Fort Smith Metro News Briefs: Physician, business award nominations sought, FSPD detectives recognized

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by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) ago 15 views 

Following are recent news brief items from the Fort Smith metro.

Business Awards
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Center for Economic Development (CED) and Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center are seeking nominations for the 2026 CED Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards.

Now in its third year, the event recognizes family-owned businesses, small businesses, and trusted business advisors in the Fort Smith metro. The award categories are Small Business Awards, Family-Owned Business Awards, and Business Advisor of the Year.

According to UAFS, the strongest nominations include specific examples, measurable accomplishments, and stories that help our judges understand what makes the nominee exceptional.

Award recipients will be recognized during the 3rd Annual CED Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards on Nov. 5, 2026, at The Bakery District in Fort Smith. This year’s keynote speaker is Robert Pasin, chief wagon officer of Radio Flyer, who will share his perspective on leadership, innovation, and sustaining one of America’s most iconic family businesses.

Link here to submit a nomination.

Physician Award
The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its annual Physician of the Year award. During September, the chambers hosts a healthcare celebration event focused on recognizing the impact of regional healthcare systems, healthcare workers, and new practitioners.

The award recognizes a healthcare physician, current or retired, who has made significant contributions to healthcare in the region. The recipient will be chosen based on demonstrating excellence in areas of, but not limited to, quality, service, people, growth, and community. Nominations close Aug. 7.

Link here to submit a nomination.

Detective Awards
Detectives Mac McHam and Vu Pham of the Fort Smith Police Department were presented an award July 16 by the National Computer Forensics Institute in recognition of their assistance with a United States Secret Service investigation.

The investigation was recognized as one of the U.S. Secret Service’s top 25 cases nationwide. McHam and Pham were honored for their work and collaboration in helping advance the case.

Hospital Awards
Mercy hospitals in the Fort Smith metro have received achievement awards from the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines program for demonstrating a commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke.

Mercy Hospital Fort Smith was recognized with three Get With The Guidelines awards, including Stroke Gold Plus, Stroke Honor Roll and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. Recognition is based on calendar year data for 2025.

Also, Mercy critical access hospitals in Berryville, Booneville, Ozark, Paris and Waldron received recognitions for their stroke care efforts. Mercy’s hospitals across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma have received more than 75 Get With The Guidelines awards this year.

Fraternity Awards
Members of Omicron-Tau, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity received its first-ever FACE Award (Founders’ Award of Chapter Excellence) at a national leadership conference, joining 27 other chapters recognized this year with the highest honor given to individual chapters.

To win a FACE award, chapters must demonstrate a commitment to their community through volunteer work and fundraising, as well as to have a strong recruitment of new members.

Along with this distinction, the UAFS chapter won awards for Outstanding Grand Master, Grand Master of Ceremonies, Grand Scribe, Alumnus Advisor, a 100% Ritual Proficiency Award, and a fall Academic Excellence Award. Additionally, the chapter was recognized as one of the most improved in their district.

History Program
As part of its ongoing America’s 250th celebration series, the Fort Smith Museum of History invites the public to a multimedia presentation featuring Dr. Robert Cochran and Dr. Suzanne McCray, authors of “Lights! Camera! Arkansas!,” at 6 p.m., Aug. 4.

The program accompanies the museum’s traveling exhibition, “Lights! Camera! Arkansas!,” and offers one of the final opportunities to visit the exhibition before it closes on Aug. 8. Admission is free for Fort Smith Museum of History members. Regular museum admission rates apply to non-members.

Cochran and McCray will explore Arkansas’ contributions to the motion picture industry. Their presentation highlights Arkansas actors, writers, directors, musicians, producers, innovators, and filming locations. The evening will also feature Fort Smith’s role in film history, including productions filmed in the area and the city’s longstanding connection to the motion picture industry.

Cochran is professor emeritus of English at the University of Arkansas and former director of the Center for Arkansas and Regional Studies. McCray is vice provost for enrollment, dean of admissions, and director of Nationally Competitive Awards at the University of Arkansas.