The City of Batesville's Advertising and Promotions (A&P) Commission proudly announces its Holiday Pitch Contest. 

The contest allows interested and experienced parties to pitch their innovative holiday event ideas and compete for funds to bring those ideas to life. Applicants will pitch a unique, well-researched, and practical concept for a new holiday-themed event to attract overnight stays to Batesville. 

The A&P Commission is funding this exciting initiative to enhance the holiday experience in the Christmas Capital of Arkansas™, and encourage tourism growth.

"The contest is a great opportunity for organizations and individuals to compete for start-up funds to support holiday events," said Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce COO Jamie Rayford. "We see an incredible influx of visitor traffic during the Christmas season, and we are incubating ideas to give visitors a truly unique experience."  

Applicants are challenged to craft unique, well-researched, and practical ideas for holiday-themed attractions scheduled between November 22 and December 31 or substantial enhancements to existing events that have the potential to attract overnight visitors to Batesville. 

The Commission is generously funding the pitch contest with a total allocation of $30,000, which will be awarded to support the most promising ideas.

"Batesville has built a reputation as the Christmas Capital of Arkansas™, and we are excited to see what new ideas our community adds to grow that brand," concluded Rayford.

The Batesville A&P Commission will prioritize pitches that feature attractions spanning multiple days and weekends to boost overnight stays and maximize economic impact, include comprehensive promotion plans to generate excitement in advance, embrace collaboration by offering package deals or joint initiatives with other attractions, and align seamlessly with the overarching theme and spirit of other holiday activities, contributing to the cohesive and enchanting holiday experience of the Christmas Capital of Arkansas™.

Learn more and start planning your event at batesvillearea.com/visit/holiday-pitch-contest/. 

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Jay Chafin State Farm. The ceremony will occur at 1505 Harrison Street in Batesville on Tuesday, October 10, at 10:30 a.m. 

The ceremony will celebrate the new ownership of the agency, following Kenny Allen's retirement. Jay Chafin has been with State Farm for 26 years with 12 being in agency, and he is "looking forward to providing insurance and financial services for this community for years to come."

"We want to establish our business name as a trusted place for excellent customer care," continued Chafin. "We want to educate existing and future customers on what insurance is all about, protecting what you value most."

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

The Regional Industrial Safety Alliance (RISA) and the Arkansas Department of Labor will host the 22nd Annual Worker’s Safety Conference at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville on Thursday, September 28, beginning at 7:15 a.m.
 
RISA is a cooperative made up of Safety Professionals throughout North Central Arkansas. RISA’s volunteers are committed to promoting worker safety and health and preventing workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses through education and cooperation.
 
This conference serves as a means of fulfilling that commitment in our communities. Participants will receive updates from the Department of Labor/OSHA and attend training sessions on several safety-related topics. Our vendor expo provides an excellent opportunity to network with potential new vendors or with some you may already know. All registered participants will receive valuable training certification from the Department of Labor.
 
In 2019, the committee chose to offer a RISA Scholarship each Fall and Spring semester to a UACCB student in the Industrial Technology course of study, where industrial safety is a part of the standard curriculum. The hope was and is to grow the scholarship into an endowment that would perpetually fund itself, continuously benefitting students well into the future. This requires partnerships through funding with companies and individuals like you.
 
Please consider how you may join us in this effort through conference attendance or sponsorship. If you want to join the RISA Committee and promote Safety and Health in the workplace, please get in touch with Brad Rodgers, Committee President, at bradleyrodgers@ffcmail.com.

The Batesville Area Arts Council is pleased to present Have a Seat, an exhibition by Clay Palmer, at the BAAC Gallery on Main (226 E Main St) through September 30, 2023. Palmer, who currently resides in Trenton, TN, won first place at BAAC’s 2022 National Juried Exhibition.

Palmer’s work examines contemporary Southern life through genre scenes that address the anxiety of living in a period of history ravaged by ideological, economic, and socio-political friction. His recent works are directly related to the anxieties of his newfound role as a father. “As I navigate this unfamiliar territory, I find myself meditating on my own paternal relationships, reflecting on my childhood, and analyzing my many shortcomings to gain some insight into the everyday challenges and joys that becoming a new parent imparts.”

BAAC will hold a closing reception on Friday, September 29, from 5 - 7 p.m. with a brief artist talk at 6 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. This exhibition is sponsored by Fuller Bumpers Attorney at Law. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Reception: Friday, September 29, 5 -7 p.m.

Members Only Happy Hour: 4 - 5 p.m.

The Citizens Bank Fall Festival is Saturday, October 7th! Bring your family and friends and enjoy charming downtown Batesville. We'll be in the middle of the hustle and bustle at the Citizen Bank Pocket Park. Come Fall In Love With Batesville!

Karaoke for a Cause Fundraiser to Support Family Violence Prevention

Local nonprofit organization Family Violence Prevention (FVP) is thrilled to announce its upcoming annual fundraiser, "Karaoke for a Cause," set to take place at on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at The Loft at Main Street in Batesville.

The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the show will start at 6 p.m. This event promises a night of lively entertainment and heartfelt giving to support FVP's vital programs. Attendees will be treated to the musical talents of local singers as they belt out their favorite karaoke hits.

The primary aim of this event is to raise funds for Family Violence Prevention's essential initiatives. Proceeds from the fundraiser will directly contribute to FVP's programs, which encompass a women and men's shelter, a resale shop, and a rape crisis outreach center. By attending "Karaoke for a Cause," supporters will play a significant role in assisting FVP's efforts to combat domestic violence and provide a safe haven for those in need.

To secure a spot at this unforgettable event, tickets are priced at $40 per person and can be obtained from various locations, including Econo-Mart Pharmacy, Fresh Start Resale Shop, and the FVP office at 192 E. Main Street.

Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early and support the cause. Participants in the karaoke performances have the chance to take the stage for up to two songs, making the evening even more entertaining.

"We are so excited to bring the community together for an evening of music, fun, and fundraising," said Billie Grady, executive director of Family Violence Prevention. "Your attendance and support will make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by domestic violence."

Participation in "Karaoke for a Cause" extends to all ticket holders, who will have the opportunity to enjoy the performances and contribute to the cause. This inclusive approach aligns with FVP's commitment to raising awareness about family violence prevention.

For more information on how to get involved, attend, or support the event, please reach out to Family Violence Prevention via Facebook or contact them at 870.569.4467. 

Batesville Preservation Association taking applications for grant program

The Batesville Preservation Association has announced the opening of its annual Preservation Grant competition.

BPA makes up to three annual matching grants of up to $1,000 to assist property owners with preservation and restoration efforts.

Properties eligible for BPA’s matching grants include downtown commercial property and historic property owned by non-profit organizations. Residential property is not eligible.

Past grants have assisted in restoring tin ceilings, re-painting exteriors, replacing deteriorated awnings, and reopening closed doorways. They have assisted in major projects like the restoration of the Melba and the creation of Maxfield Park.

Property owners interested in applying can go to BPA’s website, preservebatesville@gmail.com, for information on the application process.

The deadline for submitting applications is December 15.

Low Power Community Radio Station
FCC will be accepting applications November 1 - 8 for a Low Power FM radio station that would cover Batesville and the surrounding areas. Pre-registration is required & only non-profit organizations with an education program may apply. Need not be tax exempt, just a state recognized non-profit. For more info call (870) 213-7179 or review the Public Notice at: https://www.fcc.gov/document/november-2023-lpfm-new-station-application-filing-window

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.