The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce invites the public to its Business Expo, presented by FNBC, scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Batesville Community Center.

This year's theme is "Toy Box," in an effort to encourage attendees to embrace their inner child and vendors to unleash their imagination and embrace the utility of their product or service through the lens of toys. The event will be held at the Batesville Community Center and is free and open to the public. 

"We are excited to see over 100 local businesses connect with thousands of potential customers under one roof," said Courteney Muse, BACC's Director of Memberships and Programs. "We are ready to see familiar faces and welcome new vendors this year. We have added booth spaces and activities to this growing event."

Vendors will decorate their booths with a toy theme that compliments their business. An award will be given to the most festive booth.

"We look forward to Business Expo every year," said Courteney Muse, BACC's Director of Membership and Programs. "This event allows businesses to showcase their innovative products and services, connect with industry leaders, and create lasting partnerships."

Vendors are encouraged to offer giveaways, hold creative contests, or demonstrate products/services to generate traffic for their booth.

"Our Business Expo creates opportunities for networking, education, and enjoyment," Muse continued. "Come and experience a day filled with excitement and entertainment. You'll find fresh insights, valuable connections, and a chance at many prizes!"

Vendors will offer giveaways, hold creative contests, and demonstrate products and services. The business-to-business trade show, available exclusively to participating vendors, will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. The Business Expo will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the public is invited to do business and have fun. A Taste of the Chamber, featuring local cuisine served by Chamber members, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Business Expo also features a Kids Zone with activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., including a Mascot Dance Off competition.

"We invite visitors of all ages to network, learn, enjoy tasty treats, and have fun at the Toy Box Business Expo," continued Muse. "Our vendors are creative and go all out with their activities. It will be exciting to see it all come together!"

The Chamber and AceOne Technologies have partnered to release a new Expo App. This interactive app will help community members discover more local businesses and services participating in the Expo and allow businesses enhanced ways to interact with guests.

"The expo continues to be a community tradition and the best way for our businesses to showcase products and services," Muse concluded. "This event was created to promote member services and products to the community. I am proud that we have built a reputation for hosting one of the region's best and biggest trade shows."

FNBC presents the expo with additional support from Bad Boy Mowers, the City of Batesville, Intimidator Group, Merchants & Planters Bank, Optimum, Peco Foods, RAWK Imprinting, Sonic Drive-In, the UPS Store, Precise Heat and Air, and White River Health.

Learn more about the 2024 Business Expo at batesvilleareachamber.com or contact Courteney Muse at membership@batesvilleareachamber.com.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony to celebrate Home Helpers Batesville's relocation.

Home Helpers Home Care of Batesville is not just an in-home health care agency — it’s a beacon of hope and support when family can’t be there. Home Helpers, a locally owned and trusted provider, offers quality, compassionate in-home care in Batesville. Their home care programs are tailored to each client's unique situation, providing an affordable solution that keeps your loved one where they’re happiest: at home. Caregivers of Home Helpers assist with housekeeping, food preparation, cleanliness, and more, coupling those with skilled services as needed. 

“We’re excited about this new location. We’ve been growing; we have about 40 caregivers in the Batesville office. We provide in-home, non-skilled care that keeps clients in their homes longer,” said Hayden Gilders, President and CEO of Home Helpers. 

Home Helpers’ new location is 2080 Harrison St, Suite C, in Batesville. 

Ambassadors in attendance include Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Carey Markum (Mossy Oak Properties), Caitlyn Guzman (First Community Bank), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Kristi Morgan (FNBC), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Rickie Westbrook (Centennial Bank), Roxanne Rananudo (United Way of North Central AR), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Silje Antonsen (Venture Realty Group), and Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce joined Bad Boy Mowers to celebrate their annual Industrial Signing Day in collaboration with the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville.

Bad Boy Mowers has built a reputation for building reliable, powerful, and durable mowers for a better value. From zero-turn mowers to handheld equipment and tractors, every Bad Boy Mower is designed to be easy to operate, easy to maintain, and last for years. Located in Batesville, Bad Boy Mowers is sold through a nationwide dealer network.

The event was held to recognize and acknowledge the collaboration between and dedication of Bad Boy Mowers and UACCB to educate and equip students to enter a technical career upon graduation successfully. 

"This is one of my favorite events; it highlights the hustle these young people have and their dedication to jump right into the workforce,” said BACC CEO Crystal Johnson. “Every student that we can get educated and into the workforce and connected with our industrial partners is always a huge win." 

The collaboration came about from discussions between UACCB and Bad Boy Mowers on improving the college's industrial technology program, specifically the welding program. 

Jason Carson, Bad Boy Mowers' Vice President of HR, expressed thanks for their partnership: "UACCB has been an incredible partner with Bad Boy. They provide and fuel us with people, technology, and education. They fuel our growth at Bad Boy and allow us to compete on a domestic and now international stage—and do it all from Batesville."

"We’ve wanted students to get exposed to the industrial environment early on at various touch points. We wanted students to have time to think about what this career path would look like with Bad Boy Mower. We’ve accomplished that over this past year by Bad Boy coming to our shop, working with our faculty members, providing materials, and measuring the success of our students," explained Dr. Zach Harber, UACCB Dean of Workforce Education. “These students we have signing today have demonstrated that they will be successful with employment at Bad Boy," continued Harber. 

One of the goals of the Industrial Signing Day was to promote and encourage the pursuit of technical careers and thereby create a pipeline of future skilled workers for local industries. 

They then proceeded to the signing portion of the event, where UACCB welding program graduates, Kade Qualls and Brandon Thrash, signed employment offers with Bad Boy Mowers.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Cigna Healthcare. 

Cigna Healthcare has expanded to the Batesville area. Cigna is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health throughout every stage of life. Cigna representatives assist customers in navigating the health care system, empowering individuals with the information and insight needed to improve their health and vitality.

“We sell health insurance products, all of the independent agents that you see in your community that are local, we’re hoping if they aren’t currently selling Cigna Medica products that they will in the future,” commented Ben Foster, Broker Sales Manager of Cigna Healthcare. “We have a great relationship with White River Health, you are so blessed to have such a great hospital. We are going to continue to promote our brand here in Batesville and work with you, and other business leaders. We want to be involved in the community.”

Ambassadors in attendance include Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Cori Perkey (Southern Bank), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), John High (Qualls Batesville Funeral Service), Justin Keister (Synergy, HR LLC), Katelyn Holt (Family Chiropractic Care), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Lucy Rodriguez (George's Inc), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Megan Renihan (Batesville School District), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Peter Rouiler (First Community Bank), Rickie Westbrook (Centennial Bank), Roxanne Rananudo (United Way of North Central AR), Sarah Perkins (Mossy Oak Properties), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City), and Dana Millikin (White River Now). 

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for A First Name Basis in-home care. 

A First Name Basis provides quality senior home care in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Their friendly caregivers are available to you and your loved one 24/7. An exclusive care management program allows clients to mix and match services to build a tailored home care approach to fit individual needs. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in conjunction with a hiring event. 

Amanda Lindsey, Area Manager of A First Name Basis, stated, “We provide personal, attentive, and respite care. We offer TCM (transitional care management), which allows our clients to have their medical equipment and supplies delivered directly to their homes. This also includes setting up transportation to appointments.”

“A few different things set us apart. Our caregivers are employees with us,” continued Linsey. “Health insurance is offered after being a full-time employee for one year, as well as a 401(k) with matching up to 5%. Daily pay is also an option for caregivers, where they can cash out their hours worked before payday hits. These are a few of the many great things about this company.”

“We really enjoy what we do; we want to have our name recognized in the community and gain new clients and caregivers. We love being part of the community,” concluded Lindsey.

Ambassadors in attendance include Aaron Herndon (Citizens Bank), Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Amy Finster (White River Health), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), Caitlyn Guzman (First Community Bank), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Cori Perkey (Southern Bank), Kendra Collier-McMahan (Approve Home Health and Caring Hands), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Lucy Rodriguez (George's Inc), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Peter Rouiler (First Community Bank), Rickie Westbrook (Centennial Bank), Roxanne Rananudo (United Way of North Central AR), Silje Antonsen (Venture Realty Group), Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville) and Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Salon West. 

Salon West, located in the heart of Batesville, is your premier destination for a complete beauty experience. Their expert team offers a range of services, including luxurious facials, trendsetting hair treatments, flawless lash extensions, brow shaping, and precise waxing services. Step into Salon West and indulge in top-notch beauty services that will enhance your natural beauty and leave you feeling refreshed and radiant.

Brittney Bennett, the Property Owner, introduced Salon West owner, stylist Ashley Bullard, and esthetician Morgan Galloway. “Ashey just graduated not too long ago and is getting started here and does an amazing job,” said Bennett. “I enjoy extensions, highlighting, color, cutting, the whole nine yards,” stated Bullard. “I can do facials, waxing, and lashes,” commented Galloway.

They hope to bring on new stylists in the future. 

Ambassadors in attendance include Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Silje Antonsen (Venture Realty Group), Tiffany Traw (UACCB) and Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City).

Did you know that Celebrate America is one of the LARGEST fireworks displays in the state? Add on the arrary of vendors, food and fun along the banks of the White River, and you have the perfect all-day getaway. Pack the picnic blankets and camping chairs - Batesville is the place to be this Independence Day!

The Ozark Gateway Tourist Council will host the 6th Annual Ozark Gateway Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 8, at the scenic Cherokee Village South Course in Cherokee Village.

The 4-person scramble has become a popular fundraiser for the council, a nonprofit organization that promotes tourism, industry, and the communities of Fulton, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp and Stone counties in north-central Arkansas.

“This tournament is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the strong community spirit we have here in north-central Arkansas,” said John Kunkel, event chair. “We look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new participants to this year’s event.”

Registration opens at 8 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The winners will be announced at 3 p.m. Fee is $200 per team, which includes entry into the tournament, breakfast, lunch, and access to various prizes and contests.

"We encourage golfers of all ages and skill levels to come out and enjoy the beauty of the Ozark Gateway region,” said Cathy Drew, executive director of the Ozark Gateway Tourist Council.

Golfers can look forward to special hole contests throughout the day, each offering a $25 prize. The contests are as follows:

Hole 1: Longest Par Putt Made

Hole 2: Closest to the Pin from the Tee

Hole 3: Closest to the Pin 3rd Shot

Hole 4: Closest to the Pin 2nd Shot

Hole 5: Closest to the Pin 2nd Shot

Hole 6: Closest to the Pin 2nd Shot

Hole 7: Longest Drive in Fairway – Men Age 70+

Hole 8: Hole in One

Hole 9: Longest Drive on Fairway for Women

Hole 10: Longest Birdie Putt Made

Hole 11: Closest to the Pin 2nd Shot

Hole 12: Closest to the Pin 3rd Shot

Hole 13: Closest to the Pin from the Tee

Hole 14: Longest Drive in the Fairway – Men

Hole 15: Longest Drive in the Fairway – Women Age 70+

Hole 16: Closest to the Pin from the Tee

Hole 17: Longest Par Putt Made

Hole 18: Longest Putt Made

The hole-in-one prize will be $1,000. 

Participants will tee off from different locations based on age and gender: white tees for men ages 59 and under, gold tees for men ages 60-69, and red tees for men ages 70 and over, as well as all women. 

Golf carts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not included in the entry fee. Please indicate the number of golf carts needed during registration.

To register a team or for more information, please contact Cathy Drew at crdrew@sbcglobal.net or call 800.264.0316.

Gallery 246 is pleased to announce mixed media artist Helen Wade as the next featured artist. Her art will be on display during the months of May and June with an artist reception planned for mid-June. Helen has been decorating cakes for around 8 or 9 years. The words “have your cake and eat it to” has taken on a new meaning for her. She has always been into art and crafts of all kinds but she has never pursued it very much until recently. Decorating cakes as a full time job rekindled a passion in her to use her skills in making all kinds of art and trying new styles and techniques. As she decorates cakes and learns more every day on how to use her creative gifts for that, it gives her a sense that she can do all sorts of creative things outside the job.

The Batesville Area Arts Council’s Gallery on Main presents the 12th Annual BAAC National Juried Exhibition through June 8, 2024. This diverse exhibition juried by Justin Bryant, a contemporary artist and current Assistant Professor at Philander Smith University, includes 20 pieces from 19 artists across the United States, featuring paintings, drawings, textile work, and sculpture.

The artists included in this exhibition are Scott Andresen (New Orleans, LA), Brandin Barón (San Francisco, CA), Andy Denton (North Little Rock, AR), Lisa Floryshak (Bald Knob, AR), Marshall Green (Wellsville, NY), Kevin Haran (Oviedo, FL), Rene Hein (Little Rock, AR), Tehya Hinkson (Bryant, AR), Larry Lauxman (Lawrence, KS), Devin Lovett (Augusta, Georgia), Jason McCann (Maumelle, AR), Glenda McCune (Little Rock, AR), Jennifer Perren (Little Rock, AR), Shakeelah Rahmaan (Little Rock, AR), Katherine Strause (Little Rock, AR), Carissa Watson (North Little Rock, AR), Cody Wilson (Norman, OK), Brian Thomas Wolf (North Little Rock, AR), and Jonathan Wright (Pine Bluff, AR). The Batesville Area Arts Council is honored to share work from talented artists all across the United States.

The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join us for Batesville Area Arts Council's annual Summer Celebration: It's Poppin' fundraiser on June 8, 2024 at The Loft on Main Street (267 E Main St. 3rd floor), presented by First Community Bank.

Summer Celebration is back with a pop! It's Poppin' is a celebration of pop art, pop music, and all things pop culture. Guests will enjoy dinner, drinks, and live music by Luke Middleton and Trevor Graddy, followed by a pop music dance party with DJ Colyn Bowman. Highlights of the night will include a pop-up art studio where guests can make their own pop art, photo ops with iconic pop art imagery to commemorate the night, and BAAC's signature silent auction featuring unique art pieces from local artists. Throw on a pop of color or pop your collar and join us for a night of creativity, entertainment, and philanthropy!

Proceeds from Summer Celebration will support BAAC's mission to provide educational programs, art exhibitions, workshops, and community art projects for Batesville and the surrounding areas. BAAC recently launched a capital campaign to expand its workshop space to meet growing demand for arts programming. A portion of the funds raised at Summer Celebration will go to support this important project for our community.

Tickets are $60 or $50 for BAAC members, and are available at the BAAC Gallery on Main (226 E Main St), and online at batesvilleareaartscouncil.org. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. For more information call (870) 793-3382. This event is sponsored by First Community Bank, Citizens Bank, FutureFuel Chemical Co., Intimidator Group, Lyon College, University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, Merchants & Planters Bank, and Batesville Printing.

Registration is open for the Batesville Area Arts Council’s Summer Art Camp. Students will learn about various artists and practice a range of art techniques offered by instructor Dustyn Bork.

Students entering grades K–3rd, have two sessions available during the week of July 15 – 19: 10–11:30 a.m. or 1–2:30 p.m. Participants will have their work showcased at the BAAC Gallery on Main from July 30 – August 3, with a reception on Friday, August 2, from 5–7 p.m.

The week of July 22 – 26 is dedicated to students entering grades 4–12. Students in grades 4th - 6th can register for the morning session (10–11:30 a.m.), while students in grades 7th - 12th can register for the afternoon session (1–2:30 p.m.). Their artwork will be displayed at the BAAC Gallery on Main from August 6 - 10, with a reception on Friday, August 9, from 5–7 p.m.

The registration fee for the week is $85, and snacks will be provided. Classes will take place at the BAAC Gallery on Main located at 226 E Main Street. Due to limited space, pre-registration is required. For more information, please call (870) 793-3382 or visit www.batesvilleareaartscouncil.org to register. This program is made possible by The John Herman Hickman Foundation and First Community Bank.

UACCB Receives $368,614 Grant for Nursing Program Expansion and Enhancements

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) received a $368,614.26 grant from the Arkansas Linking Industry to Growing Nurses (ALIGN) Program to address the critical healthcare needs of North Central Arkansas. The award was one of 19 announced in a press conference Monday by Governor Sarah Sanders, Arkansas Department of Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald, and Arkansas Workforce Connections Director Cody Waits. ALIGN was awarded through the Office of Skills Development utilizing remaining American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding.

The ALIGN funding will allow UACCB to double the entry and exit points for Registered Nursing (RN) program from one to two annually, proactively responding to regional healthcare partners’ needs for a more consistent supply of new nurses. Additionally, UACCB will be able to increase the enrollment capacity for the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program by identifying and supporting current healthcare providers interested in advancing their education.

A key component of this strategy involves deepening collaborations with healthcare partners, such as White River Health, Woodlawn, and Mountain Meadows. These partnerships will be instrumental in supplementing faculty with nursing staff who can offer practical teaching and mentorship year-round. “We are grateful to have such incredible relationships with our healthcare providers,” said Dr. Brian Shonk, chancellor, “Our mission is to improve lives and quality healthcare plays a major part. These investments in our nursing program benefit our community and entire region.”

UACCB will be able to upgrade the Simulation and Med-Surg labs, including modernizing the 8 existing hospital rooms and adding 2-4 new rooms. Among these planned new spaces will be a birthing room, each fully equipped with the necessary resources to offer a comprehensive learning experience. The expansion allows for more intensive hands-on practice and individualized learning experiences, more closely mirroring the clinical settings of healthcare partners.

“Through this grant funding, UACCB is empowered to take a significant stride forward in addressing the pressing healthcare demands of our region,” said Dr. Holly Smith, vice chancellor for academics. “By expanding our RN and LPN programs' capacity and enhancing learning opportunities through upgraded clinical simulation facilities and equipment, we are meeting the needs of our healthcare partners and providing invaluable opportunities for current healthcare professionals to advance their education. This investment enhances the quality of care and strengthens the backbone of our healthcare workforce, ensuring a healthier future for North Central Arkansas.”

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.

Students in the Class of 2027 and beyond are now required to complete community service to earn a high school diploma (Act 237 of 2023, pages 38-39). The law specifies students will earn 15 hours of community service in ninth grade and 20 hours of community service in each subsequent year of high school for 75 total hours.

We believe that parents should lead, guide, and direct service. We know it is a very personal, family lesson for life. We will be approving service vetted by parents for safety and all other protocols. Our training includes safety protocols and suggestions. See our website for the most up to date information and a recorded webinar or call us for more information.

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.