Chamber Celebrates Area Businesses at its Annual Meeting and Gala
The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) hosted its Annual Meeting and Gala, themed the “Alchemy Affair,” on Friday, January 24, at the Batesville Community Center. Over 500 guests gathered to celebrate the seemingly magical transformations shaping our community through creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
“Our presenting sponsor, First Community Bank, and event partners — Bad Boy Mowers, FARCO Construction, Hampton Inn, Peco Foods, the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, and White River Health — helped us host our most vibrant Annual Meeting to date,” said BACC COO Jamie Rayford. “Their unwavering support underscores the importance of building momentum through events like this, which celebrate the power of collective progress.”
The Chamber recognized outstanding businesses and individuals whose efforts have fueled economic growth, advanced corporate stewardship, supported philanthropy, and inspired civic engagement. Honorees included: Rich Realty (Excellence in Business); AmigoFest (Community Collaboration); Whippoorwill Charm (Excellence in Customer Focus); Dr. JD Allen (Leader in Health Care); Lyon College’s Backyard Access Plan (Leader in Education); Polk & Paddle (New Member of the Year); and Andrea Bruner of Network of Community Options (Chamber Ambassador of the Year).
The evening also marked the graduation of the 2024 Leadership Batesville class, a 9-month program fostering community leaders. Graduates include Amanda Bledsoe (Network of Community Options), Darius Davis (Bad Boy, Inc.), Jace Dunegan (Batesville School District), Crystal Kimmer (White River Health Behavioral Health), Shawns Love (Citizens Bank), Melissa Mergy (Batesville School District), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), Clayon O’Neal (Precise), Sherlyn Orantes (FNBC Bank), Brandon Patterson (The Toro Company — Intimidator Group Division), Natalie Patterson (Bad Boy, Inc.), Amy Pinkston (Child Care Aware of North Central Arkansas), Amy Plaster (University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville), Lauren Stott (First Community Bank), Megan Strother (George’s, Inc.), Kyle Temple (LaCroix Precision Optics), Julie Warden (Citizens Bank), and Ethan Wilson (White River Health).
Comedic hypnotist Randy Andrews and Steven Lemp, a scientist from the Museum of Discovery, provided the entertainment for the evening.
Guests enjoyed an electrifying celebration of the collaborations and innovations driving Independence County’s progress. With a nod to the groundbreaking experiments of community leaders, the event captured the spirit of transformation and unity that defines the region.
