Fort Smith Chamber has raised $1.2 million for economic development fund

The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce has for 137 years worked to lead the region in economic development and they aren’t slowing down, according to Eddie Lee Herndon, chairman of the chamber’s 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 have entered the next chapter of our economic development campaign. In the past few months – five corporate leaders have committed to partner with the chamber to continue to invest in the economy in the Fort Smith region. These funds will go toward continuing the same path making economic growth happen in the river valley just as it happened in 1887,” Herndon said. “Fort Smith Days of following are over. We are leading the pack. There are always difficult times and there are difficult things to contend with in business and there always will be, but being able to adapt and grow and keep our seat at the proverbial table means that we will not be left behind.”

ArcBest, Arvest Bank, First National Bank of Fort Smith, Mercy Arkansas Communities and OG&E are leading the effort that has raised $1.2 million dedicated to economic development, Herndon said.

“These partners have recognized the importance of economic growth and have committed to bettering our community,” he said.

In 1887, the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce established a factory fund to lure desirable industries into the city. First factory manufacturer was furniture and began operations in 1889, Herndon said. Today, there are more than 50 manufacturers in the Fort Smith region and countless customers that support those companies.

“It is an exciting time for our region, and we have only seen the beginning of the growth that will continue for years to come,” said Tim Allen, chamber president and CEO, in the annual report. “Since 1887, the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce has continued our mission to retain business, recruit new companies and further the development of a strong workforce.”

There have been many economic development successes over the past year, Herndon said. National Safety Apparell (NSA) celebrated its 50-year anniversary in January. The fourth generation family-owned business is the largest manufacturer of American-sewn safety apparel for the federal government, Hendren said. The company announced plans for expansion soon after its 50 anniversary.

In January, Walther Arms announced a $30-million investment in their Fort Smith facility with expansion of research, development and manufacturing of U.S. produced firearms and accessories, Herdnon said. And Lockheed Martin now has a presence in Fort Smith with a support site that will employ up to 90 people.

“This is only the tip of the iceberg for Fort Smith. As the (Foreign Military Sales) mission continues to pick up speed, other defense contractors will come here to support the mission and continue to grow,” Herndon said.

Owens Corning embarked this year on its second phase of an expansion that began at the end of 2022, Herndon said. The company has invested a total of $124 million in machinery and new construction and created over 50 new jobs. The project has finally wrapped and will be celebrated with an official ribbon cutting in a couple of weeks, he said.

Ecotech in August began renovating the former Trane facility in Fort Smith into a manufacturing operation for its consumer products made from recycled plastics. Ecotech, a subsidiary of Mira Loma, Calif.-based Olivet International, receives recycled plastics from retailers and uses the material to manufacture items for the retail sector. Walmart is the company’s largest customer. It will add 100 new jobs at its Fort Smith facility.

“The chamber has worked with these companies to ensure Fort Smith was the right choice for their investment. It really goes without saying that every project the chamber works on is a very competitive situation with another state or another country. Just as the chamber did in 1887, we continue to sell Fort Smith and we make our community the obvious choice,” Herndon said.