Chamber board discusses grant won, new business coming to old KFC, and Make Warren Shine dissolving

Bradley County Chamber of Commerce board members discussed a variety of subjects during their monthly board meeting Monday at Bradley County Economic Development Corp.

Attending the meeting were Executive Director Terrie White and directors James Wells, Ron St. John, JeNelle Lipton, Kim Forrest and Tim Kessler, Treasurer Jane Harris and ex-officio member Warren Mayor Denisa Pennington.

By Tim Kessler

Saline River Chronicle Freelance Contributor

Wells announced that a Downtown Network grant from Main Street Arkansas had been approved. It will increase from $3,000 to up to $5,000 in the form of a reimbursement on Chamber projects. One project that was suggested was a city Christmas tree up to 16 feet tall. No action was taken on that project but White will attend Main Street Arkansas training on Sept. 17-20.

In other action:

• Pennington gave a report from Special Events Chairwoman Julie Hamilton, who could not attend the meeting. Christmas events are under consideration and Halloween events are tentatively set for Oct. 29. A September Market On Main event may be done in conjunction with the Bradley County Fair.
• The Chamber annual meeting was discussed. No date was set for the meeting but a Nominating Committee to select new board members was set up. Committee members are Chairman Ron St. John, Kim Forrest and Denisa Pennington.
• A letter was presented from Bradley County Sheriff Herschel Tillman requesting a donation to the National Child Safety Council. A program will be set up to address child safety, bullying and drug education. A motion was approved to sponsor 50 children for $187.50.
• A discussion was held about Chamber membership fees to be charged to food trucks. White will check with other Chambers of Commerce to see what they charge for food truck memberships.
• Letters will be sent out for the annual Chamber membership drive. White will also make some personal contacts.
• Mo Hussein is scheduled to open a tobacco vape and chicken dinners store in the former KFC building soon.
• A request for $20,000 annual funding was submitted to the Warren Ways and Means Committee.
• White announced Make Warren Shine was in the process of dissolving. A request for help in watering flowers on Main Street was submitted.
• County Extension Agent-Staff Chairman John Gavin and Fair Manager Curtis Blankinship sent a letter requesting support for the Bradley County Fair, which is scheduled for Sept. 12-17.

Top photo: The former KFC building in Warren.