Longtime businessman and community supporter Fred Williams is the recipient of the inaugural Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center Distinguished Service and Commitment Award, according to the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS).
Williams was one of several people and businesses recognized Thursday (Oct. 30) at the UAFS Center for Economic Development’s Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards ceremony at the Bakery District in downtown Fort Smith.
According to the UAFS, a selection committee reviewed 110 submissions from an eight-county region in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Kendall Ross, associate vice chancellor for economic and workforce development, called the awards a way to celebrate the spirit and achievements of family-owned and small businesses.
Williams was honored as the first recipient, commemorating his 21 years of work with the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center. The award stands alone as a selection by the center, and Ross said the award is reserved for those who have believed in the center’s vision and have given their time, energy, and wisdom to help shape it, according to the UAFS.
After 46 years in the advertising and public relations business, Williams officially retired July 1, 2022, from Williams/Crawford & Associates, a marketing and public relations agency.
Williams’ first client in 1982 was First National Bank of Green Forest – now Anstaff Bank, and his biggest client would be Fort Smith-based KMAC Enterprises, one of the nation’s largest Taco Bell franchisees. Other clients included First National Bank of Fort Smith, the Van Buren Advertising & Promotion Commission, Citizens Bank and Trust in Van Buren and the North American division of Mercedes Benz.
LEGACY, BUSINESS AWARDS
Bill Hanna, president, CEO and board chairman of Fort Smith-based Hanna Oil & Gas, and last year’s Legacy Champion Award winner, presented the 2025 award to this year’s Legacy Champion, Sam T. Sicard, chairman of the board for First Bank Corp. and First National Bank of Fort Smith, and a fifth-generation banker.
“This is a great group of leaders and business leaders from our community,” Sicard said. “I’m very honored that many people whom I respect have recognized me for this award. It’s very humbling.”
Following are other people and businesses recognized.
• Technology and Innovation Business Award
Whalen Automation & Integration
• Early Success and Growth Award
Perk Coffee House
• Small Business of the Year
Poultry Direct
• Emerging Luminary Award
Brent Jones, J&B Supply
• Family Unity Award
Kindy family – owners of Crawson Corp in Muldrow, Okla., and Crumbl Cookies in Fort Smith
• Business Renewal Award
BHC Insurance
• Family Business of the Year
Beshears Construction
• Business Advisor of the Year
Katie Lejong, Landmark CPAs
