From Banquet Plans to Patriots Parade, Chamber Maps Out Busy Spring

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The Ava Chamber of Commerce met Tuesday, April 14, at the Ava Lions Club, with Executive Director Judy Shields leading discussion on upcoming events, business updates and community initiatives.

Shields highlighted the Chamber’s Spring Membership Banquet set for Saturday, April 25, themed around the 250th birthday of America. Members were encouraged to sponsor and decorate tables, donate items for a silent auction and assist with setup and cleanup. The event will include a potluck-style meal, with smoked meatloaf and fried chicken provided.

Several upcoming community events were also announced, including the Ava City-Wide Clean-Up scheduled for May 4–8 and the City-Wide Yard Sale June 4–6. The third annual Patriots Parade will take place Saturday, May 16, in conjunction with Armed Forces Day. Organized with the Ava VFW and Auxiliary, the parade will begin at 2 p.m. following the farmers market, with participants invited to join without registration.

Guest speaker Bridget, manager of online shopping at Walmart in Ava, shared updates on the company’s growing online services. She outlined features of the Walmart+ program, including Scan & Go checkout, fuel discounts, delivery options and expanded online grocery services. Bridget also noted digital shelf tags are expected to be installed in May and a full store remodel is planned to begin Jan. 17, 2027, including a 5,000-square-foot expansion for online grocery operations.

During member announcements, Danielle Ireland of White River Valley Electric Cooperative shared details on upcoming member appreciation events, including a May 15 event in Ava, and noted a community grant opportunity available through the end of April.

Representatives from several organizations provided updates. Christina with Medical Blessings reported the organization is relocating to a new building and continues providing medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and other supplies. She noted ongoing efforts to secure funding and potential partnerships to support the move.

Dick Salgado announced a free Eye Mission and Health Screening event scheduled for May 16 at the Missouri Ozarks Community Health Wellness Center. The event will include vision, hearing and diabetes screenings, with possible on-site eyeglass distribution.

Additional updates included upcoming workshops and events through the Ozarks Small Business Incubator, including business training sessions and the EPIC: Growing Beyond the Ozarks event set for May 7.

Other announcements included upcoming VFW activities, a community food token program through the Ava Lions Club and regional events such as the Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield.

The Chamber recognized the Douglas County Deputy Association as its member spotlight and held a 50/50 drawing during the meeting.

The next Chamber luncheon is scheduled for May 12 at the Ava Lions Club, hosted by Missouri Ozarks Community Health.