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Newsletter for the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce July 2013
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Scan the QR code above with your smartphone to sign up to receive our monthly newsletter.
Welcome to our newsletter. We have been busy here in Ozark- from events to staff
additions to our new web page. Our address on the web is
http://www.ozarkchamberofcommerce.com . From here visitors can see what Ozark has
to offer to them and for Members it gives them a place to update the online directory,
pay invoices and enhance their business with the use of the Business Directory.
Our latest Chamber event coming up is The Annual Independence Day Celebration and
in conjunction, the 3rd Annual Cardboard Boat Race. The festivities start at 5:30 at Gar
Creek/East Side Park with the parade of Cardboard Boats leaving the parking of Bank of
the Ozarks about 6:15. Boats launch at 7:30. The fireworks display that begins at dark
will be one of the largest Ozark has ever seen.
Also, we have added a new staff member to the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce.
Melissa Doss was hired in April to assist the Director, Linda Millsap, with all of the work
that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ and with the website. Melissa recently graduated from
ATU-Ozark Campus with an Associate’s Degree and also a Bachelor’s Degree from
Arkansas Tech University in Russellville in 2004. She lives in Coal Hill with her husband
and kids. She is enjoying getting to know all of the Chamber Members and working on
all the various Chamber projects.
Tony’s Tips from AVECC
When cooking on the oven range, use pot lids to help food
cook faster. If heating water, use hot tap water instead of
cold and remember to use the kitchen exhaust fan when
cooking and turn it off after. When possible, use a
crockpot instead of simmering foods on the stove.
From Tony Wilson, PR for AVECC
From The GrapeVine
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, the Wiederkehr Family and Family of employees have been a vital part and icon of this community since 1880! If you ask most people from this area they have personally or a family member has worked for one of Wiederkehr’s Family of business.
Wiederkehr is one of the most diversified businesses in the State of Arkansas as well as the region, with two (2) restaurants, a liquor store, retail store and tasting room, a vineyard operation and the oldest winery in mid-America. This little slice of Heaven is unique and charmingly nestled atop St. Mary’s Mountain. Wiederkehr Village, Arkansas is surrounded by beautiful vineyards in a breathtaking setting. An experience you will not forget, nor find anywhere else in Arkansas!
The Weinkeller Restaurant is listed on the National Register of Historical Places as it is housed in the original family wine cellar from 1880 and is the perfect place for everyday or that special dining experience. Voted Most Romantic by the Arkansas Times on numerous occasions. Come and experience Wiederkehr!
www.wiederkehrwines.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wiederkehr-Wine-Cellars/168007793220857
479-GOT-WINE (468-9463) or 1-800-622-WINE (9463) Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, Inc.
3324 Swiss Family Drive Wiederkehr Village, AR 72821
Main Street Ozark
Main Street Ozark is a program of Main Street Arkansas, a
statewide downtown revitalization organization for the
preservation and revitalization of downtowns across the state.
The local Main Street program began in 1988 and contracts
with the City of Ozark to do economic development in
downtown. During the past 28 years there have been many
significant improvements to the downtown area and they
continue today.
When the Main Street Economic Restructuring Committee
saw businesses come and go in downtown it became apparent
that a big fix was needed to bring people into the community
from out of the area. In an effort to solve this problem it was
decided that developing the downtown river front was the
answer and the riverfront project was born.
Ozark Riverfront Redevelopment Purpose:
To promote Ozark as a tourist destination on the Arkansas
River with walkable city access to serve as an economic
engine for the city; to attract visitors from across the
nation as well as protect and promote the Arkansas
River’s natural beauty, historical significance and
economic importance for future generations.
Economic Benefits
An extensive economic market study by The University of
Arkansas estimates the proposed project will add 187.8 jobs to
the local economy. The increased multiple recreational
activities on the River will stimulate needed commerce to
once again bring the River’s bounty of employment and
improved quality of life back to this community by attracting
new businesses and expand existing businesses to
accommodate the influx of out-of-area visitors.
Architectural profile lighting of the Arkansas River
Bridge (1997) completed with $150,000 GIF from
Parks and Tourism.
Leased Corps of Engineer property on north side of
Arkansas River from behind depot museum around
Riverfront Accomplishments To-Date:
Architectural profile lighting of the Arkansas
River Bridge (1997) completed with $150,000
GIF from Parks and Tourism.
Leased Corps of Engineer property on north
side of Arkansas River from behind depot
museum around Garr Creek to behind Butterball
plant and the south side of Arkansas River from
the Hwy 23 Bridge to Aux Arc Park. (2000)
Renovation of the Ozark Depot into Ozark
History Depot Museum (2000) $260,000
ISTEA funds.
Constructed new sidewalks, period street lights,
and landscaping leading to development area
(2004) $480,000 ISTEA funds
Received letter from AHTD Chief Engineer
(now Director) Scott Bennett advising UP
Railroad to work with the city of Ozark for the
installation of a pedestrian crossing to allow
access to the river (2005)
Obtained ) $17,000 grant from Arkansas
Department of Parks & Tourism to conduct
market study for riverfront development (2006)
Received favorable economic market analysis
from University of Arkansas (2007)
Received Letter of Intent from private
investor ready, willing and able to expend
necessary funds to build up to 110 boat slips
with gas and convenience store on south side of
the Arkansas River, contingent upon obtaining
access to downtown from the river on north
side (2008)
Received positive Environmental Assessment
(2008) $3,000 Main Street/A&P funds.
Acquired $200,000 GIF Grant from AEDC and
$319,000 from city of Ozark to begin work on
at-grade pedestrian access and boat mooring
facility (2009)
(Continued on next page)
Annexed into city limits Corps of Engineer
FromAnne Porter RN COHN(s)
ASCClinical Education/Occupational Health
Mercy Hospital, Ozark, AR
We are a critical access hospital right here in Ozark located
on the north bank of the Arkansas river at 801 West River
Road. We have a home town feel with a vibrant and
progressive outlook. Our hospital is also part of a much
larger Mercy Health Systems which allows us to have
access to very advanced medical resources, technologies
and talented individuals over multiple states.
Our hospital staff is Professional, Efficient and Friendly. We
are here to serve medical needs of the public to the best of
our ability.
Our Emergency Department is professionally staffed 24
hours a day, seven days a week. Our staff is highly trained
in basic and advanced cardiac life support and Trauma
stabilization for injured and those with acute medical
conditions should these services be necessary.
Our corporate website can be accessed at http://mercy.net
Here you can find a wealth of information and resources
available at Mercy Health Systems.
Our Mercy physicians and staff are using computers to
create electronic health records (EHR) for all patients that
we treat. We encourage anyone who is treated within Mercy
to use your computer to create a personal account to be
able to view your personal test results, communicate with
your Mercy physician and schedule appointments and much
more- online anytime it’s convenient for you. You can create
your account anytime at https://www.mymercy.net Once
complete, you access your account with your own with the
security of your own password any time.
City acquired four commercial properties
in the riverfront development area (2007-
2012)
Annexed into city limits Corps of
Engineer property on south side of river to
accommodate a full service marina.
(2010)
Received $130,000 ISTEA grant from the
Highway Department for Riverfront
Redevelopment Project and $26,000 in
matching funds from city of Ozark A&P
Commission (2012)
Planned Improvements
Pedestrian/service vehicle at-grade
access with safety gates and handicap
access across UP Railroad tracks to
transient dock Boat dock/mooring
facility in Depot Museum area
Boardwalk west 160’ toward river
bridge
Up to 110 boat slip marina to
accommodate large pleasure craft and
smaller recreational boats on south
side of river, west of Aux Arc Park.
Development of River Market along
River Street adjacent to boardwalk
with pedestrian accessibility to river.
Development of New City Park on
south side of railroad track east of the
Depot Museum.
Immediate Needs: Regain access at the
Oliver Street railroad right-of-way crossing
- Sandy Key, Main Street Ozark
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=101
51628624394291&set=vb.135305976570
101&type=2&theater
The Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce held a special “Business
After Hours” reception last month to honor Arkansas Tech
University-Ozark Campus Chancellor Jo Alice Blondin.
Chamber President Linda Millsap said the event was held in
recognition of “her years of service above and beyond the call of duty
to the campus and our community.”
Blondin, who is moving to Springfield, Ohio, to serve as president of
Clark State Community College, has been with Arkansas Tech-Ozark
since 2004 and served as chancellor since 2006, serving previously as
chief academic officer and chief student officer.
During the event, which was held at Post Familie Vineyards visitor’s
center in Altus, Ozark Mayor Carol Sneath presented Blondin a key
to the city of Ozark.
“You’ve not only left your mark in this area, but also in our hearts,”
Sneath said while presenting the ceremonial key. “Use this
anytimeyou come back.”
The chamber presented Blondin with a basket of goodies from area
businesses “that wanted to show their appreciation for all the great
work Dr. Blondin has done for the business community,” Millsap
said.
Veronica Post, who serves as the state coordinator for Viticulture and
Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA) housed at
Arkansas Tech-Ozark, presented Blondin with a special gift from all
of the Post family.
Millsap said, “The new expansion at Post Winery was an outstanding
venue for the event. A big thank you by all to Post Winery and the
staff for the first-rate complimentary food and wine.
“Our very best wishes to Dr. Blondin and Andy Fox in their new
endeavor!”
Important Dates
June 11: Pat McCreary’s retirement reception; June 13: Application deadline for summer aid; June 15: Application deadline for Ozark Campus scholarships; June 15: Application deadline for returning Franklin Co. Single Parent Scholarship recipients; June 17-21: Kids Campus – Lil’ Picassos (pre-K – 3rd grade); Big Picassos (5th-7th grade); June 30: FAFSA application deadline for fall (priority deadline-applications can be accepted after, but it is highly recommended to complete information by June 30); July 8: Summer II semester begins; July 8-12: Kids Campus – Wonderful World of Art (ages 6-14); July 15-19: Kids Campus – Kids Campus pre-K, July 15-17, 8 a.m. - noon 1st & 2nd grades, July 15-17, 1-4 p.m. 3rd - 5th grades, July 18-19, 8 a.m. – noon July 22-26: Kids Campus – Fit Me (pre-K 4th grade) Aug. 5-9: Kids Campus – Making Fairy Gardens (1st - 4th grades); The Art of Printmaking (3rd - 6th grades) Aug. 6: Application deadline for new Franklin Co. Single Parent Scholarship recipients; Aug. 28: Fall semester begins.
Provided by Charlie Gocio ,
public information
coordinator at Arkansas Tech
University-Ozark Campus. For
more information,
he can be reached by e-mail
at cgocio@atu.edu, or 508-
3314.
Welcome to the first Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter. The city will be utilizing this newsletter to keep our residents, visitors and prospective residents informed on new economic developments; increase of tax revenue; use of your tax dollars; special projects that are underway or on the drawing board. A contract has been let to Steve Beam Construction on a drainage project in the Gibson Street area. Construction should begin in July. The cost on this project is just under $300,000 – provided by 80% federal funds and 20% matching city general revenue funds. Things that are happening – at 118 East College Street Joseph Marrone of Mulberry is clearing land and starting construction on four townhouses. Thanks Joey for your investment in Ozark. We have advertised for bids on overlay of some of our streets; will update you on affected streets when bids are opened and we see how far your tax dollars will take us. With the help of some of our land owners and our diligent street department we continue to improve the first impression our visitors have when entering our city at Exit 35 and 37 and along Highway 64. The county EMS and Sherriff’s department also continue to have folks charged with community service or jail sentencing remove trash on our highways and streets – thank you Anthony and Randy. Stay tuned for our next update and have a “Safe and Happy 4th of July”
Mayor Sneath
FYI: Effective Monday, Constitutional Amendment 91 will increase the sales tax in Arkansas by
one-half percent. The increase will put the state portion of the tax at 6.5%. After adding the
state and local levies, the sales tax rate in Ozark will increase from 8.5% to 9.0%. The 1.5%
reduced rate for food levied will not be affected by the increase. The state sales tax holiday for
back to school purchases will occur the weekend of August 3-4.
The
Mayor Carol Sneath signed a proclamation to kick the tourist season off in May with Taste
of The Ozarks and Byrd’s Adventure Center hosting a number of events. There was a
number of fishing tournaments and the 14th Annual Tractor Show as well as the Altus 35th
Annual Springtime Gala in early May.
Mulberry Mtn. hosted the 10th annual Wakarusa music festival and the 1st annual Thunder
on the Mountain. Wakarusa brought people in representing all 50 states plus Canada,
Russia, Uzbekistan, England, Australia, Ghana and Spain.
The 1st Annual Thunder on the Mountain had some beautiful weather and great
entertainment. We are proud of our own local musician Lance Carpenter for being a part of
this event! Thunder attendees were from Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Louisiana, Florida,
Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Mississippi, Iowa, Michigan, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma,
California, Tennessee and Alaska.
Ozark merchants were positively impacted thanks to the Chamber of Commerce shuttles
that brought down visitors to shop and eat locally.
Next up is our Cardboard Boat Race!
For more information about Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce events please visit:
http://www.ozarkchamberofcommerce.com/news_events
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