The Bradley County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met Monday, June 15, for its regularly scheduled meeting, discussing financial reports, upcoming events, membership growth and plans for new downtown banners.
Following the call to order, board members approved the May and June financial reports. During discussion of the chamber’s finances, members noted that available funds were lower than usual. However, Chamber Director Nancy Arnold reported that the organization recently received $7,500 in Main Street grant funding designated for new downtown banners, which will help increase available funds.
In special events reports, board member Estephany Roman said the June 6 Pop-Up Shop at Sweet & Bloom Florist featured four vendors. The next Pop-Up Shop is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, at Good News Ice Cream Shop, which can accommodate between eight and 10 vendors.
Board members also discussed the Market on Main event series and agreed to postpone the next market until September due to expected summer heat.
Providing an update on the 70th Annual Pink Tomato Festival, board member James Wells said the event was a success.
“The fireworks were great this year, and I think the carnival was a hit as it was bigger,” Wells said.
Wells said the Pink Tomato Festival Committee appreciates the support received from volunteers, sponsors and attendees.
“The committee would like to thank all of the volunteers, sponsors and attendees for another great year,” he said.
While pleased with the festival’s success, Wells noted that additional volunteers will be needed for next year’s event.
“We need individuals that will commit to chair events as well as individuals for the day of,” he said.
Board member Janelle Lipton encouraged younger residents to become involved in community events and volunteer efforts.
During fundraising discussions, Arnold reported that the Southeast Arkansas Community Based Education Center (SEACBEC) plans to donate a student-made item for the chamber to auction. Several potential projects are currently under consideration.
Arnold also informed the board that retired Main Street banners remain available for purchase. Several banners were sold during the Pink Tomato Festival weekend.
Looking ahead, Arnold said new downtown banners will be rotated four times annually. Board members reviewed concepts for future banner designs, including a Christmas-themed design featuring Santa Claus, trees and a deer. The board agreed to wait for revisions to the design before approving it for printing.
In new business, Arnold said she plans to visit businesses throughout Bradley County in the coming weeks to recruit new chamber members and strengthen community engagement.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. The next Bradley County Chamber of Commerce board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 13, at noon.
