The crowd came ready to cheer as the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce turned business into a full-on fan experience during its annual Business Expo on Wednesday, June 11.
Presented by Citizens Bank, the 2025 Business Expo invited vendors and visitors alike to bring the energy under the theme “Fan Zone,” transforming the Batesville Community Center into a stadium of team spirit, giveaways and interactive fun.
“This year’s Business Expo was a major win,” said Amanda Roberts, membership engagement specialist with the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, in a news release. “We’re so thankful for our sponsors and the incredible businesses that brought the gameday energy. Over 3,000 people came out to enjoy food, freebies and fun.”
More than 120 businesses participated, many with decorated booths echoing the theme through team colors, spirited décor and creative fan experiences. Attendees enjoyed Taste of the Chamber, a showcase of chamber-member restaurants, as well as a Kid Zone packed with games and family activities.
Meyers-Davis Life Coaching’s booth
Myers-Davis Life Coaching took home the Best Booth Award for its immersive hockey-themed setup, complete with slapshot games and puck giveaways.
The Peco Foods Super Chicken
Meanwhile, the popular Mascot Dance-Off stole the show, with Peco Foods’ Super Chicken crowned Best Dancer following a high-energy competition against a dozen other mascots including Ceebee the Money Bee (Citizens Bank), Homer D. Poe (Home Depot), and the Fighting Scot (Lyon College).
Michael Kelley of Peco Foods received the 2025 Spirit Stick award, recognized for his enthusiastic engagement with guests throughout the day.
Peco Foods’ Michael Kelley with the BACC’s Amanda Roberts
The event was made possible by presenting sponsor Citizens Bank, with additional support from Bad Boy Mowers, the city of Batesville, Lyon College, Merchants and Planters Bank, Onin Staffing, Optimum, Peco Foods, RAWK Imprinting, Spartan Mowers, The UPS Store, and White River Health.
The NextStep Counseling Booth
From left: White River Health’s Joel Williams, with Citizens Bank’s Landon Downing, White River Now’s Chad Whiteaker, and the BACC’s Amanda Roberts
“Fan Zone gave our vendors the perfect opportunity to turn customers into fans — and they truly delivered,” Roberts said. “It’s always more than a business expo. It’s a celebration of creativity, community and connection.”
All images courtesy of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on
93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
