story and photos by Linda Kaufenberg
The 2009 Annual Van Buren Chamber of Commerce Meeting and Banquet was held Saturday in the Van Buren School Districts Fine Arts Center, with more than 300 attending.
Even though it was the 54th event the chamber held, it marked the first business fair prior to the banquet. Approximately 30 Van Buren businesses set up booths, spoke about their products or services, distributed free give-aways and registered for drawings.
“The chamber wants to see businesses grow; right here, right now,” said Jackie Krutsch, executive director of the Van Buren chamber. “This is one of the most effective and least expensive forms of networking.”
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT
Dr. Paul Beran, chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and the keynote speaker at the banquet, said Van Buren provides a “lot of depth and strength to the university.” Beran said UAFS creates an economic impact of $350 million in the Fort Smith/Van Buren region.
He said the UAFS restoration of the Drennan-Scott house in Van Buren is a history project for the community and the area that also is a significant investment in the region. He said students continue to excavate around the historical house to gain more information about the area.
Beran cited other benefits of the university. Those include:
• Expanding degree programs to fit the needs of businesses and communities.
• Actively re-educating 500 individuals who have been laid off, and maintaining 90% enrollment of those individuals after one semester.
• Supporting and training various businesses and manufacturing facilities.
• Creating opportunities for entrepreneurship through the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.
• Doubling the size of library.
QUIET AND EFFECTIVE
Recognized by the chamber as the Iverson Riggs Memorial Citizen of the Year was Susan McCartt.
“You probably won’t recognize her name and you probably haven’t seen her photo in the newspaper. Susan is one of those people who works in the background getting things done without a lot of fanfare,” said Alan Swaim, administrator of the Field of Dreams Sports Complex, as he introduced McCartt.
Susan is married to Mike McCartt, and they have one adult child. In addition to being a nurse at Sparks Health System for Dr. Margaret Tremwell, Susan is a volunteer who helped FEMA with hurricane relief, is president of Van Buren Boys & Girls Club alumni, serves on the Van Buren Recreational committee, is a cancer survivor who helps with Relay for Life, is a member of Van Buren Women’s League, and is the assistant to the tournament director for the Babe Ruth World Series.
Also honored at the banquet was Paula Morton, with Citizens Bank & Trust Co. She was presented the 2009 Ambassador of the Year Award. The award is based on attendance and participation at chamber functions and other community involvement.
Cutting the ribbon for the First Van Buren Chamber of Commerce Business Fair were: (back row) Darron Ming, Jason Parks and Marty Shell and (front row) Gailene Park, Melody Harshbarger Joe McCoy, Craig Beam, Tom Watkins, Van Buren Mayor Bob Freeman, Joe Ryan and Van Buren Chamber Executive director Jackie Krutsch.
Kim Miller with Summit Medical Center watches as Denase Harris signs up for a door prize at the Business Fair.
Tiffany Webster, Liberty Bank, and Jeanette Pham and Caroline Brewer, Arvest Bank, serve beverages to those attending the Business Fair.
Mingling in the halls of the Business Fair.
A view of the more than 300 people who attended the Van Buren meeting and banquet.
Jackie Krutsch, Van Buren Chamber Executive Director, opened the meeting and banquet.
Dr. Paul Beran, Chancellor of University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, was the keynote speaker.
Alan Swaim tells chamber event attendees that Susan McCartt, named Iverson Riggs Memorial Citizen of the Year, would probably have the shortest acceptance speech they had ever heard.
Cindy Blackwell, a 4-H member, serves iced tea to Caroline Johnson.
Nancy Poague an Della Winford check on their bids at the silent auction.
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