PHOTO: The Voice finalist and Arkansas native Barrett Baber performs at the 2026 Arkadelphia Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet.
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The Arkadelphia Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a landmark year of growth and community achievement at its 2026 Annual Banquet, “Rockin’ the Region,” on March 12, 2026. Presented by Southwest Auto Collection, the sold-out event at Henderson State University’s Garrison Center brought together business owners, public officials, and community leaders to toast the economic momentum driving Clark County forward.
The tone for the night was set by Arkansas native and The Voice finalist, Barrett Baber. Baber, who was born in Arkadelphia and later attended Ouachita Baptist University, delivered a soulful performance that Shelley Short, President and CEO of the Arkadelphia Alliance and Chamber, described as the perfect catalyst for the night’s theme. Attendees were also treated to the latest edition of Arkadelphia Life magazine and custom guitar picks as a thank you for “picking” Clark County.
During her opening remarks, Short emphasized that Arkadelphia is no longer sitting quietly in the background but is instead setting the tempo for progress across the state through workforce development, industrial expansion, and infrastructure readiness.
“This community is full of people who show up, invest in one another, and make our region stronger every single day,” said Shelley Short. “This community continues to show what can happen when everyone plays their part and keeps the momentum building.”
A highlight of the evening was the premiere of the Alliance and Chamber’s annual video. The presentation highlighted new workforce initiatives, developing and marketing the 991-acre Southwest Arkansas Mega Site, and collaboration with educational, industrial, and other regional partners.
The 2025 Awards Ceremony served as the evening’s centerpiece, honoring the individuals and organizations that defined excellence over the past year.
2025 Award Recipients
Non-Profit Organization of the Year: The Percy & Donna Malone Child Safety Center
In 2025 alone, the Center provided a safe haven for 372 children across Clark and surrounding counties. The services they provide in our community are inspiring and life changing.
Service Award: Dr. Jeff Root, Ouachita Baptist University
Dr. Root was recognized for his decades of service, ranging from the Arkadelphia School Board to his voice in the broadcast booth for Badger and OBU Tiger football.
Rising Star: Kristine Shuffield, AV Arkadelphia
As a Chamber Ambassador and co-owner of AV Arkadelphia, Shuffield was noted as a “faithful pillar” of the local business community.
Small Business of the Year: Heartland Pharmacy
Heartland Pharmacy is a locally focused community pharmacy that has served Arkadelphia since 2021 and is known for their friendly staff and excellent service.
Large Business of the Year: Southern Bancorp
Southern Bancorp is a mission-driven bank combining traditional banking with financial development tools and policy advocacy to help families and communities grow stronger.
Youth Leadership Award: Anderson Jones
The prestigious Youth Leadership Award goes to an outstanding individual who has consistently displayed community involvement and leadership alike.
President’s Distinguished Citizen: Dr. Trey Berry, Henderson State University
The President’s Distinguished Citizen Award is presented to an individual who has shown exceptional leadership and dedication.
Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Paul Shuffield, Shuffield Music
Our dedicated chamber ambassadors represent the Chamber at events, ribbon cutting, business visits and more.
As the evening concluded, Jon Merryman, EVP and Chamber Director, pivoted to the future by highlighting several upcoming resources and initiatives. He noted the continued success of the partnership with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), which has provided local entrepreneurs with no-cost consulting and on-site appointments since July 2025. Merryman also previewed the Arkadelphia Regional Civics Bee, held in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, where 20 middle school students—including 17 from Goza Middle School—will compete for cash prizes and a chance to advance to the national stage in Washington, D.C.
Other key 2026 dates announced included a Chamber Bingo Night at the Clark County Fairgrounds on April 9 and the opening of the 2026 Façade Grant applications on May 4. This grant offers a 50% match up to $2,500 to help local businesses revitalize their storefronts and enhance community character.
“Your continued support and dedication to your local chamber and community continues to help make Arkadelphia a great place to call home,” said Merryman. “We truly are thankful that you have picked Clark County to live, work, and play.”
The success of the evening was fueled by the generous support of an extensive list of community partners led by presenting sponsor, Southwest Auto Collection; entertainment sponsor, The J.M. Smucker Company; venue sponsor, Henderson State University; and audio visual sponsor, AV Arkadelphia; alongside a dedicated group of diamond and sapphire sponsors whose investment ensures that Clark County continues to lead and make a lasting impact across the region.
For more information on Arkadelphia Alliance and Chamber programs, events, and initiatives, please visit arkadelphiaalliance.com.
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