Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards

We are delighted to invite you to join us at the Bakery District in Fort Smith for our inaugural UAFS Center for Economic Development – Excellence Awards. This special event will take place on Thursday, October 24th, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 
The event will honor regional family-owned and small businesses and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center, with a celebrity speaker: Willie Robertson.


 
Robertson, whose Keynote will be a highlight of the event, is the CEO of Duck Commander, founder of Buck Commander, and star of A&E's "Duck Dynasty." He will share the remarkable journey of his family's business, detailing how they grew a modest enterprise into a multi-million dollar empire, offering valuable insights into entrepreneurship, family collaboration, and overcoming challenges.
 
Robertson, a New York Times best-selling author, has expanded his family's business into a global brand, selling millions of duck calls and outdoor merchandise worldwide. He has appeared on "Masked Singer," hosted a talk show and podcast, and founded a Sportsman Camp for young people near his home at Camp ChYoCa in Calhoun, Louisiana. He and his wife, Korie, reside in West Monroe, Louisiana, near their children and grandchildren.
 
Nominations for the awards are open until September 12. Individuals, family-owned businesses, or small businesses can be nominated by going to the bottom of the page on the event website. Nominees are not required to be current members of the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center or associated with the Arkansas Small Business Technology and Development Center. Click here for nomination information.