Making Waves!

ARKADELPHIA, AR, Mar. 14, 2025: The Arkadelphia Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce set the stage for progress and innovation at its Annual Chamber Banquet, presented by Southwest Auto Collection, on March 13, 2025. Held at the Martin B. Garrison Activity and Conference Center on the Henderson State University campus, the event brought together Clark County’s business community to celebrate achievements, recognize leaders, and unveil exciting new initiatives.

With this year’s theme, "Making Waves," the banquet highlighted the power of collaboration in driving economic growth and strengthening Clark County’s business environment. Throughout the evening, Alliance and Chamber leaders shared impactful updates, reflecting on the waves of progress made over the past year.

Jon Merryman, Executive Vice President of the Arkadelphia Alliance and Chamber, unveiled several major initiatives aimed at fostering business growth. One of the most exciting announcements of the evening was the launch of a matching façade grant designed to help Clark County businesses renovate their exteriors, enhancing the visual appeal of local storefronts and contributing to the area’s economic vibrancy. Merryman also highlighted upcoming Chamber events, including a Member Appreciation Lunch in April, sponsored by Sodexo OBU Dining Services, and the Chamber Bingo Night on December 30 at the Clark County Fairgrounds, sponsored by Crye-Leike Pro Elite Realty.

“We are always looking for ways to support and elevate our local businesses,” said Jon Merryman. “With the launch of the matching façade grant and exciting upcoming events like our Member Appreciation Lunch and Chamber Bingo Night, we’re creating more opportunities for engagement, growth, and community connection.”

The event also featured the premiere of a new Chamber video showcasing four local businesses and their experiences with the Chamber’s support. Attendees were also the first to receive copies of the newly unveiled 2025 Arkadelphia Life Magazine, a go-to resource celebrating the businesses, people, and opportunities that make Clark County thrive.

A highlight of the evening was the Annual Chamber Awards Ceremony, emceed by Arkadelphia native and Ouachita Baptist University graduate, Caroline Derby, news reporter for Fox 16 and KARK. The ceremony honored individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact in the community.

The 2024 Award Recipients include:

Service Award: Catherine Plyler

Rising Star: Breanna Wages, Bakes by Bree

Non-Profit Organization of the Year: Humane Society of Clark County

APSD Teacher of the Year: Meridith Armstrong

Small Business of the Year: Adorn Boutique

Large Business of the Year: The J.M. Smucker Co.

President’s Accomplished Youth Award: Millie Babb

President’s Distinguished Citizen: Gary Brinkley, City Manager, City of Arkadelphia

As the evening concluded, Shelley Short, President and CEO of the Arkadelphia Alliance and Chamber, delivered several major announcements aimed at strengthening local businesses and workforce initiatives. She unveiled the newly redesigned Arkadelphia Alliance website, which will provide enhanced accessibility, key business resources, and a showcase of Clark County’s economic and community development efforts.

Short also announced that the Alliance is hiring a Director of Workforce Development, a key position that will focus on strengthening workforce initiatives, expanding industry partnerships, and addressing employment needs in the region. Additionally, she revealed a new partnership with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), through which the Alliance will provide no-cost, monthly small business consultations. These sessions will offer entrepreneurs and small business owners expert guidance on business planning, financial management, and growth strategies.

“Our goal is to create meaningful opportunities that empower local businesses and drive economic growth in Clark County,” said Shelley Short. “With initiatives like our workforce development efforts and expanded small business support, we’re not just planning for the future—we’re actively building it.”

Bringing the evening to an exciting close, the banquet concluded with a ribbon cutting ceremony for AV Arkadelphia, a new local business. This special moment gave attendees a firsthand experience of the Chamber’s role in celebrating new business in the community.