BACC helps unveil Cedar Ridge’s Book Vending Machine

Chris Hill

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Cedar Ridge Elementary School’s new book vending machine.

Located in Newark, Arkansas, Cedar Ridge Schools serves over 600 preschool through twelfth-grade students from a 270-square-mile area — including Charlotte, Cord, Magness, Newark, Oil Trough, Thida, and more. The new book vending machine incentivizes students to read in a fun and creative way.

With the help of the Arkansas SOAR grant, the Elementary is bringing students the latest technology in book displays. The new “Bookworm Vending Machine” showcases newly released books and novels for all ages. Students can select new books and showcase their knowledge through reading.

“We’re so excited to be here to help Cedar Ridge unveil their new book vending machine,” said Sarah Barnhill, BACC Director of Membership and Programs. “The new book vending machine will help build a culture of reading, as identified by residents as a strategic opportunity for our area to cultivate the skills and talents of students and strengthen the workforce pipeline in the IMPACT Independence County plan.”

Barnhill concluded by recognizing the dedication to student growth, highlighting the work of Tracy Owens (Cedar Ridge Superintendent), Abby Limbaugh (Director of Curriculum and Instruction), Rita Jennings (RISE Facilitator), Carol Woods (Gifted and Talented), David Ward (Alternative Learning Environments), Shirl Nelson (Library Media Specialist), Megan Carpenter (Kindergarten Teacher), and Stacy Young (Elementary Counselor). Image on page 17 N

BACC Ribbon Cutting for New Space at Clara Jane and Jax

Chris Hill

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Clara Jane and Jax. The ceremony was held to celebrate the expansion of Clara Jane & Jax, a baby and children's boutique on historic Main Street.

Established in 2017, Clara Jane & Kax is a baby and children's store with sizes starting at preemie and going up to 10 for girls and 6/8 for boys, as well as books, toys, swaddles, gifts, and more. Clara Jane & Jax recently added over seven hundred square feet of shopping space by expanding into the adjacent building. In addition to diaper bags and mommy items, this expansion includes new maternity and nursing items.

BACC Cuts Ribbon with Party People

Chris Hill

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Party People.

Party People, a new party service in Batesville, delivers luxurious fun to your events by providing custom, eye-catching balloon backdrops and bounce house rentals.

"What an honor it is to stand here and introduce this business to you all," said Party People co-owner Ashley Holmes.

"After planning a few parties of our own, we

"We're just so happy with how sweet it turned out," said Clara Jane & Jax owner Karen Coltharp. "Lots of love and hard work went into our new space, and we are so proud to share it with you."

"This shop is our happy place," continued Coltharp. "We are thankful for this community and our customers. Thank you for supporting our dream and our shop."

Clara Jane & Jax, located at 120 East Main Street in Batesville, is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more and shop online at clarajaneandjax. com. Image on page 17. N started brainstorming how we could bring pictureperfect events to the Batesville area," continued co-owner Taren Gleghorn.

Party People luxury backdrops and balloon installations for any and all events—from birthday parties and corporate events to weddings. Image on page 17.

Start planning your event by emailing the Party People at partypeoplebates@gmail.com or calling (870) 834-5734. N