2018 pac crawford county business

CRAWFORD COUNTY BUSINESS FIRST

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Published by Press Argus-Courier/ GateHouse Media 100 North 11th Street Van Buren, AR 72956 www.pressargus.com ©2018 GateHouse Media

Publisher Kim Hattaway Editor Kenneth Fry Multi Media Sales Executive June Black Lacey Nietert Design Coordinator George “Clay” Mitchell Editorial Support Jenny McClure Contributing Writers June Black Taniah Tudor Tawana Wright Cover Design Lacey Nietert

Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this publication. GateHouse Media assumes no responsibility for misinformation.

Reproduction in whole or part without permission of GateHouse Media is prohibited.

Hope’s Creek Retirement Center

3

Sophia Meyer Medical Center

4

Citizens Bank & Trust Co.

5

Evan’s Body Shop

6

Generations Bank

7

Crawford County Adult Education Center

8

Abilities Unlimited

9

In-Sync Pediatric

10

Paul’s Bakery

11

Ocker Funeral Homes

12

Sparks Medical Center-Van Buren

13

Cozy Quilts & Things

14

Tax Break of Arkansas

15

Increased costs impact millenials

16

McCormick Works

17

Van Buren Chamber of Commerce

18

Intergalactic Smiles

19

The Press Argus-Courier, one of Arkansas’ oldest weekly newspapers, can trace its roots to 1859. There have been several name changes and owners over the past 158 years but the mission of the Press Argus-Courier has remained strong. As a local media source, the Press Argus-Courier strives to deliver the people of Crawford County the most dependable and accurate coverage of Crawford County news.

The award winning editorial staff of the newspaper focuses on local news related to life in Crawford County. Whether it be the report on last night’s city council meeting, the Friday night football scores, or upcoming community events, the Press Argus-Courier connects the reader to the community.

The print edition is published every Wednesday and Saturday and has a readership of 3,500. The pressargus.com website is the digital component to the print edition and attracts, on average, 9,000 unique visitors per month. The Press Argus-Courier offers a comprehensive selection of quality digital and print products to help grow business and more easily navigate the market’s competitive media landscape.

For more information on subscribing or advertising in the Press Argus-Courier, you may call 479-474-5215 or visit pressargus.com.

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Hope’s Creek Hope’s Creek Retirement and Assisted Living just recently celebrated its 15th anniversary!

Hope’s Creek was built by the Hightower Family and opened on July 1, 2002. Hope’s Creek is the namesake of Ashleigh Hope Hightower, the daughter of Todd and Lori Hightower.

Hope’s Creek has a passionate administrative and directorial staff, that has a combined number of years of knowledge and experience.

They take great pride in providing a number of services, which include personal care, nutritious meals and a loving environment. But more importantly they do all this with compassion and respect to honor their residents’ individuality and independence.

The Hightowers have been in the

long term care business for over 50 years and enjoys bringing together other families with theirs and extending their home and facility to the community. Their pride is in being a good community partner and helping meet the needs of not only Hope’s Creek residents but those needs within the community.

Todd Hightower is currently the president of the Arkansas Assisted Living Association and strives to enhance and improve the lives of seniors across Arkansas. Hope’s Creek is proud of winning the

The Hightower family American Healthcare Association’s Bronze Quality award in 2013 and the Arkansas Governor’s Award in 2015.

We are proud to represent Van Buren and are thankful for all the support we have received over the last 15 years. We look forward to working and growing in Crawford County to show you that the good life starts here at Hope’s Creek.

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Sophia Meyer Medical Sophia Meyer Family Medicine has been a vital part of the community for years and they are committed to providing quality health care to their patients in a friendly and family like atmosphere.

The clinic has been at its present location, 620 Broadway, Van Buren since February 2007. The owners of the clinic are Dr. Rebecca Floyd, MD and Dr. Stephanie Frisbie, MD. Dr. Floyd has been practicing medicine since 1991 and Dr. Frisbie has been practicing since 1999.

Both doctors began working together in the year 2000 at the same clinic in Van Buren.

When asked why they chose Van Buren as the location for their independent practice, Dr. Floyd said, “We wanted to stay here in Van Buren and continue to provide quality healthcare to the people of Crawford County. After being involved as employees of a large corporation both Dr. Frisbie and I were ready to exercise more control over our medical practice.”

of an in-house laboratory and also offers in-house x-ray capability and 24 hour emergency care. Services provided include: yearly physicals, well-child visits, men’s health, women’s health, school physicals, Diabetes care and Hypertension management. Dr. Floyd and Dr. Frisbie work closely with a number of specialists in the River Valley and Northwest Arkansas, in the event a patient is in need of more specialized care.

M. Allison Linn, PA-C from newborn to the elderly. The clinic provides the conveniences

Along with the doctors, the clinic also employs Tracy Fisher, APRN and M. Allison Linn, PA-C. Tracy Fisher is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and M. Allison Linn is a Physician AssistantCertified. Both Tracy and Allison provide additional support to the practice and also allow the clinic to offer same day service for patients who need to be seen the same day they call.

Sophia Meyer Family Medicine is staffed with all female providers who deliver quality medical care to every member of the family, 4 | 2018 - CRAWFORD COUNTY BUSINESS FIRST

Quality patient care is what motivates the Sophia Meyer Family Medicine team to come to work each day. Dr. Frisbie stated, “Each patient is important to the clinic and we are meticulous in providing the best quality care available.”

Citizens Bank & Trust Citizens Bank & Trust Company is proud of its long, local history.

Founded in 1886, Citizens Bank serves area citizens with locations in Van Buren, Alma, Mountainburg, and Cedarville.

“Our mission is to facilitate the success of our customers. If they do well then the bank will do well. Since we make all of our business decisions right here in Crawford County, we not only best serve the interest of our customers, but also the interest of our entire community,” said Keith Hefner, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Our staff takes pride in its commitment to and involvement in our community. You will find Citizens bankers volunteering throughout

Crawford County at our local schools and with area civic and non-profit organizations,” Hefner said. “You may have seen our grill team at one of the 469 community involvement events we participated in last year.”

Citizens is proud of its knowledgeable, professional, hardworking staff and the contributions they make toward making Citizens Bank & Trust a strong financial institution and toward making Crawford County a better place to live.

“We look forward to serving the financial needs of our current customers, as well as future customers,” Hefner said. “Please drop by any of our seven locations.

We look forward to seeing you.”

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Evans Body Shop It was not a hard decision for Rodney and Misty Evans to choose to open Evans Body Shop in Van Buren in 2006.

After all, it is their home.

Rodney had worked for a limousine manufacturer in Fort Smith and in the body shop of a local auto dealership after completing Body Shop School in 1993 at Arkansas Tech in Ozark. Misty, a Van Buren High School graduate, was the office manager of a travel agency and a corporate meeting planner. Her business background and Rodney’s Body/Paint experience were the perfect combination they felt to start their family-owned body shop business in their hometown.

“We realized that to be successful, financially and personally, it was time to take a leap of faith and start our own shop,” Misty said.

Located at 412 Gordon Avenue, Evans has grown from a “one-man show” as Misty fondly recalls, to a staff of 7 employees, and provides full service collision repair, body and paint work, spray in bed liners, headlight

restoration and A/C Service.

The Evans crew is I-CAR certified and trained in the latest technology Misty pointed out.

“We work with all insurance companies on behalf of our customers, and we go above and beyond on every single job to make sure it is repaired to like new condition, she said. “Once a person uses our shop, they come back, they tell others, and we have a new ‘family member’ for life.”

Misty believes their attention to detail is what sets them apart from other shops.

“We love meeting new customers and keeping up with them and their families over the years,” she said.

Evans stays involved through Facebook and Instagram and takes pride in posting before and after pictures of their work on social media.

The family-friendly atmosphere is what motivates their team toward excellence, Misty said.

“Everyone comes together and does

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whatever it takes to get the job done right,” she said. “We understand that our employees have their own families, and we believe family comes BEFORE work! Just making sure they are truly appreciated and valued goes so far!”

Construction is scheduled to get underway this spring on a 3,000plus square feet expansion of work space, along with new equipment for aluminum welding and a new refrigeration recovery system.

“This will be important on any vehicle made from 2017 going forward,” Misty pointed out. “We are taking steps now to set up our facility for the next several years.

“We didn’t start out as the biggest shop on the block, and it’s still not about who is the ‘biggest’, it’s about who is the best, and who treats people right,” she said.

The goal of the Evans crew is to continue to offer friendly customer service and expert repair work to carry their business into the future.

Generations Bank Generations Bank has been a part of community banking in Arkansas for more than five generations.

Established in 1907 in the small south Arkansas town of Harrell, Generations Bank has expanded into a full-service financial institution with Front (from left) — Tiffany Painter (Teller/CSR), Peggy Pierson (Vice President/Loan Officer), Deronda Ross (Teller/CSR), nine locations Theresa Gilstrap (Lending Assistant). Back — Brandi Abel (Asst. Branch Manager/CSR), Leslie Thomas (Head Teller), serving Jessica Odom (Branch Manager), Stacey Smith (Market President), Joyce Romero (Lending Assistant).

Camden, Fayetteville, Hampton, Junction City, Rogers, Siloam Springs, Van Buren and its surrounding communities.

In 2014, Generations Bank joined the community of Van Buren, formerly known in the area as First Community Bank of Crawford County.

“Our personal and professional hometown bankers have nearly 205 years of combined banking experience and are committed to providing excellent customer service, as well as supporting and serving in the community,” said Stacey Smith, Van Buren market president. “We look forward to continuing to serve Crawford County families and businesses for many more generations to come.”

For more information about Generations Bank and the services we offer, call (479) 262-2900 or visit us online at www.mygenerations.bank.

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Crawford County Adult Education

The Crawford County Adult Education Center offers free classes and services.

Hours of operation are Monday and Wednesday 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. or Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. The center is closed on Fridays.

Preparation classes and tutoring are available for students in adult basic education including math, language, writing, science, social studies, and computer literacy.

Additional classes available at the center are as follows: Workforce classes, including instruction on basic computer skills; English as a Second Language (ESL), Citizenship classes, Career Development Workshop (CDW), Introduction to Craft Skills classes, and Industrial Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship. Upon successful completion of our Craft Skills program, students will have the opportunity to gain an OSHA 10Â Certification and National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certification. Industrial Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship completion will earn students the title of certified pre-apprentices, as well as an OSHA 10 certification. CCAEC continues to provide assistance in studying for the Accuplacer college placement exam and ASVAB exam.

Students who are seeking to

increase their academic and job readiness skills can do so through the Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy (WAGE)™ program and Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) training, both available on site. Other services located on campus are: Parents as Teachers (PAT) Program, EOC Services for financial aid, Vincennes University Van Buren campus, and Arkansas PROMISE Program. The Crawford County Adult Education Center works

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in collaboration with Vincennes University to offer college courses in Van Buren. Assistance with financial aid applications is available on site. A Career Coach at CCAEC is available to assist students for all educational goals and planning.

For more information on any of our classes or services, please call the center at 479-471-0019.

All of the services offered at the Crawford County Adult Education Center are FREE! More information is available at our website www. crawfordcountyadulteducationcenter. webs.com. You can also visit us on Facebook at Crawford County Adult Education Center and on Twitter and Instagram @AdultEdCrawford.

Abilities Unlimited For the past 56 years the mission of Abilities Unlimited, a non-profit organization, has been to help individuals with disabilities recognize their full potential, gain as much independence as possible and become productive members of their community. The organization provides basic life skills, job training, job placement and employment.

The staff at Abilities Unlimited works closely with individuals on a day to day basis to encourage a strong and positive work ethic, a sense of one’s own personal responsibility. The staff’s reward is watching their client’s progress as they accomplish their goals.

Abilities Unlimited moved to Van Buren due to the great need of a local training facility in Crawford County for individuals with disabilities. The City of Van Buren was instrumental in helping the

agency relocate.

The future of the agency will reflect the needs of the clients and families that will be served.

Specifically the agency sees itself moving into service areas, such as communitybased training.

To find out more about the

programs that are available at Abilities Unlimited call (479) 4715354.

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In-Sync Pediatric In-Sync Pediatric Therapy Center in Van Buren is a specialized outpatient clinic dedicated to providing high quality therapy services to children with special needs from birth up to 21 years of age.

In-Sync at 1109 Fayetteville Road cares about helping children and their families improve quality of life when faced with developmental challenges, according to Jocelyn Mitchelle, the owner and occupational therapist.

“We pride ourselves in a familycentered approach for both evaluation and treatment for children with disabilities,” she said.

The clinic, located in Van Buren for more than 10 years, has 20-plus contract therapists and office staff.

fun, relaxed, play-based environment using a multitude of treatment techniques through teamwork and a multi-disciplinary approach.

Mitchelle was raised in Crawford County and attended Alma Public Schools. She said she loves Crawford County and wanted to give back to this area.

“I had a vision of what I wanted to accomplish and bring to this area,” she said. “I knew I had to be a leader and get it done.”

Mitchelle said each In-Sync team member has a heart for children and realizes how they can affect change in a child’s functional abilities through improving communication skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills and sensory integration.

“They strive to meet the needs of their patients and families and enjoy giving back to the community,” Mitchelle said.

She said the therapists provide a 10 | 2018 - CRAWFORD COUNTY BUSINESS FIRST

“I want to see this company grow and become a leader and innovator in children with disabilities,” Mitchelle said.

Paul’s Bakery It’s not just about donuts at Paul’s Bakery in Van Buren. It’s also about cookies, cakes, coffee and conversation.

Customers still congregate faithfully each morning to peer into the bakery cases to peruse the freshly baked sweets on display and make their selections. Whether it’s donuts for coworkers, cupcakes for a school party, or just a cream horn to enjoy with a cup of coffee at the corner table with friends, Paul’s is still the place to go.

Paul Lehnen opened his first bakery Feb. 16, 1959, at 629 Main Street.

Business was good, and people loved the quality products Paul offered at fair prices. Continued growth and three re-locations later finds the Lehnen siblings still carrying on the family business at their current location at 1800 Main Street.

Paul passed away in 2012, but his recipes and baking skills are still re-created daily. His wife JoAnn says that even though all 7 of their children grew up in the business and still love it today, some chose different career paths, but it will always be a part of them.

Three of Paul’s daughters Lisa Abner, Jackie Hamby and Michele Wilson along with son Mark Lehnen work full time in the business to make sure their father’s dream is kept alive. JoAnn still works behind the scenes, but in a lesser role now. There are several of Paul’s grandchildren also currently in training to ensure that the family tradition will be carried into the future.

Although working with family members daily could be a problem in some businesses, it is not the case for the Lehnens according to daughter Lisa. Even if there is a difference of opinion occasionally, the majority of the time everything runs very smoothly she said.

The bakery closes for a couple of weeks during July each year so that family members can take a much deserved vacation. And even then, the family is still together since most of the time they go on vacation together.

“We work very well together, and in the end, family is the most important,” Lisa said, whether it is work or play.

While it’s true that Lehnen family members make up the majority of the employees, those NOT related by blood are valued just as highly according to Lisa.

“Our employees are just like family as well, so we make one big happy bakery family,” Lisa said.

One of Paul’s favorite products that is still turned out just as it was in 1959 is his famous sugar cookies.

The hand-rolled and hand-iced cookies still remain at the top of the list for most people as their all-time favorite!

“You won’t find another like it, taste wise,” Lisa said.

Not only do they offer everything sweet for family get togethers, school and company parties, weddings, birthdays and other social events, they also have just the right themed plates, cups, napkins and decorations to add that finishing touch to any special occasion.

Paul’s love and passion for baking 59 years ago continues to motivate his family to get up early each morning to make sure everyone’s favorite sweet is ready and in its place… or display case… when the first hungry customer comes through the door.

CRAWFORD COUNTY BUSINESS FIRST - 2018 | 11

Ocker Funeral Homes Family owned and operated Ocker Funeral Homes is celebrating being in business over 100 years in Van Buren.

Ronald Ocker and his sons have owned the funeral homes since 1985, passed down from Ocker’s parents and grandparents.

“My grandparents came down in 1916 to take a horsedrawn hearse to Armbruster (Motor Company) in Fort Smith to get motorized,” Ocker said. “They liked it down here and that’s when they moved from Bentonville to Van Buren.”

W.W. Ocker Sr. and his wife Daisy Ocker founded the funeral homes.

After her husband’s passing in 1919, Daisy Ocker ran the business until she died in 1965.

Daisy Ocker was one of the first female licensed embalmers and funeral directors in the state. She also served as Crawford County Coroner in the 1930s and 1940s.

Daisy Ocker’s daughter, Mary Ocker Moore, took over the funeral homes after her mother’s passing until she died in 1985. Moore established the Ocker-Moore Scholarship Fund for area seniors with scholarships awarded annually.

A tradition of service has continued in the family. Ronald Ocker has served as Arkansas Funeral Directors Association president and on the Arkansas Burial Association Board.

He and his wife, Jere Ann, live in Van Buren and attend the Heritage United Methodist Church. Their two sons, Michael Ocker and Ronald Ocker II, own and help manage the business.

People are more comfortable

when they can have their funeral service needs met by a local and family owned business and people they know, Ronald Ocker said.

Working for Ocker are funeral directors Douglas Shade, Randy Mattox and Julie Getsinger.

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Locations include Ocker-Putman Funeral Home at 4500 Jenny Lind Road in Fort Smith, Ocker Funeral Home and Ocker Monuments at 700 Jefferson in Van Buren, and Ocker Funeral Home at 917 Highway 64 East in Alma.

Sparks Medical Center Chronic, hard-to-heal wounds are a growing problem among our aging population and often affect those who suffer from diabetes or obesity. For those with certain health conditions, untreated wounds can lead to serious health complications and even amputation.

Sparks Medical Center–Van Buren is expanding to now include wound care services under the direction of general and plastic surgeons. The staff at Sparks Van Buren is trained to provide care for non-healing wounds including pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, lacerations, burns and post-surgical incisions.

If a wound does not heal within a month, and requires medical intervention, it is considered a chronic or slow-healing wound.

Certain chronic conditions can

complicate the healing process and lead to serious health problems, such as infection or nerve damage.

These conditions include diabetes, peripheral neuropathy (nerve disorders affecting the hands or feet), and circulatory system disorders, as well as a variety of other health issues, including: • Autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus) • Inadequate or poor nutrition • Cancer treatment/effects of radiation or chemotherapy • Vascular (vein) disease • Congestive heart failure • Peripheral arterial disease • Traumatic injury These diseases affect blood flow and nerve sensation, which are slow healing. Certain medications can also suppress the normal healing

response. “At Sparks Van Buren, we strive to provide quality care in a convenient location for residents of Crawford County,� said Aimee Arzoumanian, Assistant Chief Executive Officer. “Wound Care is just one of many services we plan to add this year in order to meet the healthcare needs of this area.�

For more information on wound care services in Van Buren or to schedule an appointment, please call 479-471-4410.

Sparks Health System includes Sparks Regional Medical Center, Sparks Medical Center – Van Buren, Sparks Clinic, Sparks PremierCare and the fully hospital-integrated Marvin Altman Fitness Center. For more information about Sparks Health System, visit www.SparksHealth.com.

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CRAWFORD COUNTY BUSINESS FIRST - 2018 | 13

Cozy Quilts Quilts are so much more than just something to keep you warm. They represent love passed to others. These expressions of creativity can be seen through the fabrics and patterns used by the quilter.

A non-quilter might just ask themselves, “Why cut up fabric just to sew it back together?”

Linda DeWater knows the answer to this question.

Quilts are magic and each quilt has a story to tell.

Linda’s passion for quilting and fabrics led her to open Cozy Quilts & Things in 2005 in Mulberry, AR. In July 2017 DeWater opened her second location in historic downtown Van Buren.

Both stores offer a wide selection of fabrics to use in your creations.

“I enjoy sharing my knowledge about quilting with my customers and I sometimes do what I call mini tutorials for the ones coming into the shop,” Linda said.

The expansion of the Mulberry location will allow DeWater to offer quilting classes. Her dream of teaching will become a reality this spring.

Cozy Quilts & Things carries a variety of fabrics.

“I began offering fabric for sale when I realized Crawford County needed a local fabric shop where quilters could purchase affordable fabrics,” she said. “By offering these fabrics locally, I feel the art of sewing and quilting will not become a lost art.”

Linda continues to offer machine quilting for others. She provides this service to those who love to make quilt tops but don’t like to quilt them. Cozy Quilts & Things

also participates in the Row by Row Experience Shop Hop, a national event that promotes travel and

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quilting. If you would like to learn a new craft, give Linda a call at 479997-5689.

Tax Break Tax Break of Arkansas is located at 143 N. U.S. 71 North in Alma.

Fabian Tompos owns Tax Break and has been in business for eight years. Along with his employee, Zachary Westcott, they provide expert income tax preparations to their clients.

Tompos holds the distinction of “R.T.R.P.”, bestowed and recognized by the IRS. Less than 15 percent of all tax preparers can claim this.

“My business is located in Crawford County because I live here,” Tompos said. He has owned several businesses throughout his career and prefers to be his own boss.

Fabian believes their attitude

towards their clients is beneficial for his business.

for clients and communities,” said Tompos.

“We care about people and their ability to survive in today’s financial climate,” he said. “With great motivation we come to work each day to help people save and make money.

Here are some discounts Tax Break offers: • Twenty percent off to every new client.

• Pays $10 for referrals.

“Tax Break has a deep commitment to helping our clients.

We take the time to find every dollar in tax deductions and credits legally allowed.”

Tax Break also sponsors a local school scholarship program.

“As for the future, we still want to be doing all these great things

• Gives 50 percent discount to all uniformed military, law enforcement, first responders and firefighters.

• Gives $5 off the fee per can of vegetables up to 10 cans or $50.

• If a client lives more than 15 miles from the office, Tax Break gives them a $25 gas coupon.

CRAWFORD COUNTY BUSINESS FIRST - 2018 | 15

Increased costs impact millenials While influencing technology, social norms and mores, millennials also are affecting the economy.

Forbes says that many millennials have a shaky relationship with money, due in some part to the fact that they lived through one of the worst recessions the United States has experienced in decades. Couple that with staggering student loan debt and it’s easy to see why millennials may be facing an uphill battle when it comes to their finances.

Millennials are falling particularly short in regard to saving money. According to a 2017 GOBankingRates survey, 57 percent of Americans have around $1,000 in savings. Sixty-seven percent of young millennials, between ages 18 and 24 have less than $1,000, says the survey. Canadians are saving even less, even though in the early 1980s Canadians of most ages used to save twice as much as Americans, or 20 percent of their disposable income, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Many millennials spend more than they earn and live above their means according to a report by American Express Business Insight. This, along with school debt, has compromised millennials’ ability to purchase a home or even get married.

Just how are millennials spending their money?

Here’s a look at the common patterns. · Experiences: Funding experiences is a high priority for Gen Y. This includes concerts, sporting events, live performances, and other social events more so than possessions or career status, offers Forbes. · Retail goods and dining: TD Bank found that millennials make more retail purchases and dine out more than other generations, but generally spend less money overall. · Healthcare: Millennials spend about $1,000 more on healthcare expenses than the generations that preceded them, states financial resource Mother Jones. Housing and education costs also have risen, contributing to a smaller pool of savings. · Same-day delivery: A Shop.org survey indicated that millennials are twice as likely as other generations to pay 16 | 2018 - CRAWFORD COUNTY BUSINESS FIRST

extra for same-day delivery of online purchases. · Tattoos: Surveys conducted for Pew Research found that 40 percent of millennials have at least one tattoo. · Organic foods: A Gallup poll from the summer of 2016 found 53 percent of Americans ages 18 to 29 actively try to include organic foods in their diets. · Small businesses: A new RBC® Small Business poll found 70 percent of Canadian millennials are willing to pay more for goods and services if they’re sold by a small or local business.

Millennials have grown up during a period of rapid change. Their large numbers are shaping the economy in myriad ways.

McCormick Works McCormick Works has served the River Valley and beyond since 1990, providing asphalt paving, asphalt repair, seal coating, striping and material hauling. McCormick Works has a vast range of experience: major highway construction, city streets, public parks and campsites, walking trails, commercial projects and residential paving.

RhynoTite, an asphalt emulsified seal coating and a certified green product. As a result, Moore said McCormick has found itself moving increasingly into asphalt maintenance.

Originally, McCormick Asphalt Paving and Excavating, the company rebranded itself as McCormick Works in 2011.

She said RhynoTite is an environmentally friendly product which seals and restores pavements to its original color, helps disguise

“Proper maintenance and repair greatly extend the life of your asphalt investment, potentially saving you thousands,” Moore said.

repairs, offers skid resistance, has no offensive odor and produces long-lasting results.

“Whether you have a new paving project, need repairs to existing paving, or simply need a few loads of gravel, call the experts at McCormick,” Moore said. “Using up-to-date equipment, quality materials, skilled professionals and the newest application techniques, McCormick will deliver a quality, long-lasting result you can be proud of.”

Call (479) 297-6122 for a free quote, Moore said.

McCormick has a stellar reputation, according to Martha Moore, owner.

“We have an A-plus rating from the Better Business Bureau,” said Moore, who has been recognized both statewide and nationally for her company.

Moore said she takes great pride in her business, enjoys giving back to the community and is proud to offer jobs with competitive wages and benefits.

In 2012, McCormick’s sister company, SealTite of Arklahoma, began producing CRAWFORD COUNTY BUSINESS FIRST - 2018 | 17

Van Buren Chamber of Commerce For more than 60 years, the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce has been a driving force for the business community. The organization is comprised of more than 400 members, including large corporations, locally-owned stores and offices, medical facilities, nonprofits, churches and individuals.

Supporting its diverse membership base is at the heart of the chamber’s mission. Members enjoy exclusive marketing opportunities, invitations to member-only events, and the chance to interact with fellow leaders and business owners.

Such programs are designed to facilitate relationships and help members grow their businesses.

The chamber also utilizes its social media platforms, weekly e-blasts, website, and local media to highlight its members, their events, and achievements.

The chamber promotes economic development through the implementation of educational, legislative, and leadership initiatives designed to strengthen the area workforce. The Chamber Education Committee partners with the Van Buren School District in hosting the monthly Junior Lunch series. These networking events provide students with the chance to interact with local business and community leaders to ask questions about college and career readiness. The committee also sponsors Arkansas Scholars, which reinforces the importance of regular attendance, good grades, and taking challenging courses. In 2017, the committee coordinated a visit from the “Be Pro, Be Proud” Workforce Workstation. The statewide initiative seeks to address the shortage of

workers in skilled trades, by teaching students about the value of technical careers. Such programs help students better understand the opportunities available to them and the skills they need to possess in (From left) Steve Dufresne, Janie Simmons and Terry Carson order to succeed in the workplace. such as Dishin’ Up Democracy are Its Governmental Affairs organized by the chamber each year Committee works closely with as a way to connect constituents lawmakers to monitor legislation to their representatives. The Van that affects business owners Buren chamber is also active in and citizens and communicates the Fort Smith Regional Alliance, this information to its members.

Candidate forums and events (See CHAMBER, Page 19)

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Intergalactic Smiles Introducing Intergalactic Smiles, locally owned and conveniently located at 1612 N. 7th St in Van Buren. It is a fun, kid friendly, space-themed office that will provide out of this world dentistry for kids and families.

You’ll be happy with our skilled team of dentists that have over 55 years of combined dental experience treating both kids and families.

Intergalactic Smiles accepts ARKids and SoonerCare insurance.

Call us at 471-8131. Find us on Facebook and fly in today!

(CHAMBER, Continued from Page 18)

which connects chambers of commerce, cities and other key groups throughout the region to attract industry and market the area as a whole at the state and national levels.

“The Van Buren Chamber of Commerce is proud to be an advocate of both businesses and the citizens who live and work in the region,” shared newly named chamber president Terry Carson. “In addition to supporting our members and recruiting new ones to our organization, the board and I will be focusing on economic development in the coming months. So much progress is being made in our region and we intend to build upon that momentum.”

Learn more about the benefits of chamber membership by following us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or call the chamber office at 479-474-2761 today.

CRAWFORD COUNTY BUSINESS FIRST - 2018 | 19

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Center for Art and Education 5K Glow Run June 2017

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