Invest Fort Smith 2024

Date: November 13, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: University of Arkansas Center for Economic Development at The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St., Fort Smith, AR 72901

Agenda Overview

9:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Headshots by Shelby McFarland of The Marketing Broker

Link to book: Shelby McFarland Headshots

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Lunch and Learn

Topic: Social Media Marketing

Presented by: Christina Williams Consulting, LLC and Shelby McFarland of The Marketing Broker

11:30 AM

Welcome

Presented by Amanda Hager, Executive Director of Main Street Fort Smith

11:40 AM - 12:10 PM

Governor’s Cup Winner Presentation & Lion’s Lair Pitch

12:10 PM - 1:00 PM

Panel Discussion: Unlocking Procurement Opportunities: Insights from Local Experts

Facilitator: Kendall Ross, Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development, UAFS

Panelists:

·  Charity Gregory, City of Fort Smith Purchasing Director

·  Kimberly Randle, PTAC Procurement Counselor, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension

·  Angela Watts, Director of Procurement in Tech R&D, ArcBest

1:00 PM - 1:10 PM

Break

1:10 PM - 2:00 PM

Panel Discussion: Preparing for Business Growth

Facilitator: Dr. Latisha Settlage, UAFS Dean of the College of Business and Industry

Panelists:

• Lavon Morton, Fort Smith City Director, Ward 3
• Nike Ihde "Matrix", Colonel, USAF, 85th Fighter Group CC, Ebbing ANGB, Arkansas
• Bob Cooper, Partner and Executive Broker, Ghan and Cooper Commercial Properties 
• Kimberly Randle - Procurement Counselor, Arkansas APEX Accelerator 
• Justin Voris, MD, Baptist Health Family Clinic-Massard, Fort Smith Airport Commission Member

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Vendor Mingle and Networking

Meet vendors from various sectors including lenders, UAFS Career Services, business licensing, and more.

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM

AI 101: How to Make AI Work for You and Benefit Your Business

Speakers: Aric Mitchell, AI and Communications Strategist, and Jakob Michaelis, Chief Strategy Officer at Dave Creek Media

Overview: This session will demonstrate how AI can enhance your business through smarter marketing strategies and streamlined process management. Learn how to make your business stand out using AI-powered tools to increase efficiency and drive growth.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Made Ox Bar and Tap

Happy Hour

Network and unwind with fellow entrepreneurs and community members to close out the day at Mad Ox Bar & Tap.