The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with our members, will be promoting SHOP LOCAL during the Christmas holiday shopping season. As we enjoy time with our families, shop for gifts, and gather to celebrate the season, we hope everyone will remember that spending and enjoying activities locally are rewarding in many ways. During this exciting time, we want to encourage our residents and visitors to our area to think “SHOP LOCAL,” which provides important support to our local economy. The ‘ripple effect’ of spending your money locally can have an enormous positive impact on our local economy.

Businesses large and small that have chosen to locate here in the Fort Smith region contribute to making our local economy and community better, creating jobs, and boosting our regional economy. Local businesses keep our community strong by providing more tax revenue to help our local infrastructure, contributing more to local charitable causes, and purchasing other locally sourced materials and services. Through our Shop Local campaign efforts, we are encouraging people in our region to spend their money locally.

During the Shop Local Christmas Campaign, you will find updates to event details on our website, and I encourage you to support local businesses in your own business communications. Thank you to our Chamber members for making the Fort Smith region home to your organization. Special thank you to our Annual Presenting Shop Local Sponsor for 2021 First National Bank of Fort Smith and to our campaign supporting sponsors Expressions Flowers, Fort Smith Radio Group, The Shops at BrickCity, and Wyndham of Fort Smith.