Celebrating the Bold Moves and Big Strides of Local Businesses at The Derby Gala

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted The Derby Gala, its Annual Meeting & Gala, on Friday, January 23, at the Batesville Community Center. More than 500 guests gathered to celebrate a community on the move — honoring the bold strides and big wins of those who go the distance in transforming our community through creativity and collaboration, inspired by the spirit of a night at the races.

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The Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Gala, presented by First Community Bank, was held with additional support from Bad Boy Mowers, FARCO Construction, Hampton Inn, Peco Foods, the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, and White River Health.

Inspired by the symbolism of the Derby — grit, momentum, and the courage to run when the outcome is uncertain — the evening focused on progress, partnership, and the leaders who choose to build something bigger than themselves.

The program opened with a powerful message from Chamber CEO Crystal Johnson, setting the tone for the night: “Every race begins with a moment of courage — when someone decides not to wait for perfect conditions, but to break from the field. Progress doesn’t arrive by chance. It is made. Stride by stride. Choice by choice.”

“Our presenting sponsor, First Community Bank, and event partners helped us host our most impactful Annual Meeting to date,” said Novella Humphrey, BACC Chief Operating Officer. “Their unwavering support allows us to celebrate not just success, but the bold decisions and partnerships that make lasting progress possible.”

Honoring the Front-Runners

Excellence in Business: Randy Reichardt Insurance Agency
For more than 30 years, Randy Reichardt Insurance Agency has exemplified holistic business success through professionalism, exceptional client service, and deep community involvement. The agency consistently goes beyond traditional insurance services — supporting local families, investing in community initiatives, and serving as a trusted, steady presence across the region.
Excellence in Community Collaboration: 100 Families and the Batesville School District
In less than one year, 100 Families has transformed how the community responds to crises by uniting businesses, nonprofits, faith leaders, and service providers to deliver coordinated, life-changing support. Through collaborative leadership, the initiative has become one of Arkansas’s strongest models for moving families from crisis to career.
Excellence in Customer Focus: Gentiva Hospice
Through compassionate, dignified care that supports patients and families during life’s most difficult moments, Gentiva exemplifies excellence in customer service. Their team goes beyond clinical needs to provide deeply personal support, making a meaningful impact both at the bedside and throughout the community.
Leader in Healthcare: Lyon College, with White River Health and ASU–Newport
Recognized for launching an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that expands educational access and strengthens the regional healthcare workforce through innovative partnerships and shared leadership.
Leader in Education: WorkWired
A transformational collaboration uniting schools, employers, and community partners around a shared mission: ensuring every Independence County resident has a pathway to a living-wage career.
New Member of the Year: Dynamic Mobile Storage
Dynamic Mobile Storage has made an immediate and meaningful impact through reliability, generosity, and hands-on service — from disaster response to local support projects — setting a powerful example of community-minded membership.
Ambassador of the Year: Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics)
Christina achieved the highest attendance among all Ambassadors in 2025, participating in 36 Chamber events, consistently supporting ribbon cuttings, logistics, and outreach as a proud member of the Chamber Ambassadors team.

Each honoree represents the courage to lead, the discipline to stay the course, and the vision to create meaningful change.

Leadership Batesville Graduation

The evening also marked the graduation of the Leadership Batesville Class of 2025, presented by Citizens Bank. Leadership Batesville is a nine-month program that equips participants with the tools, connections, and perspective to serve as future leaders across Independence County.

Graduates include: Abigail Ballard (Lifeplus), Will Carpenter (Precise), Jonathan Cramer (Nova Joe’s), Jennifer Coan (University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville), Colby Cockrill (Independence County Farm Bureau), Jessica Davis (City of Batesville), Nathan Dowen (Citizens Bank), Carmen Duncan (Independence County Circuit Court), Wesley Evans (White River Health), Lita Herrmann (George’s), Kevin Hoggard (Merchants and Planters Bank), Julianna Howard (Lyon College), Chelsie O’Neal (Gentiva Hospice), Micah Richardson (Citizens Bank), Jacob Ryan (Bad Boy Mowers), Josh Settimo (Rich Realty), Gerrick Smith (Peco Foods), Allison Sparks (ARcare), Mychelle Spivey (Batesville School District), Cliff Timbs (Peco Foods), Taylor Williams (First Community Bank), Nathan Wilson (Bad Boy Mowers), and Shelly Young (First Community Bank).

Guests experienced the energy of the track through Derby-inspired races, traditional racetrack bites, and classic race-day beverages.

The Derby Gala served as both a celebration and a call to action — a reminder that Batesville’s future is shaped by those willing to commit to the long run.

“This event isn’t about a single night,” Humphrey added. “It’s about honoring the people and partnerships that keep us moving forward. When we choose bold moves and big strides together, we don’t just celebrate progress — we create it.”