Featured image: Van Buren Chamber President & CEO Julie Murray, Van Buren Mayor Joe Hurst, and Van Buren Chamber Operations Manager Janie Simmons pose with the proclamation, signed by Mayor Hurst, in honor of Chamber of Commerce week.


VAN BUREN, AR (October 14, 2019) Governor Asa Hutchinson has proclaimed October 14-18 as Chamber of Commerce Week in Arkansas to recognize the state’s 140 chambers of commerce. For over a century, Arkansas chambers have worked to keep the state growing and successful. Arkansas Chamber of Commerce Week celebrates the leadership our state’s chambers showcase in their communities by playing a pivotal role in building links as business advocates, and by encouraging policies that support business and economic development across The Natural State.  
For nearly 65 years, the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce has contributed to the civic and economic life of Van Buren as the City’s leading broad-based business organization and serves as the unified voice for businesses in the area. Founded in the spring of 1955, the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce spans a membership of over 400 local and national businesses and organizations. Businesses such as Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Oklahoma Gas & Electric, and Rhodes Chevrolet Co. were amongst the earliest chamber members, signing up in 1955 and maintaining membership today.
 “Our Chamber team which includes Janie Simmons and Ashley Love, our board of directors, our ambassadors and our volunteers work tirelessly to support our members.” states Julie Murray, President & CEO of the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce.  “We have accomplished a great deal this year including launching a new website and a proactive communication and marketing strategy to promote our businesses and community.  We are looking forward to 2020 with even bigger plans in the works.”
Arkansas Chamber of Commerce Week is presented by Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE). “We strongly endorse Gov. Hutchinson’s proclamation recognizing Chamber of Commerce Week in Arkansas,” said Arkansas State Chamber President and CEO Randy Zook. “We partner with the local chambers in the state and recognize the value they provide to their respective communities. Local chambers are the lifeblood – the boots on the ground – that help businesses, nonprofits, banks and industry succeed and thrive. They are vital in helping make Arkansas a better place to live and do business.”
Membership to the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce is available with details located online or by calling the Chamber office at 479-474-2761.