Small Business Administration Visit

Welcoming SBA Administrator Guzman

Congressman Womack and SBA Administrator Guzman tour Mundo-Tech

Today, I welcomed Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman to Arkansas’s Third District. We traveled throughout Northwest Arkansas to hear from small business owners about pandemic recovery, discuss economic programs, and talk about economic development and growth in the region. In fact, we just wrapped up our visit only a little while ago, and I am excited to share the details of the day with you below.

Congressman Womack and SBA Administrator Guzman with local business leaders and organizations following roundtable at Mundo-Tech in Rogers

This morning, I greeted SBA Administrator Guzman in Rogers. We visited Mundo-Tech, a manufacturing company that produces specialty tubing and pipes for the aerospace, defense, and commercial airline industries. The company—which manufactures components for the F-35 that will soon fly out of Fort Smith—used Paycheck Protection Program assistance to support their business and workforce through the pandemic.

Arkansas restaurants and small businesses discuss recovery and growth efforts

Following the tour, we participated in a roundtable with Third District business leaders to discuss SBA COVID-19 assistance, the Community Navigator Program, and economic development issues. Representatives, including business executives, regional administrators of the SBA, business advocacy groups, and chamber of commerce members from Fort Smith, Bentonville, Rogers, and Springdale, shared their thoughts on recovery and growth efforts.

Congressman Womack and SBA Administrator Guzman with local restaurant and business representatives

The SBA Administrator and I then traveled to the University of Arkansas Collaborative, which is focused on driving efforts that propel Arkansas’s innovation, entrepreneurial, and workforce ecosystems. We were joined by local restaurant and business representatives to discuss pandemic recovery efforts—including programs like the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and Restaurant Revitalization Fund—challenges facing the industry, and economic revitalization.

Congressman Womack and SBA Administrator Guzman on a tour during their visit

I also appreciated the stories about how local restaurants, employees, and residents worked together to support one another, give back to the community, and build strength during the many challenges of COVD-19. That resilient spirit is a pillar of the Third District.

Group forum with venue operators at TheatreSquared

We then headed to Fred’s Hickory Inn in Bentonville for a quick lunch before our next meeting in Fayetteville. Our last stop was to TheatreSquared, where we toured the facility and then sat down with Third District recipients of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program, which helped provide relief to live entertainment small businesses, nonprofits, and venues during the pandemic.

Congressman Womack presents SBA Administrator Guzman with his challenge coin and thanks her for visiting Arkansas’s Third District

Small businesses are job creators and the engine of our economy. It was a privilege to welcome Administrator Guzman to Arkansas and share the endless determination and strong entrepreneurial spirit of our community. I’m grateful SBA was able to hear the needs and priorities of Third District job creators. Through small business tours and roundtables, we received firsthand insights into the success and challenges of pandemic assistance programs. We want to continue to build growth and opportunity. I thank Administrator Guzman for her time and was sure to present her with a challenge coin at the end of the day.

Around AR-3

150th Anniversary of Bentonville Schools

Congressman Womack speaks during the 150th anniversary of Bentonville Schools 

This week, Bentonville Schools celebrated a big anniversary: 150 years! For nearly two centuries, this school system has provided students with a first-class and dynamic education. Generation after generation of Arkansans have been cultivated in the institutions. And these schools and students have enriched our communities. This has been true always, but even more so during the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19—our amazing teachers, educators, and staff never wavered. I feel strongly that the legacy of academic excellence and high standard of achievements has grown year after year. I shared the story of LTG Ricky Waddell—a 1978 BHS graduate and 1982 USMA graduate. He rose to be part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's team. This is just one example of Third District success. I'm incredibly proud of Bentonville, our teachers, and our students. Congratulations on this milestone!

F-35 Demonstrator at TAC-Air

I had the opportunity to visit TAC-Air to try out Lockheed Martin’s F-35 simulator. We have a lot to be proud of in Fort Smith, and our community looks forward to having Fort Smith and Ebbing Air National Guard Base as the future home of F-35 and F-16 squadrons that support international defense efforts. This FMS mission is a national asset. It's critical to America and the global community. The program will ensure that our allies will be able to operate and fight alongside U.S. troops to defend and protect our freedoms. Our partners will be trained right here in the River Valley! These defense efforts are further advanced in Rogers, where Mundo-Tech is manufacturing F-35 parts and supporting the good-paying jobs the program is bringing to the Third District. Having the F-35 demonstrator in Fort Smith allowed Arkansans to get a firsthand experience of the F-35’s agility and capabilities. It showcased the experience our troops and partners have in this fighter jet. Kaden even got to fly—a pilot's license might be in his future! That is exactly what this FMS mission is about. At its core, every program we support is about securing and protecting our nation—and the ideals it was built on—for the next generation.

U.S. Marshals Museum Foundation

Congressman Womack views the Lighthorse statue

The U.S. Marshals Museum will be a world-class institution and a living reflection of our past and present. It will also honor the history of the U.S. Marshals Service and memories of our fallen officers. I was pleased to meet with Anthony Meyer, the new President of the U.S. Marshals Museum Foundation. Mr. Meyer arrives in Fort Smith with significant experience in bringing high-profile campaigns over the finish line. We talked about goals for the institution and readying the museum for public use. I’m grateful to know the facility will be open in the near future. This project was a long time in the making, and I was proud to be a steadfast supporter of legislation and work that helped fund the building. David Kennedy, the Marshals Museum curator, also gave me and Kaden an in-depth look at various artifacts related to the Marshals, including a jacket worn by a Marshal on 9/11 and many decommissioned firearms carried by Marshals throughout the years. I look forward to this institution showcasing the long record of justice, integrity, and service the Marshals Service embodies.

Arkansas Military Veterans' Hall of Fame

Congressman Womack with Keith Greene and Robert Rickard of the Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame

It was an honor to see Keith Greene, former Mayor of Alma, and Robert Rickard, who both currently serve on the board of the Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The organization is a non-profit dedicated to publicly emphasizing the honor brought to our state and nation by the sacrifice of Arkansas veterans and their families. I will always salute the service of those who have worn the uniform to defend our freedom and exceptional nation. They also presented me with a photo of the Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame exhibit. The exhibit resides in the Treasurer’s office in the Arkansas State Capitol and was designed by Fort Smith resident and architect - Mr. John Lane. I thank them for their steadfast work and attention to paying tribute to our heroes.

AR-3’s Rick Schaeffer

Wishing my friend and wonderful Arkansan, Rick Schaeffer, a great retirement

I caught up with Springdale’s Rick Schaeffer. With enormous gratitude, I was finally able to congratulate him on his retirement and thank him for his service to Arkansas and our schools. For decades, he collected and shared so many memories of our beloved Razorbacks and Springdale Schools. I marked the milestone with a medallion! Enjoy this well-earned next chapter, my friend.

Compassion NWA-Feed The 479

Compassion NWA and Feed The 479 have helped feed more than 140,000 Arkansans in 2021

Serving and helping others is part of the basis of our communities. We see examples of this throughout our region. I visited Compassion NWA and Feed The 479—they are committed to fighting food insecurity and giving back to those in need. Their work makes a difference each day. Many Arkansans will have food on their tables tonight because of this team and volunteers. They're dedicated to this mission and have developed innovative ways to get food into the hands of the vulnerable. Their delivery concepts have helped feed more than 140,000 people in 2021. I thank them for their continuous generosity in fighting hunger. Food insecurity is a devastating issue for far too many families in Arkansas and across America. Their local work will help us help those going through tough times. We are always stronger together.

Dayco Products

Congressman Womack visits with Dayco Products in Springdale 

I visited Dayco Products to get a firsthand look at operations. We toured the facility, were briefed by leadership, and met with employees on the floor. The plant produces vacuum generation systems and belt tensioners for consumer automobiles, including Ford F-150s and Cummins engines, and for heavy agricultural and industrial equipment, such as John Deere tractors and CAT earth movers. These products are built by Dayco’s 145-person team in the Springdale facility and are shipped all over the country. Proud of everything made in the Third District!

I hope to see you around the Third District next week! Remember to keep an eye on my website or check out my Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news from the Third District and Washington. Also, if you are having issues with a federal agency or have a casework question, don’t forget to check out my office’s upcoming mobile office hours here! Find Arkansas vaccine locations here.