Arkansas attorneys representing Arkansas families and businesses since 1898. 501.375.4606 • 2224 Cottondale Ln., Little Rock, AR 72202 • arkbar.com
Introducing the All-New 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350
“To say the new 2020 GLE350 is good is akin to saying the Burj Khalifa is tall. It’s a true statement, but you’re leaving out most of the story. The 2020 GLE350 is in fact somewhere between exceptional and superlative. A real heavyweight in the midsize class. Mercedes-Benz’s motto has been “The Best or Nothing for some time now, with the arrival of the all new GLE, the marketing slogan will be speaking the truth.” Motor Trend Magazine nnn “The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 is more than just good – it’s outstanding. Mercedes implemented many improvements for this redesign, leaving nothing untouched. The body has updated styling and a longer wheelbase, with the latter adding stability and extra passenger space. The bevy of advanced technology includes an all-new infotainment system that’s packed with features. Performance and handling also take a serious step up from the previous GLE.” US News World Report
“The Redesigned 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 Gets a Trick New Suspension and a Third-Row Seat. The new fourth-gen model is the most changed since 1997.” Car and Driver nnn “The 2020 GLE350 is about to hit the US showrooms in late spring 2019, and let me tell to all SUV buyers out there, wait for it! This new generation is absolutely ground breaking when it comes to technology. The new infotainment system called MBUX is stunning to look at and I wondered ow I lived before with the selfdriving capabilities offered in these kind of vehicles.” Top Speed Magazine nnn “It’s hard to get excited about a mid-size luxury SUV. But when one does it almost perfectly, like Mercedes has, it is notable. If you’re in this market, and luxury, comfort and technology are high on your list, I think the 2020 GLE350 is the best option in a group of good utilities.” AutoWeek Magazine
Mercedes-Benz of Little Rock
501-666-9457 | mercedesbenzoflittlerock.com
“As mid-size luxury SUVs go, this is about as good as it gets. The GLE is roomy and comfortable, chic and upscale, and reasonably rewarding to drive. It’s a techno-geek’s dream, with options ranging from an active suspension that can bounce the GLE free if it gets stuck to a voice assistant that will explain naughty sex terms. The GLE is all-new for 2020, with updated styling inside and out, new power trains, and a host of new technology. The sheet metal has been updated, though it retains the sharp-looking body-color C-pillar from the old-shape GLE. The new version looks bigger because it is bigger, with a 3.1-inch wheelbase stretch to provide more back seat room. We’re very happy with the styling changes; the old GLE looked a bit milquetoast, the new one has some much-needed presence.” AutoMobile Magazine
8 Colonel Glenn Plaza Dr. Little Rock, AR 72210 (501)-666-9457 www.mercedesbenzoflittlerock.com
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INDUSTRY
THIS MONTH EMPLOYMENT
PREVIOUS MONTH
GOVERNMENT
217,200
216,300
HEALTH CARE
177,300
176,800
FINANCE
60,600
60,200
TRADE & TRANSPORTATION
251,600
250,800
MANUFACTURING
163,100
163,900
LABOR FORCE
EMPLOYED
UNEMPLOYED
RATE
PULASKI COUNTY
190,421
184,177
6,244
3.3
BENTON COUNTY
136,518
133,067
3,451
2.5
WASHINGTON COUNTY
124,571
121,707
2,864
2.3
FAULKNER COUNTY
61,669
59,881
1,788
2.9
SALINE COUNTY
57,981
56,399
1,582
2.7
LABOR FORCE
EMPLOYED
UNEMPLOYED
RATE
CALHOUN COUNTY
2,458
2,338
120
4.9
LAFAYETTE COUNTY
2,466
2,356
110
4.5
MONROE COUNTY
2,723
2,603
120
4.4
WOODRUFF COUNTY
2,755
2,608
147
5.3
LEE COUNTY
2,816
2,685
131
4.7
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MORE THAN ATTORNEYS...PARTNERS
MORE THAN A LAW FIRM
eldridgebrooks.com
CONNER ELDRIDGE
STEVE BROOKS
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Sam
Alley:
Chasing the American Dream from the West Bank to central Arkansas BY CALEB TALLEY
ittle Rock's Sam Alley may have always known what he wanted to do in life, but it's not likely he knew just how he'd get there. He wanted to be an engineer, specifically a civil engineer. "My family always spoke highly of civil engineering," Alley says. "I wanted to be one. But I never knew that I'd be a contractor." He succeeded, now owning and serving as CEO of VCC, the largest retail contractor in the United States. But his journey was not one without obstacles. Namely, Alley was forced to start over - new surroundings, new friends and a new language - at the age of 14. "When I moved to the United States of America from Jeru salem, I was 14 years of age. I started junior high in Rose City in North Little Rock. I didn't speak a word of English. When I got to school, the students had never seen an international student before. They thought I came from Mars," he says with a laugh. Despite an obstacle that would have derailed most, Alley nev er changed course. He buckled down, leaned in and found in spiration in education. He's quick to credit his teachers for their dedication to his transition to a new world. "They knew I was going to work hard and try to make it. They always assisted me. That's why I'm always thankful of teachers," he says. That hard work paid off, and after high school, Alley went on to study civil engineering at the University of Arkansas. There, AMP I JUNE 2019
he met Gus Vratsinas, a fellow engineer with a background in construction. They went to church together, and soon enough, Vratsinas would introduce Alley to the world of construction. And he was hooked. "I loved construction because it combined business and engi neering," Alley says. "I've always, been raised around my father, who was a businessman, being a civil engineer and business equals construction. "I started, during the summers, as an engineer out in the field. I loved it When I graduated, I started full time at Pickens-Bond Construction Company." In 1987, Alley, Vratsinas and Ed DeMoss came together to form their own construction company - VCC. "We were equal partners, the three of us. My father helped us because none of us had cash," Alley says. "My father put $rno,ooo into the company. "When the three of us started the company, we started with three chairs, three tables and three phones. We walked into the building, and they thought we were bookies," he adds with a laugh. "We had to work really, really hard to develop the busi ness." And work hard is precisely what they did. That hard work, combined with a dedication to quality employees and a commit ment to culture, has helped VCC build a reputation as perhaps the leading general contractor in the nation.
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Jebaraj said tariffs on imported goods like lumber, steel and aluminum are also a very real concern and challenge for the construction industry as they increase supply costs. AMPPOB.COM | 23
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Join the Establishment.
For 80 Years, We Have Been Leaders in the Construction Industry
Since 1938, Better Auctions Have Always Been Blackmon Auctions. 5423 Kavanaugh Blvd Little Rock, AR / 501-664-4526 blackmonauctions.com
Now taking new members. | The1836Club.com
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Nabholz Construction Corp
Construction: Industrial, Civil, Environmental, Specialty Services
840
Greg Williams
Multi-Craft Contractors Inc
Automation & Robotics, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Cranes & Rigging
*250 to 500
Rick Barrows
Crafton Tull
Civil Engineering, Surveying, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning
*250 to 500
Matt Crafton Jim Tull
APAC-Central, Inc.
Aggregates, Asphalt, Construction, Ready Mix, Construction & Demolition Landfill
400
Local Contact: Marla Webb
Kimbel Mechanical Systems Inc.
Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical work
310
Dustin Hughes
CDI Contractors LLC
Preconstruction and Construction Management
290
Lloyd Garrison
Baldwin & Shell Construction Co.
Preconstruction, Construction, Design-Bid-Build, Construction Management
280
Scott Copas
Garver
Construction, Environmental, Facilities Design
260
Brock Hoskins
Koontz Electric Co. Inc.
Substations/Switchyards, Hydropower, Locks & Dams, Manufacturing Facilities, Water & Water Waste Treatment Plants
220
Benny M. Koontz
Harrison French & Associates Ltd. (HFA)
Store Brand Design and Refresh, Shopping Center Design, Prototype Development and Maintenance, Brand Development
194
Dave Wilgus
Nabco Mechanical & Electrical Inc.
HVAC/Cooling, Plumbing, Electrical
190
Chris Brand
Comfort Systems USA (Arkansas) Inc
Solutions & Services, Construction, Building, Energy
180
Clyde Jester
Kinco Construction LLC
Special Projects Division, Preconstruction, Construction, CM/GC, Design-Build
150
Doug Wasson
VCC
Pre-Construction, Design-Build, General Contracting, Construction Management, Consultation
145
Sam Alley
Manhattan Road & Bridge Company
Road & Bridge Construction Services, Pile Driving Services, Sheet Piling, Pipe Piling, Concrete Piling
145
Ben Holt Rich Horrocks
Bernhard TME
New Construction, Renovations, Energy Conservation, Energy Services
142
Ed Tinsley Rusty Mullen
Hart Cone Construction
Retail, Financial, Food & Beverage, Health Care, Higher Education
140*
Adam Hart
Gigerich Electrical, Inc.
Electrical Contracting
125
Don Gigerich
RGB Mechanical Contractors Inc.
Mechanical, Sheet Metal, Electrical, Storage Containers, Crane & Rigging
125
Greg Brasher
Cromwell Archiects Engineers Inc.
Architecture, Engineering, Design-Build, Construction Services, Interior Planning
125
Charley Penix
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc
Program & Construction Management, Consulting, Operations Management, Design-Build, Construction, Maintenance
93
Mark Asher
Clark Contractors LLC
Pre-Construction, Construction, Construction Management
91
William Clark
C.R. Crawford Construction LLC
Overview, Project Planning, Construction Management, General Contracting, Design Build
89
Cody Crawford
Mid-South Engineering Co.
Engineering, Project Development, Project Management, Construction Services
*80
Lee Murphy
Flintco LLC
Preconstruction, Construction Management, Design-Build, Program & Project, General Contracting
75
Peter Kozicz
pb2 architecture + engineering
Wellness Facilities, Retail Design, Grocery Design, Commercial Design, Developer Services
*70
Doug Hurley
FTN Associates Ltd.
Clean Water Act Compliance, Natural Resources, Site Investigation, Solid Waste, Water
*60
Paul Crawford
Mountain Mechanical Contractors Inc.
Plumbing, HVAC, Process Piping
50
Gary Harvey Chris Harvey
McClelland Consulting Engineers
Airports & Aviation, Water & Wastewater, Transportation & Traffic, Parks & Recreation, Environmental Testing
50
Byron Hicks
Hawkins-Weir Engineers Inc.
Water, Structural, Streets & Roadways, Construction Management, Surveying
40
Brett D. Peters
Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects
Architecture, Interior Design, Master Planning, Sustainability
*40
David Porter
Innovative Power Solutions LLC
Service & Maintenance, Electrical Pre-Construction, Construction and Closeout, Energy
*40
Joe Rice
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Van Tassel-Proctor Construction
Fast-Track Construction, Construction Management, Design/Build Services
30
Ted Van Tassel
Ideal Construction Co.
Commercial, Cultural, Educational, Government, Medical
30
Mike Webb
WER Architects/Planners
Architectural Services for New Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation
30
David Sargent
Wittenberg Delony & Davidson Inc. Architects
Architecture, Engineering Services
30
Chad Young
Architectural Products Inc.
Educational, Municipal, Cultural, Commercial, Hospitality
30
Steve Faulkner
Lewis Architects Engineers
Medical, Corporate, Higher Education, Churches, K through 12
30
John McMorran Steve Elliott
*30
Herbie Daniell
Daniell Air & Electrical Architecture Design
25
Brian T. Jackson
Bailey Construction
General Contracting, Construction Management, Design-Build
23
Gus Vratsinas
SCM Architects PLLC
Education, Commercial, Historic, Interiors, Residential
21
John Connell
Taggart Architects
Architectural Design, Interior Design, Master Planning Services, Construction Administration
20
Bill Gray
Bond Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Land Development, Water, Wastewater, Streets & Highways, Surveying & Mapping
14
Tommy Bond
Commerce Construction Co.
Commercial, Industrial, Medical Facilities
12
Dennis Moore
Bridgefarmer & Associates, Inc.
Design-Build, Project Management, Advanced Planning, City/County Streets & Roads, Schematic Design
12
M. Mansoor Ahsan
Huffman & Co.
Student Housing, Multi-Family Housing, Hotels & Commercial, Properties, Residential Developments
10
Brandon Huffman
Central Construction Group
General Contracting, Construction Management Company
10
Jonathan Shively
Sorrell-Smith Engineering Consultants
Engineering, Surveying & Mapping, Construction Management
7
Jim W. Smith
Benchmark Group
Engineering, Architecture & Interior Design, Energy Services, Construction Compliance
*2
David P. Kimball
ARKANSAS MONEY & POLITICS
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Hight Jackson Associates
for Over 45 Years
Little Rock
Springdale
www.KincoConstructors.com
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NONSTOP TO DESTIN NOW DEPARTING FROM LITTLE ROCK There’s no place like the Emerald Coast. Miles of sugar white sand, mesmerizing waters and cool coastal breezes are just a short flight away on Allegiant Air. Find special pricing at www.allegiantair.com and pack your bags!
MAKING YOUR AIRPORT BETTER NEARLY $100 MILLION IN TERMINAL IMPROVEMENTS
Clinton National Airport is focused on giving you the best airport experience. Major upgrades to our ticket lobby and concourse provide additional comfort and convenience. We’re now updating areas leading to the TSA security checkpoint. When finished, the space will complement the ticket lobby, include elevator and escalator upgrades as well as a new restaurant with meeting rooms.
CLINTONAIRPORT.COM
Pre-Security Lobby Renovation
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AMP half pg island 5.5 x 7.375 Ad 2-27-19.pdf 1 2/27/2019 10:17:15 AM
SERVICE W I T H N O CE I L I NG
C
M
Y
For more than 30 years, TAC Air has been committed to providing the very best in aviation services to Arkansans as the state’s premier FBO company. Every day across our network, including 3 FBOs in Arkansas, we work hard to take our commitment to even higher altitudes.
CM
MY
CY
FSM LIT
CMY
K
TXK
Learn more at TACair.com FORT SMITH PH: 479-646-1611
LITTLE ROCK PH: 501-374-6682
TEXARKANA PH: 870-773-6969
LPL Financial, Inc. 2018
New name. Same location. Lara Wilkerson Durham
49 years combined experience serving our investors.
John P. Hoefl, CRPC®
Financial Advisor LPL Financial lara.durham@lpl.com
501-760-3400 2228 Albert Pike Rd., Suite R, Hot Springs, AR
Financial Advisor LPL Financial john.hoefl@lpl.com
AR Insurance #8913727
AR Insurance #1197665
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WE ARE HIRING! Hiring in positions across the company. Sales, Client Experience, Development, and more. 2015
Hired first full-time employee. 2016
Expanded product into 20 states. 2017
Hired 50th employee + raised significant growth investment. 2018
Maintained 100%+ year over year revenue growth + hired 85th employee.
Are you ready for the challenge? Apptegy.com/careers careers@apptegy.com
2019
You’ll decide.
We have the numbers to back us up.
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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MEETING YOUR PRESENT AND FUTURE ENERGY NEEDS
Today's Power is your energy partner.
“Our goal is to provide our members with reliable, affordable power,” said Mel Coleman, CEO of North Arkansas Electric Cooperative. “New technologies have made solar generation a viable way to help us accomplish that.” Specializing in solar + storage, TPI can assist your business save by integrating renewable energy in a sustainable and fiscally responsible manner.
todayspower.com | 888-322-4275
Ozarks Natural Energy
the power of solar energy. Buy into Ozarks Natural Energy’s community solar array and start saving right away. Access to renewable energy has never been easier. To sign up, visit nwasolar.com
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65 Years of service & solutions We are proud to celebrate 65 years of service and solutions. Since 1954, the foundation of our law firm has been, and continues to be, our solid, long-term relationships with clients — they are the core of who we are.
Little Rock | Rogers | Jonesboro | Austin | MitchellWilliamsLaw.com Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. | R.T. Beard, III, Managing Director 425 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 1800 | Little Rock, AR 72201 AMPPOB.COM | 51
A POWERFUL HISTORY OF POWERING YOUR FUTURE. The mission to deliver reliable and affordable power by our 17 electric distribution cooperatives remains as strong today as when we were first charged with bringing electricity to rural Arkansas. Now covering more than 60 percent of Arkansas, we provide reliable and affordable service to more than half a million homes, farms and businesses. From bringing simple, but essential electric lighting to rural Arkansas to powering the next generation of smart homes, we’ll be there where and when you need us, powering our future, together.
1 Cooperative Way • Little Rock, AR 72209 (501) 570-2200 • www.aecc.com
NURSING NEEDS YOU. National Park College is addressing the nursing shortage through strategic initiatives with partners like CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs. CHI’s financial support helped equip a state-of-the-art clinical simulation lab on campus and provides tuition assistance for qualified students. NPC nursing graduates have a 100% job placement rate.
NP.EDU/NURSING
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isht’s Dr. Ali KrSIO N VI BOLDfor e Ne ur os cie nc in Arkansas
BETTER SCHOOLS ARE A SMART INVESTMENT. Projects like these only happen with a clear vision – and a great partner. We’re proud to invest in local progress for Arkansas cities, including North Little Rock High School and Meadow Park Elementary School. Contact us today and see what Crews can do for you.
crewsfs.com
Member FINRA & SIPC
THE BEST
IN THE
BUSINESS
WHAT WE DO Heating and Cooling • Air Distribution • Controls • HVAC Equipment • Parts • NEBB TAB Service • Controls • Mechanical
As the premier building HVAC, controls, and service company in Arkansas, we offer heating and cooling solutions to architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners that both do the job and fit the budget. To learn more, give us a call at 501.374.5420 or visit us online at www.powersar.com.
Great people, great service, and great products from companies like Siemens. This is how we create customers for life— one customer at a time. B UILDING HVAC, C ONTROLS , & S ERVICE • 501.374.5420 •
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WWW. POWERSAR . COM
NLR’S FRONT PORCH
We’re investing in making NLR a great place to live, work, and play. Join us.
NORTH LITTLE ROCK
NATHAN HAMILTON, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
501.975.8833
Print Form
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arkansasbluecross.com MPI 8419 5/19
An Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Almost 40 flights a day to 17 destinations.
Philadelphia (Sept. 2019)
Nashville
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.