he Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a year of momentum, innovation, and collaboration during its Annual Meeting & Gala, The Derby Gala, held Friday, January 23, at the Batesville Community Center.
More than 500 business and community leaders gathered for the Derby-themed evening, presented by First Community Bank, to honor the bold moves and big strides made by local organizations and individuals who continue to transform Batesville and Independence County.
Additional event support was provided by Bad Boy Mowers, FARCO Construction, Hampton Inn, Peco Foods, the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, and White River Health.
Inspired by the spirit of the Kentucky Derby — grit, momentum, and the courage to move forward even when the outcome is uncertain — the evening focused on progress, partnership, and leadership that looks beyond the present toward a stronger future.
A Call to Courage and Progress
Chamber President and CEO Crystal Johnson opened the program with a message centered on intentional growth and decisive leadership.
“Every race begins with a moment of courage — when someone decides not to wait for perfect conditions, but to break from the field,” Johnson said. “Progress doesn’t arrive by chance. It is made. Stride by stride. Choice by choice.”
BACC Chief Operating Officer Novella Humphrey credited sponsors and partners for helping make the Chamber’s most impactful annual meeting to date.
“Their unwavering support allows us to celebrate not just success, but the bold decisions and partnerships that make lasting progress possible,” Humphrey said.
Honoring the Front-Runners
Excellence in Business
Randy Reichardt Insurance Agency
With more than 30 years of service, Randy Reichardt Insurance Agency was recognized for combining professional excellence with deep community commitment. Beyond insurance services, the agency consistently invests time and resources into local initiatives, supporting families and strengthening community stability across the region.
Excellence in Community Collaboration
100 Families & Batesville School District
In less than one year, 100 Families has reshaped how the community responds to crisis by aligning businesses, nonprofits, faith leaders, and service providers. Partnering closely with the Batesville School District, the initiative has become a statewide model for coordinated support that moves families from crisis to career.
Excellence in Customer Focus
Gentiva Hospice
Gentiva Hospice was honored for providing compassionate, dignified care to patients and families during life’s most challenging moments. Their team’s commitment goes beyond clinical care, offering deeply personal support that leaves a lasting impact throughout the community.
Leader in Healthcare
Lyon College (with White River Health & ASU–Newport)
This award recognized the collaborative launch of an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, expanding access to higher education while strengthening the regional healthcare workforce through shared leadership and innovative partnerships.
Leader in Education
WorkWired
WorkWired was recognized for its transformational role in aligning schools, employers, and community partners to ensure every Independence County resident has a pathway to a living-wage career, directly connecting education to workforce needs.
New Member of the Year
Dynamic Mobile Storage
Dynamic Mobile Storage quickly distinguished itself through reliability, generosity, and hands-on service. From disaster response efforts to local support projects, the company exemplifies community-minded engagement and Chamber involvement.
Ambassador of the Year
Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics)
Christina Watts earned Ambassador of the Year honors after attending 36 Chamber events in 2025 — the highest participation among Ambassadors — consistently supporting ribbon cuttings, logistics, and outreach efforts.
Each honoree reflected the courage to lead, the discipline to stay the course, and the vision to create meaningful change.
Leadership Batesville Class of 2025
The evening also celebrated the graduation of the Leadership Batesville Class of 2025, presented by Citizens Bank. The nine-month program equips emerging leaders with the tools, connections, and insight needed to serve Independence County well into the future.
Graduates included:
Abigail Ballard (Lifeplus), Will Carpenter (Precise), Jonathan Cramer (Nova Joe’s), Jennifer Coan (UACCB), Colby Cockrill (Independence County Farm Bureau), Jessica Davis (City of Batesville), Nathan Dowen (Citizens Bank), Carmen Duncan (Independence County Circuit Court), Wesley Evans (White River Health), Lita Herrmann (George’s), Kevin Hoggard (Merchants and Planters Bank), Julianna Howard (Lyon College), Chelsie O’Neal (Gentiva Hospice), Micah Richardson (Citizens Bank), Jacob Ryan (Bad Boy Mowers), Josh Settimo (Rich Realty), Gerrick Smith (Peco Foods), Allison Sparks (ARcare), Mychelle Spivey (Batesville School District), Cliff Timbs (Peco Foods), Taylor Williams (First Community Bank), Nathan Wilson (Bad Boy Mowers), and Shelly Young (First Community Bank).
A Celebration with Purpose
Guests enjoyed Derby-inspired races, classic racetrack cuisine, and traditional race-day beverages, creating an atmosphere that was both celebratory and forward-looking.
“This event isn’t about a single night,” Humphrey said. “It’s about honoring the people and partnerships that keep us moving forward. When we choose bold moves and big strides together, we don’t just celebrate progress — we create it.”
The 2026 Derby Gala served as both a celebration and a call to action — reinforcing that Batesville’s future belongs to those willing to commit to the long run.
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