Chamber special section

March 25 , 2015

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Page 17

2015 Community Award Honorees PRESENTED BY:

Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Special supplement made possible by

& its advertisers.

Publications

Volunteers of the Year

Larry & Linda Dunaway

Business of the Year

Herod’s Dept. Store (Award Accepted by Stokes Herod)

Citizen of the Year

Tammy Young

Best New Construction

The Ouachita Center at RMCC

(Award Accepted by RMCC President, Phillip Wilson)

Renovation/Beautification

Sonic Drive-In

Recognized:

2014 Chamber President Chris Benner Presented by 2015 President Cindy Long 2015 Vice President Tammy Young

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

March 25, 2015

2015 Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Banquet CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE As the county’s business leaders and volunteers filled the room and enjoyed their meal, TV Personality Craig O’Neill provided entertainment as the night’s guest speaker and was well received by the crowd. O’Neill not only kept guests rolling with laughter, but also said he had never seen such a ‘front porch’ community until he saw what happened on April 10, 2009, the day after an EF3 tornado ripped through Mena, leaving a path of devastation behind. O’Neill said he was in Mena that day to report the damage the tornado had caused and was astounded at the community effort to help each other without expectation of getting anything in return. O’Neill said Mena has a ‘front porch’ mentality, neighbors helping neighbors no matter what the cause, and knowing one another as well as they know their own families. “This town was on the front porch to make a concerted effort to bond here, to go out on the front porch to be with one another. Mena is at the very center of the front porch of Arkansas.”

Table DecorationS by:

Stewman’s Flowers GUEST SPEAKER:

Craig O’Neill

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20-21

The Pulse expresses their sincere appreciation to the many generous Chamber Members and valued advertisers who have made this special section possible.

Auctioneer:

Shannon Hunter CATERED BY:

Pasaino’s - Italian from Scratch Proud Member of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce

1020 MENA ST. MENA, AR 71953 | SINCE 1939

www.washburns.com Mon-Fri 8:30 to 6:00 • Sat 9:00 - 3:00 (479) 394-4332 • (888) 394-4332

Congratulations to all 2014 Community Awards Recipients!

March 25, 2015

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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2015 Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Pulse Publisher LeAnn Dilbeck presents a $360 check to Chamber President Cindy Long and Executive Director Paula Bailey. Thanks to the support of the generous advertisers within the Pulse’s annual Chamber Banquet Section, $10 from every sale was donated to the Chamber’s growing Scholarship Program.

Congratulations to all 2015 Community Award Recipients & Nominees!

MENA, HATFIELD & WICKES 479-394-2211 • www.unionbankofmena.com

Fire, Water, Upholstery, Smoke Damage, Ultra-Sonic Cleaning Science & Electronic Restoration Rickey & Donna Morse Certified Specialists

394-1840

103 Pellet Lane, Mena, AR

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Only Certified Specialists in Polk & Sevier Counties

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

March 25, 2015

2015 Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Banquet

March 25, 2015

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Page 21

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 Vice President Tammy Young voiced the Chamber’s appreciation of O’Neill as guest speaker, “A sincere thank you to Mr. Craig O’Neill for the entertaining and inspiring presentation you gave at the Mena/Polk County Chamber Banquet. Your genuineness is evident in your interaction with people. We are grateful that you shared your time, talents, and treasures with each one of us. I watched so many of our community members walk up to you to share a treasured memory they had of you, many of which included events and time you spent in Mena and Polk County over the years. Thank you again for reminding us what makes our community and county such a wonderful place to live and work. We welcome you with open arms to come back, stay awhile and visit on our ‘front porch.’”

The 2014 Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Community Awards, all of which (with the exception of Business of the Year) were voted upon by Chamber membership, were presented by Chamber President Cindy Long, and assisted by Chamber Board of Directors and members.

Chamber Secretary LeAnn Dilbeck kicked-off the awards with the Volunteer of the Year category. Dilbeck said, “Volunteers are vital to a community’s success and are essential to making Polk County as supportive a community as one can be. They can be found on any given day at any given location, extending their talents doing what they do best… give.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

“If you’re not reading our paper, you don’t have a Pulse!”

- Craig O’Neil

515 JANSSEN MENA 394-4140

Congratulations to all the Chamber Award 701 Mena Street Winners!

479-394-2761

menawaterutilities.com

MADDOX & MADDOX ATTORNEYS AT LAW

520 Church Street Call 479-394-6060 for appointments.

Ouachita Wellness & Sports Center

extends its congratulations to all of the Chamber winners.

We are proud members of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce.

479-394-7979

1506 Hwy. 71 S, Mena • 479-394-6521 Congratulations to all the Award Winners!

Your Preventive Healthcare Facility

400 F Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce would like to say “Thank You” to all that helped to make the attendance of this year’s Chamber Banquet & Membership Celebration a great success. Without you, we would not have the pleasure of making this event happen.

We would like to thank Craig O’Neill for making the evening more entertaining and fun.

Our caterer this year was Paisano’s Restaurant, and we appreciate the wonderful food and excellent job you did.

Thanks to RMCC for the use of the Ouachita Center Facility and to those who helped set up as well as the RMCC Media Team for all their support.

Stewman’s Flowers decorated the facility in a very elegant manner which highlighted the St. Patrick’s Day theme.

Caveman Engraving beautifully created the Community Awards, tickets were creatively designed by Pony Express and Union Bank of Mena printed the programs. Thank you to each of you for all your support.

Special congratulations to this year’s Community Award recipients as well as all of the nominees. Our community is honored to have such outstanding citizens, volunteers and businesses. Thank you for everything you do to make Mena/Polk County such a wonderful place to live and work.

Special thanks to Shannon Hunter with Hunter’s Auction Service for helping make the auction entertaining and a record breaking fundraising success.

This year’s Heads or Tails Game Sponsor was Polk County Farm Bureau. Their sponsored selfie stick prize made for lots of fun.

To all those that sponsored auction items for our fundraiser auction, we say a special “Thank You”. This is always the highlight of the evening and this year we were overwhelmed with donations and support.

Silent Auction Items Sponsors: ACCI Restoration & Resources Arvest Bank Bear State Bank Branding Iron Coast to Coast Edward Jones James' Super Save Foods Matt Thomas – State Farm Mena Sonic Drive-In Ouachita Little Theater Rich Mountain Community College Shelter Insurance Shop at the Foot of the Hill Union Bank

Thank You

American Artisans Atwoods BOLD Body Bronzing Caveman Engraving Country Express BBQ Farmer's Co-op Janssen Ave. Florist Mena Art Gallery Old Bank Antiques Paisano’s Sears Hometown Store Shoe Craze Sweet Peas Photography Washburn's Furniture

Angie’s Therapeutic Massage Baywash Car Wash Boyd Interiors Chameleon Arts Crystal Musical Festival Healthy Connections, Inc. La Villa Restaurant Mena Regional Health System Open Door Salon Polk County Pulse Senator Larry Teague Stewman’s Flowers Tim's Yamaha Yvonne Siribouth

Thank you again to everyone for all your continued support!

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

March 25, 2015

2015 Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Banquet CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 Larry and Linda Dunaway were honored as the Chamber’s 2014 Volunteers of the Year. The Dunaways “use their talents helping churches, rural volunteer fire departments and families all across Polk County in their time of need. They also own and operate R&D Industries, Inc. in Mena,” said Dilbeck. On the nomination submission form, it was said, “The Dunaways not only have a big cooker they have an even bigger love for their community and its people.”

Next up was Chamber Board Member Sonya Maye presenting the Citizen of the Year award, which was given to Tammy Young. “Recipients of this prestigious award are cornerstones in our community. They represent our area and give of their time and talents to make Polk County a better place to live, work, and play,” said Maye. “This year’s recipient was best described in the nomination we received for her: … she is ‘undeniably an asset to the community. She gives so freely of her time with such a positive outlook on all situations. Her ideas are always so thought out and very well planned. It is very evident that she loves this community and works very diligently to make an impact in all areas where she is involved. Her positive outlook is contagious!’”

Tammy works at RMCC as the Community Relations Director and was instrumental in much of the organization for the banquet. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce as well as the Mena Regional Hospital CONCLUDED ON PAGE 25

R&D

Industries Rubber Service & Supply

“Where Love and Care go Hand and Hand” 1803 Cordie Drive, Mena

141 Polk 113, Mena

www.peachtreemena.com

Owned by Larry & Linda Dunaway

479-394-2600

BEASLEY-WOOD FUNERAL HOME Caring for your Family Over 80 Years 611 Janssen Avenue • Mena

479-394-1310

beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

479-394-4431

Congratulations to all of the award winners!

Mena Authorized Sears Dealer Bruce Erickson-New Owner

394-4535

SALES • SERVICE • PARTS

David Dilbeck • 20 Years Experience Hwy 71N/Hwy 88E Junction (Behind Terminix) 479-216-3519 • OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY

March 25, 2015

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Page 23

2015 Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Salvation Army Family Store

401 Sherwood Ave., Mena

479-437-3110

Congratulations to all the winners!

1317 Highway 71 South, Mena

479-394-6762

HOURS T-F 9-5 & SAT. 10-3 Changing lives one at a time! #DoingTheMostGood #PolkCounty #Donate Like us on Facebook!

Supercenter 67 600 Hwy. 71 North • Mena, AR

Congratulations to all the Chamber of Commerce Award Winners!

Page 24

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

March 25, 2015

2015 Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Mena

VA Clinic We serve you because you served us!

1706 Hwy 71N, Mena 479-394-4800

Congratulations local award winners from your friends at POLK COUNTY FARM BUREAU 309 S. Morrow Mena, AR

479-394-3650

Mullen Construction Rondal & Teresa Mullen 479-234-1745 rmullen@sbcglobal.net

PONDS - CLEARING - BACKHOE - TOP SOIL Licensed and Bonded

March 25, 2015

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Page 25

2015 Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Banquet CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 Commission and is also an active Rotarian and member of the Mena Lioness Club. She is active in several civic organizations and serves on a variety of boards, including the hospital board.

Board Member Katrina Rowe presented Sonic Drive-In with the Best Renovation/Beautification. “Thank you Mena Sonic Drive-In for all your community support and congratulations on being our 2014 Best Renovation/Beautification,” Rowe said.

Best New Construction was presented to RMCC for the Ouachita Center. The 13,000+ sq ft. facility opened in August 2014 and is a state-of-the art conference/community center located on the main campus of Rich Mountain Community College. The Ouachita Center is the premier place to host events and provide opportunities that support community and economic initiatives in west central Arkansas and the Ouachita Mountain Region. Arts and culture play a major role in community development and redevelopment because they enhance quality of life, which is central to the mission of the College.

The Chamber Board selected Herod’s Department Store as Business of the Year award. Herod’s was a family owned and operated retailer that served as a cornerstone in downtown Mena for almost 4 decades. “They were the epitome of customer service,” said Young.

As the ceremony concluded the Chamber recognized Chris Benner as the Chamber’s Past President, Cindy Long as Current President, and Tammy Young as PresidentElect.

The Chamber banquet was successful in raising almost $15,000 through the annual celebration with $5,500 raised specifically for the Chamber’s growing scholarship program.

Chamber Executive Director Paula Bailey said, “Everyone has commented that the venue was great and it was very timely. We have received great feedback that the flow of the event was nice, the facilities, food, and decorations were great and Mr. O’Neill was excellent. I couldn’t have done it by myself. Every piece of the program was put together flawlessly and we greatly appreciate everyone who contributed to the event.”

Janssen Park 394-1880 Place B&B JanssenParkPlace.com

Ranked #1 B&B on TripAdvisor.com

We are your home away from home.

Celebrating your loved one is our family’s commitment.

Member FDIC

Visit any of our 3 Mena Locations or our Cove branch.

Visit us online at BearStateBank.com!

Bowser Family Funeral Home

LICENSED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR

479-394-4477 • www.bowserffh.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

2608 Hwy 71 South • Mena, AR 71953

Congratulations!

WE CAN DO IT ALL

WWW.GLENNAIRECONSTRUCTION.COM INFO@GLENNAIRECONSTRUCTION.COM

JAMES EARL TURNER (479) 234-6244 ERIC TURNER (479) 243-5549

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

March 25, 2015

2015 Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Polk County Assisted Living

Republican Party

Congratulations to the award winners!

March 25, 2015

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Page 27

2015 Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Everyone is a winner when you are a member of the

Chamber of Commerce!

Congrats to All!

Orville & Cheryl Murphy

STERLING Machinery Co., Inc. MANUFACTURER OF QUALITY CNC PARTS 479.394.4248 104 Port Arthur Avenue Mena, AR 71953-3344

Full Line Drugstore Large Selection of Gifts

Congratulations Award Winners!

710 4th Street, Mena, AR

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sat. • 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sun. • Closed

www.century21perry.com 1118 Highway 71 S. Mena, AR 71953

(479)394-6500 1-800-394-6521

Page 28

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

2015 Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Banquet

President Cindy Long

Executive Director Paula Bailey with Steve Bradley

Vice-President Tammy Young with husband David

March 25, 2015

Board of Directors

Secretary LeAnn Dilbeck with husband David

Treasurer Jennifer Maechler

Chris Benner

Lisa Masters with husband Tim

Jennifer Graves with husband David

Brion Dickerson with wife Annie

Debbie Frost with husband Benny

Sonya Maye with husband Brian

Jimma Holder with husband Mike

Katrina Rowe with husband Landon

Diesel REPAIR 1408 Hwy. 71 N • Mena, AR 71953

479-394-5700

��TIRES�� Diesel Repair on Semi Tractor Trailers & All Diesel Engines

fieldspromos@gmail.com

---CONGRATULATIONS!---

MEDI SHOP PHARMACY Pharmacy for Your Health

Bob Geyer, Pharm. D.

(479) 394-5000

Historic Downtown Mena

Pharmacist

204 Hwy. 71S at 2nd St. Phone: 479-394-3254 Toll Free: 866-575-9594 Congratulations Award Winners!