The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce celebrated more than just business this month, celebrating grand openings, anniversaries and renovations with ribbon cuttings at a wide variety of local organizations.
The Chamber started the month with a ribbon cutting at SAMA, where the new Leslie Darden 3D Screening Center mammography clinic opened on Oct. 2, starting Breast Cancer Awareness Month off on a high note.
"It's becoming increasingly difficult to get diagnostic imaging around south Arkansas. This 3D screening center will help us to reduce the amount of follow-up imaging we will need for people with dense breast tissue or fibrocystic breast disease," said SAMA physician Dr. Erin Goss at the ribbon cutting.
Darden, who passed away in 2022 after a battle with breast cancer, was a lab technician for 12 years at SAMA, and Goss said she was proud the clinic dedicated the new screening center in her honor.
"It's bittersweet today that we remember our very own Leslie Darden... She was a laboratory technician for many years here at SAMA, and had and continues to have, through Live Like Leslie, a big impact on our community, and we're honored to be able to dedicate this to her," Goss said on Oct. 2.
On Oct. 5, the Chamber cut the ribbon on a new branch of Community First Trust bank, which is located at 200 N. Jefferson, Suite 618, in the Old Murphy Building.
"This new office marks a milestone in our journey to better serve our clients in southwest Arkansas," Community First Trust CEO William J. Kerst said in a press release. "We couldn't be more excited for what the future holds in El Dorado and beyond."
On Oct. 13, the South Arkansas Arts Center held a "grand unveiling" of extensive modernizing renovations at the nonprofit facility. Karen Hicks, vice president of membership and events at the Chamber, emceed the event and spoke about her own experiences at the Arts Center.
"Magic actually happens here," she said at the ribbon cutting. "What happens at SAAC is powerful. For my family, the Arts Center has become a place of healing and community... SAAC has embraced us, and given so many a place to explore our creativity in an encouraging and loving environment."
On Tuesday, the Chamber helped XQuizite Salon celebrate its 10 year anniversary and a remodel of its spa at 1407 N. West Ave. XQuizite is a locally-owned, full-service salon and spa, offering hair cuts, styling and treatments, aesthetician services and massage, according to its Facebook page. Learn more about the business at facebook.com/XQuiziteSalon.
Chamber staff were especially busy Thursday, when they held two ribbon cuttings. On Thursday morning, they cut the ribbon on Swole Food, a nutrition-focused restaurant offering protein shakes, health food and coffee.
"They also have meal prep, health meal prep," Hicks said. "I was super impressed with them."
Swole Food is located at 1805 N. West Ave., at the site formerly occupied by Three Birds Brewing Co.
Thursday afternoon, the Chamber cut the ribbon for Breaking Chains Ministry, located at 583 Philadelphia St.
"They're a new worship facility here in town," Hicks said.
Led by Pastor Daisy Adkins and Elder Raphael Adkins, more information about the ministry can be found on its Facebook page.
Several more ribbon cuttings are scheduled in November, including one for Ike's GOAT Scooters and at Walmart, where a major expansion and renovation is ongoing.
"I know most of the expansion is geared toward the Walmart+ grocery delivery," Hicks said.
The Chamber on Thursday was also preparing to release details about the 44th annual El Dorado Christmas Parade, Hicks said.
"We are still looking for sponsors to make it happen," she said. "We are really looking forward to it."
For the latest on Chamber happenings, visit goeldorado.com or facebook.com/ElDoradoChamberofCommerce.