Business Resource Center Investors - Van Buren Chamber of Commerce, AR

Growing Our Businesses & Community
Committee Members
Marketing Opportunities Guide
Marketing Opportunities Guide
Put your business front and center by sponsoring a Chamber event, annual program, or digital media.

New network building events in 2022 include the Battle of the Business Bowling Tournament and the Local Lunch for restaurants. BE PRO BE PROUD and Connecting Educators in Industry are focused on building the workforce pipeline for our community. Also new this year are two annual program sponsorships, the Governmental Affairs Committee, and the Chamber Ambassadors, both focused on advocacy for a strong, business friendly climate in our community, county, and state.

Or promote your business utilizing the Chamber website, which received more than 145,000 visits in 2021. And don't forget the long running favorites; the Annual Meeting & Business Expo, the Golf Classic, Business After Hours, and the Arkansas Scholars Award Ceremony.

Growing Our Businesses & Community
Committee Members
Marketing Opportunities Guide
Marketing Opportunities Guide
Put your business front and center by sponsoring a Chamber event, annual program, or digital media.

New network building events in 2022 include the Battle of the Business Bowling Tournament and the Local Lunch for restaurants. BE PRO BE PROUD and Connecting Educators in Industry are focused on building the workforce pipeline for our community. Also new this year are two annual program sponsorships, the Governmental Affairs Committee, and the Chamber Ambassadors, both focused on advocacy for a strong, business friendly climate in our community, county, and state.

Or promote your business utilizing the Chamber website, which received more than 145,000 visits in 2021. And don't forget the long running favorites; the Annual Meeting & Business Expo, the Golf Classic, Business After Hours, and the Arkansas Scholars Award Ceremony.

VB Chamber Business Resource Center
The Chamber is preparing for the future growth of Van Buren, Crawford County, and the regional business community.

Our opportunities for growth include:
- The enhancement of the Van Buren Port with a slack water harbor will involve an $18 million investment and is projected to bring a $42 million benefit to the region, according to Mickle Griffin of BCA as of April 2023.
- The Foreign Military Sales Program will bring an influx of new residents to Van Buren, which will ultimately include 900 military members and their families.
- The planned expansion of Interstate 49, covering 14.4 miles and costing $1.3 billion, is expected to provide a significant economic boost, as each 10-mile addition to an interstate typically generates a $10 to $20 million benefit, based on data from the National Bureau of Economic Research.
- According to the 2023 U.S. Census, Van Buren is now the 8th fastest growing city in Arkansas.
- Van Buren Chamber membership has grown an average of 11% per year since 2021, significantly surpassing the industry average growth rate of 2-4% per year.
The Chamber is establishing a one-stop business resource center by leasing and renovating the former city annex located at 111 North 12th Street. This initiative will provide us with the necessary space to collaborate more efficiently with our members and assist in the growth of their businesses.
Growing Our Businesses & Community
The new business resource center will consist of
- - Van Buren Chamber
  - Van Buren Economic Development Partnership
  - Leadership Crawford County
  - Permanent meeting space and storage for the
    - Van Buren Lions Club
    - Van Buren Rotary Club
  - Training/Meeting room for 50-100 people, open for businesses to utilize
  - A board room
  - A conference room
  - Co-working space for small business owners and entrepreneurs
  - Guest offices for SBA, ASBTDC, & AEDC to meet and work with our businesses
- OG&E Meeting Room
Investors