For its 40th year, the White Hall Chamber of Commerce held its 2025 White Hall Community Service Banquet.
About 350 attended the annual event, which was held March 11 at the White Hall Community Center. The dinner was catered by Dorey’s Catfish Catering of Sheridan.
“It was a tremendous success,” said Jeff May, White Hall deputy mayor and banquet organizer.
While officially listed as its 40th dinner, May said it would have been their 41st annual banquet if not for the 2021 dinner cancellation during the covid-19 pandemic.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Barbara Dunn, executive director at Pine Bluff Convention Center, said, it was a “great event.”
Each year, the White Hall Chamber members recognize six White Hall residents for their outstanding contributions to the community and its organizations.
2025 SERVICE AWARD HONOREES
Susie Maynard received the Clara Burton Education Award; The Petal Shoppe/Jodie Jolly received the Jitters Morgan Small Business Award; Isabella Moore received the Bridges-Socia Award; Jim Monroe received the Senior Citizen Award; Travis Erwin received the W.F. “Jack” Moody Award; and Wes and Lindsey Carmical received the Youth Award.
“I am so honored to (have) received the Bridges-Socia Award,” Moore said.
Jay Callaway of White Hall said, “Congratulations and good job to all.”
The Chamber also salutes the outstanding contributions made by a member of the White Hall Volunteer Fire Department and one from the White Hall Police Department.
Levi Vincent was named Volunteer Fireman of the Year, and Ed Monk was named Volunteer Policeman of the Year.
Joe Spadoni, Chamber board president, said, “Congratulations to the award winners.”
THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER
U.S. Army Col. Collin K. Keenan, Pine Bluff Arsenal commander, served as the 2025 keynote speaker.
Keenan assumed command of the Arsenal in 2023. As commander, Keenan is responsible for all of the installation’s economic operations and administrative activities.
He oversees the Arsenal’s more than $100 million annual operating budget and 600 civilians employed there.
According to its website, the Arsenal supplies the military with “specialized ammunition, smoke, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense capabilities through expert manufacturing, storage, and logistics.”
BEHIND THE SCENES
The 2025 Chamber of Commerce Board members include Spadoni, president; Barbara Summers, vice president; Amanda Johnson, secretary; and Debbie Johnson, treasurer; and Sheila Talley Brown, Lauren Staton, Trey Wyatt, Nikki Goodloe, Kathy Lowery, Lindsey Bethea, Jay Callaway and Jeff May.
“I want to acknowledge some people for their support in pulling it off,” Spadoni said.
He thanked White Hall Mayor Noel Foster and his staff, the White Hall Community Center staff, the Arkansas Printing Co., Beaver Johnson, Zack Pullman, The Petal Shoppe, Southeast Engravers Inc., and the White Hall High School JROTC.
He also thanked those who donated door prizes, including the Hartz Honey Hole, Last Resort Firearms Training, Cotton Belt Federal Credit Union, White Hall Fresh Market, Crenshaw Springs WaterPark, Hunter’s Refuge and The Coffee Co.