Menu
  • 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.

     

     

     

  • "Let's Talk Business" -- The Impact of Small Businesses

    (0) Comments
    Small Business; Go Local
    "Let's Talk Business" -- The Impact of Small Businesses

    From the Desk of Chamber President Terry Carson

    *This is the first post in the new series, "Let's Talk Business" by Van Buren Chamber of Commerce President, Terry Carson. The monthly column will focus on issues related to the Chamber and economic development.* 

    Small businesses are a driving force in our state’s economy. As of 2016, the Small Business Association (SBA) reported that Arkansas had 481,170 business employees and 244,977 small businesses. This represents 48.5% of total employees and 99.3% of total businesses in the state. While many Fortune 500 companies also call the region home, it is clear that small businesses remain a critical part of industries throughout the state.

    SBA estimates there are122,800 male-owned and 75,900 female-owned businesses in Arkansas. Non-minority ownership represents 188,000 small businesses and 36,000 minority-owned. Of the minority-owned enterprises, 20,600 are owned by African-Americans and 8,000 owned by Hispanics.

    Starting new businesses in Arkansas is a critical part of economic and community development. Historically, 80% of business growth in Arkansas is from small business. In 2015, 1,893 new businesses were created with 6,168 employees. That same year, 1,765 businesses closed, impacting 4,509 employees. Despite the losses, the state still had a net gain of 128 businesses and 1,659 employees.

    Such stats help your Van Buren Chamber of Commerce to better understand the needs of our state and local economy. Our vision is to “promote and enhance quality of life for all citizens in our region” and our mission is to prepare, develop and promote the Van Buren community for economic growth. As we head into 2019, we look forward to the new year with great expectations. Thank you to our members, staff and volunteers for a very successful 2018!  

    Next month's “Let’s Talk Business” will focus on the City of Van Buren.

    Leave a Comment
    * Required field