Fort Smith Metro News Briefs: Steel Horse Rally volunteer search, a Peak ‘Career Launch’

Following are news brief items from the Fort Smith metro.

Steel Horse Volunteers
The Steel Horse Rally, dedicated to “honor all who serve,” will be back in downtown Fort Smith May 1 and 2. Event organizers are holding a volunteer meeting at 10 a.m., March 21, at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Fort Smith.

According to event organizers, volunteers are the fuel for the rally and anyone age 18 or older are encouraged to help support the event. When arriving at the volunteer event on March 21, volunteers should check at the front desk of the hotel for directions to the meeting room, and should have a valid ID. Link here for more information about the volunteer meeting and process.

The motorcycle rally, which draws more than 200,000 riders and visitors annually, with most activities in downtown Fort Smith, began in 2015. The Steel Horse Rally Inc. is a non-profit charity created to benefit local charities.

In 2014, the charity was established with the mission is to “Honor All Who Serve” including military, veterans, law enforcement and first responders, and to help local charities and the community, especially charitable organizations that help local veterans and children.

Link here for the 2026 Steel Horse Rally event schedule.

Peak Career Launch
Graduating seniors from schools in the Fort Smith metro connected with more than 50 employers March 10 during the River Valley Career Launch event at the Peak Innovation Center in Fort Smith, according to the Fort Smith Public School District.

The Career Expo is collaborative effort between local schools, higher education partners, the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, and employers to help students transition from high school to careers. The expo connected approximately 700 students from 15 regional schools with employers, and some conducted on-site interviews with students.

“Students represent our future workforce, and it is critical that they understand the quality companies, industries, and career paths that exist beyond high school,” said Tim Allen, president and CEO, of the Fort Smith chamber. “In 2019, Signing Day was created to intentionally bring employers and students together, strengthening our talent pipeline and reinforcing our commitment to long-term workforce development in our region.”

The Career Launch event is the second in a series of three events to connect students with businesses and industries. Held in February, Industry Days was the first event and connected students with industry representatives to learn more about careers at their companies. The third and final event, Launch to Success, will be held May 4 at the Peak Center and will recognize graduating seniors who have been hired, as well as the employers who hired them.

Logic Training
Eight students recently completed an Advanced Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) training course at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, according to the institution.

The hands-on training course, taught by ATU-Ozark automation instructor Cody Harkness, allowed students to earn certification through the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) as part of its Industry 4.0 credential pathway.

According to ATU-Ozark, students earned certifications in Programmable Controller Systems 1, Programmable Controller Troubleshooting 1, Electric Motor Control Systems 1, Electrical Systems 1, and Pneumatic Systems 1. The eight students consisted of employees from ABB, Butterball and other regional industry partners.

“These certifications represent valuable, industry-recognized credentials that validate the skills needed in today’s automated manufacturing facilities,” said Ryan Mikles, ATU-Ozark vice chancellor for business innovation and economic development. “This is a great example of how ATU-Ozark business and industry is supporting regional manufacturers with advanced automation training and industry-recognized credentials.”

Link here for more information about the ATU-Ozark customized workforce and professional training programs.

Leadership Mixer
The Leadership Fort Smith Alumni Association is holding a mixer from 2 to 4 p.m., April 2, at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. The event provides LFS graduates a chance to reconnect and “grow your network,” according to the chamber.

Leadership Fort Smith, which is managed by the chamber, is a 10-month program that offers participants a chance to learn more about the Fort Smith Region. The class looks at regional strengths, challenges, needs, and overall community issues. Only 25 participants are selected each year for Leadership Fort Smith.

Link here to register for the mixer.