By Betsy Anderson -Political Writer for Today in Fort Smith
In an exciting move to bring state government closer to its citizens, Governor Sarah Sanders has declared Van Buren as Arkansas’ “Capital for a Day” on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
This initiative will momentarily shift the state’s seat of government to the city of Van Buren, providing a unique opportunity for local residents to engage directly with the governor and senior state officials.
As part of this initiative, Governor Sanders and her team will spend the day in Van Buren, engaging with the community and experiencing the town’s offerings firsthand. “Our ‘Capital for a Day’ initiative is about connecting with Arkansans where they live and work,” said Governor Sanders. “By bringing state government to Van Buren, we hope to listen to residents, understand their needs, and celebrate what makes this community special.”
The Governor’s agenda for the day includes a series of planned activities aimed at showcasing Van Buren’s community spirit, educational efforts, and business environment.
Here’s a look at what’s in store:
Parkview Elementary School Visit - Governor Sanders will kick off the day with a visit to Parkview Elementary School, where she will meet with students and teachers, emphasizing her administration’s commitment to education and engaging directly with young Arkansans.
Bekaert Tour - Following the school visit, the Governor will tour Bekaert, a leading steel wire transformation and coatings company. This visit will provide insights into the industrial capabilities of Van Buren and highlight the importance of manufacturing to the local economy.
Five Rivers Distribution Visit - Continuing with her focus on local industry, Governor Sanders will visit Five Rivers Distribution, a logistics and distribution center. This visit aims to underscore the critical role of logistics and transportation in the region’s economic landscape.
Downtown Walking TourIn a move to connect with local businesses and residents, the Governor will participate in a downtown walking tour. This tour will allow Governor Sanders and her team to interact directly with Van Buren’s business community and explore the charm of the city’s historic downtown area.
Meet & Greet at The Vault -The day will culminate with a Meet & Greet at The Vault, an event that requires an RSVP. This gathering will provide residents with a unique opportunity to engage with Governor Sanders and other state officials in a more informal setting, discussing their thoughts, concerns, and hopes for the future of Van Buren and Arkansas.
The “Capital for a Day” initiative reflects Governor Sanders’ approach to governance--bringing the government closer to the people and understanding the unique needs of different communities across the state.
Van Buren residents are encouraged to participate in the day’s events and take advantage of this opportunity to engage directly with their state leaders.
For more details on the Governor’s visit or to RSVP for the Meet & Greet at The Vault, residents can visit the official Arkansas government website or contact the Van Buren city office.
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