From left: Citizens Bank’s Landon Downing and Janelle Shell, with Amanda Roberts from the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Local businesses are preparing to launch their services to the community as the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the 2026 Business Expo on Wednesday, June 3.
Appearing on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ and 1340 KBTA, Chamber Membership Engagement Specialist Amanda Roberts, along with Janelle Shell and Landon Downing of presenting sponsor Citizens Bank, shared details for this year’s space-themed event, “LAUNCHPAD.” The full interview with White River Now’s Chad Whiteaker is available at the end of this article.
LAUNCHPAD is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Batesville Community Center. Admission is free.
According to the chamber, this year’s theme encourages exhibitors to move beyond traditional displays with interactive features, live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and creative storytelling.
The expo already includes 90 indoor and outdoor vendors. A major addition this year is an expanded business-to-business networking session from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., giving vendors a dedicated opportunity to connect before the public arrives.
A look at the floor of the 2025 Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo (File image: BACC)
“Sometimes you attend these events as a business, and you’re so busy setting up your booth, you miss out on meeting and greeting and networking,” Shell said. “And so the Chamber decided to extend this time a little bit, and so the bank is really thrilled to be sponsoring it.”
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., guests can enjoy complimentary local snacks at the Fuel Station while supplies last.
Attendees can also watch the annual Mascot Dance-Off at 1 p.m., where regional mascots will compete against defending champion Peco from Peco Foods.
Organizers said parking should be easier this year following the completion of nearby roundabout construction. Parking will be available onsite and in designated areas along 20th Street, including accessible spaces. Shuttle service will also be available to the gymnasium entrance.
The expo is presented by Citizens Bank with support from Bad Boy Mowers, the City of Batesville, Merchants & Planters Bank, Onin Staffing, Optimum, Peco Foods, RAWK Imprinting, The UPS Store, and White River Health.
Visit BatesvilleAreaChamber.com for more information.
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 NBC News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
