Westside Community Guide

2022 Westside Community Guide – 13 ■ Gentry: A town that residents are happy to call home Janie Parks has been the executive director of the Gentry Chamber of Commerce for six years, but her roots run deep here. She and her husband owned a local business, Parks Lumber, for 35 years, and she's been a Chamber Board Member for more than 30 years. Organizing and facilitating events and functions is just the beginning of Janie's job at the Chamber. Her certification last year as a Professional Community and Economic Developer put a title to the role she's been doing for years— "To assist with the economic development of the City of Gentry, to be an advocate for the Gentry businesses and strive to make Gentry a town that the citizens are happy to call home," as she puts it. The Gentry Chamber of Commerce sponsors and organizes several events during the year including: Gentry Freedom Fest, Children's Fishing Derby, Chamber Easter Egg Hunt, Pickin' Time on 59, Gentry Christmas Parade and the Gentry Neighbors for Neighbors Program. The Neighbors for Neighbors program, started a little more than a year ago, is funded through donations to the Gentry United Way. Those needing short-term assistance in the way food, clothes and other necessities can apply through the Gentry Chamber office. The program even assists at Gentry High School, where a room called "The Closet" allows students to "shop" for clothing. The innovative program enables Gentry residents and businesses to make donations that will help with the immediate needs of their own Gentry community. "The Freedom Fest on July 4th is our biggest event of the year drawing between 12,000 and 15,000 people to Gentry during the one day event," Janie said. "The day ends with one of the best fireworks displays in Northwest Arkansas." Pickin' Time on 59 is an event in conjunction with Siloam Springs, Decatur, Gravette and Sulphur Springs. Each town organizes vintage, antique and garage sales along Hwy 59. This three-day event draws thousands of bargain hunters from many states to the area. How do these things support the town? "Every function or event the Chamber plans has a goal of improving the quality of life and place for our citizens," Janie explains. "All Chamber community events are free of charge due to the support of our generous Chamber businesses and supporters. "The first question we ask when planning an event, function or gathering is 'how can we draw customers into our local businesses?'" Janie adds. Chamber member businesses are also supported through the Chamber website and in the Chamber "Shout- Out" newsletters. Plus, "I am always available to help new entrepreneurs get started in business," says Janie. The city is constantly growing, improving, and earning its "happy to call it home" reputation. "Last fall the City of Gentry opened our Gentry Splash Park and in a few weeks the brand new Gentry Sports Complex will open with beautiful new baseball, softball and soccer fields," Janie points out. "There is also a new walking trail included at the complex." The Splash Park is one of the largest splash parks around. It is located in the Main Street Park in the middle of Gentry within walking distance to most of the residents of Gentry. The Gentry Chamber of Commerce / Main Street Gentry, Inc. is currently working with McClelland Engineers on a Downtown Gentry Revitalization Plan. This plan will focus on creating a downtown that is a shoppable, liveable and walkable space. "Our goal is to create a downtown that is attractive and vibrant yet still has the hometown feel that we all love," according to Janie. "We are experiencing extraordinary population growth," notes Janie, and "with that growth comes the need for new businesses and expansion of current businesses." Like the town itself, Gentry's business mix is unique. Janie points to the many specialty businesses in town, including The Wooden Spoon, D & J Bulkworks, Flint Creek Amish Furniture, Spavinaw Stove Company, KDT Vintage, The Chicken Coop, McKee Company Store and more. A small town atmosphere, great schools and friendly people make Gentry a great place to live. A growing business community reflects a town that more and more people are happy to call home. SPONSOR CONTENT www.gentrychamber.com • 479-736-2358

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