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Welcome to our newsletter. We have been busy here in Ozark- from events to staff

additions to our new web page. Our address on the web is

http://www.ozarkchamberofcommerce.com . From here visitors can see what Ozark has

to offer to them and for Members it gives them a place to update the online directory,

pay invoices and enhance their business with the use of the Business Directory.

Our latest Chamber event coming up is The Annual Independence Day Celebration and

in conjunction, the 3rd Annual Cardboard Boat Race. The festivities start at 5:30 at Gar

Creek/East Side Park with the parade of Cardboard Boats leaving the parking of Bank of

the Ozarks about 6:15. Boats launch at 7:30. The fireworks display that begins at dark

will be one of the largest Ozark has ever seen.

Also, we have added a new staff member to the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce.

Melissa Doss was hired in April to assist the Director, Linda Millsap, with all of the work

that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ and with the website. Melissa recently graduated from

ATU-Ozark Campus with an Associate’s Degree and also a Bachelor’s Degree from

Arkansas Tech University in Russellville in 2004. She lives in Coal Hill with her husband

and kids. She is enjoying getting to know all of the Chamber Members and working on

all the various Chamber projects.

Tony’s Tips from AVECC

When cooking on the oven range, use pot lids to help food

cook faster. If heating water, use hot tap water instead of

cold and remember to use the kitchen exhaust fan when

cooking and turn it off after. When possible, use a

crockpot instead of simmering foods on the stove.

From Tony Wilson, PR for AVECC

From The GrapeVine

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, the Wiederkehr Family and Family of employees have been a vital part and icon of this community since 1880! If you ask most people from this area they have personally or a family member has worked for one of Wiederkehr’s Family of business.

Wiederkehr is one of the most diversified businesses in the State of Arkansas as well as the region, with two (2) restaurants, a liquor store, retail store and tasting room, a vineyard operation and the oldest winery in mid-America. This little slice of Heaven is unique and charmingly nestled atop St. Mary’s Mountain. Wiederkehr Village, Arkansas is surrounded by beautiful vineyards in a breathtaking setting. An experience you will not forget, nor find anywhere else in Arkansas!

The Weinkeller Restaurant is listed on the National Register of Historical Places as it is housed in the original family wine cellar from 1880 and is the perfect place for everyday or that special dining experience. Voted Most Romantic by the Arkansas Times on numerous occasions. Come and experience Wiederkehr!

www.wiederkehrwines.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wiederkehr-Wine-Cellars/168007793220857

479-GOT-WINE (468-9463) or 1-800-622-WINE (9463) Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, Inc.

3324 Swiss Family Drive Wiederkehr Village, AR 72821

Main Street Ozark

Main Street Ozark is a program of Main Street Arkansas, a

statewide downtown revitalization organization for the

preservation and revitalization of downtowns across the state.

The local Main Street program began in 1988 and contracts

with the City of Ozark to do economic development in

downtown. During the past 28 years there have been many

significant improvements to the downtown area and they

continue today.

When the Main Street Economic Restructuring Committee

saw businesses come and go in downtown it became apparent

that a big fix was needed to bring people into the community

from out of the area. In an effort to solve this problem it was

decided that developing the downtown river front was the

answer and the riverfront project was born.

Ozark Riverfront Redevelopment Purpose:

To promote Ozark as a tourist destination on the Arkansas

River with walkable city access to serve as an economic

engine for the city; to attract visitors from across the

nation as well as protect and promote the Arkansas

River’s natural beauty, historical significance and

economic importance for future generations.

Economic Benefits

An extensive economic market study by The University of

Arkansas estimates the proposed project will add 187.8 jobs to

the local economy. The increased multiple recreational

activities on the River will stimulate needed commerce to

once again bring the River’s bounty of employment and

improved quality of life back to this community by attracting

new businesses and expand existing businesses to

accommodate the influx of out-of-area visitors.

Architectural profile lighting of the Arkansas River

Bridge (1997) completed with $150,000 GIF from

Parks and Tourism.

Leased Corps of Engineer property on north side of

Arkansas River from behind depot museum around

Riverfront Accomplishments To-Date:

Architectural profile lighting of the Arkansas

River Bridge (1997) completed with $150,000

GIF from Parks and Tourism.

Leased Corps of Engineer property on north

side of Arkansas River from behind depot

museum around Garr Creek to behind Butterball

plant and the south side of Arkansas River from

the Hwy 23 Bridge to Aux Arc Park. (2000)

Renovation of the Ozark Depot into Ozark

History Depot Museum (2000) $260,000

ISTEA funds.

Constructed new sidewalks, period street lights,

and landscaping leading to development area

(2004) $480,000 ISTEA funds

Received letter from AHTD Chief Engineer

(now Director) Scott Bennett advising UP

Railroad to work with the city of Ozark for the

installation of a pedestrian crossing to allow

access to the river (2005)

Obtained ) $17,000 grant from Arkansas

Department of Parks & Tourism to conduct

market study for riverfront development (2006)

Received favorable economic market analysis

from University of Arkansas (2007)

Received Letter of Intent from private

investor ready, willing and able to expend

necessary funds to build up to 110 boat slips

with gas and convenience store on south side of

the Arkansas River, contingent upon obtaining

access to downtown from the river on north

side (2008)

Received positive Environmental Assessment

(2008) $3,000 Main Street/A&P funds.

Acquired $200,000 GIF Grant from AEDC and

$319,000 from city of Ozark to begin work on

at-grade pedestrian access and boat mooring

facility (2009)

(Continued on next page)

Annexed into city limits Corps of Engineer

FromAnne Porter RN COHN(s)

ASCClinical Education/Occupational Health

Mercy Hospital, Ozark, AR

We are a critical access hospital right here in Ozark located

on the north bank of the Arkansas river at 801 West River

Road. We have a home town feel with a vibrant and

progressive outlook. Our hospital is also part of a much

larger Mercy Health Systems which allows us to have

access to very advanced medical resources, technologies

and talented individuals over multiple states.

Our hospital staff is Professional, Efficient and Friendly. We

are here to serve medical needs of the public to the best of

our ability.

Our Emergency Department is professionally staffed 24

hours a day, seven days a week. Our staff is highly trained

in basic and advanced cardiac life support and Trauma

stabilization for injured and those with acute medical

conditions should these services be necessary.

Our corporate website can be accessed at http://mercy.net

Here you can find a wealth of information and resources

available at Mercy Health Systems.

Our Mercy physicians and staff are using computers to

create electronic health records (EHR) for all patients that

we treat. We encourage anyone who is treated within Mercy

to use your computer to create a personal account to be

able to view your personal test results, communicate with

your Mercy physician and schedule appointments and much

more- online anytime it’s convenient for you. You can create

your account anytime at https://www.mymercy.net Once

complete, you access your account with your own with the

security of your own password any time.

City acquired four commercial properties

in the riverfront development area (2007-

2012)

Annexed into city limits Corps of

Engineer property on south side of river to

accommodate a full service marina.

(2010)

Received $130,000 ISTEA grant from the

Highway Department for Riverfront

Redevelopment Project and $26,000 in

matching funds from city of Ozark A&P

Commission (2012)

Planned Improvements

Pedestrian/service vehicle at-grade

access with safety gates and handicap

access across UP Railroad tracks to

transient dock Boat dock/mooring

facility in Depot Museum area

Boardwalk west 160’ toward river

bridge

Up to 110 boat slip marina to

accommodate large pleasure craft and

smaller recreational boats on south

side of river, west of Aux Arc Park.

Development of River Market along

River Street adjacent to boardwalk

with pedestrian accessibility to river.

Development of New City Park on

south side of railroad track east of the

Depot Museum.

Immediate Needs: Regain access at the

Oliver Street railroad right-of-way crossing

- Sandy Key, Main Street Ozark

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=101

51628624394291&set=vb.135305976570

101&type=2&theater

The Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce held a special “Business

After Hours” reception last month to honor Arkansas Tech

University-Ozark Campus Chancellor Jo Alice Blondin.

Chamber President Linda Millsap said the event was held in

recognition of “her years of service above and beyond the call of duty

to the campus and our community.”

Blondin, who is moving to Springfield, Ohio, to serve as president of

Clark State Community College, has been with Arkansas Tech-Ozark

since 2004 and served as chancellor since 2006, serving previously as

chief academic officer and chief student officer.

During the event, which was held at Post Familie Vineyards visitor’s

center in Altus, Ozark Mayor Carol Sneath presented Blondin a key

to the city of Ozark.

“You’ve not only left your mark in this area, but also in our hearts,”

Sneath said while presenting the ceremonial key. “Use this

anytimeyou come back.”

The chamber presented Blondin with a basket of goodies from area

businesses “that wanted to show their appreciation for all the great

work Dr. Blondin has done for the business community,” Millsap

said.

Veronica Post, who serves as the state coordinator for Viticulture and

Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA) housed at

Arkansas Tech-Ozark, presented Blondin with a special gift from all

of the Post family.

Millsap said, “The new expansion at Post Winery was an outstanding

venue for the event. A big thank you by all to Post Winery and the

staff for the first-rate complimentary food and wine.

“Our very best wishes to Dr. Blondin and Andy Fox in their new

endeavor!”

Important Dates

June 11: Pat McCreary’s retirement reception; June 13: Application deadline for summer aid; June 15: Application deadline for Ozark Campus scholarships; June 15: Application deadline for returning Franklin Co. Single Parent Scholarship recipients; June 17-21: Kids Campus – Lil’ Picassos (pre-K – 3rd grade); Big Picassos (5th-7th grade); June 30: FAFSA application deadline for fall (priority deadline-applications can be accepted after, but it is highly recommended to complete information by June 30); July 8: Summer II semester begins; July 8-12: Kids Campus – Wonderful World of Art (ages 6-14); July 15-19: Kids Campus – Kids Campus pre-K, July 15-17, 8 a.m. - noon 1st & 2nd grades, July 15-17, 1-4 p.m. 3rd - 5th grades, July 18-19, 8 a.m. – noon July 22-26: Kids Campus – Fit Me (pre-K 4th grade) Aug. 5-9: Kids Campus – Making Fairy Gardens (1st - 4th grades); The Art of Printmaking (3rd - 6th grades) Aug. 6: Application deadline for new Franklin Co. Single Parent Scholarship recipients; Aug. 28: Fall semester begins.

Provided by Charlie Gocio ,

public information

coordinator at Arkansas Tech

University-Ozark Campus. For

more information,

he can be reached by e-mail

at cgocio@atu.edu, or 508-

3314.

Welcome to the first Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce Newsletter. The city will be utilizing this newsletter to keep our residents, visitors and prospective residents informed on new economic developments; increase of tax revenue; use of your tax dollars; special projects that are underway or on the drawing board. A contract has been let to Steve Beam Construction on a drainage project in the Gibson Street area. Construction should begin in July. The cost on this project is just under $300,000 – provided by 80% federal funds and 20% matching city general revenue funds. Things that are happening – at 118 East College Street Joseph Marrone of Mulberry is clearing land and starting construction on four townhouses. Thanks Joey for your investment in Ozark. We have advertised for bids on overlay of some of our streets; will update you on affected streets when bids are opened and we see how far your tax dollars will take us. With the help of some of our land owners and our diligent street department we continue to improve the first impression our visitors have when entering our city at Exit 35 and 37 and along Highway 64. The county EMS and Sherriff’s department also continue to have folks charged with community service or jail sentencing remove trash on our highways and streets – thank you Anthony and Randy. Stay tuned for our next update and have a “Safe and Happy 4th of July”

Mayor Sneath

FYI: Effective Monday, Constitutional Amendment 91 will increase the sales tax in Arkansas by

one-half percent. The increase will put the state portion of the tax at 6.5%. After adding the

state and local levies, the sales tax rate in Ozark will increase from 8.5% to 9.0%. The 1.5%

reduced rate for food levied will not be affected by the increase. The state sales tax holiday for

back to school purchases will occur the weekend of August 3-4.

The

Mayor Carol Sneath signed a proclamation to kick the tourist season off in May with Taste

of The Ozarks and Byrd’s Adventure Center hosting a number of events. There was a

number of fishing tournaments and the 14th Annual Tractor Show as well as the Altus 35th

Annual Springtime Gala in early May.

Mulberry Mtn. hosted the 10th annual Wakarusa music festival and the 1st annual Thunder

on the Mountain. Wakarusa brought people in representing all 50 states plus Canada,

Russia, Uzbekistan, England, Australia, Ghana and Spain.

The 1st Annual Thunder on the Mountain had some beautiful weather and great

entertainment. We are proud of our own local musician Lance Carpenter for being a part of

this event! Thunder attendees were from Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Louisiana, Florida,

Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Mississippi, Iowa, Michigan, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma,

California, Tennessee and Alaska.

Ozark merchants were positively impacted thanks to the Chamber of Commerce shuttles

that brought down visitors to shop and eat locally.

Next up is our Cardboard Boat Race!

For more information about Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce events please visit:

http://www.ozarkchamberofcommerce.com/news_events