Menu
  • Photo of River in Van Buren

  • Growing Our Businesses & Community

  • Platinum Investors

     

  • 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.

     

     

     

  • Methodist Village Senior Living Receives $30,000 Donation

    Press ReleaseHuman InterestHealth & Wellness

    Methodist Village Senior Living Receives $30,000 Donation from Home Instead to Open Hospice Suite
     
    Fort Smith, AR (Tuesday, September 9, 2025) - Methodist Village Senior Living (MVSL) is honored to announce a generous $30,000 donation from Home Instead, made possible by local owner Jonathan Fry, to support the opening of a dedicated hospice suite on the MVSL campus.
     
    This compassionate gift will fund the creation of a serene, private space for current or newly admitted residents at the end of life. The hospice suite will be designed to offer dignity, comfort, and peace for the residents and the loved ones who surround them in their final days.
     
    "End-of-life care is one of the most sacred responsibilities we carry," said Melissa Curry, CEO of MVSL. "Thanks to the generosity of Jonathan Fry and Home Instead, we will now be able to offer families a warm, comfortable space where they can be fully present with their loved one during this important time."
     
    The hospice suite will include:
    • A peaceful, home-like environment for the resident
    • Two recliner beds to allow family members to stay overnight
    • A full bathroom and walk-in shower for caregiver comfort
    • A kitchenette with snacks and drinks
    • Faith-based reading materials for comfort and reflection
    • Soothing and uplifting music to promote peace and relaxation
     
    The space will be available to all MVSL residents, and admission criteria will be based on medical eligibility for hospice services.
     
    "We are grateful for the incredible care MVSL provides to this community," said Jonathan Fry, owner of Home Instead. "Supporting this hospice suite is our way of giving back and ensuring families have the support and comfort they need during one of life's most emotional moments."
     
    Construction of the suite is set to begin this fall, with a ribbon-cutting and dedication planned after completion.

    For more information about MVSL's hospice care or to support the project, please contact Melissa Curry at 479-414-2093, mcurry@methodistvillage.com, or Katee Jones at 479-755-6304, kjones@method istviIIage.com.
     
    *Pictured from left to right- Cody Reeves, Home Instead- Client Care Coordinator; Sara Floyd, Home Instead- Business Development Advisor; Todd Tatum, Home Instead- Home Care Consultant; Jonathan Fry, Home Instead- Owner; Melissa Curry, MVSL- CEO; Julie Efurd, Home Instead- President of Operations; Katee Jones, MVSL- Business Development Director
     
    Our mission is "To provide wonderful life experiences that enable our residents and their families to lead full and enriching lives." Our vision is "To exceed the expectations of our residents and families while inspiring hearts and minds."
     
    Serving our Mission, Striving for our Vision, Sharing Stories, and Leaving a Legacy-For 64 years, MVSL has been caring for our community's elders through Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, Long-Term Care, and Rehab. Seated on 30 acres in central Fort Smith, our campus is the only "Life Plan Community" in the River Valley. We are pushing forward with innovative care and education, focusing on the whole person and creating a place you would be happy to call home. Call 479-452-1611 to schedule a tour today.
     
    For more information, visit methodistvillage.com

    Methodist Village Senior Living Receives $30,000 Donation