In 2005, the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce - together with its executive board, regional partners and contributers - understood the urgency for the area to boost its economic development efforts and strengthen partnerships among key persons, businesses and organizations, etc., to revive and position Fort Smith and its surrounding communities for the future. This region provides a substantial workforce within the five-county area that is vital for economic development; thus, the entire region is the stakeholder invested in its continued growth and progress. Since the regional initiative began, a comprehensive examination of the current condition and its future potentials was initiated through an external economic development consultant, TIP Strategies.

 

One of the primary recommendations by TIP included the need of a consistent theme for a regional, unified brand identity to position the area as a prime location for expansion or relocation with national and international business leaders.