physician (currently practicing or retired) who has made significant contributions to healthcare in our region by demonstrating excellence in areas of (but not limited to) quality, service, people, finance, growth, and community. Past recipients include Dr. David Hunton (2024), Dr. Larry Price (2023), Dr. Timothy Waack (2022), Dr. Leslie Ziegler (2021), Dr. Lee Johnson (2020), Dr. Nasser Adjei (2019), Dr. Tony Flippin (2018), Dr. Taylor Prewitt (2017), Dr. Cole Goodman (2016).

The Fort Smith Chamber and representatives of the Healthcare Committee are honored to announce the 2025 Physician of the Year honoree, Dr. Andre’ Jozef Nolewajka. On Wednesday, August 27th. Dr. Nolewajka was presented with a certificate acknowledging his selection.

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.

Congratulations, Dr. Nolewajka! Thank you for your contribution to our community. 

Click here to read more about Dr. Nolewajka.

Chamber Hosts Members for “Understanding the Big Beautiful Bill”

We want to extend a big thank you to Katie Lejong, CPA, with Landmark CPAs for presenting “Understanding the Big Beautiful Bill” to our Chamber members on July 31st and again this morning!

We truly appreciate Katie taking the time to share her expertise and break down the key aspects of this bill that employers need to know. Thank you for helping our members stay informed and prepared! 

Missed these sessions? Stay tuned! There is more to come on this topic!

Progress Made on I-49 Extension Arkansas River Bridge

BIG progress for our region and the entire State of Arkansas! Our Chamber was proud to attend the I-49 Extension Arkansas River Bridge event celebrating a major step forward in strengthening infrastructure, encouraging commerce and connectivity, and economic growth for our community! 

Thank you to all our congressional delegation, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Former Governor Asa Hutchinson, Deputy Highway Commissioner Keith Gibson, and more!

Thank you to everyone who played, shopped, dined, and supported local this month!

To celebrate and support our local businesses for the Back to School shopping season, the Fort Smith Regional Chamber is launched our Shop Local Bingo game. This fun and interactive challenge encourages you to explore the community, visit local shops, and complete bingo squares for a chance to win great prizes. It’s a simple way to make back-to-school shopping more exciting while giving back to the businesses that make our region unique. Grab a bingo card and start playing today!

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting Shop Local!

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!

September First Friday Breakfast

Join us on September 5th at 7:30AM at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center! This month our featured guest speaker is Dr. Terisa Riley, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. She will be discussing "UAFS Supporting the River Valley".

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. 

2025 Business Brew Series: September 16th

Held every third Tuesday, our monthly Business Brew event happens from 8:00AM to 9:00AM at a new space each month. This casual event provides a refreshing way to kick off your day and expand your network!

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).

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible!

Presenting: Red River Credit Union

Hosting: Bullfrog Bouncers

Breakfast: The Fort Smith Convention Center

Save the Date: 2025 Healthcare Reception

Join the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce as we host our annual Healthcare Reception — a heartfelt celebration recognizing the vital contributions of our regional healthcare professionals. 

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, exhibitor booths, networking, and special recognitions as we honor the individuals and institutions who exemplify excellence in healthcare. The evening also highlights our Healthcare Heroes campaign and presents the prestigious Physician of the Year award, selected by the Chamber’s Healthcare Committee.

Tickets and sponsorships are available!

Business After Hours

You're invited to our Third Quarter Business After Hours event - an informal yet impactful way to network! This quarter, we will be in the North Rotunda at the Fort Smith Convention Center. Whether you are looking to meet new connects, share ideas, or explore potential partnerships, Business After Hours offers the perfect relaxed setting to connect with fellow professionals! You will enjoy complimentary beverages, appetizers, and great conversations while building valuable connection.

Save the Date: Manufacturing Week

Join the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate Manufacturing Week, a dynamic series of events and activities highlighting the importance of manufacturing in our region. Aligned with National Manufacturing Day, observed on the first Friday of October, this week-long celebration offers exciting opportunities to engage with the manufacturing industry.

Save the Date: 2025 Annual Meeting

Join us for the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting - our premier event of the year that brings together business leaders, community partners, and elected officials for an afternoon of recognition, reflection, and inspiration. 

This year, we are honored to welcome the Ambassador of Finland to the United States, as our distinguished guest in recognition of the growing international collaboration through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) project. This special appearance highlights the global impact of our region and the importance of our local partnerships on the world stage! 

Submit Your News

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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.

Chamber Member Caregiver Session

The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Methodist Village Senior Living, is proud to offer this exclusive, no-cost professional development opportunity for our members.

This one-day event is designed to equip attendees with hands-on training, proven caregiving techniques, effective communication strategies, and stress management tools. Whether you are a healthcare professional, business leader, or a family caregiver, this program offers valuable skills and connections! 

Who Should Attend: 

• Healthcare professionals seeking updated caregiver resources and techniques
• Employees who interact with clients or patients in a caregiving capacity
• Chamber members who are family caregivers
• Business owners, HR managers, and supervisors who want to better support employees balancing work and caregiving.

Lunch is provided for all attendees!

Trane Technologies Expanding Fort Smith Plant

Trane Technologies has officially announced their expansion here in Fort Smith! They will be adding 60 new jobs. We are excited to see another company thriving here in the River Valley! 

Click Here to Read More