Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1464332
No one can argue that the recent pandemic took the wind out of everyone's sails. And that was doubly true for local businesses. But in Lincoln there is a fresh, new energy in the business community and an exciting, revitalized Chamber of Commerce is leading the charge. "e chamber got a whole new board right before Covid hit," began Katrina Asher, President of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. "And we were able to do very little for the next two years because of lockdowns and such. But now we are back, getting more involved with the community and starting to make things happen again." e first big accomplishment was the new Lincoln Farmers Market. e Chamber was instrumental in helping to secure the location and the vendors. "at was our first big thing aer Covid," Katrina said. "We're having meetings again and inviting people from the community to join us. Our next big event is going to be the Chicken Rod Nationals Car Show in June, up on the square. We had it last year, but we're pretty excited to have it come back bigger and better than ever this year." e Chamber has also gotten more aggressive in courting new businesses to come to Lincoln. And the fruits of their labors are already starting to show. "e new Legacy Bank branch is coming into town," Katrina said. "And we have a new discount store coming to town as well. We are reaching out to welcome new businesses and getting involved with everything else in the community." Katrina herself is no stranger to the experience of running a business in Lincoln. Six years ago she took over the iconic American Drive-in right on Hwy. 62. It is a throwback to the fiies, literally, having been in business since 1958. e fast food hamburger establishment still delights customers with its kitschy décor and traditional drive-in fare. "We are working with Prairie Grove and other nearby towns to put out a district calendar of events," Katrina said. "is is an effort to work together with our surrounding neighbors to attract more people to the area." When it comes to events that draw folks from miles around, Lincoln brings a lot to the table. In addition to the Chicken Rod Nationals Car Show, there is the famed Lincoln Rodeo in August and the annual Cane Hill Harvest Festival in the fall. en there's the legendary Arkansas Apple Festival, which will be held September 30 - October 2, 2022 this year. Having lived in the area most of her life and graduated from Lincoln High School, Katrina takes her position as President of the Chamber of Commerce both seriously and personally. "I'm very excited about the growth coming to Lincoln," she said. "We are very positive about what the future holds for Lincoln and the surrounding areas." For more information on living and doing business in Lincoln, visit www.lincolnarkansaschamber.com Lincoln Chamber of Commerce looks to a bright future SPONSOR CONTENT We are very positive about what the future holds for Lincoln and the surrounding areas. – Katrina Asher, President of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce 2022 West Washington County Directory | 15