The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of Lifeplus’ new corporate office in the former Citizens Bank Operations Center at 200 S. Third St. in downtown Batesville.
The event, which featured an open house and guided tours of the renovated facility, marked a major milestone for both Lifeplus and the revitalization of downtown Batesville. Citizens Bank and Lifeplus collaborated on what both organizations described as a mutually beneficial transaction that enhances efficiency, strengthens local economic growth, and preserves the vitality of the city’s historic business district.
Lifeplus, which develops and markets health and dietary supplements globally, has operated in Batesville for decades. The company says its mission is to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives through quality products, trusted information, and empowering opportunities.
At the ceremony, Lifeplus CEO Robert Christian expressed appreciation to the community. “Everywhere I go in the world, I brag about the people of Batesville—honest, hardworking people with integrity who are warm and friendly. Moving into this new building has tripled our corporate footprint and positions us for future growth,” Christian said.
U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, who represents Arkansas’ First District, praised the partnership. “Lifeplus is a great company recognized for outstanding achievements both at home in Arkansas and globally. I’m proud to represent this district and to see organizations like these work together to make Arkansas a strong place to invest.”
Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh praised the company’s continued investment in the community. “It’s a great day to be in the city of Batesville. I want to thank the Christian family and Lifeplus team for your investment in our community, which will pay big dividends for years to come,” he said.
Citizens Bank Chairman and CEO Jeff Teague emphasized the bank’s ongoing commitment to downtown. “Abandoning downtown Batesville was never an option,” Teague said. “Through our IMPACT program, we’ve supported businesses with low-cost loans and grants to strengthen our local economy. The sale of the building to Lifeplus was the perfect solution—a win for Lifeplus, Citizens Bank, the City of Batesville, and its downtown district.”
Scott Lancaster, general counsel for Lifeplus, thanked FARCO Construction for its work on both the company’s manufacturing facility and its new headquarters. He said the relocation from the Industrial Park site came as Bad Boy Mowers sought room to expand. At the same time, Citizens Bank consolidated operations, making its downtown building available for purchase.
“The move is an example of three strong businesses—Lifeplus, Citizens Bank, and Bad Boy Mowers—coming together to strengthen their futures while ensuring the continued economic viability of downtown Batesville,” said Lancaster.
Ambassadors in attendance included: Aaron Herndon (Citizens Bank), Alexandra McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors – The Property Shoppe), Ashley Davis (Citizens Bank), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City), Justin Keister (Synergy, HR LLC), Kaitlin Thorogood (Jay Chafin Insurance Agency), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Lucy Rodriguez (George’s Inc.), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Rickie Westbrook (Centennial Bank), Silje Antonsen (First Community Bank), Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville), and Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank).
Featured image: White River Now / All other images: Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce
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