Firstar Bank Honored, Workforce Initiative Highlighted During June’s Chamber Meeting

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 — Community service, workforce development, and economic growth were at the forefront of discussion during the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting held Wednesday at Carl Albert State College's Sallisaw Campus.

The Chamber recognized Firstar Bank as its June Member of the Month, honoring the institution's longstanding commitment to supporting local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community initiatives throughout the region.

A locally owned and managed financial institution with approximately 200 employees and 11 locations across Oklahoma and Arkansas, Firstar Bank contributes to more than 200 community organizations each year. Beyond financial contributions, bank employees actively serve on nonprofit boards and volunteer at more than 70 bank-sponsored community events annually.

Community involvement remains a cornerstone of the bank's culture. One example is its continued support of the United Way. In 2026, Firstar employees donated more than $58,000 to United Way campaigns, helping support charitable organizations in the communities the bank serves. The bank was recently recognized with the Fort Smith Area United Way's Heart of Impact Award for creating a strong culture of employee giving and community engagement.

Firstar has also maintained a longstanding partnership with area schools through its School Spirit Debit Card program. The initiative features 41 school-themed debit card designs, with a portion of each qualifying purchase benefiting local schools. Since the program's inception, more than $150,000 has been donated to participating schools.

Following the recognition, chamber members heard from keynote speaker Jaime Henson, Sallisaw campus director and director of workforce development at Carl Albert State College.

Henson shared information about the college's Workforce Alignment Initiative, an effort designed to better understand the skills and competencies employers’ value most in today's workforce. Through surveys and collaboration with local businesses and industry leaders, the initiative seeks to identify workforce needs, strengthen academic and workforce training programs, and ensure graduates are prepared to succeed in today's job market.

She explained that employer feedback will also play a key role in the development of the Exceptional Viking Graduate recognition project, which aims to highlight the professional qualities and durable skills that contribute to long-term career success.

With more than two decades of experience in higher education, Henson works closely with business, industry, workforce, and community partners to align educational opportunities with regional workforce demands. She serves on several local and state boards focused on economic and workforce development and remains committed to creating pathways that support student success, employer needs, and community growth throughout eastern Oklahoma.

In other business, chamber officials provided updates on several upcoming community events, including the Sallisaw Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on July 5 at the Sallisaw Sports Complex, the Boots & Badges Blood Drive on July 14, the Sallisaw Lion's Club Rodeo July 30 through August 1, and the Sallisaw Main Street Ice Cream Social on July 30.

Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer

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