Welcome to a very special episode of The Bentonville Beacon podcast! Today marks an exciting transition as former host James Bell passes the torch to Brandom Gengelbach, the new president and CEO of the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce. In this heartfelt handoff, James reflects on his favorite moments from over one hundred and twenty-four episodes—sharing behind-the-scenes stories of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and groundbreaking innovators who’ve helped shape Bentonville into the vibrant community it is today. We’ll hear about James’s own journey—a move from North Memphis to Bentonville in the midst of the pandemic, how he fell in love with this thriving “Goldilocks” city, and, eventually, his new adventures leading the Chamber in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Stepping into the host’s chair, Brandom shares why Bentonville already feels like home, his passion for both bikes and building communities, and his vision for taking the podcast forward by telling the untold stories that power Bentonville’s growth. Tune in as these two leaders discuss the importance of community involvement, the unique DNA of Bentonville, and what lies ahead for both the city and the podcast. Whether you’re a longtime listener or a newcomer, this episode is filled with inspiration, nostalgia, and a renewed commitment to spotlighting the changemakers of Northwest Arkansas.