Amazing Ambassador - April 2025

We are honored to recognize Chris Barnes as April 2025 Amazing Ambassador! Chris has been with Arvest Bank for 14 years. He currently serves at the Branch Sales Manager at the Rena Road Arvest Bank. Chris and his family have been residents of Crawford County since 2016 where he is highly involved in the community. Chris has been an Ambassador with the Chamber since 2019.Thank you Chris for being an Amazing Ambassador and for your passion and dedication in the Chamber and our community.

Congratulations to Brownwood Life Care Center

A ribbon cutting was held on April 2, 2025 to celebrate the opening of the Bud Patterson Sensory Room at Brownwood Life Care Center. The sensory room is a dedicated space designed to provide therapeutic benefits for their clients. The sensory room is equipped with specialized equipment and activities aimed at stimulating and soothing the senses, offering a safe environment for individuals to explore and develop sensory integration skills. Call them today to see all of the great services they provide. Click

Arvest Bank Kicks Off 15th Year of Million Meals Campaign

FORT SMITH, Ark. (April 1, 2025) – Arvest Bank today announced the start of its 15th annual Million Meals campaign, a two-month initiative to raise awareness and money to help fight hunger in its four-state footprint of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas.Money collected during the campaign, which runs through May 31, will benefit more than 80 food partners, including the Community Services Clearinghouse, United Way of Fort Smith Area and Antioch for Youth and Family. Every dollar raised through the

Spring Lineup - Perk Coffee House

Arvest Adds Eddie Lee Herndon to Bank Board in Fort Smith

FORT SMITH, Ark. (March 19, 2025) – Arvest Bank is pleased to announce Eddie Lee Herndon has been appointed to its board in Fort Smith. Herndon is currently community affairs manager for Oklahoma Gas & Electric. “We are excited to have Eddie Lee join our board in Fort Smith,” said Mike Jacimore, president of Arvest Bank – Fort Smith region. “His experience, knowledge and community relationships make him a tremendous asset for Arvest and our work in this region.”  Prior to joining Oklahoma Gas & Electric,

Saddle Up Donors!

  Saddle Up and Donate with Our Blood Institute Successful donors will receive a limited-edition cowboy-themed T-shirt.   February 26, 2025 ─ Are you ready to wrangle up some good? Saddle up and donate blood with Our Blood Institute this March and April to help save lives!   Starting March 1, 2025, successful Our Blood Institute donors will receive a limited-edition cowboy-themed T-shirt, while supplies last.* Plus, every week in March, all donors will be entered to win a cowboy hat of your

CASA's Dutch Oven Lid Lifting Competion is here!

We are excited about our upcoming Dutch Oven Fundraiser! This annual event has expanded significantly and promises a day filled with enjoyment and delectable food. CASA of Crawford County recruits trained volunteers who advocate for children experiencing abuse and neglect. Our committed volunteers give these children a voice, instilling hope and providing stability during their time in foster care, despite the changes in their environments. This family-friendly event will feature a live band, bounce

Tips for Building a Focused Framework for Entrepreneurial Success

Starting an entrepreneurial journey requires a sharp focus on strategy and purpose. Clear business goals can turn obstacles into opportunities for progress. A detailed plan helps unify efforts and direct resources effectively. Prioritizing areas like persuasive communication, cohesive branding, and financial management strengthens the foundation for success. Building strong networks and fostering collaboration can amplify growth and resilience. Every action must be intentional to ensure the business

The CTA, BOI and FinCEN: What Does this Mean for Van Buren, AR Businesses?

The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. As of today, 12/05/2024, Van Buren, AR business owners have 26 calendar days(or 19 business days) left to file their Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN. 1. Determine if Your Business Must File. A “reporting company” is any small business, corporation, or LLC that is registered with the state, unless exempt. Exemptions apply to

Fort Smith Marshals Baseball

The Marshals are here! Hello everyone! We are the new summer collegiate baseball team in Fort Smith. We are thrilled to bring baseball back to the River Valley! We are committed to providing family fun and safe experiences for Fort Smith, Van Buren, and the rest of the River Valley Area. Our organization strives to provide an ideal environment for continuing the development of collegiate baseball players.  We will play 34 homes games this season. Opening day will be May 23rd at 7:05pm! Season tickets,