Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Nominations open for Russellville Citizen of the Year; deadline Nov. 18

By Misty Hale
November 2, 2026 · 10:40 pm

Know someone who always seems to be giving their time to make Russellville a better place? The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce wants to hear about them.

Nominations are now open for the Chamber’s annual Citizen of the Year award, which recognizes a local resident whose leadership, volunteer work and community involvement have made a lasting difference in the River Valley.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, Nov. 18.

The award isn’t simply about professional accomplishments. The Chamber is looking for people whose contributions extend beyond their jobs — those who serve on committees, volunteer with local organizations, take on leadership roles and make a difference in several areas of the community.

Who qualifies?

To be considered for Citizen of the Year, nominees must meet the following criteria:

  • Have lived in the Russellville area for at least five years.
  • Demonstrate community involvement beyond their occupation.
  • Have made contributions in multiple areas rather than focusing on just one.
  • Remain an active and involved member of the community.
  • Have a record of leadership in community groups or committees.
  • Have a resume or nomination letter outlining their contributions.

A Russellville tradition spanning more than 40 years

The Chamber has been recognizing outstanding residents with its Citizen of the Year award for more than four decades.

Among its earliest honorees was Marge Crabaugh, a longtime community volunteer who helped establish local chapters of the Salvation Army, United Way, Girl Scouts and Junior Auxiliary. Arkansas Tech University identifies Crabaugh as the award’s inaugural recipient.

Other past recipients include local businessman Jamie Sorrells, who received the honor in 2017 and has served on the Russellville School District board and the advisory board for River Valley Food 4 Kids.

The 2026 recipient is expected to be recognized during the Chamber’s annual meeting in December.

How to nominate someone

Nominations must include a resume or letter describing the individual’s community involvement, leadership and contributions.

Email nominations to chamber@russellvillechamber.com by Nov. 18.

Additional information about the Chamber is available at russellvillechamber.com.

THE DAILY BRIEFING

What you need to know this morning

A concise local news roundup for the River Valley — about 15 minutes.
HAVE INFORMATION?

Submit a news tip

Send photos, video, documents or information to the River Valley Record.

Misty Hale

Misty started her journalism career as a teenager at the Russellville Courier and later reported for newspapers across Northwest Arkansas. After spending several years in community development work, she returned home to the River Valley. She founded the River Valley Record, where she focuses on data-driven journalism and telling the stories that matter to the community.
THE RIVER VALLEY RECORD
Independent local reporting for Russellville, Atkins, Dover, Hector, Pottsville, Dardanelle and the surrounding River Valley.
© 2026 River Valley Record. All rights reserved.

Submit a News Tip

Know about something happening in the River Valley? Send us the details below.