Fort Smith chamber president shares broad plans, philosophy

On Friday, Paul Harvel addressed for the first time a large crowd of chamber members since being named the president of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Harvel, who has 41 years of chamber experience including a 21-year stint at the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, was named April 16 to the post and began the job May 26.

Speaking Friday (June 5) at the chamber’s First Friday Breakfast, Harvel said after spending the past few years as director of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and as the head of an economic development organization in Clark County (Arkadelphia), he was ready to return to a chamber.

“I really wanted to run a local chamber again,” Harvel told the more than 150 gathered for the event. “I appreciate the fact you gave me this opportunity and I promise to do the best job I can.”

Harvel said his initial efforts are twofold: Build good relationships with Fort Smith City Administrator Dennis Kelly, Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority Director Ivy Owen and others involved in regional economic development; and rethink and possibly reorganize chamber staff and chamber programs.

As to the potential chamber changes, Harvel said he intends to spend several weeks working with present chamber staff to learn their skills and thoughts. This process will include having chamber staff interact with counterparts at the Rogers and Springdale chambers. The chamber program review will include numerous small group meeting with chamber members.

“We need to examine what we’re doing,” Harvel said.

According to Harvel, the chamber should focus on three key areas:
• Economic development/Workforce education
• Government affairs
• Networking connections/chamber member support

“Everything we do should fall into one of those three categories,” Harvel explained to the chamber crowd.

Continuing, Harvel stressed that success of any chamber often depends more on the professionalism of the overall staff than the skills or actions of a chamber president.

Harvel, citing difficult local and national economic conditions, asked for patience with respect to economic development.

“Don’t be looking for miracles anytime soon,” He advised.

In an interview after the event, Harvel said discussions with chamber members and community leaders indicates a desire to “build a good climate” so the chamber can succeed.

“People I talk to say, ‘What can I do to help?’ So it’s been really great support so far,” Harvel said.