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  • 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.

     

     

     

  • 2026 CED Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards

    CommunityPress Release

     

     

    Each community has businesses and leaders whose impact extends far beyond their bottom line. They create jobs, invest in people, serve their communities, and help shape the future of our region. The UAFS Center for Economic Development and Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center invite you to help recognize those outstanding organizations and individuals by submitting a nomination for the 2026 CED Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards.

    Now in its third year, this event has become a celebration of excellence across the Arkansas River Valley and Eastern Oklahoma, honoring the family-owned businesses, small businesses, and trusted business advisors who strengthen our regional economy every day.

    Award categories include:
    • Small Business Awards
    • Family-Owned Business Awards
    • Business Advisor of the Year

    Whether you're nominating a client, colleague, employee, business partner, community leader, or your own business, we encourage you to share their story. Self-nominations are welcome and are evaluated equally alongside all other nominations.

    The strongest nominations include specific examples, measurable accomplishments, and stories that help our judges understand what makes the nominee exceptional.

    Award recipients will be recognized during the 3rd Annual CED Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at The Bakery District in Fort Smith. This year's keynote speaker is Robert Pasin, Chief Wagon Officer of Radio Flyer, who will share his perspective on leadership, innovation, and sustaining one of America's most iconic family businesses.

    Submit your nomination here:
    https://uafs.edu/ced/jwfec/excellence-awards-nomination-form.php

    Please don't assume someone else has already nominated a deserving business or advisor. Your nomination may be the one that brings their story to light.

    Thank you for helping us recognize the businesses and individuals whose leadership, innovation, and commitment continue to strengthen our region. We look forward to celebrating another outstanding class of honorees this November.

     

    Submit Your Nomination Here

     
     

    Center for Economic Development

    70 S 7th Street

    Fort Smith, AR 72901

    2026 CED Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards