Following are recent news brief items from the Fort Smith metro.
PRADCO and Bass Pro
Birmingham, Ala.-based PRADCO Fishing, which has a major fishing division in Fort Smith, has launched its first custom lure shop in a major retail store with the opening of the Bass Pro Shops in Fort Smith.
According to a PRADCO press release, Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris asked PRADCO to have a presence in the Fort Smith store, since PRADCO has called Fort Smith home since 1962. George Perrin founded Rebel Lure Company, the flagship brand of Plastics Research and Development Company (PRADCO).
PRADCO decided to install a digital printer in the newly opened store to customize lure blanks from popular brands in the store. PRADCO will fully staff the store with a full-time employee during all business hours. The lure choices include shapes such as the Heddon Super Spook and Original Zara Spook, Rebel Pop-R, Cotton Cordell Super Spot and Big O, BOOYAH Hard Knocker and One Knocker, Bandit 100, Bomber Flat A, according to PRADCO
“This is definitely an elevated experience for the Bass Pro Shops consumer,” said Bruce Stanton, vice president and general manager of PRADCO Fishing. “When Johnny asked us to partner with Bass Pro Shops in this store, we jumped at the opportunity to give a special opportunity to store-goers.”
PRADCO Fishing has a 400-square-foot store-within-a-store that features popular brands and lures, and a timeline of its acquisitions over the years.
Fort Smith businessman Bennie Westphal, who brokered the real estate deal to bring Bass Pro Shops to Fort Smith, purchased the first custom lure during “Friends and Family Night” on April 27.
Tourism Sales
Discover Fort Smith, the marketing brand of the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau, has hired Douglas Bienenfeld as director of sales. With more than 30 years of experience in hospitality, convention, and destination sales, Bienenfeld will lead efforts to attract meetings, conventions, and events that generate overnight stays, increase visitor spending in the Fort Smith region, according to the agency.
Prior to his hiring in Fort Smith, Bienenfeld was with the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, and before that he was the convention sales manager with the Destination Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and history from Michigan State University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Douglas to the Discover Fort Smith team,” said Ashleigh Bachert, Discover Fort Smith executive director. “His depth of experience, industry knowledge, and proven ability to convert opportunities into booked business will play a key role in strengthening our tourism economy and elevating Fort Smith as a premier destination for meetings and events.”
UAFS Day of Giving
The sixth-annual Day of Giving campaign at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith raised $55,764, which was more than the fundraising goal, according to the university. The event began at 8 a.m. on April 28, and ended at 4 p.m. on April 29.
The two-day campaign supported 26 projects through more than 400 individual donors and project advocates, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, the community, family, and friends from across 24 states, according to a UAFS press release.
“Support isn’t just about money,” said Charisse Tunacao, director of annual giving. “It shows up in people’s time and attention. Every share, every like, and every conversation about Day of Giving helps show that we’re a community that truly supports our students and believes in what they’re doing here.”
Donors contributed to a range of projects, from scholarships, research opportunities, student experiences, and critical support services. There were nearly 30 matching-gift contributions from corporate sponsors and individuals to increase donor impact. Coca-Cola Bottling Co. pledged $1,000 in matching funds, and more than a dozen UAFS leaders offered personal matching gifts. The UAFS ROTC received a $1,000 anonymous gift match, and three other projects each received $500 in matching gifts.
Nonprofits Mixer
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Center for Nonprofits is conducting a “Get on Board” mixer from 4 to 5:30 p.m., June 4, in the center’s office in The Bakery District in downtown Fort Smith.
This event is designed to connect business and community leaders with nonprofits actively recruiting new board members. This event offers an opportunity to learn about local organizations, and their needs for board skills and leadership.
“To ensure a high‑quality experience for everyone involved, nonprofits were invited to apply to participate, allowing us to verify that each organization has open board seats, clear expectations, and the readiness to recruit and onboard new board members,” noted a press release.
Link here to register for the event.
Solar Switch
The city of Fort Smith will hold a “Flip the Switch” event for the new solar canopy at the Fort Smith Farmers Market in downtown Fort Smith. The event is set for 8:30 a.m., May 9, at the downtown market located at Second Street and Garrison Avenue.
The solar canopy, built an a cost of around $1.45 million, is part of the city’s broader solar energy initiative approved in 2024. The canopy is designed to generate approximately 500,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, helping to offset energy costs and contribute to long-term savings for the community. Work began in the fall of of 2025.
“In addition to producing clean energy, the structure provides covered parking and shade for vendors, and improves the overall experience at the Fort Smith Farmers Market—one of downtown’s most active community gathering spaces,” the city noted in a press release.
The solar canopy is part of a larger citywide solar plan expected to generate over 17 million kilowatt-hours annually and produce significant long-term cost savings for taxpayers.
“This solar canopy represents a smart investment in Fort Smith’s future by delivering clean energy, lowering costs, and enhancing one of our most valued community spaces,” said Mayor George McGill. “Projects like this show how innovation and responsible stewardship can work hand in hand to benefit our residents now and in the years ahead.”
