Batesville’s business community reached for the stars June 3 at the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Expo, presented by Citizens Bank. The event drew more than 3,200 visitors to what organizers called one of north-central Arkansas’ premier trade shows.
More than 120 businesses showcased local innovation through interactive booths, live demonstrations, giveaways and space-themed displays tied to this year’s LAUNCHPAD theme. The theme encouraged businesses to explore new ideas and the future of local enterprise.
“This year’s Business Expo was spectacular,” said Amanda Roberts, the chamber’s membership engagement specialist. “More than 3,200 people came out to enjoy food, giveaways, interactive booths, and community connection.”
Peco Foods earned the Out of This World Award for its Star Trek-themed booth (above), which featured creative samples and giveaways. Bank of Cave City took home the Best Small Business Expo Booth Award for its small-business-owner-themed display (below), titled “Big Dreams Start Small,” which featured a constellation display and a dancing astronaut.
The event’s mascot dance-off, a perennial crowd favorite, was won by First Community Bank’s Seymour Money (below). Other competitors included Peco Foods’ Super Chicken, Bruno’s Pizzeria’s Pizza Slice, Citizens Bank’s Ceebee the Money Bee, RAWK Imprinting’s RAWK-it the RAWK Hand, Sonic’s Dancing Hot Dog, the Regional Industrial Safety Alliance’s Safety Cats, the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville’s FARM Program farmer, White River Now’s Astronaut, and Gentiva’s Dancing Alien.
Visitors also sampled food at Fuel Stations and watched student entrepreneurs in the Junior Cadets Zone.
The expo was presented by Citizens Bank, with additional 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.
The White River Now team at the 2026 Business Expo (Above two images: White River Now / All other images provided by 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 NBC News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
