Arkansas Money and Politics August 2019

EDUCATION

HOGS VS ASU?

ACCELERATING STARTUPS

,------------.. N SAS

NEW PROGRAMS

THIS FALL Agricultural Engineering Hospitality & Tourism Management Associate to Bachelor’s

we Take

in INNOVATION. We also take PRIDE in discovery, curiosity, determination and courage.

Since 1873, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has educated and inspired some of the world’s greatest minds to reach beyond their circumstances and become who they want to be.

We are a family of educators and learners, and our tight-knit community shapes the intellectual and social development of students who go on to reshape the world. Don’t take our word for it, just ask the countless number of Fortune 500 companies that look to UAPB to help them fill their ranks.

It’s time you become a part of the PRIDE.

APPLY NOW

Joshua McCray Industrial Technology

TRAINING

Be a part of something…

Bigger

MENTORING

LEGAL SERVICES Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

The

Voice

for School Administrators

theaaea.org

ADVOCACY

AUGUST CONTENTS

4 | Plugged In 5 | Editor’s & Publisher’s Letters 9 | Newsmakers 15 | Arkansas Labor Report 9 | For Your Consideration

Insight from some of Arkansas’ brightest minds on issues of the day.

16 | Challenge Accepted

Stacy Hurst takes on an even bigger role.

48 | Female Entrepreneur Little Rock’s Natalie Ghidotti.

34 | The Book Stops Here 22 | HOGS AND IN-STATE COMPETITION

Get to know the state’s on-campus education leaders.

Could a football game with ASU be next?

54 | R-E-L-I-E-F

Farmers’ 2019 plight requires superlatives.

ON THE COV E R 58 | RUSSELLVILLE A regional crossroads looking to the future.

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Stacy Hurst has always loved a challenge, and she may have taken on her biggest one yet as Secretary of Parks, Tourism & Heritage.

Photo by Jamison Mosley Page 16

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INDUSTRY

THIS MONTH EMPLOYMENT

PREVIOUS MONTH

CONSTRUCTION

53,200

52,700

GOVERNMENT

216,500

217,200

MANUFACTURING

162,800

163,500

HEALTH CARE

177,900

177,200

TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

254,500

251,600

LABOR FORCE

EMPLOYED

UNEMPLOYED

RATE

PULASKI COUNTY

191,502

185,749

5,753

3.0

BENTON COUNTY

136,841

133,725

3,116

2.3

WASHINGTON COUNTY

125,055

122,343

2,712

2.2

FAULKNER COUNTY

62,198

60,464

1,734

2.8

SALINE COUNTY

58,297

56,890

1,407

2.4

LABOR FORCE

EMPLOYED

UNEMPLOYED

RATE

CALHOUN COUNTY

2,445

2,346

99

4.0

LAFAYETTE COUNTY

2,510

2,404

106

4.2

WOODRUFF COUNTY

2,772

2,641

131

4.7

MONROE COUNTY

2,775

2,670

105

3.8

LEE COUNTY

2,878

2,776

102

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Since 1886, Tipton & Hurst has been at the forefront of floral design and unique gifts and decor. Allow us to brighten your workspace, or add the finishing touch to your corporate event or occasion. Around the corner or around the world you’re only a click or call away from guaranteed satisfaction.

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Laura McElyea and Kelly Phillips AMP | AUGUST 2019

bellandcompany.net • 501.753.9700

In 1959, at a wide bend in the river, just east of downtown Little Rock, an idea was born that connected Arkansas with the rest of the world.

60 years ago the City of Little Rock created the Little Rock Port Authority to develop the Port and its industrial park. The Port of Little Rock is the largest public port on the MKARNS (McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System) 448 mile system that stretches from the Mississippi River to Tulsa.

As the nexus of river, rail and road transportation, the Port of Little Rock connects Arkansas to over 60 countries in the global economy. Our world-class intermodal transportation hub extends Little Rock’s reach to every corner of the globe through the deep-water ports of the Gulf of Mexico.

To move goods and materials within the Port, the Little Rock Port Authority operates a short-line switching railroad that services both the Union Pacific and

PortofLittleRock.com

Burlington Northern Railroads. Almost 20 miles of track handles over 20,000 cars annually.

And, within a few minutes of the Port, trucking companies can access Interstate 40, the country’s third longest major coast to coast highway, and I-30, the main route from Little Rock to the southwest.

The Port is managed by the Little Rock Port Authority, consisting of a sevenmember mayoral-appointed volunteer board.

As we observe this 60th year benchmark, the Port of Little Rock is strengthening its brand, updating our logo, and launching a website geared to site selection decision makers. We are marketing this economic hub to every continent on the globe.

This wide bend in the river has wide-ranging impacts on central Arkansas’s success – thousands of jobs, billions in economic impact, and the ability to connect Arkansas to the world.

The next decades will only see that increase — as we acquire more land, and invite more tenants, who will use more Port services and make more connections to the global economy.

Little Rock Port Authority Board of Directors Melissa Hendricks, Chair Greg Joslin, Vice-Chair Joe Bailey, Treasurer Bobby Brown, Director Dexter Doyne, Director Ray C. Dillon, Director Clay McGeorge, Director

◼

40 plus businesses employing 4,500

◼

4,000 acre industrial park

◼

Annually, over $500 M in commodities crosses the docks of our three river terminals.

◼

Contributed $5B to the local economy over the last decade

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A COMMUNITY OF MISSION

Becca Hometown: Searcy, Arkansas

Current Location: Mount Olympus, Greece

STAY CLOSE, GO FAR Student body represents all 50 states and 50 nations and territories

Study abroad programs in Australasia, Chile, England, France, Greece, Italy and Zambia

More than 100 majors in 10 colleges taught from a Christian worldview

Degree programs at the undergraduate, master’s, specialist and doctoral levels

Choosing a college close to home doesn't mean you have to settle for limited opportunities.

Harding University is more than just the largest private school in the state. With more than 100 world-class academic programs and numerous graduate and professional offerings, you'll get an exceptional Christ-centered education that equips you to make a difference in the world. Whether you go on one of our many international studies opportunities or just get to know other students from all over the world, your studies will take you far beyond Arkansas. Come visit and see for yourself how far Harding can take you.

harding.edu • 501-279-4000 ARMONEYANDPOLITICS.COM| 27

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Dear Arkansas school leaders,

Thank you!

Recently, we hit a big milestone. Over 1,000 school districts in 49 states are using Apptegy to build their school’s identity. We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Arkansas school leaders taking a chance on a local startup.

This is why we’re proud to call Arkansas home.

www.apptegy.com

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YOUR CAREER STARTS HERE.

T

he University of Central Arkansas equips undergrads with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for future success.

The goal? Transforming students into professionals.

Learn more at gouca.com today.

• Research

• Service-learning

• Internships

• Mentorship and networking

• Study abroad

• Professional organizations

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Solar Access Act Cuts Red Tape, Adds Financing Options for Solar Projects By: Rick Vance, CEM, CxA, LEED AP Rick Vance is the Regional Director for Entegrity, an energy services and sustainability company specializing in the implementation of energy conservation and renewable energy projects. He can be reached at (501)766-4208 or rick.vance@entegritypartners.com

S

chool Districts across Arkansas have been turning to solar as a way to lower their electric costs. In March, The Solar Access Act (Act 464) was signed into law

by Governor Hutchinson, after carrying both houses by large margins (Senate 28-2; House 835). The legislation streamlines the approval process for projects, clearly defines grandfathering rules to provide market certainty, and adds third-party financing for solar arrays. With Act 464, the economics for solar systems have never been more favorable.

Additionally, the law states that any customer who submits an interconnection agreement before 2023 will remain under the rate structure in effect when the agreement

was

executed

for

20

years.

The legislation is expected to have the largest impact on taxexempt public entities, thanks to a provision allowing third-party ownership of solar arrays. This provision allows public parties, such as school districts, to take advantage of federal tax credits by partnering with private, taxable companies. Under this financing scenario, the school district would purchase power from the private company for at least 5 years, allowing the private party to realize the federal tax credit and depreciation benefits of the solar array. After year 5 is concluded, the school district would then have the option to purchase the array.

Under the new provisions, a financing scenario for a school district would look like this; the school district enters into a solar services agreement with a private company and immediately begins purchasing power at a lower rate.

For 5 years, the school district watches the private company operate and maintain the solar array. During this time, the school district is able to become familiar with solar technology and the required maintenance. At the end of 5 years, the school district has

the option to purchase the array at a reduced cost. The private company guarantees the future production of the array, and the school district uses this guarantee to secure a line of credit to pay for the purchase. Over the 35+ year life of the solar array, the school district cuts its electrical costs by at least 50%-80% and realizes a Return on Investment of 90-160%.

Educating the future of Arkansas and providing opportunities for social and economic mobility We do it with the 100+ degree programs we offer, the great internship opportunities that only a capital city can provide, and cutting-edge research experiences typically not available to undergraduate students at most universities.

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ualr.edu

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IGNITING ARKANSAS’ POTENTIAL

SCHOOLING OUR COMPETITION

Pea Ridge High School | Pea Ridge, Arkansas | 2021 Scheduled Completion

Anywhere in Arkansas, we know how to construct

MORE FOR LESS. Rachel Stall ('19) of Clarksville, U.S. Presidential Scholar

ASMSA offers an opportunity that combines the best parts of high school and college in a unique community of learning.

It is the only school in the state to provide college-level coursework in STEM, arts, and entrepreneurship in an on-campus residential experience that has been named among the nation's most prestigious public high schools.

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THE

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we’re raising the bar

CLIENT-FOCUSED ENGINEERING Our company was built on the idea of providing efficient and sustainable engineering solutions that allow you to focus on teaching tomorrow’s leaders. It’s been our privilege to serve Arkansas’s education market for nearly 25 years.

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A POWERFUL HISTORY OF POWERING OUR FUTURE. Congratulations to the 2019 Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Youth Tour delegates.

You are all prime examples of the best our future has to offer our state� • Ariana Hicks ...........................Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative, Mena • Lily Hess �������������������������������� Woodruff Electric Cooperative, Wynne • Irene Huang ...........................Carroll Electric Cooperative, Bentonville • Lanie Pray ..............................First Electric Cooperative, Cabot • Chelsea Riley .........................Ashley-Chicot Electric Cooperative, Hamburg • Marissa Lamb ........................Petit Jean Electric Cooperative, Clinton • Maddie Johnson ....................First Electric Cooperative, Cabot • Madeline Graves ...................Ozarks Electric Cooperative, Fayetteville • Cerise Stanley .......................Carroll Electric Cooperative, Bentonville • Konley Kestner .......................Ozarks Electric Cooperative, Fayetteville • Madison Price ........................Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative, Charleston • Kimberly Mendez ...................Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative, Umpire • Madison Walker ....................Farmers Electric Cooperative, Swifton • Sarah Riley ............................Ashley-Chicot Electric Cooperative, Hamburg • Genesis Marshall ������������������� Craighead Electric Cooperative, Jonesboro • Ashlynn Martin ......................North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Mountain Home • Katherine Newman ................North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Salem • Allee Southerland .................First Electric Cooperative, Benton • Halle Mounts ..........................Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative, Dierks • Jalynn Brown .........................Ouachita Electric Cooperative, Camden • Anna Weisenbach ..................Clay County Electric Cooperative Pocahontas • Briana Yount ..........................Petit Jean Electric Cooperative, Clinton • Anna Neal ...............................North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Salem • Chloe Spann ...........................First Electric Cooperative, Benton

• Maya Fant ...............................Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Nashville • Anna Grace Foreman .............North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Mountain Home • Autumn Jackson .....................C&L Electric Cooperative, Star City • Jillian Rauls ...........................C&L Electric Cooperative, Star City • Baylee Johnson .....................Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Fouke • Dakota Young .........................Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Texarkana • Raichel Frye ...........................Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Foreman • Maggie Harrell ......................Ouachita Electric Cooperative, Harrell • Abby Martin ............................North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Mountain Home • Justin Richmond ....................Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative, Mena • Jacob Jarding ������������������������ Carroll Electric Cooperative, Garfield • Peyton Orrick .........................Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative, Ozark • WyaI Forthman ......................South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Arkadelphia • Sawyer Goodrum ...................South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Arkadelphia • James Norman Young, Jr. .....Farmers Electric Cooperative, Tuckerman • Drew Howe ..............................Craighead Electric Cooperative, Paragould • Rylee Grubb���������������������������� Clay County Electric Cooperative, Corning • Jared Erwin .............................Clay County Electric Cooperative, Pocahontas • Austin Hill ...............................Woodruff Electric Cooperative, Earle

1 Cooperative Way • Little Rock, AR 72209 (501) 570-2200 • www.aecc.com ARMONEYANDPOLITICS.COM| 47

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SOLAR SAVES

I SOLAR MAKES CENT$ Today's Power, Inc. is your energy partner.

You have many options when looking to secure a financial future, but many do not realize that installing solar can be one of the smartest investment options available.

Specializing in solar + storage, TPI can assist YOU in

SAU Tech Flip the Switch growing your business, city or organization by (David McLean (SAU Tech), integrating renewable energy in a sustainable and Robbie Stinnett (Ouachita Electric), and Jennah Denney (TPI). fiscally responsible manner.

Dr. Jason Morrison (Chancellor of SAU Tech)

70% of SAU Tech’s electrical energy needs supplied by “flipping the switch” on clean, green and sustainable solar technology “SAU Tech is proud to be the leader among Arkansas’ higher education institutions in looking to solar technology to reduce energy costs. Our vision is to incorporate long-term efficiency in the operation of our campus to keep college affordable for students and to be good stewards of our state dollars. Our partnership with Today’s Power and OECC is an example of how innovation is accessible to all of us, and it is the vehicle for growth and prosperity in South Arkansas.”

- Dr. Jason Morrison, SAU Tech Chancellor

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MAIN INDUSTRIES AND EMPLOYERS are encouraged to walk from campus to downtown Russellville on a fall semester evening.

“We will be one community, inextricably tied together,” says Arkansas Tech President Robin E. Bowen of the March on Main effort. “That is representative of a flourishing community, and it is the perfect metaphor for the relationship between Arkansas Tech University and the City of Russellville. For the truth is, we are one people, working together to make this a better place to live.”

Athletically, Arkansas Tech competes

on the NCAA Division 2 level in the Great American Conference with schools from Arkansas and Oklahoma. Since the founding of the conference in 2011, Tech has won six of eight GAC all-sports trophies recognizing success across all sponsored sports.

Tech students are thriving on the field and in the classroom.

“A fundamental culture of grit and perseverance supports Arkansas Tech University students in the pursuit of their academic goals,” Strasner said. “As a result, Tech is the top performing institu-

ARKANSAS NUCLEAR ONE

TABER METALS

FIRESTONE

CONAGRA

ROCKLINE INDUSTRIES

ENTERGY ARKANSAS

OLIN CORPORATION

SAINT MARY’S REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

RUSSELLVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT

RUSSELLVILLE TIMELINE

1834 tion of higher education in the Natural State when it comes to providing access to a better life after graduation.”

Arkansas’ nuclear landmark

Russellville’s most famous landmark is also one of its most important employers.

Featured in season three of HBO’s True Detective, the cooling tower of Arkansas Nuclear One doesn’t look like any other building in Arkansas with its nearconstant plume of white steam billowing up and out into the sky.

With its two units, the power plant employs approximately 900 full-time people with another 100 contractors, says ANO spokesman Mike Bowling.

The first unit began operations on Dec. 19, 1974, and Unit 2 started on March 26, 1980.

“New nuclear plants are licensed to operate for 40 years with an option to seek license extensions,” Bowling said.

“For more than 40 years, the station has provided low-cost power to customers in Arkansas. Entergy already has requested and gained license extensions at both units, allowing them the opportunity to operate through May 2034 and July 2038, respectively.”

Russellville’s nuclear-reactor units are the only ones in the state and two of only 98 across the country.

The site covers 1,100 acres and sits on the shores of Lake Dardanelle, which is nearly 40,000 acres.

“That area was selected in 1967 because of the easy availability of water, plus good access to rail and road transport,” Bowling adds. “A 150-foot shaleand-rock layer 20 feet underneath the site provides a solid foundation, and it somewhat reduced initial foundation construction work.”

Bowling says the site has enough capacity to supply the majority of power used by Entergy Arkansas residential and commercial customers.

ANO is a generous corporate citizen of the Russellville community, donating more than $100,00 to local nonprofits while Entergy has given more than $230,000 to the River Valley United Way.

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P. C. Holledger is the first white settler and builds a house.

Dr. Thomas Russell purchases that home and the settlement is eventually renamed in his honor.

1851

Dr. Thomas Russell purchases that home and the settlement is eventually renamed in his honor.

Russellville is incorporated on June 7 and the town’s growth was aided by the construction of the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad. The Russellville Public School District opened the same year.

1887

1835

1870

The Pope County seat is moved from Dover to Russellville on March 19 after a county vote.

A fire sweeps through the town and destroys 21 businesses.

1909

Russellville is chosen as the site for the future Arkansas Tech University, which opens the following year. The school was first known as the Second District Agricultural School and in 1925 was renamed Arkansas Polytechnic College. Its current name was adopted in 1976.

Russellville men enlisted or were drafted into the military for World War II. Many of them fought in what became known as the Williwaw War when they were stationed in Alaska and battled against Japanese troops in the Aleutian Islands.

As part of the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System, a dam is constructed between Russellville and Dardanelle, creating Lake Dardanelle and an eventual state park.

1974

1941-1945

1965

Arkansas Nuclear One goes online.

Russellville’s Elizabeth Ward is chosen as Miss America

2010

1906

1982

The Great American Conference is started from the remains of the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference and consists of 12 schools from Arkansas and Oklahoma. The league is headquartered in Russellville.

We Help Small Towns Do Big Things.

Arkansas’ greatest towns become even better with improvement projects. Throughout our 40-year history, we have proudly invested in various projects for the city of Russellville and for Pope County, including water and sewer, primary/secondary education and higher education. Contact us today and see what Crews can do for you.

Member FINRA & SIPC

Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks & Tourism

crewsfs.com

The quality of care we provide is immeasurable.

23,061 employees

39,904 patients

47,115

The Arkansas Health Care Association represents more than 90% of the state’s licensed long-term care facilities, which create more than $3.5 Billion of economic activity in Arkansas. Quality care for the fragile lives entrusted to us is the number one objective of every facility and caregiver. The result is quality of life for our patients and residents, and peace of mind for their families and friends.

jobs

1

common goal www.arhealthcare.com | 501.374.4422

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An Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

WE WORK HARD SO YOU CAN TOO.

The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services is dedicated to providing education and assistance to our state’s job seekers. We also help connect employers with the people they need to get the job done. To learn more about how we’re preparing employees for rewarding careers and making it easier for businesses to hire them, visit DWS.Arkansas.gov.

adws Arkansas Department of Workforce Services

Equal Opportunity Employers/Programs.

855-225-4440 DWS.Arkansas.gov ARJobLink.com Call or Visit a One-Stop Career Center Today! Services are Free.