PRAIRIE GROVE — In light of Valentine’s Day, it might be appropriate the Chamber of Commerce recognized two couples Monday night during its annual banquet at Prairie Grove High School.
The chamber honored one couple as Citizens of the Year and the other as owners of the Business of the Year.
Crescent Department Store, in downtown Prairie Grove and owned by Travis and Shannon Stearman, received the Business of the Year Award.
Rick and Kara Ault, who have lived in Prairie Grove about 13 years were named Citizens of the Year.
About 130 people attended the banquet. Members of Arvest Junior Bank Board helped to serve the meal catered by Steve and Mary Bartholomew. Prairie Grove High School’s Jazz Band provided entertainment.
Dale Reed, chamber president, said a committee looking at nominees considers businesses and individuals who have shined in the last year or two and usually several rise to the top.
“Every year we come up with what we believe are some great recipients for these awards,” Reed said.
For the business award, the committee is looking for one that has made an impact not just from being a local business but from the business owners’ involvement in the city and community.
“And they do this while also involved while running their business,” Reed said, noting, “We have a lot of small business owners in here tonight and as you know that’s not always easy. We’re blessed in Prairie Grove to have so many businesses and so many business owners that call PG home.”
When it comes to selecting a Citizen of the Year, the committee is looking for those who desire to make Prairie Grove a better place, said Larry Oelrich, a member of the chamber board.
“What it takes to be a good citizen is easy. You see a need and you reach out and try to help fill that need. You support the community and make yourself available when needed.”
Crescent Department Store opened in 1924 as a dry goods store. Travis and Shannon bought the store in 2007 and kept the name to continue the tradition.
Reed said he remembered going to the store as a child with his mom to buy a “brand new pair of shiny blue jeans.”
“Travis and Shannon have done a very good job of changing with the marketplace. They’ve overseen the transformation from a traditional department store to the unique local boutique it is today,” Reed said.
Reed noted the retail industry has been hit hard by the push of online sales and big box stores but large retailers are missing one thing.
“They cannot match the local service or the local products offered by small-town businesses such as Crescent’s. They know what the people of this community like and they are involved with this community and that’s what makes a local business local.”
Oelrich described Rick and Kara Ault as a “dynamic duo.”
The two have established themselves as a couple not afraid to give of themselves and to share their talents, energy and passion for others, Oelrich said.
“They support this community and share their appreciation of it by giving to others. Like so many of us who weren’t born in Prairie Grove, they have adopted this town as their home,” Oelrich said.
Rick Ault is a long-time employee with Walmart and currently is director of security and risk. Kara Ault publishes Fayetteville Macaroni Kid, an online newsletter and blog highlighting family activities throughout Northwest Arkansas.
Both are active in their church and in the community. He lead a new steering committee to try to get Prairie Grove named to the Main Street Arkansas program, while she volunteers with the school and many organizations in the area.
They are owner/operator of Prairie Grove Town Center, the former city building that once housed the Police Department, District Court, Water Department and long ago, the Magnolia Gas Station.
Rick Ault has been renovating and restoring the building. Today, a new coffee house occupies one side of the building and another part of the building is being used for exercise classes, dance classes, parties, reunions and as a place for community events.