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FORT SMITH — River Valley businesses gathered Friday to join forces and introduce themselves to the public.
The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce held its 2023 Business Expo and Job Fair at the Fort Smith Convention Center on Friday. The exhibition halls of the center are equipped with tables of publications of large and small companies presenting information about themselves and their products and services, as well as other items depending on the company’s status.
Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Eddie Lee Herndon said this year’s business expo and career fair featured more than 100 vendors. The council hopes to promote the area’s workforce and a wider range of “advanced employers and companies” with the event.
Herndon said the event is important because it gives companies an opportunity to network and see how they all work in the community. It also introduces locals who want to join the workforce and lets them see the range of opportunities available.
“Third, our students have educational opportunities in every corner whether they are graduating from high school, or who want to enter some kind of workforce or technical training at some of our local colleges, such as UAFS or the Arkansas Tech-Ozark campus.” Herndon said. “This is a good way to continue to grow.”
In addition to branded gifts, ABB Motors & Mechanical decided to showcase some of its products, including electric motors made at its Fort Smith facility. He also gave an insight into the work for anyone interested in working there.
Fred McCann, product specialist in product management for ABB, said the manufacturer wants to remain part of the community and comes to business expos and career fairs to recruit people.
“We need new people in our institution,” McCutchan said. “There are currently vacancies that can be filled, so we’re here to recruit, to socialize here, to see what we can do for the community.”
Recently established businesses also had a place in the Friday celebrations. This will be held in September at 317 Garrison Ave. It includes the opening candy store Garrison Goodies, according to manager Candice Garrett.
Garrett said Garrison Goodius’ having a table at the event, with samples of tractors and frozen skittles, will increase business exposure among residents.
The expo and show kicked off at the Chamber of Commerce’s monthly First Friday Breakfast event at 7:30 a.m. in the Convention Center.
Mike Rogers, who Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed as Arkansas’ first chief workforce officer in February to oversee her workforce cabinet and initiatives, served as the breakfast’s keynote speaker. U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, 3rd District, was another guest speaker.
Megan Jones (right) and Trajeet Curtis browse the booth hosted by ABC at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce 2023 Trade Show and Convention Center in Fort Smith on Friday. Visit nwaonline.com/photo for today’s photo gallery. (River Valley Democrat-Gazette/Hank Leighton)
Josh Pierce (left) and other attendees browse vendor booths Friday at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Trade Show and Convention Center in Fort Smith. Visit nwaonline.com/photo for today’s photo gallery. (River Valley Democrat-Gazette/Hank Leighton)
Andrew Barling (center) and other attendees browse vendor booths Friday at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce 2023 Trade Show and Convention Center in Fort Smith. Visit nwaonline.com/photo for today’s photo gallery. (River Valley Democrat-Gazette/Hank Leighton)
Josie Pitts plays the ring game Friday at a booth at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce 2023 Business Expo and Job Fair at the Fort Smith Convention Center in Fort Smith. Visit nwaonline.com/photo for today’s photo gallery. (River Valley Democrat-Gazette/Hank Leighton)
Wilma James (center left) with Direct Auto and other vendor representatives participate in a team building exercise by McClure Professional Services Friday at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce 2023 Business Expo and Career Fair at the Fort Smith Convention Center. Smith Visit nwaonline.com/photo for today’s photo gallery. (River Valley Democrat-Gazette/Hank Leighton)
Jason Kelly (left) with SERVPRO and other vendor representatives participates in a team building exercise by McClure Professional Services at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce 2023 trade show and convention center Friday at the Fort Smith Convention Center. Visit nwaonline.com/photo for today’s photo gallery. (River Valley Democrat-Gazette/Hank Leighton)[ad_2]
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