‘Bedrock’ units to train F-35 pilots in Fort Smith are activated

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Military units activated during World War II to train pilots for operations in Africa and the Aleutian Islands in what was then the U.S. Territory of Alaska were reactivated Tuesday (July 2) to train foreign military pilots at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith.

The 85th Fighter Group and the 57th Fighter Squadron, both under the Eglin, Fla.-based 33rd Fighter Wing, will be based at Ebbing and are the “bedrock” of training for F-35 pilots from numerous U.S. and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) allied countries, noted Rob Ator, a retired Air Force colonel and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission director of Military Affairs.

“Of the three big things that had to happen, we needed this to happen. So now we have the core of the instructors, and then we have to have the runway available, and then we have to have aircraft arrival. And that’s all going to happen by the end of Fall,” Ator said Tuesday.

‘Bedrock’ units to train F-35 pilots in Fort Smith are activated

Col. Nicholas Ihde visits with media Tuesday (July 2) after a formal ceremony recognizing him as incoming commander of the 85th Fighter Group.

Feds award $25 million grant for I-49 segment in the Fort Smith metro

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

The almost 14-mile segment of Interstate 49 to be built in Crawford and Sebastian counties between I-40 in Alma and Highway 22 in Barling has received a $25 million federal grant and is in the running for another $250 million federal grant.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) said Thursday (June 27) that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant for use on the I-49 segment. The money comes from the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. No members of Arkansas’ Congressional delegation voted for the legislation.

“After decades of underinvestment, the condition of America’s infrastructure is now finally getting better instead of worse – and today we proudly announce our support for 148 more projects in communities of every size across the country,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “Through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re funding projects across the country to make roads safer, make it easier for people to move around their community, make transportation infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather, and improve supply chains to keep costs down for consumers.”

Feds award $25 million grant for I-49 segment in the Fort Smith metro

Desire to get rid of stuff pushed doctor to launch ShopXchange

by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)

When Dr. Wanda Vaughn told her family of the brilliant idea she had for creating a safe way for people to get rid of unwanted items in their home while earning passive income, they told her to put her money where mouth is.

She did.

ShopXchange, an app that allows people to easily buy or sell items in the Fort Smith metro without meeting with a stranger, was created by Vaughn

It took almost two years for the app to be developed, but in the three months since it went live, there are hundreds of items listed on the site and transactions happening in the Fort Smith area.

Desire to get rid of stuff pushed doctor to launch ShopXchange

Womack secures funding for Fort Smith’s Ebbing Air National Guard Base

Washington, DC—May 23, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill that passed out of the House Appropriations Committee today. This bill exceeds the Department of Defense’s military construction budget request, fully funds veterans’ care, and secures key defense priorities, including additional funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base projects and robust investments in the Pacific region.

Congressman Womack said, “Taking care of the patriotic Americans who have served and currently serve our country while bolstering our defense capabilities remains the focus for the FY25 bill. It secures $70 million for Ebbing Air National Guard Base Academic Training Center construction along with additional funding for planning and design of future Ebbing projects to further support the critical Foreign Military Sales mission in Fort Smith. I’m proud to see this legislation take an important step forward in becoming law today.”

A summary of the bill is available here.
Bill text is available here.

Cherokee Freedmen touring exhibit opens at the U.S. Marshals Museum

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The U.S. Marshals Museum is the third location for a touring exhibit created by the Cherokee Nation that focuses on the tribe’s “painful moments” with slavery, especially with the Cherokee Freedmen.

“We Are Cherokee: Cherokee Freedmen and the Right to Citizenship,” features the stories, history, images and documents of Cherokee Freedmen, alongside original artworks by Cherokee Nation artists. The special exhibit opened May 11 at the museum, which is located at 789 Riverfront Drive in downtown Fort Smith.

The special exhibit is presented as part of the Cherokee Freedmen Art and History Project initiative, established by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., to broaden Cherokee Nation’s understanding of the Cherokee Freedmen experience and ensure that it is included in the greater narrative of Cherokee history.

Cherokee Freedmen touring exhibit opens at the U.S. Marshals Museum

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., speaks during the opening of the Cherokee Freedmen exhibit at the U.S. Marshals Museum.

Number of foreign military jets at Fort Smith could rise; basing cost up to $850 million

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

The foreign military pilot training center in Fort Smith has yet to become operational or even see its first jet find a home in a hangar, but the number of planes could potentially rise, and the cost to establish the center is also up from initial estimates.

Rob Ator, a retired Air Force colonel and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission director of Military Affairs, said Monday (April 29) that efforts are underway to prepare Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith to handle 48 fighter jets instead of the original 36.

Ebbing, home to the 188th Wing in Fort Smith and co-located with the Fort Smith Regional Airport, was selected in March by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Specifically, Singapore is expected to base 12 F-16s at Ebbing, with slots for 24 F-35s from the participating countries.

Number of foreign military jets at Fort Smith could rise; basing cost up to $850 million

Col. Jay “Evil” Spohn, commander of the 188th Wing based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, on Monday (April 29) addresses attendees of a Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce event.

Fort Smith officials hear about noise concerns, new rules related to foreign pilot training center

by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)

Some Fort Smith residents – including a former Fort Smith Regional Airport manager – expressed concerns Thursday (April 25) about noise levels in the city when F-35 fighter jets begin arriving this summer as part of the Foreign Military Sales program.

Ebbing Air National Guard Base, home to the 188th Wing in Fort Smith and co-located with the Fort Smith Regional Airport, was selected in March 2023 by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Initial estimates are that 1,500 military personnel and family members will be associated with the new center once it is fully operational.

U.S. Air Force officials have said the earliest planes and pilots from foreign nations could arrive at Ebbing would be in late 2024, part of the military’s fiscal year 2025 beginning in September 2024. The full complement of 12 F-16s and 24 F-35s from various nations could arrive in fiscal year 2026 at the earliest. It has been estimated that the full cost to create an operational foreign pilot training center will range between $700 million and $800 million.

Fort Smith officials hear about noise concerns, new rules related to foreign pilot training center

Berend Verheijen Image

Lockheed Martin plans to open facility in Fort Smith, employ up to 90

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Defense industry giant Lockheed Martin is the first known company with plans to locate a facility in Fort Smith to support the foreign pilot training center being established at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.

The Bethesda, Md.-based company has scheduled a “recruiting event” between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., April 16, at the Wyndham Fort Smith City Center in downtown Fort Smith. According to information from Lockheed, Keith Petrosky, director of Talent Acquisition with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, will host the event.

According to Lockheed, the planned support site will employ up to 90 in jobs that include aircraft and support systems, information tech, quality and safety support, and F-35 maintenance. The company manufactures the F-35 advanced fighter jet.

Lockheed Martin plans to open facility in Fort Smith, employ up to 90

F-35 fighter jet

Womack supports National Security, secures funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base

Washington, DC—March 22, 2024…Today, the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 1102, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024,which is a package of the remaining six Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations bills, including Congressman Steve Womack’s (AR-3) Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) bill.

Congressman Womack said, “I supported the package today because I refuse to turn my back on strengthening national security, improving border security, and additional funding for Fort Smith’s critical pilot training program—all while avoiding a painful government shutdown. Although the package is far from perfect, I’m proud of the GOP’s work to secure conservative wins. The package enables the Pentagon to focus on its core mission while expanding support for our troops. It increases the number of Border Patrol agents and expands detention capacity to address the border crisis. Committed to our friend Israel, the package provides defense assistance and halts all funding for UNRWA for its proven collusion with Hamas. My FSGG bill rescinds funding for Biden’s army of IRS agents, pulls back billions of unused COVID-era slush funds, and holds Biden’s hyper-regulatory agenda in check. In a two-to-one divided government, we must take the wins where we can. I will not let the perfect get in the way of the good.”

Legislation details:

The package includes the remaining six FY24 appropriations bills: Defense; Financial Services and General Government; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Legislative Branch; and State-Foreign Operations.

The Senate must pass the House-approved package for it to be signed into law by President Biden.

Ebbing Air National Guard Base:

The Defense bill includes $207.947 million for the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, AR. This funding is in addition to the $83 million signed into law on March 9.

Conservative wins:

Increases funding to the Department of Defense to modernize our military, funds a pay raise for our troops, and cuts wasteful partisan programs:

• Provides our servicemembers with a historic 5.2% pay raise — the largest in over two decades.

• Includes $1.2 billion to fight against the flow of illicit fentanyl and counternarcotics — $291 million above the President’s budget.

• Prohibits funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology and EcoHealth Alliance in China.

Increases funding for the Department of Homeland Security for border security and enforcement while rejecting a blank check for open borders:

• Increases ICE detention bed capacity to 41,500, an increase of 7,500 above the FY23 level.

• Funds 22,000 Border Patrol Agents — the highest level ever funded and same as authorized in H.R. 2.

• Restores shortfalls in border security technology and funds non-intrusive inspection equipment to counter fentanyl.

Additional policy wins:

• Reaffirms our commitment to Israel by fully funding our annual security commitment of $3.3 billion.

• Prevents the Consumer Product Safety Commission from banning gas stoves.

• Only allows for the American flag and other official flags to fly over U.S. diplomatic facilities.

• Maintains the Hyde Amendment and other pro-life protections.

Significant cuts to spending:

• Cuts 6% of overall foreign aid funds, including enhanced and new conditions on assistance to organizations like the U.N.

• Prohibits funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and U.N. Commission of Inquiry against Israel.

• Rescinds $20.2 billion from President Biden’s IRS expansion.

• Claws back an additional $6 billion in unused COVID funds.

Federal budget bill includes $207.9 million for foreign pilot training center in Fort Smith (Updated)

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

The U.S. House approved Friday (March 22) a federal budget bill that could not only avoid a partial government shutdown but would direct $207.947 million to the ongoing process of establishing a foreign military pilot training center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith.

The Senate early Saturday morning also voted to approve the spending package. U.S. Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton, R-Ark., voted for the bill.

The funding approved Friday and Saturday is in addition to the $83 million included in the MilCon-VA bill approved early in March and pushed through the legislative process primarily by U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., and U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark.

Federal budget bill includes $207.9 million for foreign pilot training center in Fort Smith

Steel Horse Rally adds antique motorcycle show, partners with U.S. Marshals Museum

by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)

The Steel Horse Rally is partnering with the U.S. Marshals Museum to add a new event to Fort Smith’s annual motorcycle event – the Bikes and Badges antique motorcycle show.

Now in its ninth year, the Steel Horse Rally is slated for May 3-4 in downtown Fort Smith. Bikes and Badges antique motorcycle show will make its debut from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 4 at the U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Drive. The new event is sponsored by Fort Smith Harley-Davidson, said Steel Horse Rally president and founder Dennis Snow.

That sponsorship means visitors can get into the Marshals Museum free of charge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 4, Snow said.

Steel Horse Rally adds antique motorcycle show, partners with U.S. Marshals Museum

Boozman Secures Funding for Fort Smith Future Pilot Training Center & Arkansas Priorities

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate approved a legislative package with language authored by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Ranking Member of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Subcommittee, that delivers $83 million to the future pilot training center in Fort Smith as well as critical funds for infrastructure projects across Arkansas. The legislation was signed into law Saturday. 

“I’m proud to champion Arkansas priorities and support investment to enhance growth and development in communities across the state. This bill helps ensure Ebbing Air National Guard Base will become the premier pilot training center in the U.S. and reinforces our commitments to allies participating in the future pilot training mission in Fort Smith. Providing the necessary infrastructure and resources now will elevate the installation into a vital national security asset that enhances America’s deterrence posture well into the future. The repeated delays in advancing this critical funding across the finish line were unfortunate, but I appreciate the persistence of my colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives to find common ground and deliver certainty for several federal agencies in allocating taxpayer dollars more wisely and efficiently,” Boozman said. 

Senator John Boozman

The Boozman-led MilCon-VA bill raises quality of life standards for servicemembers and their families in addition to providing funding for veterans’ health care, benefits and modernization of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic health records system.

Boozman, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured inclusion of the following Arkansas priorities: 

Military Infrastructure and Veterans Programs

• $54 million for the construction of a three-bay hanger supporting F-35 pilot training at Ebbing.

• $22 million for the construction of a Special Access Program Facility and Aircrew Flight Equipment Facility supporting F-35 pilot training at Ebbing.

• $7 million for the planning and design of an academic training facility to support future missions at Ebbing.

• $5 million to complete work on a new Arkansas National Guard Readiness Center at Fort Chaffee.

• Funding to advance VA Medical Centers and university cancer centers partnerships.

• Protection of rural veterans’ access to life-saving emergency medical transportation, an issue Arkansas ambulance providers urged action on to maintain viability. 

• Increased funding for veterans’ health care and benefits including telehealth services, homelessness programs, specialty care for women veterans, and rural health initiatives. 

• Support for improvements to base housing for servicemembers and their families. 

Transportation Infrastructure  

• $67 million for the construction of I-49 near Fort Smith.

• $11.5 million to increase freight rail capacity at the Port of Little Rock.

• $5 million for improvements to the Highway 82 corridor.

• $6 million for the construction of a portion of Future I-57.

• $8 million for improvements on the Highway 412 corridor.

• $4 million to construct a covered canopy at Clinton National Airport in Little Rock.

• $2.5 million for upgraded traffic infrastructure to improve security access at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.

• Delivers funding for research and development of improved transportation methods at U.S. Department of Transportation University Transportation Centers. The Mack-Blackwell Transportation Center at the University of Arkansas earned this designation in 1992. 

• Funds Department of Transportation discretionary grant programs such as the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, Airport Improvement Program, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program and the Port Infrastructure Development program that has helped support Arkansas infrastructure projects.

• Maintains existing air service to rural community through the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. Harrison, Hot Springs, El Dorado and Jonesboro participate in EAS.

• Bolsters the aviation industry and advances research and innovation in air travel, safety and workforce. 

Water Infrastructure, Management and Conservation

• Funds multiple Arkansas projects including addressing the depletion and resiliency of the Alluvial and Sparta aquifers of the Bayou Meto and Grand Prairie water supply and providing a comprehensive water resource management strategy for the White River Basin.

• $12 million for Fort Smith water transmission.

• $11.8 million for water management improvements of water control structures, alternations and repairs of the levee structures at the Shirey Bay Rainey Brake Wildlife Management Area in Lawrence County.

• $7.7 million for upgrades to the Bono wastewater treatment facility.

• $5.5 million for improvements to wastewaters systems in Camden.

• $4.8 million for water and sewer infrastructure improvements to support economic development in a growing area of North Little Rock.

• $3.5 million for enhancements to Wilson’s wastewater infrastructure. 

• $1 million for Mountain Home water improvements. 

• Delivers funds for critical conservation programs such as the North American Wetlands Conservation Act that has resulted in the restoration of thousands of acres of wildlife habitat in Arkansas.

• Promotes the importance of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) inland waterway deepening and invests in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-led Arkansas priorities.

• Strengthens controls to prevent invasive carp in the Mississippi River and its sub-basins including the Arkansas-Red-White River sub-basin. 

Natural State-Based Research 

• $77.5 million for the Food and Drug Administration’s research promoting and protecting public health conducted at the National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson County.

• Supports agricultural research programs funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including increases for Cooperative Extension and university research. 

• Secures funding for human nutrition research that will support healthy child development, including the valuable work conducted at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

• Funds the National Feral Swine Damage Management Program to reduce adverse ecological and economic impacts caused by feral swine across Arkansas and the nation.

• $10 million to support the Center for Advanced Materials and Steel Manufacturing at Arkansas State University to bolster research in advancing materials and steel manufacturing.

• $5 million to support the University of Arkansas Center for Design and Materials Innovation to expand the use of Arkansas-sourced timber and wood through cutting-edge research and development.  

• $5 million for the University of Arkansas Center for Large-Scale Testing of Seismic Systems construction to provide advanced testing capabilities and innovative solutions to infrastructural challenges posed by seismic activity.

Rural Development and Public Safety

• $1.5 million for a Fire and Public Safety Center in Wilson.

• $1 million for the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Arkansas (UAMS) Digital Interventions for Care and Education telemedicine mental health program. 

• $1 million for UAMS Police Department equipment and technology upgrades.

• $1 million each to implement a rapid DNA system pilot program for investigations for the Faulkner County Sherriff’s Office and Saline County Sheriff’s Office to reduce violent crime.

• $500,000 for equipment upgrades for the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training to improve the training of Arkansas police officers.  

• Invests in rural utilities, electricity and connectivity.

• Funds the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program to support Arkansas law enforcement agencies and provide tools to keep communities and officers safe.

• Supports the Regional Information Sharing System which provides valuable criminal and intelligence information to Arkansas law enforcement agencies.

Physician Payment 

• Increases the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Conversion Factor by 1.68 percent, partially mitigating the 3.37 percent cut included in the Calendar Year 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule. Boozman led a letter to Senate leadership last month requesting an increase of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Conversion Factor.

Compacts of Free Association (COFA) 

• Strengthens national security by approving the negotiated COFA agreement with the Republic of Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau to protect U.S. interests in the Pacific and block the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to expand its corrupting influence in the region. 

• Restores access to federal benefits, championed by Boozman, for COFA citizens legally present in the U.S. The largest population of Marshallese in the continental U.S. resides in Springdale.

• Expands VA health care to veterans living in the freely associated states.

$83 million approved for foreign pilot training center in Fort Smith

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

“Significant” federal funding has been approved for work in the ongoing effort to establish a foreign pilot training center in Fort Smith, but more will be needed for the estimated $765 million to complete the unique U.S. Air Force project.

The office of U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., announced Monday (March 11) that $83 million was approved in the MilCon-VA bill recently approved by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden. The primary focus of the bill was to provide additional funds and programs for veterans’ healthcare but it included money for other projects.

“This bill helps ensure Ebbing Air National Guard Base will become the premier pilot training center in the U.S. and reinforces our commitments to allies participating in the future pilot training mission in Fort Smith. Providing the necessary infrastructure and resources now will elevate the installation into a vital national security asset that enhances America’s deterrence posture well into the future. The repeated delays in advancing this critical funding across the finish line were unfortunate, but I appreciate the persistence of my colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives to find common ground and deliver certainty for several federal agencies in allocating taxpayer dollars more wisely and efficiently,” Boozman said in the statement.

$83 million approved for foreign pilot training center in Fort Smith

The F-35

U.S. Marshals Museum Foundation welcomes 3 new board members ahead of March meeting

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The U.S. Marshals Museum Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Fort Smith museum, will hold its next scheduled meeting on March 7. It will be the first meeting for three new board members — Neff Basore of Bella Vista, Ryan Gehrig of Fort Smith and David Harlow of Loda, Ill.

Basore is senior vice president of residential developer Cooper Communities Inc. in Rogers. He is also a captain in the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, where he commands the Reserve Division and a member of the Arkansas State Police Commission.

Gehrig is president of Mercy Arkansas Communities, leading all Mercy hospitals across the state. That includes its two largest hospitals in Fort Smith and Rogers. Gehrig first came to Mercy as the president of the Fort Smith hospital in April 2012.

U.S. Marshals Museum Foundation welcomes 3 new board members ahead of March meeting

Marshals Museum exec discusses visitor numbers, outreach efforts

by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)

Attendance at the U.S. Marshals Museum is averaging a little over 5,000 per month for its first seven months of operation, and museum officials are expanding the outreach, which includes an event in Little Rock.

The museum opened on July 1 after 16 years of fundraising, construction and speculation. In January 2007, the U.S. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. The Robbie Westphal family, led by Bennie Westphal and Robin Westphal Clegg, donated the riverfront land for the museum. A ceremonial groundbreaking was held in September 2015.

Museum officials initially hoped to have the facility open by late 2017, but struggles to raise money delayed the opening. Construction of the approximately 53,000-square-foot U.S. Marshals Museum was completed — except for exhibits — in early 2020.

Marshals Museum exec discusses visitor numbers, outreach efforts

After Meeting with Governor Sanders During Her European Trade Mission, Walther Manufacturing Announces $30M Expansion in Fort Smith, Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Following the company’s meeting with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders during her European trade mission this summer, Walther Manufacturing is expanding its presence in Fort Smith, Arkansas, creating an expected 76 new jobs over the next five years. The expansion represents a capital investment of up to $30 million in the region. 

“Walther Manufacturing is making a substantial investment in our Fort Smith factory to facilitate the expansion of our research development and manufacturing of U.S.-produced firearms and accessories,” said Tom Goike, Walther Manufacturing President and CEO. 

Currently, Umarex USA/Walther occupies 185,000 square feet in their facility. The expansion adds over 40,000 square feet to the existing operation, encompassing industry-leading design engineering, product management and manufacturing capabilities. The expansion is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024. 

“Arkansas is proud to be home to Walther U.S. headquarters, both because we love jobs and because we love our Second Amendment. After meeting with the company during my European trade mission this summer, I’m thrilled they’ve decided to double down on their investment and grow their facility here in the Natural State, helping Fort Smith and the entire River Valley grow,” said Governor Sanders. 

“Walther is a world-renowned firearms company, and they have been a great corporate partner in Arkansas for the past decade,” said Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We are excited to see the company grow in the Natural State, and we look forward to their continued success.” 

Walther established its operations in Arkansas in 2012, making Fort Smith its U.S. headquarters. Walther Manufacturing is the fabrication entity which manufactures all U.S. based products for the companies Walther and Umarex USA, utilizing a unique blend of advanced precision technology and authentic human craftsmanship. All three companies share a campus in Fort Smith. 

“My connection to Umarex and Walther goes back many years. They are a key fixture in the high-tech manufacturing fabric of the Fort Smith Region and a partner who shares our goal of growing and recruiting a talented workforce,” said Tim Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. “It was a pleasure to work with the leadership at Walther again to secure this project in Fort Smith. We welcome Walther’s expansion as they further solidify their place in our community and allow it to meet the demand of its military, law enforcement and consumer markets.” 

Umarex to expand Fort Smith operation, add 76 jobs

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Umarex USA/Walther plans to invest $30 million in its Fort Smith operation at Chaffee Crossing and add 76 jobs. Of the investment, an estimated $8 million will be used to expand the facility and $22 million will be used to acquire machinery and equipment.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors on Thursday (Jan. 18) approved an Industrial Revenue Bond for the company to use to help finance the expansion.

“This is a great thing for the City of Fort Smith,” said Fort Smith Director Kevin Settle. “It gives me great excitement. Maybe somewhere down the road, we can work with the Fort Smith Police Department to switch to Walther Guns.”

Umarex to expand Fort Smith operation, add 76 jobs

Fort Smith baseball team adopts ‘Marshals’ moniker, mascot

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

“Marshals” is the team name and mascot for the Fort Smith baseball team set to begin play in the new Mid America League this spring. The name and logo was unveiled Thursday (Jan. 18) during at event at the U.S. Marshals Museum in downtown Fort Smith.

According to Marshals General Manager Greg Kigar the new name was “easily the most popular” in a naming contest sponsored by the team. Other names considered included Lawmen, Judges, Gunslingers and Outlaws.

“The Marshals name is a great fit for the team, which includes the regional history of Bass Reeves, Judge Parker, and the U.S. Marshals Museum,” Kigar said in a statement. “The primary team cap will incorporate a unique star with an ‘F’ and ’S’ for Fort Smith, and the secondary logo is a rugged image of a marshal with cowboy hat and scarf. An Old West script will be utilized for the uniforms, incorporating Fort Smith on the road jerseys and Marshals on the home uniforms.”

Fort Smith baseball team adopts ‘Marshals’ moniker, mascot

Boozman, Womack Welcome Army Chief of Staff to Fort Chaffee

Fort Smith, AR – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) and Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR-03) welcomed Gen. Randy George, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, to Arkansas to highlight the training capabilities and capacity found at Fort Chaffee that significantly enhance the Army’s mission readiness.

“Arkansas has always been a proud supporter of our military. We know the critical role Fort Chaffee plays in our nation’s defense and we’re continuing to ensure it is one of the best places in the country for servicemembers to train. I’m pleased General George understands the need to maintain such a valuable asset and appreciated the opportunity to see its unique strengths on full display,” Boozman said. 

“Fort Chaffee is a top-tier training location with many unique capabilities that distinguish it as a premier Guard installation. It was an honor to show what Fort Chaffee has to offer to General George, who personally understands the important role Arkansas’s Third plays in our national security and strengthening our military forces,” Womack said.

“The Joint Maneuver Training Center at Fort Chaffee is a vital component to the readiness of the Total Army, and allows our National Guard units to focus on their warfighting mission. I am proud of the Arkansas National Guard and grateful for the continued support of the Arkansas community and delegation,” said Gen. George. 

Fort Chaffee recently earned Level 1 classification from the Department of Defense as one of five top National Guard training sites nationwide.

Boozman and Womack have been longtime advocates of investing in the training site, having successfully secured funding for improvements to Razorback Range, a new National Guard Readiness Center and a range expansion to enhance simulation exercises.

Senator Boozman, Congressman Womack and General George visited with Arkansas National Guard members at Fort Chaffee on Monday, January 8.

U.S. Marshals Museum opening, pilot training center top Fort Smith metro stories in 2023

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The long-awaited opening of the U.S. Marshals Museum and the final decision to place a foreign pilot training center in Fort Smith were two of the top news stories in the Fort Smith metro during 2023.

Following are the top five stories, followed by a list of other notable news.

1. U.S. Marshals Museum finally opens
After more than 16 years of fundraising struggles and leadership changes, the U.S. Marshals Museum opened in downtown Fort Smith on June 29. Just under 10,000 people would visit the museum in its first month.

In January 2007, the U.S. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. The Robbie Westphal family, led by Bennie Westphal and Robin Westphal Clegg, donated the riverfront land for the museum. A ceremonial groundbreaking was held in September 2015. Museum officials initially hoped to have the facility open by late 2017, but struggles to raise money delayed the opening. Construction of the approximately 53,000-square-foot U.S. Marshals Museum was completed — except for exhibits — in early 2020.

U.S. Marshals Museum opening, pilot training center top Fort Smith metro stories in 2023