Page 63 - 2026 VB Community Profile

CHAMBER

employee representing Van Buren in
75Strong, a statewide initiative designed
to empower Arkansas communities
through entrepreneurship. The program
equips local leaders as Entrepreneurial
Developers, providing essential
business-building support and fostering
a collaborative network of resources.
Through these efforts, My HR Pros not
only invests in its employees, but also
plays a vital role in driving economic
development and innovation in our
region.
My HR Pros has also been a longtime
supporter of the Chamber and its
activities and programs, including being
a co-sponsor of Business After Hours, the
Annual Meeting, IncrediBowl Bowling
Tournament, the Chamber Golf Classic,
and being a Bronze Level investor in
the Van Buren Economic Development
Partnership. Darrell Hovis (left) receives his Shannon Newerth-Henson (left) receives
These are just some of the many Ambassador of the Year award from her Mover & Shaker of the Year award from
reasons My HR Pros is a deserving Chamber Membership Director Phyllis Ashlie Ross. Photo by John Speck
recipient of the Member Business of the Thompson. Photo by John Speck
Year award for 2025.
Ambassador of the Year businesses in the Van Buren community. As a member of City Council, she
He has been dependable, dedicated, takes time to fully investigate ideas, does
Darrell Hovis
and driven by a true passion for service.” her homework, asks difficult questions,
Red Dirt Radio, The Kage 106.7 Mover & Shaker of the Year and meets with various departments
Chamber Ambassadors play a vital role of the city to learn their organizational
in the membership growth and retention Shannon Newerth-Henson makeup and structure, and get to know
process for the Chamber. They share a As a Community Outreach Specialist the people, their goals, and their daily
at My HR Pros and Van Buren City Council
common purpose – to support, champion routines.
and represent the Chamber with energy member, Shannon Newerth-Henson has “She will make you feel like the
and commitment at Chamber events, plenty to do in her life, but her dedication most important person in the room,”
to her community goes far beyond her
activities and their day-to-day business. Ross described. “When you leave a
occupation or city leadership.
They come from a wide variety of conversation with her, you are more
businesses and industries, and are often “She exemplifies what it means to ready to serve your community more and
holistically care for your community,” said
the first to greet new businesses, first to better than ever before.”
Ashlie Ross, who nominated Newerth-
volunteer at events, and first to spread Henson for the Mover & Shaker award for Newerth-Henson is a humble,
the word about the benefits of Chamber 2025. “She is a community volunteer, an unassuming woman who inspires
membership. people to go above and beyond in
involved citizen, and an honest, steadfast
Darrell Hovis of Red Dirt Radio, representative on the City Council.” service to their community, business or
The Kage 106.7, has been a consistent Since moving to Van Buren in 2018, organization. Her energy and spirit are
presence and tireless advocate for the only surpassed by her interest in seeing
Shannon has made it her mission to
Chamber. He not only represents his her home community thrive.
do everything in her power to help the
employer with pride and excellence, but community grow and, more importantly, “She is one of the most amazing
he also goes above and beyond to uplift people I have ever met,” Ross concluded.
prosper. She has participated in
other Chamber members. “Anyone who meets her is immediately
Leadership Crawford County, is a Master
Chamber Membership Director, Phyllis Gardener, is involved with Keep Van drawn to her, and understands what true
Thompson, said “Darrell works diligently Buren Beautiful, participates in Municipal service to community means.”
to strengthen relationships and extend Shannon Newerth-Henson truly earned
League, and is part of the Van Buren
a hand to new and prospective member cohort of 75Strong. the title Mover & Shaker of the Year 2025.
vanburenchamber.org Van Buren Chamber 2026 Community Profile 63