St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center has been declared the 2025 overall champion of the Paint the Town Green and Gold community spirit competition, an annual event that encourages local businesses and organizations to showcase their support for Arkansas Tech University (ATU) through creative decorations. The announcement was made during the Arkansas Tech University home football game at Simmons Bank Field at Thone Stadium in Russellville.
Now in its 10th year, Paint the Town Green and Gold is a collaborative initiative between the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce and ATU. This year, a total of 32 businesses and nonprofit organizations participated, demonstrating their community pride by adorning their buildings in themes that reflect ATU colors and spirit.
Kaitlyn Bryant, director of events and community engagement at the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, presented the coveted traveling trophy to St. Mary’s representatives, including Chief Nursing Officer Carolyn Cook, Chief Executive Officer Casey Willis, and Marketing and Communications Manager Carleigh Powell.
In addition to the overall champion, several other awards were given in various categories. Chambers Bank’s Parkway Location was honored with the Tech Pride Award for Best Indoor decoration, while the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley took home the Best Jerry award. The Arkansas Workforce Center received the Best First Time Entry award, while the award for Most Creative/Best Outdoor was shared between French Rose Boutique and Feltner’s Athlete’s Corner.
The competition saw a wide array of entries from diverse participants including Arkansas Real Estate Collective, Union Bank, Arkansas Beauty College, and many more. Notable among them were local landmarks such as Colton’s Steak House and Grill, Dog Ear Books, and River Valley Medical Wellness.
The sponsors for the 2025 Paint the Town Green and Gold competition include major local entities such as Arkansas Tech University, Chambers Bank, and Tyson Foods, among others. Their support is critical in making this event a success and in fostering community engagement and spirit within Russellville.
During the ceremony, representatives of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley, Feltner’s Athlete’s Corner, and Chambers Bank were recognized for their accomplishments in the competition, further emphasizing the collaborative nature of this community initiative. The event not only highlights local talent and creativity but also reinforces the close ties between businesses and the University, fostering a sense of pride and unity in the region.
