Best of Siloam Springs

quality businesses to the community." "I've worked with about 13 different board chairs," Mays continued. "And each one had a different perspective of how to get things done. But all had a commitment to leave the chamber stronger when they left it and that is exactly what they did." Evidence that the Chamber of Commerce in Siloam Springs is a strong presence in the community is tangible, having recently moved into a building they bought and remodeled themselves. The new space has a boardroom that hosts all of their meetings as well as meetings for outside organizations and training for small businesses. "And we just got support for a Maker Space, or Entrepreneurial Center," Mays said. "We think it will be a great addition to our town and it is really gratifying to see the community so supportive and excited about it, too." Mays credits the success of the Chamber to always being open to new ideas. "People walk through our doors every day with new ideas and ask how we can help," Mays said. "Sometimes those ideas are good and viable and we can help, other times the ideas may be a little off-the-wall and we either send them somewhere else or we counsel them to maybe re-think it. But our mission remains the same: to be the voice of businesses in Siloam Springs. And we accomplish that by having 15 board members who live and work in the town and keep us informed of the issues we should be addressing." Mays had a successful career in telecommunications that spanned 25 years before arriving in Siloam Springs to lead the chamber of commerce. His various positions took him all over the country and also allowed him to serve in several chamber of commerce organizations. This experience enabled him to have an in-depth understanding of both the business world and how businesses interact with their chamber of commerce. When asked to reflect on the future of Siloam Springs, Mays had this advice. "Things change. Every community experiences change and we've had our share of that," Mays said. "But what has kept us on track, I'd say, are three organizations: the chamber of commerce, city government and the Main Street organization. They have worked together to not only bring great amenities to our town but also keep that anchor as a small town with a moral center. And the community has supported our efforts every step of the way." Anyone who is looking for a place to put down roots where they will be accepted and appreciated, put to work and valued as individuals, Siloam Springs is the place they should be looking at. ~ Wayne Mays 20 • Best of Siloam Springs Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Siloam Springs Herald-Leader 702 S. Mt. Olive • Siloam Springs, AR 72761 479-238-1444 Thanks for choosing us the Best of Siloam Springs. We are always humbled by your patronage and it is a privilege to serve Siloam Springs. 811 S Mt Olive St • Siloam Springs, AR 479- 220-9591 | Vote for us! 183 S Mount Olive St Siloam Springs 479-524-3000 sales@theballooncloset.com theballooncloset.com Making lifetime memories one balloon at a time Custom balloon arrangements

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