The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce invites the public to its annual Business Expo, presented by Citizens Bank, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Batesville Community Center. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s theme, Fan Zone, encourages businesses to bring the hype, show off their brand, and turn customers into fans! Vendors are invited to tailgate, celebrate, and showcase what makes their business a true champion.

“We are excited to see over 100 local businesses connect with thousands of fans under one roof,” said Amanda Roberts, BACC Membership Engagement Specialist. “We’re excited to see familiar faces and welcome new vendors this year. We’ve added booth spaces and more activities to accommodate the event’s growth.”

Vendors will decorate their booths with spirited, fan-centered themes highlighting their brand and engaging attendees. The most festive booth will receive an award. Exhibitor registration closes May 16. 

“We look forward to the Business Expo every year,” continued Roberts. “It’s a great opportunity for businesses to showcase their innovative products and services, connect with potential and existing customers, and turn customers into fans!”

The Expo features networking, education, entertainment, and fun for all ages. Visitors will enjoy interactive booths, giveaways, creative contests, and live demonstrations. A Taste of the Chamber, featuring delicious food served by Chamber member restaurants, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Kids Zone will run throughout the event with games and activities, including a Mascot Dance-Off at 1 p.m.  

“Our vendors are incredibly creative and go all out,” Roberts added. “The Fan Zone theme is going to bring a whole new level of energy to the Expo. We hope everyone will come out to network, sample some great food, and have a great time!”

This year’s event also includes an interactive expo experience on the Chamber’s Experience Builder app, which gives community members an easy way to explore vendors and learn more about the participating businesses.

“The Expo continues to be one of the region’s best and biggest trade shows,” concluded Roberts. “It’s a tradition we’re proud of, and a key way we promote our members to the wider community.”

Citizens Bank presents the 2025 Business Expo with additional support from Bad Boy Mowers, the City of Batesville, Lyon College, Merchants & Planters Bank, Onin Staffing, Optimum, Peco Foods, RAWK Imprinting, Spartan Mowers & UTVs, the UPS Store, and White River Health. 

Learn more about the 2025 Business Expo at batesvilleareachamber.com or contact Amanda Roberts at membership@batesvilleareachamber.com.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for the opening of Beebe Hall at the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches on Tuesday, May 13, at 12 pm. 

Beebe Hall is named in honor of former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe in recognition of his 30 years of service as a volunteer and advocate for the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches. The ribbon cutting will begin promptly at 12 p.m., with an Open House and facility tours to follow. Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranch is located at 100 St Vincent Place in Batesville.

Founded by the sheriffs of Arkansas in 1976, Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches provides hope, healing, and a home to thousands of children from every corner of the state. Children who have been abused, neglected, and abandoned come to the Ranch through no fault of their own and simply need a safe, loving place to call home. The Ranch’s mission is to address, remedy, and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe, healthy, and permanent homes for children. 

All community supporters, chamber members, ambassadors, board members, and staff are invited to attend.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for The Batesville Area Arts Council (BAAC) in celebration of its newly expanded and renovated Work/Shop on Main concept and space. The event marked a major milestone for BAAC, which recently completed an expansion within its historic Main Street building. The renovation includes a new gift shop, an expanded workshop space, and the unveiling of a Community Gallery that will feature work by talented local artists.

BAAC Board President Abby Perrine addressed the crowd. She shared the organization’s journey from utilizing the space as a rental property to transforming it into a beautiful extension of the former workshop area that can accommodate more participants in the many art classes offered by BAAC.  “None of this would be possible without the visionary talent and drive of our BAAC Executive Director, Carly Dahl.  Once she sets her mind on something, it happens. So, this wouldn’t be possible without her leadership and talent. Thanks to Carly, the workshop space can now seat 40 students and host more classes for the community,” stated Perrine. 

“We are so excited to share this new chapter with our supporters and the community,” said BAAC Executive Director Carly Dahl. “This renovation was made possible through the generosity of our sponsors and community investors. I want to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make my vision come true, including First Community Bank, Batesville Preservation Association, Citizens Bank, Lyon College, White River Health, Bad Boy Mowers, FARCO, Precise, Bob Carius, Ray & Diane LaCroix, Abby & Zach Perrine, and Racheal & Alex Roofe. And my husband, Dustyn Bork, helped with a long list of last-minute tasks, so I want to thank him for making today possible,” remarked Dahl.  

The Batesville Area Arts Council (BAAC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides enriching learning opportunities through the promotion of the arts. BAAC plays a vital role in the community by advancing arts education and cultural engagement through various programs, including Arts In Education, the Gallery on Main, and a wide range of workshops for all ages. The Gallery on Main is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday. The new expanded space can be rented for private events, workshops, or corporate gatherings in a unique and creative setting. Call the BAAC staff at 870-793-3382 or email them at info@batesvilleareaartscouncil.org for more information on booking this new space for unforgettable moments. To learn more about BAAC, visit www.batesvilleareaartscouncil.org or follow BAAC on social media.

Chamber ambassadors in attendance include Kendra Collier-McMahan (Approve Home Health and Caring Hands), Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Ashley Davis (Citizens Bank), Amy Finster (FARCO), Aaron Herndon (Citizens Bank), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Amy Crouch Howard (Weichert, Realtors – The Property Shoppe), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Alexandra McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Lucy Rodriguez (George’s Inc.), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Chad Whiteaker (White River Now), and Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for The Treehouse Natural Refill Store.

The Treehouse Natural Refill Store, a unique retailer in Batesville, AR, is an invitation to live more thoughtfully, healthy, and responsibly. Owner and manager Kaitlynn Doyle dreamed of creating a shop for zero-waste products that are sustainable alternatives for items we regularly use or discard. Her store offers merchandise for bath and body, home cleaning, health and wellness, and pet care needs. 

“After the birth of my child, I discovered the many harmful ingredients in our daily products along with all the waste created by packaging and our disposable mindset. I became inspired by resale stores I saw on TikTok and set my heart on this mission to bring natural products in a sustainable way to our area,” said Doyle.

Doyle thanked her family and friends for helping her “make her dream a reality to provide eco-friendly products to the community for many years to come.” 

The Treehouse Natural Refill Store is at 700 Harrison Street, Suite F, in Batesville. The store is open Monday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Treehouse is closed on Wednesday and Sunday.

Ambassadors in attendance include Silje Antonsen (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District) Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), Dana Millikin (White River Now), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Meredith Simmons (Home Instead), and Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics).

Introducing the all-new Experience Builder app—your ultimate guide to Batesville!
 
Plan personalized itineraries, explore top attractions, and stay updated on local events. With features showcasing the area’s culture, history, and natural beauty, you’ll never miss a thing.
 
Now available on the Apple and Google Play stores, the app enhances visits while supporting local businesses with exclusive deals and prizes for those who check into destinations with the Batesville Insider’s Pass.

🎉 The ONE Razorback Roadshow kicks off in Batesville on Monday, May 12! Join us at The River Waterfront Steak & Grill from 6–7 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM) for an evening of Razorback spirit. Meet Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek, Head Football Coach Sam Pittman, and Women’s Basketball Coach Kelsi Musick. Enjoy food, drinks, and chances to win exclusive Razorback prizes! 🎟️ Tickets are $16; kids 12 and under are free.

The Rotary Club of Batesville is excited to announce a brand-new event that aims to become its annual signature fundraiser to support local community service projects.

Smoke & Oak will take place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Highland House. This event is perfect for those who appreciate fine cigars and smooth beverages, want to learn more about cigars, or are simply seeking a unique networking opportunity in a relaxed and sophisticated setting.

Each ticket includes a gift bag containing two beverage tickets, a complimentary cigar courtesy of The Outpost Cigar Lounge, delicious food, and additional curated items. Representatives from The Outpost Cigar Lounge will be present to showcase cigars and related merchandise. Additional beverage tickets will also be available for purchase.

Funds raised from Smoke & Oak will support the Rotary Club's annual scholarship program. By the end of the event, the club will award $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from Independence County high schools.

The primary goal of the event is to fund scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, the club plans to apply for Rotary grants this summer, which will require matching funds. A successful event will allow the club to increase the number of scholarships awarded and potentially raise the scholarship amounts for the Class of 2026.

Rotary brings people together to provide humanitarian service, promote goodwill, and support professional growth, both locally and globally. It also serves as a platform for community-minded individuals to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on meaningful projects.

A secondary goal of Smoke & Oak is to introduce Rotary and its motto, "Service Above Self," to a new generation of leaders and community members. The event is designed to appeal to a wide audience and offers a fresh, inspiring experience that showcases Rotary's mission in action.

Get your tickets today: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/smoke-and-oak-event

• 🎨 Coffee & Colors for adults
• 🎲 Teen and adult game clubs
• 📚 A special author visit with John Paul Ried
• 🌿 Houseplant tips with Michelle Mobley
• 💻 A brand new "AI for Seniors" workshop
• 🌞 And our Summer Reading Registration Celebration on May 31—with lunch provided while supplies last!

Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner. The fourth annual Bill Walmsley Scots Golf Classic will be held Friday, June 20, 2025 at The Course at Eagle Mountain. Get those clubs out and put your team together for a fun day of golf supporting Lyon Athletics.

Check-in time is at the pavilion at 9 a.m. Tee-times are scheduled for a shotgun start at 10 a.m. and lunch will be provided on the course.

The team fee of $650 includes the following: gift bag, beverages, lunch, 2 cart rentals per team (if needed), green fees, range balls, and prizes!

The tournament pool is limited to the first 32 paid teams. Please indicate how many carts you will need on the registration form.

Prizes include:

• 2 Hole in One Contests (Minimum of 150 yards for men and 130 yards for women)
• Four (4) Closest to the Pin Contests
• Women's Long Drive Contest
• Men's Long Drive Contest

Schedule:
9 a.m. Registration
10 a.m. Shotgun Start

Get your team entered for the BILL WALMSLEY CLASSIC. If you are unable to attend but would like to sponsor a hole/contest you can do that also at the link.

Congratulations to Dustin and Tham Dayberry of Polk & Paddle for being named the Ozark Gateway Tourist Council's 2025 Member of the Year! 👏

Located in downtown Batesville, Polk & Paddle is a cozy restaurant and private club known for its rotating weekly menu and adventurous dining experience. 🍽️ Whether you're sipping something refreshing on tap or trying a new twist on your favorite comfort food, every visit is uniquely satisfying.

Our friends at the Paddle are building community—one bite, one smile, and one shared table at a time. Their passion for food, people, and place is helping redefine what it means to dine local and live local. Cheers to the Dayberrys for turning great taste into a great place! 🥪🍻

The CFO Network, an accounting firm based in North Little Rock, has announced the launch of a program providing free financial guidance to nonprofits across Arkansas.

We believe that when nonprofits succeed, communities thrive. The CFO Network recently created The Impact Hour, a new pro-bono program designed to bring financial clarity and strategic guidance to nonprofits.

During one of their Impact Hour sessions, nonprofit organizations can discuss the following information with a member of the CFO Network's team:

• Creating realistic budgets
• Managing cash flow effectively
• Simplifying financial reporting for stakeholders
• Identifying cost-saving opportunities

The Arkansas Community Foundation invite small arts organizations to apply for funding from the Arts in Arkansas Fund. These grants will provide grants for general operating support to nonprofits proving arts programming to underserved communities in the state.

Applications are being accepted now. The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 14.

Left to right: Brian Shonk (UACCB Chancellor), Josey Duncan

Josey Duncan, a recent University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and Southside Charter High School graduate, has been named a 2025 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. This prestigious recognition includes a $2,250 scholarship and honors Duncan as the top-scoring student in Arkansas in the All-USA Academic Team competition.

The New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship is awarded annually to the highest-scoring transfer-bound student from each state, based on academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement. More than 2,400 students from over 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated for the 2025 award.

“It was a proud moment watching Josey receive the New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship for Arkansas,” said Dr. Brian Shonk, UACCB chancellor, “I am thrilled that Josey is a UACCB alum and excited to see her future achievements.”

Duncan was formally recognized at Phi Theta Kappa’s Presidents Breakfast during the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Convention on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. Duncan is currently attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, having successfully completed her high school diploma and associate degree this past December.

The New Century Pathway Scholarship program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the American Association of Community Colleges, and Phi Theta Kappa. 

The City of Batesville has been awarded a $250,000 matching grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism to enhance outdoor recreation in our community! 🌳🏞️

This funding will help construct a new inclusive play area at Riverside Park and install a new swing set at Westside Park, creating more opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors together.

This is part of $3.85 million in FY2025 Outdoor Recreation Grants awarded across Arkansas, supporting projects that enrich communities and strengthen local economies.

📸 Pictured: Mayor Rick Elumbaugh alongside Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation Katherine Andrews, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Shea Lewis.

We’re excited to see these improvements come to life! Stay tuned for updates. 🙌

Dr. Mónica Rodríguez Explores Latinx Identity Through Food in Annual Lamar Williamson Prize Lecture at Lyon College

How can food serve as a powerful tool of cultural identity preservation?

Dr. Mónica Rodríguez, the 2024 recipient of the Lamar Williamson Prize for Faculty Excellence at Lyon College, tackled this question in her recent lecture, “Resisting Assimilation and Preserving Identity through Food in Latinx Communities,” at Lyon College.

Dr. Rodríguez’s presentation explored the cultural significance of food as a means of maintaining identity and resisting societal pressures to assimilate. Her research focused on U.S. Latino literature, depictions of Latinx individuals in film, and the role of food as a vital link to cultural preservation.

Dr. Rodríguez received the Lamar Williamson Prize for Faculty Excellence from Dr. Melissa Taverner, president of Lyon College, and Dr. Kurt Grafton, provost. The prize is awarded annually to a Lyon College faculty member who exemplifies outstanding teaching, scholarly achievement, and service to the college and community.

Born in Lima, Peru, Dr. Rodríguez joined the Lyon College faculty in 2001. She serves as adviser to Sigma Delta Pi, the Spanish honor society, and the Spanish Club. Her commitment to academic excellence was recognized when she was named Alpha Chi Professor of the Year for 2012-2013.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Rodríguez has been an active member of the Batesville community. She has served on the Humane Society of Independence County Board of Directors and has volunteered with the organization for more than a decade. Additionally, she has provided translation services at parent-teacher conferences alongside her students and was a former volunteer fitness instructor at the Batesville Community Center.

The 2025 Lamar Williamson Prize recipient will be named at the spring 2025 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17.

The Batesville Preservation Association has an exciting opportunity to present to the downtown residential and business district. The Sulphur Rock Elementary EAST Program has approached us with a project to create virtual tours for our historic homes and businesses within the historic district. This is at no cost and brings the benefit of access while promoting our area. I have attached an infographic with more details and included the links to apply for this service and an example tour. You may choose a portion, single room, exterior only, or entire structure. These tours will be uploaded to the brand-new BPA website www.historicbatesville.org. We are very proud to bring this initiative. These girls are very talented and we wish them success in their endeavor to create Timeless Tours. You can sign up today! Please share this as you see fit for any of your historic home/business owners.

There is Hope. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to connect with compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, 988 provides a 24/7 connection to confidential support.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice of business in Independence County, providing chamber members advocacy, promotion, and resources. The Chamber works to set the standard for service, collaboration, growth, and high quality of life in the Batesville area. We are unwavering in our commitment to strengthening our business community.