Welcome to our Chamber Connection Newsletter!
In an effort to connect our Chamber Members to valuable news, information, and resources each month we feature a spotlight topic. This month's topic focuses on the importance of our Chamber Members including exciting announcements, resources, and more. Next month's topic will focus on Healthcare.
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December| 2022 | Membership |
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Don't Miss Our Newsletters, Save @fortsmithchamber.com Domain to Your Safe Sender List! |
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This Month's Newsletter is Sponsored by Ritter Communications |
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More from our newsletter sponsor: Ritter Communications |
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Ritter Communications gives back in celebration of $12 million expansion |
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Ritter Communications, the largest privately held telecommunications provider serving exclusively in the Mid-South, is completing a $12 million investment and is now offering high-speed internet and telephone services to businesses in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, and Ozark. These combined projects were investments made by Ritter Communications to benefit businesses in the region. The expansion of services in this area is one of several recently completed by Ritter Communications, to bring 100% fiber internet to communities across the River Valley and Northwest Arkansas.
“We understand how critically important high-quality, high-speed internet service is to business and education success in today’s environment,” said Ritter Communications President and CEO Alan Morse. “It’s gone from being a nice thing to have, to being something that you can’t effectively operate without. We are pleased to offer this vital connectivity to local businesses and schools in the River Valley.”
Ritter Communications delivers a full suite of reliable state-of-the-art broadband solutions and telecom services with speeds up to 10 gigabits per second of 100% fiber connectivity. In addition, businesses and schools now have access to the Ritter Communications Data Technology Center, a world-class, highly secure facility equipped with local customer support teams, offering advanced cloud solutions for businesses’ unique information and storage needs.
Construction began in the summer of 2021, and completion is expected in the fall of 2022. In celebration of the completion of construction, Ritter Communications is investing in the community with a $5,000 donation to the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House.
Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House Executive Director, Melissa Shaw Sikes said, “We are grateful for Ritter Communications' donation and their investment in the region. This contribution will help us further our mission of providing patients with a variety of services as they navigate a cancer diagnosis.”
A $5,000 donation to the Morgan Nick Foundation was made at the onset of construction and another exciting announcement is yet to come as the company is also donating to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Ritter Communications is a regional telecommunications provider, headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas serving more than 112 communities in the region across four states with a full suite of innovative communications services. Business customers can learn more about available services at RitterBusiness.com. |
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Ribbon Cuttings, Groundbreakings, & Grand Openings July - December 2022 |
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Thank You to our Shop Local Christmas Campaign Sponsors |
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Follow our Facebook @ftsmithchamber as we wrap up our Shop Local Christmas Campaign with upcoming Shop Local Showcases through next week! Thank you to our campaign sponsors for helping us spread the mindset of #shoplocal and #supportlocal in our community! |
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Networking Annual Pass Now Available for 2023 |
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Make plans to host or attend Networking Events for the new year!
Annual Networking Passes are now available. To secure your spot, contact Lindsey Trantham, Senior Events Coordinator by phone at 479-783-3111 or email at LTrantham@fortsmithchamber.com
The Chamber is excited to partner with our local United Federal Credit Union Branches
for all of our 2023 Networking Events.
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Highlights of recent and upcoming events & news from Chamber members |
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Hours of operation:
Open November 25th to January 1st:
Thurs-Fri: 4 PM to 7 PM (Dec 22-23: 1 PM-8 PM)
Saturdays: 1 PM to 8 PM (Christmas Eve: 1 PM-4 PM)
Sundays: 2 PM to 5 PM (Closed Christmas day)
Starting December 27th We Will Be Open at These Additional Times:
Tuesday – Thursday: 1 PM to 8 PM
*Hours of operation are subject to change.
The rink will be located at Cisterna Park, 1001 Garrison Avenue from Friday, November 25th to January 1st.
Fees/Admission
Admission Pricing:
Adults and children 12+: $10 each.
Children under 12: $5 each.
The price includes skates.
Prices are per hour.
Website
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Community Rescue Mission: Ice Skating Downtown Fort Smith
Community Rescue Mission Announces Return of Downtown Tradition
The Community Rescue Mission (CRM), in partnership with First National Bank of Fort Smith, is bringing back a Downtown Fort Smith tradition with a synthetic ice-skating rink. The rink will be located at Cisterna Park, 1001 Garrison Avenue from Friday, November 25th to January 1st. Admission is $10 pp and $5 for children under 12 and includes skates.
Executive Director of CRM Heather Sanders states, “This would be a fundraising campaign for CRM to continue our mission of servicing families in crisis throughout the River Valley and in connection with our Capital Campaign to complete 5 additional units for homeless families. With First National Bank’s sponsorship, our campaign would bring a former downtown family-friendly tradition for local residents of all ages while attracting more people downtown to enhance economic opportunities for local businesses.”
“First National Bank is grateful to support the community rescue mission in its endeavor to bring holiday cheer to our community while raising funds to help local families needing shelter and our support.” First National Bank of Fort Smith President and CEO, Sam Sicard
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Live music at Bricktown Brewery - 318 Garrison Avenue
Jon Dooly - Live Music
Date and Time
Friday, Dec 30, 2022
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM CST
Some Guy Named Robb - Live Music
Date and Time
Saturday, Dec 17, 2022
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM CST
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Date and Time:
Friday, Dec 16, 2022
Come out to Fianna Nutrition on December 16, 2022, and support The Salvation Army At-Risk Youth.
Location:
Fianna Nutrition
9220 Hwy 71 S. Ste 1
Fort Smith, AR 72916
(479) 551-3507
Fees/Admission:
Call in your order and receive free delivery when purchasing 5 or more teas/shakes! 479-551-3507
Website:
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Kids Unlimited Learning Academy Hosts Seasons of Giving
Seasons of Giving will be held this Saturday, December 17th from 10:00 am-1:00 pm at our Fort Smith location. We will be passing out FREE bags stuffed with holiday food items! This will be a drive-thru event. Please help us in spreading the word!
Date and Time:
Saturday, Dec 17, 2022
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM CST
Location:
Kids Unlimited Learning Academy
5400 Euper Lane
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Fees/Admission:
We will be passing out FREE bags stuffed with holiday food items! This will be a drive-thru event.
Website:
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Date and Time:
Saturday, Dec 17, 2022
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CST
Location:
4511 Phoenix Ave,
Fort Smith AR 72903
Fees/Admission:
Pictures with Santa, mini cupcake, and hot chocolate bar for $5.00
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RAM Saturdays
Every Saturday will be a fun hands-on exploration of a new medium or type of art! Participants will experiment with techniques and materials in the RAM studio and have the opportunity to make their own original works of art. This program is FREE and for ALL AGES! Please wear art-making clothing!
Date and Time:
Every Saturday, 12-4 PM
Location:
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
1601 Rogers Avenue
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
Fees/Admission:
Free
Website:
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Date and Time:
Tuesday, Dec 20, 2022
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CST
Location:
The Vue Venue
12105 Ward Avenue
Fort Smith, AR 72916
Website
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Renew + Revive's First Annual Christmas Party
This is Renew + Revive's first annual Christmas Party. There will be music, a photo booth, the launch of Morpheus 8, and giveaways! Please RSVP by the evening of Sunday, December 18th.
- Date & Time: December 20th, starts at 6 pm.
- Location: The Vue in Fort Smith, Arkansas
- Theme: "Dress to Impress" or Cocktail attire
- Keynote Speaker: Matt Kenmore with Inmode
- Music by Jamie Varnell of Varnell Media
- There will be catering provided by Amazing Graze
- Ballon creations by Danielle of Barham Ballons
- Photo booth by Devan Beilhartz
- Swag Bags to our first 50 guests
- $1000 Giveaway for Morpheus 8
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SERVPRO First Responder Bowl Game at Buffalo Wild Wings
SERVPRO wants to give back to our local first responders! We are inviting first responders to come and watch the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl game with us at Buffalo Wild Wings and we will pick up the tab! Come enjoy free food, drinks, and football on us during the game
Date and Time:
Tuesday, Dec 27, 2022
2:15 PM - 4:30 PM CST
Location:
Buffalo Wild Wings
6550 Rogers Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Website:
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Special Hot Deal for Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce Members: Get 15% off plumbing services (up to $200 discount) for chamber members. River Valley Area. Cannot be combined with any other offer or coupon. Call (479) 646-5151 to schedule today!
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From ugly sweaters to reindeer games, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays! Sweeten any get-together with these fun and festive cakes.
Call Nothing Bundt Cakes Fort Smith today to order your favorite or stop in our store at the Fort Smith Pavilion next to Best Buy.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
4191 Phoenix Avenue, Suite 27
Fort Smith AR 72903
479-431-4487
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UAFS to Host Colson Whitehead Feb 7
December 15, 2022 CommunityPress ReleaseHuman Interest
Celebrated American novelist Colson Whitehead, known for his unmatched breadth of subject matter and his profound, impactful novels that boldly confront the ills of society, will be the first Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lecturer at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.
Whitehead, who authored internationally acclaimed novels The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, will present a public lecture at 6 p.m. on February 7 at the UAFS Stubblefield Center in conjunction with the WRDL Series and the university’s ReadThis! public literacy program. The event is free and open to the public.
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Benefits, Tools, & Resources for Members |
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It's a Great Time to Join the Fort Smith Regional Chamber or Increase Your Engagement With Us - Learn How |
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Upcoming Chamber Connection Newsletters |
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January 26, 2023 - Healthcare: Organizational Wellness
February 23, 2023 - Legislative Affairs
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Connect with us on our social media channels below, like & follow for the latest news, events, specials, jobs, and more from our membership community. |
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