Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Siloam Springs Chamber banquet celebrates success
SILOAM SPRINGS — The Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce held its 94th annual chamber banquet Feb. 1 at Simmons Great Hall at John Brown University.
Chamber members came together to celebrate achievements made by the chamber the previous year and to award citizens and organizations who have contributed to Siloam Springs.
State Representative Robin Lundstrum emceed the event. Tim Estes, the 2023 board chair for the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce board, welcomed Randy Torres as the new board chair for 2024.
The Pioneer Citizen was John Brown III. Brown’s grandfather, John Brown Sr., founded John Brown University in 1919 and donated land to the university, John Brown III said.
The award has been given to members of the Siloam Springs community who lead with their heart, who face new challenges and who pave the way for new frontiers, according to the chamber website. Recipients must be a resident of Siloam Springs for at least 10 years, be 65 years old or older, be heavily involved, past or present, in various activities or committees of the city or Chamber of Commerce, the chamber website states.
The recipient’s activities are to have either enhanced the economic or cultural development of Siloam Springs or promoted Siloam Springs on a state, national or international level.
Another award given was the Outstanding Civic Leadership Award. The award recognizes someone in the community who has gone above and beyond to promote the community of Siloam Springs, the chamber website states.
The recipient is a person who may volunteer, work behind the scenes without recognition, serve on local, regional or state boards or committees and is a supporter of all things Siloam Springs, the website states.
Jordan Smithson, the owner of a State Farm Insurance agency, won the Outstanding Civic Leadership award.
Smithson said he and his family and team of agents believe in life so they support Choices Pregnancy Services, an organization that works to help mothers consider alternatives to abortion.
“They care for a lot of families here in Siloam Springs,” Smithson said.
Smithson said he and his agency support the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce because it focuses on the city and makes it a great place to live.
The agency also supports the EMT, fire and police departments by doing an annual cookout for them, Smithson said.
Smithson and his team also invested time for the Heritage League’s Light Up Siloam Springs Christmas parade, he said.
“We do it because it makes Siloam a better place to live,” Smithson said.
After Smithson spoke, Ken Ramey, the Pioneer Citizen for 2023, came up to help Lundstrum introduce Brown.
Brown said he was overwhelmed when he found out he was the Pioneer Citizen. He thanked all of his friends.
“I just feel lifted up by what you all would do,” Brown said. “It’s an honor for me to be in my home, to be here on the JBU campus.”
Brown spoke about different portions of his life and his connection to the university, from being born in the campus’ old infirmary to serving as JBU president.
He also spoke about working as the executive director of the Windgate Foundation and serving two terms in the Arkansas Senate. Brown concluded by saying Siloam Springs has been a wonderful place to live, raise his family, serve and worship.
Chamber President and CEO Arthur Hulbert delivered his speech that focused on the importance of relationships.
“It is the most important, valuable thing that you will leave when you die,” Hulbert said.
Hulbert spoke about relational bank accounts and all of the positive deposits the chamber made by hosting First Friday Coffees throughout 2023, the Pool of Siloam in December, the Dogwood Festival in April, various roundtables and the 2023 golf tournament.
“The chamber may be in a relational business,” Hulbert said. “I promise you it doesn’t matter what business you’re in … we’re all in the relationship business.”
After Hulbert’s speech, Siloam Springs Mayor Judy Nation made two proclamations, one for Smithson and the other for Brown.
“We are just so blessed to have them in our community and to serve as they do,” Nation said.
State Representative Delia Haak then honored Brown and his family, consisting of his wife Stephanie; his sisters Julie, Lori and Melinda; his children Catherine, John Ethan and Jenny; and several grandchildren.
“This is your foundation,” Haak said to Brown. “These are the stones that you have laid along the memorial to your life and being faithful to all of us.”
Other awards given out were the Small Business of the Year award, which went to Thrive Wellness; the Mid-Sized Business of the Year award, which was given to Grand Savings Bank; and the Large Business of the Year award, which Jiffy Trip won.
Cammi Hevener won the Moose Van Pouck Volunteer of the Year award; Quail Ridge Living Center, a nursing center in West Siloam Springs, won the Diamond Chamber Member of the Year award for being a chamber member for 40 years.
The last award given out, the Jerry Cavness Nonprofit of the Year award, was awarded to Kind at Heart Ministries. Kind at Heart provides free services to senior citizens such as building ramps for wheelchair-bound seniors.