Best of Siloam Springs

By Karen Rice t ell us about your first two years as President and CEO of the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce I am very thankful for the opportunity to have served the Siloam Springs community for the last two years. I have met so many great people who care about the community and who have a persistent entrepreneurial spirit. During the last two years, we have been reminded that life is short and we should not take things for granted. Two examples include the ability to see someone's smile without a mask and the ability to physically be with people we care about. In spite of Covid, the last 2 years have been an exciting time of chamber membership growth and relevance through service offered to the business community, non- profits, and schools. Four of the biggest accomplishments over the last two years include: assisting businesses obtain needed grants and personal protective equipment during Covid, hosting a very successful Dogwood Festival in 2021 while mitigating safety risks, helping over 20 businesses get started, and opening the Siloam Springs Maker Space, which provides a space for creative people of all ages to access 3-D printers, laser engraver, and various other tools. Other accomplishments from the last two years include: the hosting of a successful job fair to help connect businesses with quality talent, the formation of a women and minority scholarship fund that provides resources to business people who might not otherwise have access, and the continuing of events for connection in the community during Covid such as: First Friday Coffees, CEO & HR Round Tables, ribbon cuttings, candidate forums, golf tournaments, honor graduate luncheons, annual banquets, and back to school breakfasts. e Siloam Chamber has also been focusing on improving our approach to serving the Hispanic business community with an interpreter and website materials in Spanish. None of this would have been possible without the many incredible volunteers, sponsors, ambassadors, chamber and city board of directors, and chamber staff team. What's on the horizon for Siloam Springs? Siloam Springs has a very bright future with an influx of new businesses, jobs, and people from around the country. More people are learning that Siloam is a great place to live, play, learn, work, and grow a business. What makes Siloam a great place to grow a business? e city is located in the fastest growing county in Arkansas and the third busiest entryway into Arkansas along highway 412. Siloam Springs has a close proximity to municipal and international airports, great schools, a relatively low cost of living, a strong labor force, and a strong pro-business city & state leadership. e community is a great place to live and a great place to live is a great place to grow a business. Why is Siloam a great place to raise a family? Siloam Springs is a safe, clean, and friendly community with a beautiful downtown and outstanding educational opportunities for students of all ages. e community has a strong history of warm, positive Christian values influenced by entities such as John Brown University, Dayspring Cards, KLRC, and many quality places to worship. Siloam Springs is also home to many biking and hiking trails as well as a kayak park on the Illinois River. ese things help make Siloam Springs a fun place to live and play. Why do you personally like living in Siloam? I personally love living in Siloam Springs with my wife, our three daughters, and two grandchildren. Our community has so much to offer from its safe environment, quality educational systems, warm Christian culture, abundant job opportunities, beautiful nature, and close proximity to all the amenities anyone could ever want. I am thankful Siloam Springs is the kind of place my children want to live and raise their families. What are you most excited about going forward in Siloam? I am excited about the many people and businesses coming to Siloam Springs as well as the new $33 million 30-acre white water park coming to the area funded primarily by the Walton Family Foundation. What's one thing you'd like everyone to know about Siloam Springs? Siloam Springs is an "Oasis of Opportunity" for anyone looking for a brighter future. Closing thoughts? I want to thank the many wonderful volunteers, ambassadors, business leaders, board members, city & state leaders, law enforcement, and military for making Siloam Springs an "Oasis of Opportunity." Arthur Hulbert specializes in networking and business start-up education. He can help you start your business, inform you of current grants and tax credits, and connect you with the right people to set you up for success. Arthur would love to get to know you so be sure to come by the Chamber! Arthur Hulbert received a Bachelors degree in Health Science and a Master's Degree in Physical erapy from the University of Central Arkansas followed by a Doctorate from Rocky Mountain University in Provo Utah. He has taught for several universities, is a published author in a research journal, has started and run several successful businesses as well as helped lead a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ in 37 states and Puerto Rico. Arthur Hulbert Q & A with Arthur Hulbert President & CEO Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce 10 • Best of Siloam Springs Wednesday, November 9, 2022 Siloam Springs Herald-Leader P.O. Box 100 • 1401 E. Main St. • Siloam Springs, AR 479-524-3121 www.backstrom-pyeatte.com Proud to Serve Siloam SpringS

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