The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with Be Pro Be Proud, to bring a regional Draft Day Series event to Russellville.

On April 25 & 26, at Cyclone Arena, Be Proud Be Proud and the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce will host Russellville’s first annual Draft Day; a combination hiring event and career expo.  The presenting sponsor for this event is Conagra Brands.  Participating companies will have the chance to talk to graduating high school students from several area communities.  Students will be guaranteed 3 scheduled interviews with potential employers during the event.  To date, approximately 150 area students are registered to participate from 24 school districts in the Russellville region.  Participating students have been tested based on aptitude and interest and will be matched with potential employers for interviews.  These students will be equipped to go from high school to hire at this event. Twenty-three companies from the Russellville region are registered to participate as well.   

Megan Selman, CEO of the Russellville Chamber, said, “We are so proud to host Draft Day in Russellville this year.  Our Workforce Development Director, Suzy Griffin, has worked tirelessly to bring this opportunity to our area for our regional students and employers.  Russellville School District has been a huge advocate of the event as well.  We have seen and heard amazing success/hiring stories come out of Draft Day events in 2022 and 2023, to the credit of the State Chamber and Be Pro Be Proud.  We are so excited to partner with them for 2024 and we hope this is the first of many Draft Days to come in Russellville.” 

The Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop will be present to showcase sector professions in high demand through a variety of simulator experiences.  In addition to the hiring event for high school seniors, a career expo will be happening at Cyclone Arena simultaneously to allow Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior students to interact with future employers and seek out potential employment opportunities.

Draft Day is a multi-faceted series of events that are happening across our state.  They are conducted in partnership with Be Pro Be Proud Arkansas, local Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Arkansas Department of Education.  The initiative began in 2022 with one location and has grown to include 8 locations state-wide in 2024.   This reflects the broad support, positive outcomes and our commitment to continuously improve to maximize the value for all involved.  The Russellville Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to host this event as one of the 8 locations selected in 2024.

Technical Professions Represented at Draft Day 2024

Automation & Robotics                                               

CAD/CAM Drafter                                                          

CNC Technician                                                             

Commercial Truck Driver                                             

Computer Programmer

CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)

Construction Services

Diesel Technician

Electrician

Fiber Optics Technician

Healthcare/Medical Technician

Heavy Equipment Operator

HVACR Technician

Information Technology

Line worker

LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)

Machinist

Phlebotomy

Plumber

Tool & Die Maker

Welder

https://www.beprobeproudar. org/draft-day-2024/russellville-cyclone-arena-draft-day-2024 

The registration deadline for the Russellville event is March 15.  You can register online, or contact Chrissy Jennings- Chrissy.jennings@beprobeproud.org,  Mobile (501) 920-7099.  For more questions contact the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce at (479) 968-2530.