For 137 years, the Fort Smith Area Chamber of Commerce has strived to lead economic development in the region, and that momentum is not slowing down, said Eddie Lee Herndon, chairman of the Fort Smith Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. .
He touted the chamber’s accomplishments and mission at the annual meeting Wednesday (Oct. 23) at the Fort Smith Convention Center.
“We are entering the next chapter of our economic development campaign. Over the past few months, five business leaders have committed to partner with the Chamber of Commerce to continue investing in the Fort Smith region’s economy. These funds will go toward continuing the same path to economic growth in the river basin, just as economic growth occurred in 1887,” Herndon said. “The days of chasing Fort Smith are over. We are leading the pack. There are always tough times in business, and there are always going to be tough times to face, and there always will be, but we are willing to adapt. Being able to grow and maintain a seat at the proverbial table means we are not left behind.”
ArcBest, Arvest Bank, First National Bank of Fort Smith, Mercy Arkansas Communities and OG&E led the effort, which raised $1.2 million for economic development, Herndon said.
“These partners recognize the importance of economic growth and are committed to making our communities better,” he said.
In 1887, the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce established the Mill Fund to attract desirable industry to the city. Herndon said the first factory was a furniture manufacturer, which opened in 1889. There are currently more than 50 manufacturers in the Fort Smith area and countless customers who support them.
“These are exciting times for our region and will continue for many years to come,” Chamber President and CEO Tim Allen said in the annual report. We’re just seeing the beginnings of growth.” “Since 1887, the Fort Smith Area Chamber of Commerce has continued our mission to retain businesses, recruit new companies, and foster the development of a strong workforce.”
Herndon said there have been many economic development successes over the past year. National Safety Apparell (NSA) celebrated its 50th anniversary in January. Hendren said the fourth-generation, family-owned company is the largest manufacturer of American-made safety apparel for the federal government. The company announced its expansion plans shortly after its 50th anniversary.
Walther Arms announced in January that it would invest $30 million in its Fort Smith facility to expand research, development and manufacturing of American-made firearms and accessories, Hardnon said. And Lockheed Martin currently has a support base in Fort Smith that employs up to 90 people.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg for Fort Smith. As the (Foreign Military Sales) mission continues to accelerate, other defense contractors will come here to support the mission and continue to grow,” Herndon said. said.
This year, Owens Corning embarked on a second phase of expansion that began in late 2022, Herndon said. The company invested a total of $124 million in machinery and new construction, creating more than 50 new jobs. The project is finally finished and will be celebrated with an official ribbon cutting in the coming weeks, he said.
In August, Ecotec began renovating the former Trane facility in Fort Smith as a manufacturing site for consumer products made from recycled plastics. Ecotec, a Mira Loma, Calif.-based subsidiary of Olivet International, receives recycled plastic from retailers and uses the material to manufacture products for the retail sector. Walmart is the company’s biggest customer. The Fort Smith facility will add 100 new jobs.
“The Chamber has worked with these companies to make sure Fort Smith is the right choice for them to invest in. Needless to say, all of the projects the Chamber works on are in good hands with other states and We are in a very competitive situation with other countries. We continue to sell Fort Smith, just as the Chamber did in 1887, making our community the obvious choice. ” said Herndon.
