Batesville Area Chamber marks growth with two recent ribbon-cutting ceremonies

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted two ribbon-cutting ceremonies highlighting local business growth and investment — welcoming MAD Construction as a new Chamber member and celebrating the opening of Peco Foods’ new training center and memorial garden.

The ceremony for MAD Construction honored the entrepreneurial efforts of owners Mark and Deena Powell. The husband-and-wife team launched the business specializing in epoxy and concrete polishing.

“Small businesses, especially those that are family-owned, are really the bedrock of so many communities,” said Amanda Roberts, Membership Engagement Specialist for the Chamber. “When people come in and talk from the heart about what they’ve built—their blood, sweat, tears, and finances—you can feel their passion.”

Mark Powell said MAD Construction focuses on quality and affordability. “We specialize in three different types of epoxy and concrete polishing,” he said. “Our goal is to offer high-quality results at an affordable price—often half to two-thirds the cost of traditional tear-out and remodel projects.”

Co-owner Deena Powell added that the company provides a range of finishes and color options.

Ambassadors in attendance included: Alexandra McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors – The Property Shoppe), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Chad Whiteaker (White River Now), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Cori Perkey (Southern Bank), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City), Kaitlin Thorogood (Jay Chafin Insurance Agency), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Lucy Rodriguez (George’s Inc.), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Silje Antonsen (First Community Bank), Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), and Tiffany Traw (University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville).

The Chamber also celebrated Peco Foods’ new training center and the dedication of its Peco Memorial Garden.

Peco CEO Mark Hickman thanked the Batesville team for honoring his late father and company founder, John Herman Hickman, with a memorial bench. “He touched so many lives during his time as CEO, and his leadership, vision, and values continue to shape Peco today,” Hickman said. “On behalf of the Hickman family, we want to thank you for this recognition.”

Plant Manager Paul Taylor described the new center as “an investment in our people.” He said, “Training has always been at the heart of our success because when people succeed, our company succeeds. This center is a promise to our team that we are committed to their safety, their development, and their future.”

James Pearson, the plant’s most senior team member with more than 45 years of service, cut the ribbon to officially open the center.

Ambassadors at the Peco ceremony included: Alexandra McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Brenda Riveria (First Community Bank), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville Schools), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Silje Antonsen (First Community Bank), Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), and Tiffany Traw (University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville).

Images via the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce