JULY 1st is Opening Day for Bi-Annual Mobile Food Vendors Applications
On July 1st, the City of De Queen will accept applications for mobile food vendors for fifteen bi-annual permits. The bi-annual permits are available ($100 for 6 months) for vendors to set up on privately-owned property (not owned by the vendor) within the city. Event permits are also available ($50 for 3-days). All vendors applicants must meet state and city requirements and the mobile truck/trailer must pass inspection at the fire station. Applications and copies of the ordinance are available at De Queen City Hall or at the Chamber of Commerce. For questions, call 870-642-3445 or 870-584-3225.
Rural Business Conference for Southwest Arkansas
July 11th, from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm, the Rural Business Conference will be hosted at UA Cossatot. This is a 'must attend' for all of our chamber member business owners, and please share with any entrepreneurs, business students and graduates. The power-packed agenda starts with a breakfast with local lenders and representatives from organizations such as the United States Small Business Administration, USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program, and Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC). A sample of the topics includes discussion of small business technical assistance resources, and public and private procurement. Several speakers will also be introduced during the luncheon.
*Note by Suzanne ~ "When I took the position of Executive Director last year and asked businesses what was most needed from the Chamber of Commerce, the overwhelming reply was for more focus on business needs and resources to help grow the local economy. By working with strategic partners, we are able to offer opportunities for the business community, and this conference is one that has the focus and the tools!"
Click here: Rural Business Conference Registration
Tourism Magazine Deadline Mid-July
For Photos and Ads
The Sevier County Tourism Magazine will be published this fall. It will be full of photographs showing off Sevier County's places to go and things to do, along with stories highlighting festivals, points of interest, Sevier County history, local contact information, and fun curiosities. With tourism now a growing component of our local economy, the magazine will be looking at widespread distribution at welcome and visitor centers in-state and out, hotels, motels, cabins, tourist destinations, accomodations, restaurants, and retailers, etc.
If you are interested in placing an ad or submitting a photo in the magazine and have questions, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 870-584-3225.For the magazine ad rates and contact information, click the link below.
Click here: Tourism Magazine Ad Rates
Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Interviews
BRE Interviews have started! A big THANK YOU to the businesses that have already completed the interview or are on the schedule.
This information is vital to the health of our businesses, which directly affects the local economy AND the quality of our local communities. The Chamber of Commerce cannot help your business if we do not know the needs, and we are working hard to connect with you so your business can stay here, grow here and keep jobs here!
Interviews are conducted at your place of business (unless another location is requested), all information is kept confidential and anonymous, and the interview takes approximately one hour. For businesses in retail and accommodations, the interview data is kept anonymous and is compiled by CREATE Bridges to identify and implement strategies to grow the local tourism economy. We need all businesses to participate in BRE, call 870-584-3225 to get on the schedule!