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  • Photo of River in Van Buren

  • 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.

     

     

     

  • Chamber Team

  • Chamber of Commerce Team

    Julie Murray, PCED  |  President & CEO
    A graduate of Van Buren High School, Murray is an experienced business professional with an extensive background in strategic planning and community development. Before returning to Van Buren in early 2019, Murray served as Executive Director of the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. Prior to her directorship at the Heber Springs Chamber, Murray worked at the Walmart corporate office in strategy and development, as well as the global communications department.

    She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Science in Leadership from John Brown University.  In 2018, she graduated from the Community Development Institute and passed a rigorous exam to earn the certification of Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED).

    From 2020 until 2022, Julie served on the board of the Arkansas Economic Developers/Chamber Executives. She currently serves on the boards of Western Arkansas Planning and Development, the Community Development Institute Alumni Advisory Board, and the Crawford County Adult Education Advisory Board.  

     

    Phyllis Thompson |  Director of Membership                                                                                                                                                                                                 

    A graduate of Van Buren High School, Phyllis is a long-time resident of Van Buren.  Prior to joining the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce, Phyllis worked in the retail industry in administration and management roles. She also has extensive experience in customer service and purchasing, having worked several years in the Oil Industry and the Food Processing business. 

    Thompson is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Crawford County and is an active member of the Robert Jack VFW Post 1322 Auxillary including previously serving as secretary of that organization. Thompson currently serves on the Keep Van Buren Beautiful board of directors. She and her husband, David, live in Van Buren, have two children and one grandchild. 

     


     

     Ailia Heilman |  Business Manager

    Heilman earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith in 2022 and is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Crawford County.
    Prior to joining the Chamber team, she worked as a manager in the retail industry as well as bookkeeping for a small business. 

     

     

     

     

     

    Pat Powell |  Executive Director, Leadership Crawford County

    Pat Powell was hired as the Executive Director of Leadership Crawford County in February 2021. She is a long-time resident of Van Buren and a 2009 graduate of Leadership Crawford County.

    Pat most recently held the position of Vice-President of Human Resources at Golden Living in Fort Smith. In this position, she was responsible for the oversight of up to 1,200 employees. Pat has served as the President of the Women’s League of Van Buren in 2006, as a board member of the Van Buren Boy’s and Girl’s Club and as a board member of the United Way. In 2008, she was recognized with the Women's League Volunteer of the Year Award.