‘Better Communities’ series launches with Fort Smith panel discussion

Talk Business & Politics, in partnership with First Security Bank, the Arkansas Department of Commerce and the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, will host a “Better Communities” town hall on March 8 in Fort Smith.

The event will be held at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) Research Institute Health and Wellness Center (formerly Golden Living headquarters) at 1000 Fianna Way from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include lunch. There will be two roundtable discussions and a Q&A with audience members.

“Fort Smith is a great place to live, work and play. First Security Bank is excited to be a part of leading the conversation on where the region is headed and invite those interested in Fort Smith’s future to come to this forum to share their thoughts,” said Zach Ledford, Fort Smith market president for First Security Bank.

The roundtable participants are:
• Col. Rob Ator, USAF (Ret.), Arkansas Economic Development Commission director of Military Affairs
• ArcBest Chair, President and CEO Judy McReynolds
• ACHE CEO Kyle Parker
• Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston
• University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Chancellor Dr. Terisa Riley

The panel discussions will center on initiatives in the business and political community to help grow the region and how the state can better partner with local efforts. Roby Brock and Michael Tilley with Talk Business & Politics will moderate the discussions.

The Fort Smith conversation is the first in a series planned around the state.

“The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited about our area’s future. Through conversations like these, we build additional momentum to keep Fort Smith and the surrounding region viable and growing,” said Tim Allen, president and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The event is free, but participants must RSVP at this link.