People & Businesses in the news

Debbie Bader, St.

Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative donated an electric vehicle for the Automotive Service Technology Program at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus.

ATU-Ozarks will now have the ability to teach the latest technology in electric vehicles, according to a university statement.

Amber Dodd has been promoted to treasury management administrative assistant for Arvest Bank. Dodd has been with Arvest for one year and was a financial service representative in her previous position. She has more than five years of banking experience in consumer lending and business development.

Dr. William V. Walker has been named chief medical officer (CMO) for St. Edward Mercy. He will began his tenure in mid-February.

Fort Smith-Baldor Electric Co. has announced a quarterly dividend of 17 cents per share payable April 7 to shareholders of record on Mar. 17.

The company also set its annual shareholders’ meeting for 10:30 a.m., May 1 at the Fort Smith Convention Center.

Smith Nissan recently took home 12 prestigious DMA Awards, including three Gold Level distinctions, making them the number one ranked Nissan Dealer for these awards in their district. The dealership was honored with the awards from Nissan North America, Inc.’s Central Region.

The Sebastian County Bar Association has announced it will host a meeting of the Arkansas Lottery Commission, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 15, at the Holiday Inn City Center in downtown Fort Smith.

The city of Van Buren received $125,876 in fire department grant money from the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, according to statements from members of Arkansas’ Congressional delegation.

Receiving $55,216 in grant funds was the Big Creek rural fire department near Lavaca.

The AAF-Fort Smith presented its 2010 ADDY® Awards for advertising creative excellence Saturday (Feb. 20) at Fianna Hills Country Club. This year’s annual dinner and awards presentation was attended by over 130 individuals from the advertising, media, businesses and students in the Greater Fort Smith Region.

Federal funds totaling more than $164,000 will soon flow to area fire departments from a grant from the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. Arkansas fire departments will receive $733,197 in federal grants through the program.

Area fire departments receiving grants were: