LOCALLY OWNED
Do SouthÂŽ is excited to bring you our Locally-Owned Special Advertising Guide!
In the following pages, you'll meet the people who own and operate businesses where you live. The shopkeepers and professionals might go to church with you, or have kids on the same Little League teams as yours, or live in the same neighborhood.
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As we put this section together, we asked each of them to tell us about how long they've been in business here, and what they love about being part of our community. Since you'll be hearing from them, we thought you might also like to hear our story.
Do SouthÂŽ LOVES Local!
LOCALLY OWNED
Do South® started in 2010, at a time
are loyal to us to help us thrive. So, we get
when the country was reeling from
how important it is to support local businesses.
the Great Recession. Not a great
Statistics show that if every family in the United
time to start a new business, by
States spent $10 a month at locally-owned,
anybody's standards. But we
independent businesses, more than $9 billion*
knew that Fort Smith, Arkansas,
would be directly returned to local economies.
needed a magazine like ours, one that's filled with uplifting
We think about that when we spend our money,
stories of hope and wonder.
whether we're eating out, sending flowers to
And we believed advertisers and
someone we love, or picking up the perfect
readers would support it.
bottle of wine. We want to thank everyone who's reading this, supporting the work we
In the years since, we've told hundreds
do. And so, we ask you to learn more about
of stories. We get cards and letters and
the businesses in this very special section, and
emails from readers thanking us, telling us
then go out and shop locally! Please support
that we've made their lives better. And we've
small businesses — our friends and neighbors
had advertisers call us, time and time again, to
who work hard every day to serve you!
say how well their ads are working for them. We couldn’t be more grateful!
source: IndependentWeStand.org. Based on Civic Economics Andersonville Study of Retail Economics: When you spend $100 at an independent business,
we get to see how great our hometown is, and
$68 returns to the local economy versus $43 when
how kind and creative and good the people
spent with a national chain. Based on U.S. Census
who live here are. That's the touchy-feely part
projection of 115 million households.
of our story. But we also know that as a locallyowned business, we have to have sponsors who
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That's what we love about Do South®. Every day,
LOCALLY OWNED DO SOUTH MAGAZINE
Alert Alarm Systems, Inc.
Allison Sales Flooring
AlertAlarmSys.com
allisonsalesonline.com
Owners - Pat Nolte & Steve Nolte
Owner - Vincent Allison
Locally Owned Since 1976
Locally Owned Since 1925
We love that we know our customers, and they know us,
The best part about being a locally-owned business is being
due to super low employee turnover and awesome customer
able to see our work throughout town and being able to give
retention. It’s common for a customer to call our local
back locally as well.
monitoring station to tell us about an upcoming trip (so we’ll know what to do if an alarm signal is received), and then call back afterward to share what they did/saw on the trip.
LOCALLY OWNED
Atchley Air
The Barn by Two Brothers & L Designs
479.689.4161
thebarnbytwobrothers.com / LDesignsbyLisa.com
Owners - Michael & Jennifer Atchley
Owner -Lisa Neumeier Bobel Hearn
Locally Owned Since 1958
Locally Owned Since 2015 / 2008
I love knowing that I can make a difference in the River Valley,
Having been brought up at a local family business (Neumeier
where I've spent nearly all of my life, by providing great jobs
Nursery & Florist), I learned quickly about hard work! A locally-
to nearly fifty local citizens. I always prefer to invest locally,
owned business is able to connect with customers giving them
knowing that as I support the local economy, I'm a part of the
a custom, creative product and full service. L Designs studio is
continued growth and improvement of my hometown.
located next to The Barn By Two Brothers event venue and is ready to help you create a one-of-a-kind event!
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LOCALLY OWNED
LOCALLY OWNED
Bruce Terri Drive in & Catering Vein Clinics of Arkansas and Basinger Aesthetics
479.452.8171
Veinclinicsofarkansas.com / basingeraesthetics.com
Owners - Chuck, Terri, Chip, and Kyrk Peacock
Owner - Norma Basinger, MD
Locally Owned 1961
Locally Owned Since 2011 Our patients appreciate that we are a locally-owned independent practice that provides advanced specialty care. We are owned, led, and staffed entirely by women.
Being a family restaurant, we feel our employees don't just work for us, they're family, and our customers aren't just customers, they're friends. Being locally owned, we feel our customers know they'll get great service every time they come and will be treated like family. We thank God that He has helped us to be able to serve many, many people over the last fifty-five years and look forward to serving many more.
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LOCALLY OWNED
LOCALLY OWNED
Center for Hearing, Ltd.
ClueMasters Escape Room
centerforhearing.net
Cluemasters.com
Owner - Kelley Linton, AuD
Owners - Chad Summerhill, Devin Kuhl, Shane
Locally Owned 1998
Jennings, Jeremy May
Locally Owned Since 2015
I have control over important decisions that directly affect my
We are proud and excited to be a part of the new energy
employees and our patients. For our patients, it allows us to choose only cutting-edge technology in the hearing industry based on the person's specific needs, not based on a national sales average. For my employees, it allows us to sit together, pray together and resolve problems with collaborative input where everyone feels valued.
around downtown Fort Smith. We love providing a unique and exciting form of entertainment that encourages families to be a part of downtown as well as a venue that corporations can use for team building within their organizations.
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To me, local ownership of a private practice clinic ensures that
LOCALLY OWNED
ARKA
LAND THAT WE LOVE There are
47,800
farms in the state.
The average size of an Arkansas farm is
282 acres.
Agriculture accounts for
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1 out of every 6 jobs in the state and approximately 25% of Arkansas' economy.
Arkansas has
18.9 million acres of forest.
LOCALLY OWNED
NSAS, LAND OF PLENTY We're in the top 25 states in the production of these farm products:
Grain Sorghum Grapes Honey Oats Peaches Pecans
source Farm Bureau, Arkansas
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Baitfish Beef Cows Blueberries Broilers Catfish Chicken Eggs Corn Cotton Cottonseed
Pigs Rice Softwood Lumber Soybeans Sweet Potatoes Tomatoes Turf Grass Turkeys Watermelons Wheat
LOCALLY OWNED
D&D Floor Covering
Expressions Flowers
DDFloorCovering.com / DDWindowCovering.com Owners - Donnie & Wendy Dean
Locally Owned Since 1996 We love being a locally-owned business because it gives us the ability to accommodate our customers' needs without corporate rules or restrictions. We can customize clients' desires according to their specific wants. We treat our customers as new-found friends rather than a number, and we want them
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to get exactly what they expect in service and quality.
479.783.3210 Owners - Robert & David Robertson
Locally Owned Since 1993 We love to be a part of your family's celebrations of life, love and being there for your loved ones’ last wishes. We consider our staff part of our family, and our customers are some of our best friends. We love what we do and haven't worked a day since we opened!
LOCALLY OWNED
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LOCALLY OWNED
LOCALLY OWNED
Great American Cookies Friddle Dentistry
greatamericancookies.com
thefriddlesmile.com
Owners - Mark, Shelly, Elaine
Owners - Dr. Cody and Dr. Carl R. Friddle
and Leroy Van Herpen
Locally Owned Since 1976
Locally Owned Since 2002
We love this town and the people in it. People know that they
The best part about being a locally-owned company are our
can trust that we'll be there for them and their dental needs!
customers. We truly love sharing the fun of cookies! We appreciate our customers trusting us to make their celebrations sweet with our fresh baked cookies, brownies, and cookie cakes.
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LOCALLY OWNED
H3 Home + Décor 479.434.4920 Owners - Charlie Hambuchen, Richie Hambuchen, David Hambuchen
Locally Owned Since 1931
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As owners, we love being involved in our business every day.
Hanger Management 479.522.0512 Owner - Natalie Hedrick
Locally Owned Since 2013
We are in our stores to oversee every aspect of our business
I was born and raised here, and I absolutely love this
– from service, to sale, to delivery. We love that those we
community. I have always believed in giving back and
serve are not only our customers but our friends, people we
supporting our neighbors, and now I am part of that. I believe
see outside the store, whether it’s shopping, dining out, at
in growing this community and building positive relationships
church or socially.
that will last a lifetime!
LOCALLY OWNED
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TOP 10 REASONS TO BE LOYAL TO LOCAL It Strengthens Local Economy Keeps Jobs Local Invests in Our Community Let's You Buy What You Need, Not the Hype Puts Your Taxes to Good Use Encourages Local Prosperity Promotes Local Products Raises Hometown Pride Helps Social Connections Boosts Entrepreneurship
LOCALLY OWNED
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LOCALLY OWNED
Johnson Dermatology
Dr. James E. Kelly III, Western Arkansas Plastic,
johnsondermatology.com
Hand and Reconstructive Surgery Center
Owners - Dr. Brad and Dr. Sandy Johnson
jameskelly3md.com
Locally Owned Since 2006
Owner - James E. Kelly III, M.D.
I think our mission statement that we have lived by for the past ten years says it best: Johnson Dermatology strives to deliver efficient, quality, compassionate, comprehensive, patient-
As an independently-owned surgical practice, I am afforded
centered skin care. We endeavor to provide a team oriented,
the ability to provide the highest quality of care to my clients,
productive work environment. We strive to be a responsible
while at the same time servicing all area hospitals and insurance
corporate citizen and contributing member of the community
panels. Thus, patients are not limited in their choice of care.
through education and service.
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Locally Owned Since 1999
LOCALLY OWNED
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LOCALLY OWNED
Locally-owned, independent businesses are... Operated by your neighbors and friends. They live in your community and care about the community's well-being. Among the first in the community to lend a helping hand. Small businesses donate about twice as much per employee to charitable organizations as large businesses.*
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Making your community unique, charming, and inviting. Smaller shops often carry items you won't find in chain stores. Sometimes that's because the profit margin isn’t high enough for the big guys to stock. Helping the environment because their products often require less packaging and don’t travel as far. Source: IndependentWeStand.org and *Small Business Administration
Luther Stem Pools & Spas
M&M Farms
lutherstem.com
479.474.4505
Owners - Luther N. Stem III, Wendell W. Stem,
Owners - Tom & Sue Moore
Luther N. Stem IV (Nathan)
Locally Owned Since 1962 We’re proud to say we're the oldest swimming pool company in the state of Arkansas, known for building quality, custom, concrete and in-ground pools. We focus on quality, service and
LOCALLY OWNED
m&m FARMS
Locally Owned Since 2010 We are farm to table, which gives our locally-owned operation a personal interaction with our customers. We are always excited when they ask about our Certified Grassfed Farm and how to prepare our very healthy meat.
products made in the USA!
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Kendall Roberts, DDS / New Health Dental newhealthdental.com
The Paint Store of Arkansas, Inc.
Owners - Kendall & Krista Roberts
479.474.4505
Locally Owned 1987
Owners - Tom and Sue Moore
I love the fact that we’ve become a regional dental practice and are able to serve our friends and neighbors throughout the River Valley and beyond. I have numerous patients that have been with me since I started my dental career, and they feel like family. Being locally owned means we stay in touch with our patients’ needs while appreciating our historic past and embracing our bright future!
Locally Owned Since 1988 Our twenty-eight years of experience puts us at the top of the list when it comes to service, and expert advice. The locally owned hat we wear enables us to make special and customized purchases for our customers. You just can't get that at the big box/company stores.
LOCALLY OWNED
FINE STATIONERY•GIFTS•INVITATIONS
Paperwerk
Riverpointe Wine & Spirits
479.648.0558
riverpointewineandspirits.com
Owner - Kaci Singer
Owners - Doug and Kim Pinkerton
Locally Owned Since 2014
Locally Owned Since 2015
Where we shop, where we eat and where we have fun—all of it makes our community home; but, without the support from our community, our businesses wouldn't thrive. It's the community that backs us, the people who keep walking through our doors. They keep the passion alive.
Being locally owned and operated allows us to have more of a personal relationship with our customers and community. Providing them with the products and services they expect and deserve, helps us to achieve our ultimate goal, which is customer satisfaction.
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LOCALLY OWNED
LOCALLY OWNED
Southwest Resources Group, Inc. (The Reserve Apartments) southwestresources.com
Neumeier’s Rib Room & Beer Garden
Owner - Jim Meadows
ribroom.com
Locally Owned Since 1984
Owner - William (Bill) Neumeier, Jr.
It’s very rewarding to be involved with a company that’s been
Locally Owned Since 1988
in business in Fort Smith for over thirty years. We have an awesome group of employees who are dedicated to managing
I love giving the locals, and our visitors, a taste of Fort Smith,
and maintaining our properties in Fort Smith, Greenwood, Van
especially with the "unique" way we serve our award-winning
Buren, Russellville, Arkadelphia, Beebe, and Searcy. Providing
dry ribs! And it’s really cool being a part of our downtown’s
housing for residents, whether it’s for short-term or long-term,
landscape, and a small part of its rich history!
is also rewarding.
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LOCALLY OWNED
89% of consumers agree that independent businesses contribute positively to local economies. Residential neighborhoods served by a successful independent business district gained, on average, 50% more in home values than their citywide markets.
$
Spending $100 at an independent business = $68 in local economic activity, versus only $48 from a big box retailer.
3X
Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales than chain competitors. Independent restaurants return more than two times as much money per dollar of sales than national restaurant chains.
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Small businesses accounted for 65% of all net new jobs over the past 17 years.
LOCALLY OWNED
Local, independent makers are much more likely to recycle materials. Local business generates 70% more local economic activity per sq. ft. than big box retail. Small businesses employ 77 million Americans. If every family in the U.S. spent an extra $10 a month at a locally-owned, independent business instead of a national chain, over $9.3 billion would be directly returned to our economy.
From independentwestand.org. Sources: Small Business Administration; Intuit Small Business Innovation Study; American Express OPEN Independent Retail Index; Civic Economics/American Booksellers Assoc., U.S. Dept. of Labor, statisticbrain. com, itrcweb.com, census.gov.
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Money spent at a local business generates 3.5X more wealth for the local economy compared to money spent at a chain-owned business.
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LOCALLY OWNED
LOCALLY OWNED
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The Sound Room Sodie’s Wine & Spirits
thesoundroomfs.com
479.783.8013
Owners - James E. Kelly III, MD, Pamela G. Kelly,
Owners - Scott & Deborah Clark
Johnny D. Fisher
Locally Owned Since 2012
Locally Owned Since 2016
Having a locally-owned business affords us the opportunity
Locally-owned businesses recognize the importance of Fort
to reciprocate with those that have done business with
Smith's economic infrastructure, as well as the vitality of our
our other local family ventures for many years. A sense of
city. We will bring additional life to the downtown district,
community where one might drive that extra mile to buy
provide guests with pleasant experiences, generate tax revenue
locally is what creates a vibrant community by keeping tax
for our city, and promote job growth internally, thus growing
dollars here in Fort Smith.
the city overall.
LOCALLY OWNED
T. Glasco Designs
Udouj Orthodontics
tglascodesigns.com
479.782.3021
Owners - Chris & Terri Glasco
Owners - Dr. Henry Udouj Jr.
Locally Owned Since 1995
and Dr. Henry Udouj III
The best decision we ever made, for our business and our graciously supported us through our retail store and design business for the past twenty years. We are thankful for our customers and love every design challenge we have ever been given and hope to continue to do so for many years to come.
We love our hometown and have four generations of the Udouj family rooted in Fort Smith! Our patients love that we have often treated their parents and even their grandparents, so we've established trusting relationships. As a locallyowned business, we are deeply involved in the success of our community and strive to offer our time, treasure and talents to see that "Life IS worth living in Fort Smith, Arkansas!"
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family, was to move to Fort Smith. The people in this area have
Locally Owned Since 1972
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LOCALLY OWNED
LOCALLY OWNED
Ward Brothers Roofing, LLC 479.806.9148 Owners - Chris Ward, Josh Ward
Locally Owned Since 2014 We love being a locally-owned business because we get to see
The Woodsman Company 479.452.3559 Owners - Bryan and Lydia Dobbins
Locally Owned Since 1985
the impact we have on our community. Whether it's through
Over the last thirty-one years, we have been blessed with the
volunteer work or strengthening our network from sales, we
opportunity to build relationships with our customers and their
have a direct impact in Fort Smith by keeping our money local
families. It has been a privilege to share in all the experiences
as well as doing our best to support other local businesses.
and adventures that so many of our customers have had. We
We have grown a reputation of being a dependable and
look forward to continuing to serve the Fort Smith region.
trustworthy roofing company, and we are so blessed!
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