VAN BUREN, AR, January 2020 – The Van Buren Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce it’s 2020 Chair of the Board of Directors is Debbie Foliart. 2020 begins Foliart’s sixth year serving the Chamber on the Board of Directors, through various chamber committees, and on the Executive Committee.
 
Debbie and her husband of 43 years, Alan, are owners of TDG Merchant Solutions LLC, a local merchant consulting company providing payment processing and point-of-sale solutions for retailers and the hospitality industry. The Foliarts, along with their grandson, Christian Westbrook, are also the owners of Chapters on Main in Van Buren.
 
Throughout her career, Debbie has held marketing and advertising positions with Gannett Co., the Press Argus-Courier and established fundraising programs for schools and organizations. Her extensive experience working with the supplier and vendor community have paved the way for her understanding the needs of any size business or corporation.
 
Of the new task, Foliart says, “I have been involved with the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce in many ways over the past years, from member to board member to executive committee. In leading the Chamber this year I’m excited about the direction our Chamber is going in parallel with growth of our city of Van Buren. Our “For Van Buren” theme over the next year and implementation of new ideas, strategic planning & economic development that will come from our own people and businesses spending time behind the scenes will make a huge difference in how our community is seen in other areas of the region and the state.”
 
She continues, “Working with our Mayor Joe Hurst and the other city officials and stakeholders is very important to the Chamber and we plan to be part of Van Buren moving forward in a strong way.”
 
Julie Murray, President/CEO of the Chamber notes, “Debbie is such an asset to the Chamber. I have learned a great deal working with her the past few months and l look forward to working with her as Chairperson this year. As a Chamber, we have big goals for 2020 and I think Debbie is the perfect person to help us achieve each one.”
In addition to the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce, Debbie also serves the community through Kiwanis Club, Womens League of Van Buren, is a founding member of Van Buren Original, and is Chair of the Van Buren Advertising & Promotions Commission.
 
Two additional directors were elected to the board beginning in 2020 to fill vacant seats left by directors who had fulfilled their terms. Brian Burke, VP of Further Processing for Simmons and Dr. Terisa Riley, Chancellor of UAFS will begin their terms of service with the first board meeting in January.
 
The Van Buren Chamber of Commerce has proudly served the community for 65 years with a membership base of over 400 businesses, organizations, educational institutions and individuals throughout the River Valley. The Chamber’s mission is to prepare, develop, and promote the city of Van Buren for economic growth.