Arkansas Money & Politics December 2022

Trenton Mullins* graduated from William and Mary Law School with honors and will complete his LL.M. in Tax Law from The University of Florida this year. Trenton’s practice focuses on tax, estate planning and real estate.

Brittany Webb** graduated from the American University of Washington College of Law with honors. Brittany’s practice focuses on litigation and administrative law.

* Licensed in Arkansas ** Licensed in Washington, D.C.

A HANDSHAKE

As a rm built on relationships, our handshake matters. It means a warm greeting, the privilege of doing business together and knowing you can count on us. A handshake between two brothers, Witt and Jack Stephens, provided the foundation for a family-owned legacy that Jack’s son Warren upholds today. Under Warren’s leadership, Stephens continues to grow as one of America’s largest privately held independent nancial services rms, with of ces throughout the United States and in Europe. Our performance builds relationships with our clients, many of whom have become old friends. It’s why shaking hands with us means just a little bit more.

111 Center Street Little Rock, AR 72201 (800) 643-9691

FEATURES DECEMBER 2022

LEDGER

Exploring downtown Bentonville’s newest landmark and the world’s first bikeable building: Ledger, an office building, artwork, and more.

ARKANSAS’S GLOBAL STARS

Honoring the best of Arkansas’s exporters and the Hutchinson Administration for their work in this vital corner of the state’s economy.

IRON MAN

CEO Patrick Schueck shows how Lexicon brought quality and efficiency to American-made steel through investment in its culture and its workers.

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Heather Baker | hbaker@armoneyandpolitics.com

EDITOR AT-LARGE

Dwain Hebda

EDITORIAL OPERATIONS MANAGER

Jessica Everson | jeverson@armoneyandpolitics.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Sarah Coleman | scoleman@armoneyandpolitics.com

MANAGING DIGITAL EDITOR Kellie McAnulty | kmcanulty@armoneyandpolitics.com

ONLINE WRITER

Kilee Hall | khall@armoneyandpolitics.com

By Sarah Coleman

STAFF WRITERS

Looking back and looking forward on this season’s Razorback men’s basketball team. Can Musselman keep the ball rolling?

By Mark Carter

More than a patch of farmland, Arkansas is attracting global names in manufacturing to build cutting-edge facilities.

By Mark Carter

By AMP Staff

Manufacturing Project Updates 18 24 30

Elder care communities can once again celebrate the holidays together, but a number of issues are looming on the horizon.

By Becky Gilette

By AMP Staff

Due to rapid and recent advances, hearing aids are no longer the unwieldy beasts they once were, and the technology is improving all the time.

By Joe David Rice

These are the women who get things done, the leaders and hard-workers who have pushed their organizations and companies forward.

Aging can be hard, but Baptist Health’s PACE program provides comprehensive care and services at its day center.

By Sarah Coleman

John Callahan | jcallahan@armoneyandpolitics.com Sarah Coleman | scoleman@armoneyandpolitics.com Mak Millard | mmillard@armoneyandpolitics.com Katie Zakrzewski | katie@armoneyandpolitics.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Mike Bedgood | mbedgood@armoneyandpolitics.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lora Puls | lpuls@armoneyandpolitics.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Greg Churan | gchuran@armoneyandpolitics.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Tonya Higginbotham | thigginbotham@armoneyandpolitics.com Mary Funderburg | mary@armoneyandpolitics.com Tonya Mead | tmead@armoneyandpolitics.com Amanda Moore | amoore@armoneyandpolitics.com Colleen Gillespie | colleen@armoneyandpolitics.com Lisa Stroud | lstroud@armoneyandpolitics.com

With an undefeated hot streak of 10 wins, the women’s Razorback basketball team is ranking high in the polls.

By Mark Carter

Having won his race, Will Jones now prepares to tackle crime in Pulaski and Perry counties as prosecuting attorney.

By Katie Zakrzewski

Ruminations on a 6-6 Razorback Football season and the upcoming Liberty Bowl against Kansas.

By Mark Carter

A generational staple, the Junior League of Little Rock has empowered women and supported the community for a full century.

By Katie Zakrzewski

910 W. Second St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Subscription Inquiries: Subscription rate is $28 for one year (12 issues). Single issues are available upon request for $5. For subscriptions, inquiries or address changes, call 501-244- 9700. The contents of AMP are copyrighted, and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Articles in AMP should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised in the magazine are not necessarily endorsed by AMP.

Please recycle this magazine.

FEEDBACK

Mo

Jane

Bo Besharse

The CALL, a statewide nonprofit organization that mobilizes local churches to serve children

youth placed in foster care, has named Christen Butler as the new executive director.

Patrick Shueck, president and CEO of Lexicon, is photographed by Stephen Lewis at the steel fabrication and construction firm, located in the Port of Little Rock.

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

December is for me, the most wonderful time of the year. We know how the song goes, and I couldn’t agree more. We all have at least one amazing memory at Christmas that stays with us through our lives.

The holidays gives us a chance to reconnect with family and, most importantly, a chance to count our blessings. I must say that this year, I’m doing a lot more counting of blessings.

December also means that it’s time to recognize our Power Women, nominated by Arkansas Money & Politics readers.

These women are breaking glass ceilings and excelling in fields that once represented the domain of men exclusively.

And the Power Women recognized inside represent some of the best our state has to offer, including Anne Marie Doramus, vice president of Arkansas Bolt Company. She’s the only woman who serves as an Arkansas Game & Fish Commissioner, and she’s a great example of a strong, confident woman.

All the women on this year’s list show business acumen and display the grit and determination to succeed.

They are CEOs, entrepreneurs, state representatives, health care providers and more, representing a wide variety of industry in Arkansas.

Also, this month, AMP looks at manufacturing with an in-depth look at Lexicon and CEO, Patrick Schueck. We have project updates on Westrock Coffee, explore the all-new Ledger Building, have an overview with Clark Cogbill, director of marketing for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, plus much more.

This year, Arkansas Money & Politics has really stepped up and out, making a statewide name for itself. I am so proud of our talented staff that has worked hard to develop and grow this pro-business magazine that shows us all how wonderful Arkansas really is.

Thank you for reading. From all of us here at AMP, have a great Christmas and holiday season. Share any comments or story ideas with me at HBaker@ ARMoneyandPolitics.com.

Heather Baker, President & Publisher

hbaker@aymag.com / heatherbaker_ar

Renewed Joy Sparked in Arkansas Long-Term Care Facilities

By Rachel Bunch, Executive Director, Arkansas Health Care Association

As we enter the holiday season, thoughts of family and a sense of home emerge. At Arkansas’ longterm care facilities, we focus on these qualities year-round. This year, however, the holidays bring a sense of renewed joy as we welcome friends, family and the community back into our facilities for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the nearly 300 long-term care facilities the Arkansas Health Care Association (AHCA) represents across the state, thousands of professional caregivers go to work every day dedicated to helping residents live lives of purpose and dignity, regardless of what their age or level of ability. Due to the average age and vulnerabilities of residents in long-term care, from the moment the pandemic began, AHCA-member facilities all over the state found themselves on the front lines of the battle.

Our caregivers made daily sacrifices, working around the clock to protect and provide for this vulnerable population. From isolating themselves away from loved ones to help contain the spread, to achieving vaccination rates for staff and residents significantly over the national average, these workers constantly went above and beyond to protect residents in their care. While their actions didn’t always make headlines, long-term care heroes showed up every day to ensure the best quality of life for residents.

As the holidays approach, AHCA-member facilities are welcoming Santa Claus,

carolers, volunteers, friends and family throughout the season. Those who don’t work in long-term care may not fully recognize the big deal this really is to our residents. These connections are priceless pieces of normalcy in long-term care facilities, creating a truly magical holiday season. Facilities across the state are planning special celebrations full of holiday cheer echoing through the halls.

The future of long-term care facilities is bright. With new certified medication technician programs and strategic partnerships throughout the state, we are working hard to increase the number of qualified, compassionate health care professionals. This enables us to continue to offer quality care to our residents in all corners of the state. For example, Arkansas Tech University in Ozark’s new MA-C program, created in partnership with the Methodist Village Senior Living in Fort Smith, recently graduated its first class of medication technicians. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have the skills and knowledge needed to dispense physician-prescribed medications to patients under the supervision of registered nurses, alleviating workforce concerns as staffing shortages continue across the country. AHCA and its partners will con-

tinue to seek creative solutions and make positive, lasting impacts on the future of long-term care in Arkansas.

We enter 2023 hopeful. Arkansas’s longterm care facilities are again able to offer normal, precious and heart-warming care to residents and their families. Through sharing the ups and downs of life, caregivers and residents become less like patients and staff and more like family. Now more than ever, we feel that sense of family as we welcome loved ones back through our doors this holiday season.

Rachel Bunch has served as the executive director of the Arkansas Health Care Association for nearly nine years. Established in 1951, the AHCA is the state’s largest organization of long-term care providers, representing more than 90% of the licensed long-term care facilities in Arkansas.

THE ULTIMATE SELF-CARE: UNLOCKING OUR OWN IMMUNE SYSTEMS TO FIGHT CANCER

The human body is a fortress of self-defenses, particularly at the cellular level, where immune cells known as “T-cells” protect the body from infection. Research has shown that T-cells may even help fight cancer, which (among other things) would provide another alternative to radiation and chemotherapies.

However, cancer cells can be as deceptive as they are cruel. Immune checkpoints in the body can essentially send an “off” signal to the T-cells, preventing the immune system from doing one of its jobs – destroying cancer cells.

Dr. Alan Tackett, Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) Academy member and professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), leads a research team dedicated to discovering the secrets to inhibiting immune checkpoints to help T-cells kill cancer cells more effectively. The science is known as “Immune Checkpoint Therapy,” which works to increase the activity of the patient’s immune cells to attack tumor cells. Tackett is especially interested in using this science in the treatment of melanomas, the most serious types of skin cancer that causes about 8,000 American deaths yearly.

“The harsh environment in a solid tumor, like a melanoma, impacts the ability of immune cells to function,” Tackett explained. “If we can figure out how to alter the environment or increase the fitness of the immune cells, we may be able to increase the effectiveness of immune checkpoint therapy and save lives.”

In the case of melanoma, immune checkpoint therapy provides a durable response in up to half of patients, but the other half of patients show no clinical benefit at all. Why? It is a perplexing question, and one that Tackett hopes to soon answer because immune checkpoint therapy could be the key to defeat a wide variety of solid tumor cancers beyond melanoma.

Beyond his research focusing on increasing the effectiveness of immune checkpoint therapy, Tackett serves as deputy director of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer. The UAMS institute is seeking National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, which will enable access to the best therapies and cut-

ting-edge clinical trials in Arkansas. These trials, which could include immune checkpoint therapy help ensure that care is available in state and that the economic benefit of world-class treatment stays here also. “For Arkansas cancer patients and their families, we are striving to provide opportunities for them to stay in Arkansas and close to home for treatment – rather than having to seek treatments and clinical trials out of the state,” said Tackett.

The benefit to extensive cancer research extends beyond health and wellness. A byproduct of working toward and achieving NCI designation will be a positive impact on Arkansas’ economy. “Because our state’s capability in drug discovery and research is growing, UAMS is already experiencing a rapid expansion of the number of researchers, clinicians and staff needed to ramp up cancer research and care operation to the level needed for designation,” Tackett said.

“This explosion of new faculty and staff, many of which are recruited from out of state, fuels our local economy in a variety of ways,” explained Tackett, whose team has already received millions of dollars in grants to explore his important research.

Dr. Alan Tackett, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

IRON MAN

By

Dwain Hebda // Photos by Stephen Lewis

Lexicon President and CEO Patrick Schueck visits the shop floor.

To borrow a line from “The Godfather,” Patrick Schueck believes in America.

It’s an ethos both born-in and hard-earned, handed down to him by a father audacious enough to launch the family steel business on $800, and tanned into the hide of his character by decades working elbow-to-elbow with the company’s employees.

Every day he reports to work at Lexicon, the behemoth steel fabrication and construction firm headquartered in the Port of Little Rock, he feels the momentum of the past carrying the company into new markets, challenging projects and boundless opportunities. The kinetic energy is palpable, even in conversation.

“People are once again realizing how much better things are when they’re built in the U.S.,” Schueck said. “People understand how much better things are when you buy an Americanmade object.”

Nearby on the shop floor, Lexicon sports a dazzling array of manufacturing technology, seamlessly melding the mechanical and digital. Unlike many steel company presidents and CEOs, Schueck fits in on the production floor, arguably moreso than the boardroom. Here, he’s among the people he admires most in the environment that’s shaped him personally and professionally. In a word, he’s home.

“I’ve had to work for everything I have. That was ingrained in me and my sister by my parents,” he said. “My mom and dad were never ever scared to work. Dad worked a lot. Mom worked the whole time I was growing up. It’s very ingrained in who we are that you’ve got to do the work.”

In some ways, company founder Tom Schueck still looms large over this place, more than two decades after his death. His influence emotes from the black-and-white then-and-now company pictures on wall and website, and the color photo peering through a frame near Patrick’s desk. Current renovation efforts to the headquarters will even include an exact replica of the founder’s office.

Of all the echoes from Tom’s era, his pro-growth mentality reverberates loudest. In just over 24 months, the firm has completed two major acquisitions, buying Steel Fabricators of Monroe, Louisiana, in 2020, and last year, Universal Ltd., an Alabama company specializing in industrial sheeting, insulation, coating and scaffolding.

But a closer look reveals the most substantial growth the firm has enjoyed of late is the cultural and organizational kind, something even more impactful than acquired assets and increased headcount. And this is entirely of the younger Schueck’s doing.

“My dad was a very hard charger. He was amazing,” Schueck said. “We were very dictatorial back then, and when I say that, I mean we were fantastic at doing what we were told. We would execute. We were phenomenal at execution, and we would do it with a high level of integrity, a high level of passion. But we

weren’t really good about thinking for ourselves.

“When Dad passed in March of 2020, we got everybody together and discovered we were really walking on top of each other. Two guys would be doing the same thing. One guy wouldn’t be doing what he should be doing because that wasn’t what he wanted to do.”

Consultants were hired to help suggest improvements, and the entire company worked to mesh the many gears driving the company forward. It was meticulous work, stripping away layers and breaking down walls to let a new operational philosophy breathe.

“We were in our silos, we had individual companies but there was no overlay because we were just so damn good at doing what we were told to do,” Schueck said. “When we started op-

be great.’ So, I went home to tell Tom, and he said, ‘No, you’re not. What did he offer you?’ I told him, and he said, ‘That’s not enough. I’ll offer you more. Be to work next week.’”

His father may have topped the asking price to bring him aboard, but Patrick knew no free ride awaited him. If today it seems his emotions toward his employees are right under the skin – which they are – it’s because he’s seen them close-up at every level during his career, working with them, learning from them.

“I started in Berkeley County, South Carolina, on a steel mill in 1999,” he said. “My first job was to take a crew out and pick up trash for two weeks. My second job was bushing columns with a big hammer drill. Got out there and did that in 120-degree temperatures.

erating outside of silos, we started communicating better with ourselves.”

When the acquisitions followed, Lexicon’s new strategy was proven, maximizing integration of the new properties in record time without the lag in productivity that sometimes comes with such transactions.

“What we did was, we gained alignment and we gained traction,” Schueck said. “We always knew how to act, we just never knew how to think independently to realize and meet the ultimate peak of what we can actually do.

“Bringing in Steel Fabricators and Universal LTD. allowed us to open up more lines of business on the fabrication side, and that has paid huge dividends. We’re pushing out more product, we’re buying more tons, we’re fabricating more tons. It’s helping our customers. It’s helped the bottom line.”

Today, Lexicon’s steel fabrication division is made up of Custom Metals, Prospect Steel and the new Monroe outfit. The other line of business, construction, includes Lexicon Energy Services, Industrial Contractors, Industrial Maintenance, Universal and Heritage Links, one of the premiere golf course designbuild companies in the country. The firm’s projects, generally mammoth in size and scope, include sprawling sports stadiums, burly manufacturing facilities, rolling fairways, soaring bridges and oil/gas operations measured in acres.

The ambitions here, couched though they are in an easygoing, dressed-down vibe, are big as well. The office hums the wecan-do-it mantra right down to the studs: no beam too big, no project too ambitious, literally no bridge too far.

Schueck’s at the helm of all this, but don’t let the current resume fool you. Like his father before him, his first steps into the family firm were light years from the construction empire he now oversees.

“Our best customer, Nucor, called me one day and asked me if I wanted a job,” he said of the beginning. “I said, ‘That would

“I went from Berkeley to another plant in Petersburg, Virginia. I did shutdown work at different steel mills throughout the South. Spent a lot of time at Nucor-Yamato in grease up to my underarms, changing out grease fittings.”

Schueck shares these tales with a palpable note of pride in his voice. The memory of the grime and heat and strain is its own badge of honor, welding together as it did the planks of his leadership philosophy. An engineer by schooling, he regards these early days as nothing less than the most formative and impactful of his professional life.

“I grew up knowing how to work, but back when I was on the road, I learned what it took to do that work seven days a week,” he said. “I learned what it took to work nights for an extended period. I also learned how hard it was on somebody who works for us, not only for the employee physically, but for their girlfriend, for their wife, for them to be away from their kids on Thanksgiving Day. I learned all of that because I was with them for so long. I wouldn’t change those years for anything.”

It doesn’t take much to see these lessons are still very much in play at Lexicon. Ask Schueck why the company has remained in Arkansas all these years, or why it continues to acquire instead of being acquired, or what will keep Lexicon moving confidently forward into the future, and he serves up the same answer.

“The people,” he said. “The skills that we look at today versus 20 years ago are completely different, but it still comes back to people who want to be creative, who take pride in their work, and who don’t want to do the same thing every day. They want to use their skills to go build something for the greater good. That’s the person who we can turn into anything.

“On the recruitment front, we’re all in a war for talent. We’re going to pay a great wage, but that alone is not good enough anymore. It’s the little things. People have to know you care about them, and you prove to people you care about them by making them part of a growing, thriving community, someplace that’s

“People are once again realizing how much better things are when they’re built in the U.S.”

getting bigger but still feels like a family.”

Time and again, Lexicon has demonstrated its commitment to the worker from creating career pathways to investing in cuttingedge technology and progressive safety programs. The most recent and conspicuous gesture came last year with the christening of an onsite medical clinic, opened in partnership with Everside Health.

“Until you’ve lived on the road and you’ve worked seven days a week and you get strep throat, you don’t know how hard it is, number one, to find a doctor; number two, to find a place that’ll take your insurance card; and number three, to find someplace that’ll sell you medication,” Schueck said.

“We saw the opportunity to bring that in-house by bringing a medical clinic here. If you get sick on the road, all you’ve got to do is call in here, and we’ll figure out where you’re going to pick up your medications. We’ll make sure they take your medical cards. We’ll handle all that for you. That’s a game-changer.”

As he talks, Schueck gets more and more animated over the new clinic, as potent a draw for the employees of tomorrow as for the veteran worker today. It’s the latest manifestation of what he, like his father before him, understands about the value of investing in people to build and grow a company.

“Most of the people I worked with had to send their checks back to their wives, who had kids going to school and had to buy groceries, make mortgage payments,” he said. “For them, getting sick is just not in the cards. And when it does happen, it’s really not good; guys ignore it, they don’t take care of themselves, a lot of them suffer from high blood pressure.

“What [the clinic] does is it makes everybody understand that we’re going to put people first. We’re going to start signing people up for wellness tests, whether they want it or not, so they start taking better care of themselves. That’s what my dad stood for, and that’s what was instilled in me when I was on the road starting out.”

Today, Lexicon finds itself in an enviable position among construction giants. The company debuted at No. 26 on ENR’s 2021 Top 600 Specialty Contractors and No. 13 on its list of Top 20 Steel Erection Firms. Through supply chain, pandemic health and labor shortage issues, the 1,000-employee firm has continued to solidify its place among the most successful companies in Arkansas in general — and as a cornerstone of the state’s booming steel industry, which it literally helped build.

“There’s a lot to be excited about,” Schueck said. “The rebranding of American labor is a huge thing; I think it’s going to continue to get bigger. I’m excited about the future because I strongly believe that the ability of the world to figure out complex equations is just getting more and more refined.”

Lexicon’s present-day reality exists on a scale even a bigthinking wildcatter like Tom Schueck possibly never imagined. This fact, combined with the boundless potential of the company’s employees, inspires Patrick Schueck to dream even bigger for the company’s future.

“When you walk away from a steel mill that you’re building, you know the plate from that steel mill could go into building a warship,” he said. “You wake up every day knowing you built part of Tesla in Austin or you’re building semiconductor plants to help the United States move forward. It blows your mind to understand you built one of the most iconic bridges in the country in Louisville, Kentucky. I drove over it the other day, and the sense of pride I had, I was in tears.

At that, he scans the expanse of his desk laden with reams of contracts and blueprints, beneath a choir of family photographs on the wall of shelves behind him. The company and his family, by blood and by business, are the alpha and omega of his being. They are, at last, why Patrick Schueck believes in America.

“I am incredibly fortunate to be able to sit here today and represent a group of people who mean so much to me,” he said. “I look at people I work with today, these incredible craftsmen working out in the shop, and the things we do every day, and it strengthens my core. It strengthens my resolve to make us better. I use the line all the time, but I mean it: We are so lucky to be able to wake up every day and build America.”

“Lexicon’s Port of Little Rock facility hums with technology, but its success rests on the skills of its people.”

Pedal to the Metal

By John Callahan

Abike path, an office, an artwork, a community center: Ledger, the world’s first bikeable building, boldly aims to be all of these and more. Envisioned as a “vibrant vertical neighborhood,” the 230,000-square-foot, six-story office building with three-quarters of a mile’s worth of bikeable switchbacks, is chock-full of amenities, art, and rentable space located in the heart of downtown Bentonville. After some two years of construction, it is finally open to the public, mere blocks away from some of the city’s famous biking and hiking trails.

According to Mary Best, director of operations at Ledger Operations Community, the concept of Ledger began with a desire to leverage the space of downtown Bentonville. The location, 240 S. Main St., had previously been home to a long-term care facility owned by Josh Kyles, project developer of Ledger, who relocated the facility and set things in motion.

The challenge was to build a piece of commercial real estate that would be a part of the community and ecosystem while also creating a better workplace and attracting talent to the area. The project began as a collaboration with WeWork, a New Yorkbased provider of co-working spaces. Though WeWork eventually parted ways with Ledger, the co-working mindset remained

an important part of the design philosophy.

“That’s really where the idea of creating a work environment came in,” Best said. “When we paired that with architects Michel Rojkind, Callaghan Horiuchi and Marlon Blackwell Architects, they collaborated and decided, we can’t just build this to be bike-friendly, we need to have it as part of the biking ecosystem. And that’s how ‘bikeable building’ comes into play.

“We didn’t want to just build it and say, ‘We built it with a cool bike room that you can store your bike in.’ We wanted an element where the community can experience this building like never before.”

According to Best, creating a bikeable building was largely the idea of Rojkind, a founding partner of Mexico City-based innovative firm Rojkind Arquitectos.

“He saw that most buildings go up, and there’s a few windows on the outside, and no one sees the magic of what’s going on inside, especially as you get higher on the floors,” Best said. “And we already love bikes here, so what if we transgressed through the building on our bikes, and what would that look like?”

It was a unique idea, meaning it also sailed into uncharted waters. An architect’s dream can be an engineer’s nightmare,

and in doing something for the first time, there is no precedent to fall back on. There aren’t building codes or fire safety plans prepared for a giant concrete bike ramp going 80 feet up the side of a building.

“That happens with every building, where you have the architect’s dream and then the actual reality,” Best said. “But this is one where we didn’t let the architects dream without the reality at the table.”

From the beginning of the project, the operations team worked together with the architects to ensure the architectural design remained practical and functional.

“We wanted to build a workspace that was transparent and allowed people to see what was going on inside,” said Best. “And we wanted to live that ourselves, to see what was going on behind the walls of construction, architecture, design, finishes, furnishings, operations and all be on the same page.”

Conway-based Nabholz Construction built Ledger, with work starting in August of 2020. Today, the first two floors are completed while work continues in some sections of the building. Ledger partially opened to co-working space tenants – referred to as members – on Nov. 30 and opened to the public on Dec. 5, with an open house on Dec. 8.

The most eye-catching feature of Ledger, the ramp, extends from the building’s breezeway at ground level all the way to the rooftop. Switchbacks and ledges jut out at each level, granting outside entrance to every story of the building. It’s an artwork as well as a marvel of architecture and engineering, with handtiled mosaics of local insect species incorporating vibrantly colored gems embedded into the concrete of the ramp itself. After biking up to a second-floor office, there are spaces for secure bike storage, eBike charging stations, even showers and a biker’s lounge with changing rooms and amenities to help freshen up.

Unsurprisingly, the office space at Ledger is not your typical desk and cubicle. Rather, the building is split between numerous coworking spaces, suites, and offices of various sizes. Offerings range from a day pass, which allows access to the space for a single day, to a dedicated desk in a shared space rented monthly to large custom spaces leasable for years at a time.

All levels of membership include access to the building’s base amenities, with multiple add-ons also available for an additional charge. Member benefits range from the essential (highspeed Wi-Fi, printing stations, on-site document shredding) to the luxurious (a members-only bar, coffee and tea, wellness and mother’s rooms) to the unprecedented (being able to bike to your office on any floor).

Other attractions include the Walmart Museum, temporarily being housed at Ledger during a two-year renovation of its permanent space, and over 200 unique artworks scattered throughout the building. These include the insect mosaics by Stefan Sagmeister, a giant gorilla by Walton Ford and hundreds of smaller artworks provided by Creative Arkansas Community Hub & Exchange, a community-based art agency. Every meeting room in the building has been named after the local artist whose works decorate that room.

The massive size of the building leaves Ledger with plenty of room to grow. The first floor is entirely dedicated to amenities and bookable space, with meeting rooms suitable for six to 60 people. The second floor is co-working spaces and offices along with amenities for members, with the third floor, set to open in 2023, closely resembling the second. The fourth and fifth floors have not yet been announced but will likely open in 2024 and 2025, respectively, Best said. The sixth floor is an event space, opening in January for conferences, weddings, keynote speakers and other community events.

Best said Ledger is entirely self-operated, a strategy that keeps the original visionaries behind the project in charge of its daily operations, leasing, and building management. With such a bold beginning, Ledger has strongly positioned itself to become the beating heart of downtown Bentonville.

In addition to office and co-working space, there are three other businesses currently occupying retail space at Ledger. Specialized, a high-end, worldwide leader in biking equipment, Airship Coffee, a local Bentonville business, and Mertins Eye & Optical, an optometry clinic originally from Fayetteville offering luxury eyewear, all of which are open now or in the near future.

The most eye-catching feature of Ledger, the ramp, extends from the building’s breezeway at ground level all the way to the rooftop.

Rentable meeting space at Ledger

CONSTRUCTING CONWAY

Manufacturing Updates in the City of Colleges

By Sarah Coleman

Conway, the center of Arkansas, is known for its numerous roundabouts and multiple institutions of higher learning preparing students for their futures. As the city continues to grow and expand, there have been announced several different projects, including ones adding to the manufacturing industry in the region. On Nov. 9, Westrock Coffee hosted a groundbreaking for a new roasting to ready-to-drink facility in Conway and on Nov. 15, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced the city would soon be home to the Arkansas Manufacturing Training Center.

Westrock Coffee Company

As a leader in coffee, tea and extracts, Westrock Coffee Company, formerly known as Westrock Coffee Holdings, LLC., provides its products to retailers, foodservice and consumer industries. Headquartered in Little Rock, Westrock is a global entity and the newest location underway in Conway will be its largest production facility.

“As an industry leader, Westrock Coffee provides beverage solutions to the most distinguished brands around the world, and this new facility enables us to further our ability to deliver the most innovative solutions to our customers in a variety of formats,” said Scott Ford, CEO and co-founder, in a Nov. 9 news release.

The 524,000-square-foot facility is being constructed at 480 Exchange Ave., in an industrial-zoned area of Conway. Not only will this be the largest production facility for the company, but it will also be the largest roasting to ready-to-drink facility of its kind, according to the news release. Ready-to-drink means it will produce readily consumable products, such as drinks in cans, glass bottles, bag-in-box and multi-serve plastic bottles.

Also according to the news release, the facility will feature a product development lab which will allow Westrock Coffee to create, test and produce new beverage solutions, allowing for an innovative approach.

“It is particularly meaningful to me to have the nation’s largest roasting to ready-to-drink packaging facility in Conway, my hometown,” Joe T. Ford, co-founder and chairman of Westrock Coffee, said in the release. “Starting these upgrades marks a significant milestone in our company’s history to further accomplish our mission.”

The addition of the Conway facility brings Westrock’s total to eight global sites providing coffee, tea, flavors, extracts and other ingredients from around the world. According to Westrock, the company currently provides over 20 million cups of coffee a day and is the No. 1 provider of coffee and tea to the U.S. foodservice industry. Westrock Coffee Company also leads coffee extracts in ready-to-drink coffee.

Prior to the announcement of the Conway facility, Westrock announced it would be going public. On Aug. 29, Westrock announced it would be closing its business combination transaction with Riverview Acquisition Corp. and in so doing, converted from a Delaware limited liability company to a Delaware corporation. The move also changed the name from Westrock Coffee Holdings LLC. to Westrock Coffee Company.

Since Aug. 29, Westrock has been traded on Nasdaq under the ticker symbols “WEST” and “WESTW,” as announced in an Aug. 29 news release. The company also entered into a new credit agreement, including a $175 million senior secured first lien term loan facility in addition to a $175 million senior secured first lien revolving credit facility.

This new credit agreement will be used for repaying existing debt as well as funding Westrock’s organic and strategic growth initiatives, according to the August news release.

Arkansas Manufacturing Workforce Training Center

The Arkansas Manufacturing Workforce Training Center, announced by Gov. Hutchinson in mid-November, is a joint venture between the Arkansas Office of Skills Development and the Conway Development Corporation.

The new facility’s central location allows for easy access to companies throughout Arkansas. The center will offer 100,000 square feet equipped with computer numerically controlled machinery, automation, robotics, industrial maintenance, craft skills, plastic injection molding and other customized technical needs of Arkansas companies. According to a Nov. 15 news release, the center will not only offer training for new hires, but also for incumbent workers, upskilling unemployed individuals to better prepare the manufacturing workforce in Arkansas.

“For 131 years, our community has welcomed young people from across Arkansas to begin their higher education journey. We are honored to continue this history of preparing the state’s workforce by hosting incumbent workers in Conway to develop skills that will impact their futures and their communities,” Corey Parks, vice president of economic development for Conway Development Corporation, said.

The training center project is currently being surveyed by the Office of Skills and Development, a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, as it moves to the next phase. The estimated cost for the center is between $35 million and $40 million.

Scott Ford, CEO & co-founder of Westrock Coffee Company gives a speech at the Conway groundbreaking ceremony.

DIAMOND in the ROUGH Arkansas emerging onto manufacturing radar

By Mark Carter

The announcement from U.S. Steel in January that it would build a $3 billion “next generation” companion mill to its Big River Steel plant in Mississippi County kick-started a robust year for manufacturing in Arkansas.

U.S. Steel’s decision to double down on Osceola, and then November’s announcement from Highbar to spend $500 million on the first of two planned rebar steel mini-mills in town, reinforced a trend of global brands finding Arkansas.

Long known for row crops and chickens, Arkansas is being talked about in industry circles as a manufacturing diamond in the rough. Manufacturers are finding pro-business leaders at the local and state levels, favorable logistics and a willing and

able workforce. And in the process, these new operations are helping transform lives for many rural Arkansans.

U.S. Steel’s second Arkansas plant, set for a 2024 opening, will represent “the steel mill of the future,” company officials said. The optimized steel production facility will include two electric arc furnaces (EAFs), generating 3 trillion tons of “advanced steelmaking capability” per year. EAFs are more flexible and efficient than traditional blast furnaces.

The plant will include an endless casting and rolling line — the first use of the technology in the United States, the Pittsburgh-based company said — and advanced finishing that’s both cutting-edge and sustainable. The former process refers to a series of heavy metal rollers that slowly decrease an initial

larger cast into the required thickness. The latter is a process by which a coating is placed on the surface of the metal, for cleaning or polishing, with extreme precision.

Both processes represent high-end, cutting-edge technology within the industry and illustrate U.S. Steel’s commitment to its current and future operations outside Osceola. Two years ago, firing up an EAF at an Alabama plant represented a $412 million commitment for the company.

Its investments in The Natural State, which include the $1.5 billion completed acquisition of Big River Steel last year, have transformed Mississippi County into one of the nation’s emerging steel corridors.

U.S. Steel CEO David Burritt likes what he sees on the ground in Arkansas. He noted the abundant and clean power available through Entergy Arkansas, connections to Class 1 rail lines as well as easy access to the Mississippi River and major interstates.

“We had numerous site options, but Osceola offers our customers incomparable advantages,” he said.

Together with the existing Big River plant, the new U.S. Steel mill essentially will serve as a 6.3-million-ton mega-mill the company claims will provide the most advanced, sustainable steel on the continent. The company serves the automotive, construction, appliance, energy, container and packaging industries.

Burritt credited Arkansas officials on the ground, from Gov.

Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to local and county leaders, for providing U.S. Steel with “the clear choice for a path to the future without roadblocks.”

Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston noted the significance of the U.S. Steel announcement, which represents the largest economic development project in terms of capital investment in state history.

“We have continued to build on that momentum throughout the year, keeping our economy diverse, strong and healthy in a wide range of industries, such as food and beverage, packaging, timber and forest products, renewable energy, HVAC, aerospace and defense and more,” Preston told Arkansas Money & Politics.

Highbar, meanwhile, is a new company focused on sustainable scrap metal recycling and steel production. The force behind Highbar is the same person who brought Big River Steel to Mississippi County in 2014 — Dave Stickler, described by Forbes as the Steve Jobs of steel.

Before selling to U.S. Steel, Stickler liked what he found in Arkansas — accommodating governments at the local, county and state levels and a skilled and reliable workforce. And it didn’t hurt that Mississippi County provides access to the Mississippi River, major interstate highways and direct Class 1 rail connections.

At the announcement for the Highbar mill, an enthusiastic Stickler said his team had enjoyed “great success investing billions of dollars in northeast Arkansas,” and the new mills would be designed to be world leaders in a range of categories.

“Arkansas is a great place to conduct business, especially steel business.”

The first Highbar mill will sit on roughly 600 acres just out-

Hytrol employees at work in the Jonesboro and Fort Smith facilities. (Photos courtesy of Hytrol)

side Osceola. The site will include space for an expanded river port, Class 1 rail connection and a planned solar installation. Groundbreaking is expected early in 2023.

The mill will create 200 direct and indirect jobs, per the company. The direct jobs will pay an average annual salary of $140,000 with benefits, while the indirect jobs will pay an average of $60,000 with benefits. Construction is expected to take just shy of two years with a peak construction employment of more than 600 workers.

Manufacturing accounts for roughly 15% of the total state economic output and employed about 12% of the state’s workforce, according to the AEDC. That ranks Arkansas seventh nationally and third in the South in terms of percentage of the state workforce tied to manufacturing. Arkansas’s 148,000 industry workers earned an average annual salary of more than $61,000.

But there’s more to manufacturing in Arkansas than steel. Momentum has touched numerous industry sectors and reached all four corners.

In 2022, Lockheed Martin and Airbus announced plans to build a factory at a site as yet to be determined in western Arkansas, where Airbus will build aerial refueling boom systems for the LMXT strategic tanker aircraft. The boom is the long pipe extended down from a refueling plane and attached to another aircraft, enabling the latter to fill up.

The LMXT represents the next-generation step in the U.S. Air Force’s strategic refueling mission. Airbus will build the booms and expects to employ hundreds of local workers at competitive salaries.

Lockheed Martin, meanwhile, announced in October plans to build a new facility at its Camden Operations, where it already employs more than 1,000 workers. The expansion will support increased production capacity for the PAC-3 Missile

Segment Enhancement, billed as the world’s most advanced air defense missile.

Several weeks later, the company received an order from the U.S. Army to make more high mobility artillery rocket systems. The HIMARS systems, built in Camden, have been a part of the United States government’s aid package to Ukraine, and the rocket launchers have proven lethally effective on the battlefield. Company officials don’t anticipate the need for more space or workers to accommodate the order — yet.

Through the third week in November, AEDC had issued 24 announcements of multimillion-dollar investments in Arkansas, either through plans to build new facilities or expand existing ones.

A few of the most noteworthy projects include Charlottebased Albemarle Corp.’s $540 million commitment to expand and modernize two bromine facilities in Magnolia; Tractor Supply’s plans to build a $120 million, 1.2-million-square-foot distribution center in Maumelle and cold-storage provider Americold’s $84 million planned expansion of its Russellville plant. In addition, Italian ammunition manufacturer Fiocchi plans to invest $41.5 million to expand operations at the Port of Little Rock; Emerson is building a new $35 million tool-manufacturing plant in Ash Flat; and Independent Stave has announced a $30 million stave mill outside Batesville.

In February, Envirotech Vehicles became the second firm to announce plans to build electric cars in Arkansas. The company announced it had purchased an existing 580,000-square-foot facility in Osceola for an undisclosed sum. The company plans to convert the plant into its U.S. manufacturing base, which is expected to employ more than 800 workers in high-paying jobs, part of an $80.7 million, five-year investment.

Once full production is realized in about two years, the com-

Lockheed Martin and Airbus combine forces to build an aerial refueling system. (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

pany plans to invest another $200 million in its Osceola operations and turn out 2,000 cars a year.

As if on cue, Envirotech CEO Phillip Oldridge credited the work of local and state officials and touted the area’s location and the “perfect business climate and local workforce to allow us to see growth and success in the region as the state’s first commercial electric vehicle manufacturer.”

To meet this growing demand, more institutions are offering skills training in lieu of the traditional, post-high school college path. For Preston and the folks charged with recruiting businesses to Arkansas, such training is part of the pitch.

“Manufacturing has always been vital to the Arkansas economy,” Preston said. “More than 10% of the nonfarm workforce in Arkansas work in manufacturing, which has led Arkansas to be among the top 10 states in the country in manufacturing employment.

“But today, we still have critical positions unfilled, so we are working with our companies and our colleges to train new employees and keep the skills of current employees updated to meet demand. This way, we can help manufacturers thrive, bring more high-paying jobs to hardworking Arkansans and stay prepared for changing needs.”

In many cases, workers with a two-year certificate related to workforce training are making more than graduates with bachelor’s degrees from traditional colleges and universities. Across the state, high school graduates who choose the former are finding opportunity.

Helping Arkansans find opportunity will be the $35 million Arkansas Manufacturing Training Center in Conway, a joint venture of the Arkansas Office of Skills Development and the Conway Development Corporation, announced in November.

Jonesboro’s Hytrol Conveyor hit record numbers this year in both shipments and the growth of its workforce. The company broke ground on a new warehouse and distribution center in Jonesboro and announced plans to expand its new $20 million Fort Smith conveyor production plant. The company currently employs 1,200 between two facilities in Jonesboro and will ultimately employ 350 in Fort Smith.

Hytrol President David Peacock attributed much of the company’s success to this focus on workforce development.

“We can’t speak for the entire manufacturing sector, but we can speak to how much support we’ve gotten from the state of Arkansas,” he said. “Our growth would be much more difficult without the effort that Arkansas has put into creating a climate that is focused on workforce development coupled with the

recruitment and retention of businesses such as Hytrol.”

Back in Mississippi County, this influx of high-paying jobs is changing lifestyles. But don’t try telling Osceola’s biggest cheerleader that manufacturing is a recent phenomenon to the county.

“Manufacturing in Mississippi County has always been strong, and it’s very diverse,” said Megan Owens, executive director of the Osceola/South Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce. “There are 12 or 13 factories in town all producing different things. Industry here has always been a big part of the community.”

Factories in Osceola produce everything from steel and car parts (DENSO and Systex) to plexiglass (Evonik CYRO) and even sauces for national restaurant chains (Kagome Creative Foods). And then there’s the 2 millionsquare-foot American Greetings plant, open for about 60 years. Locals say you could place 57 football fields inside it.

Local plants draw workers from Jonesboro, Memphis and small communities throughout the area, Owens said, all spending money in town. And Osceola is bracing for the change wrought by the influx of more highpaying jobs. Ground was broken recently on a $30 million, higher-end housing project called Riverback Estates with houses selling in the mid-200s. The new neighborhood is expected to be completed by 2024, and each house will include advanced technology, including EV charging stations funded and installed in partnership with Envirotech.

The town of roughly 7,000 is poised for future growth, something many rural parts of the Delta haven’t experienced in decades. This past summer, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released data that found Mississippi County to have the highest average weekly wage in the state at $1,513. Not Benton County with all its Fortune 500 executives. Not Washington or Pulaski County — Mississippi County.

The second-highest weekly wage was earned in Calhoun County, home to the high-paying jobs at Lockheed Martin’s Camden Operations.

Manufacturing is transforming parts of Arkansas long thought forgotten as most of the state gravitated to the Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas metros. But more Arkansans are finding out that opportunity is not exclusive to urban or suburban addresses.

“Especially now with the steel mills, industry has changed Osceola and the county a lot,” Owens said. “People are eating here, buying gas here, shopping here, living here. … The pay is second to none. They’ve changed a lot of lives.”

Manufacturing accounts for roughly 15% of the total state economic output and employed about 12% of the state’s workforce.

Arkansas 50 Largest Manufacturing Companies

COMPANY

EMPLOYEE CODE INDUSTRY LOCATION(S)

Tyson Poultry, Inc. H Poultry Processing Multiple

Simmons Prepared Foods, Inc. G Poultry Processing Multiple

Peco Foods, Inc. F Poultry Processing Multiple

Georgia Pacific Woodproducts, LLC F Softwood Veneer and Plywood Manufacturing Gurdon

Nucor Corporation E Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing Multiple

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company E Tire Manufacturing (except Retreading) Texarkana

Baldor Electric Company E Motor and Generator Manufacturing Multiple

Butterball D Poultry Processing Multiple

McKee Foods Corporation D Commercial Bakeries Gentry

Ok Foods, Inc. C Poultry Processing Multiple

Conagra Foods Packaged Foods C Frozen Specialty Food Manufacturing Fayetteville

Georges, Inc. C Poultry Processing Multiple

Hytrol Conveyor Co., Inc. C Conveyor and Conveying Equipment Manufacturing Jonesboro

Dassault Falcon Jet Corp. C Aircraft Manufacturing Little Rock Pilgrim Pride Corporation C Poultry Processing Multiple Rockline, Inc. B Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing Multiple

Anthony Forest Products B Sawmills Multiple

Wayne Farms, LLC B Poultry Processing Multiple

Baxter Health Care Corp B Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing Mountain Home

Potlatchdeltic Land & Lumber, LLC B Sawmills Multiple

Pace Industries, Inc. B Nonferrous Metal Die-Casting Foundries Multiple

Husqvarna Outdoor Products B Lawn and Garden Tractor and Home Lawn and Garden Equipment Manufacturing Multiple

Cargill Meat Solutions Corp B Poultry Processing Multiple

Driv Automotive, Inc. B

Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing Paragould

Lennox Industries B Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing Stuttgart

Employee Codes: A. 500-600, B. 600-1,249, C. 1,250-1,499, D. 1,500-1,749, E. 1,750-1,999, F. 2,000-2,999, G. 3,000-4,999, H. 5,000+

Arkansas 50 Largest Manufacturing Companies

COMPANY

EMPLOYEE CODE INDUSTRY LOCATION(S)

Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc. B Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing Camden

Lockheed Martin Corporation B Ammunition (except Small Arms) Manufacturing Multiple

Riceland Foods, Inc. B Rice Milling Multiple

Evergreen Packaging, Inc. B Paperboard Mills Pine Bluff

Remington Arms Company, LLC B Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing Lonoke

Anchor Packaging, LLC B Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing Multiple

Bad Boy, Inc. B Lawn and Garden Tractor and Home Lawn and Garden Equipment Manufacturing Batesville

Frito Lay, Inc. B Other Snack Food Manufacturing Jonesboro

Nestle Usa-Prepared Foods B Frozen Specialty Food Manufacturing Jonesboro

Hino Motors Manufacturing USA, Inc. B Motor Vehicle Transmission and Power Train Parts Manufacturing Marion

Saint Jean Industries, Inc. B Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing Heber Springs

Kohler Company B Plumbing Fixture Fitting and Trim Manufacturing Sheridan

Westrock Services, Inc. B Folding Paperboard Box Manufacturing Multiple

Bekaert Corporation B Rope, Cordage, Twine, Tire Cord, and Tire Fabric Mills Multiple

Tracker Marine, LLC B Boat Building Multiple

Greenbrier Central, LLC B Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing Multiple

The Gates Corporation B Rubber and Plastics Hoses and Belting Manufacturing Siloam Springs

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company B Truck Trailer Manufacturing Paragould

Glad Manufacturing Company B Unlaminated Plastics Film and Sheet (except Packaging) Manufacturing Rogers

Cloyes Gear And Products, Inc. B Motor Vehicle Gasoline Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing Multiple

Big River Steel, LLC B Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing Osceola

Producers Rice Mill, Inc. B Rice Milling Stuttgart

Twin Rivers Foods, Inc. A Poultry Processing Multiple

Apac Central, Inc. A Ready-Mix Concrete Manufacturing Multiple

Firestone Building Product Co., LLC A

All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing Prescott

Source: Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, 2nd Quarter 2021

ARKANSAS’S GLOBAL STARS:

The Governor’s Trade Awards

By John Callahan

The 12th annual Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade recognized some of Arkansas’ best and brightest exporters. Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Jonathan Bricker, chair of the Arkansas District Export Council (ARDEC) presented the awards to winners in six different categories in a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion on Oct. 5. The recognition serves to spread the good word of Arkansas’ growing export economy and support the businesses behind it.

The event was hosted by ARDEC, a nonprofit division of the larger National District Export Council and is composed of prominent members of the Arkansas business community selected by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Bricker is one such member, having cut his teeth in Arvest’s international department. Having since risen to Vice President of Commercial Banking, his experience in helping clients mitigate the risks of dealing with overseas suppliers and buyers makes him well-suited to ARDEC’s mission of supporting and expanding Arkansas’ exports through education and consultation.

“If you catch an order from, say, Singapore, you might think, ‘I don’t even know where to start.’ That’s what the DEC is for,” Bricker said. “We lead companies to exporting, but we also help businesses that already are exporting to build better processes. If these companies grow their bottom line by selling goods across the world, that means they will have to produce more, and when they produce more, they’re going to have to hire more people, and more people means more sales tax revenue for their communities. It’s a win for everybody.”

There certainly is a great deal of potential in exportation. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, about 96% of the world’s consumers live outside the U.S., accounting for 66% of the world’s purchasing power and 92% of its economic growth. Though tapping into such a massive resource is intimidating,

plenty of Arkansas companies have proven that it is both achievable and worthwhile.

The value of Arkansas’s exports in 2021 was $5.6 billion, marking an 8% increase over 2020. In 2020, some 350,000 Arkansas jobs were directly or indirectly supported by exporting businesses. Most exports went to either Canada or Mexico, two of the closest and strongest trade partners for the U.S. in general.

But while you might expect agricultural products, particularly rice, to be the state’s biggest export, they don’t even make it into the top five. The honor of number one goes to the aerospace industry, accounting for nearly 15% of Arkansas’s total export value in 2021, with the biggest buyers coming from the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Rounding out the top five are nuclear reactors and related equipment, plastics, arms and ammunition, and electrical machinery, in that order.

If you think exporting is only a game for big businesses, you’d be wrong there too: 80% of Arkansas exporters are small or medium-sized businesses like last year’s winner of the Ris-

ing Star category, Conway-based Leather Brothers, which sells high-quality pet goods. With a market as big as the entire world, there’s a niche for everyone.

After a committee of ARDEC members scouts for businesses that may be a fit for the awards categories, application forms are sent out and then reviewed by another committee. Applicants are judged not only on their international sales numbers, but also employees, what countries they export to and where they are looking to expand next.

“That’s also another way we can help,” Bricker said. “The Arkansas World Trade Center in Rogers is a strategic partner of ours. We kind of overlap in what we’re trying to do. If we have a new company that’s looking to break into an international market, I can make that introduction into the World Trade Center or U.S. Commercial Service. We can help them look for either a new distributor in certain markets or, most of the time, these exporting companies are also importing goods, so we may be able to help them find a new supplier as well.

“We are a community of connections, if you will. That’s why, on the DEC, I’ve got attorneys, bankers, entrepreneurs, agricultural

people, and I’ve got people with the University of Arkansas. We’ve strategically got people placed in certain sectors or companies or whatnot that can help anyone who comes to us and says, ‘Hey, I’m trying to do this, walk me through that process.’ I can help you on the finance side, and then I can also introduce you to whoever the expert might be in your sector to act as a mentor.”

The award itself is another boon to the company that wins it. Bricker recounted a few quotes from previous winners.

The aforementioned Leather Brothers noted: “We sent out a press release to all of our raw material vendors informing them of the award. By doing this, it bettered our relationship with our vendors, but also helped push some export accounts we’ve struggled selling into in the past, which has resulted in an increase of exports overall.”

Sherwood-based ECOJOHN, last year’s Small Company winner, reported: “We received a lot of recognition in our community, as well as from our customers all over the world. Internally, it has motivated our employees, and it is something new hires find very positive.”

SMART Repro in Jonesboro, one of this year’s winners, has already given Bricker another example.

“The day of the ceremony,” said Bricker, “Winrock International reached out to me wanting [SMART Repro’s] contact information. That’s the kind of national publicity that helps them increase their exporting services.”

For this year’s award ceremony, Bricker decided to honor not only the award winners, but also the years of work by Hutchinson and Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston, inviting them to reflect on their time spent promoting Arkansas as a new hub for international business.

“Whenever Mike came onboard,” Hutchinson said, “I told him and his team that I would take two international trips a year while I’m governor. I believed that could fit in with my management of the state, and it was important to market Arkansas. So,

The value of Arkansas’s exports in 2021 was $5.6 billion, marking an 8% increase over 2020.

our habit was to go to Asia and then to Europe, and I did that every year except during the pandemic.”

In Asia, Hutchinson mostly sought to recruit industries from China and promote Arkansas goods for the largest consumer market in the world.

“Whenever we started going to China it was a wide-open market. You had every state going there, virtually, recruiting industry. China was looking for investment opportunities in the United States, and from my perspective, it was a matter of moving manufacturing from China here to the United States. So, we recruited some industry, had some success stories, and a couple of them are still here in Arkansas. But the biggest projects went by the wayside, and it was simply a casualty of the trade war. It didn’t go the way I wanted it to.”

Preston said, “[The trade war] slowed things down. We actually worked very closely with the Trump administration. We understood what they were trying to do in terms of the trade war, but we had workarounds for some of our projects. Then the pandemic hit, and all bets were off, and that’s where some of those projects really just fell off. It’s more complicated today than it was when we started.”

While circumstances at the national and global levels made

work with China a struggle, Hutchinson and Preston found much greater success in Europe, which has been a major market for Arkansas’s growing aerospace and defense industry.

“We had dabbled previously before this administration in going to air shows [in Europe] and promoting ourselves,” Preston said. “We got there in 2015 for the first time, and it was, ‘Who’s Arkansas and why are you here?’ This last trip we were in Farnborough in 2022, and it was ‘Welcome back, you guys are the leaders.’ We were among the top in the aerospace industry; we really carved out our spot in terms of U.S. states.”

In past years, the categories have included an award each for small, medium, and large exporters. This year, Bricker chose to tailor them to better reflect the export industry’s greatest success stories, replacing size-based categories with those of Women-Owned Exporter, Franchise Development Exporter and Agricultural Exporter awards. He also made an effort to include more regions of the state than just central and northwest Arkansas, as exemplified by SMART Repro in Jonesboro, winner of the Women-Owned Exporter award. Another new addition was the use of pre-recorded acceptance speech videos, which allowed winners to show, rather than just tell, what makes their businesses great.

AWARD WINNERS

Riceland (Stuttgart) –Agricultural Exporter Award

Founded in 1921, Riceland Foods, Inc. is the world’s largest miller and marketer of rice. A farmer-owned agricultural marketing cooperative, Riceland has over 1,500 employees and operates seven rice mills, including the world’s largest in Jonesboro. It sells products to retailers, food service and food manufacturing companies around the world, including not just rice but also rice bran oil, rice flower, rice bran and hulls for a wide variety of uses from pet food to animal bedding. Though rice dominates the coop, it is also a major processor of soybeans for the region and handles smaller quantities of wheat and corn, depending on the needs of the farmer members. Riceland’s largest export market is Haiti, and in recent years, it has opened new markets in Jordan and Iceland.

“It’s easy to think of rice as an exotic grain from picturesque foreign lands,” said Jason Bransel, president and CEO of Riceland Foods. “But most of the rice we eat is grown right here. American rice grown on American soil by the American family farmer. We at Riceland help our farmers reach domestic markets and global export markets. We do collectively through the cooperative what our farmers would struggle to do individually.”

Slim Chickens (Fayetteville) –Franchise Development Exporter Award

Established in 2003 in a former sushi restaurant, Slim Chickens has rapidly expanded beyond its first location in Fayetteville to become one of the largest foodservice employers in Arkansas with numerous overseas locations. Their first overseas franchise was established in 2017 in Kuwait, and within the past four years, they have expanded to 27 more in the U.K. More franchises are set to open in Turkey, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. The company is developing a strategy to expand further into the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia, with the goal of almost tripling the number of locations to 300 by 2032.

“I could have probably put them in the medium or maybe large category,” Bricker said, “but I don’t think that reflected their accomplishments appropriately.”

Power Technology: (Alexander) –Innovation and Impact in Manufacturing Exporter Award

One of the oldest photonics companies in the United States, Power Technology Inc. produces a comprehensive range of laser products for biomedical, industrial, projection, defense and security applications, among others. Power Technology was one of the earliest winners of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade, having previously won in 2011. Over the past two years, it has increased its global market share last year bolstered annual revenue by 30%. Major customers include Israel, the U.K. and South Korea, with recent expansion into Indonesia, Hungary and Uruguay.

“PTI was originally founded to manufacture laser power supplies for helium neon gas lasers,” said William Burgess, company CEO. “In the world of lasers, many industry experts have said this type of laser and its associated power supplies are on the decline. However, the beam quality of these lasers is better than most, and some markets still have a need for them. PTI has successfully grown its market share by identifying these key market segments and targeting our sales efforts on larger customers overseas.”

White River HardwoodsWoodworks (Fayetteville) –Rising Star Exporter Award

A family-owned business founded in 1975, White River Hardwoods-Woodworks manufactures embellished and traditional hardwood moldings, corbels and architectural wood carvings for the millwork and kitchen and bath industries, as well as provides millwork design services for residential and commercial projects. With 54 highly professional employees, 44 of which are based in Arkansas, White River Hardwoods has been enlisted for many luxury building projects throughout the years, including projects for Disneyland Tokyo. With year-over-year growth since 2019, export sales now account for 12% of the company’s gross revenue. In recent years, the company has transitioned away from distributors and is now doing large-scale projects on its own.

“We carry over 3,200 products in stock,” said company founder and President Joan Johnson, “We can usually ship out a large job within two to three weeks.”

Virco (Conway) –Resilience in Manufacturing Exporter Award

Founded in California in 1950, Virco has expanded to be the leading manufacturer of K-12 school furniture and equipment in the nation, much of which is produced in its 1.75 million-square-foot Conway facility. Virco exports to over 75 countries, led by Canada, Mexico and Caribbean and South American countries. New markets for the company include Vietnam, the Philippines and Saint Martin. Despite mass closures of schools around the world due to the pandemic causing a significant decrease in Virco’s total international sales, the company nevertheless held on to roughly 95% of its employees and has made a strong comeback in terms of exports, thus earning the Resilience in Manufacturing Exporter Award.

“One of the things that we are proudest of is over 40% of our employees have been with Virco for more than 20 years,” said President Doug Virtue. “That degree of loyalty and continuity is unusual for any organization. We believe it is a big reason, probably the main reason, that we have remained globally competitive during these challenging years. I mean it when I say that we’d put our Arkansas team against any company in the world, and we’d come out on top.

SMART Repro (Jonesboro) –Woman Owned Exporter Award

The first winner of the Woman Owned Exporter Award, SMART Repro was established in 2019 by CEO Brittany Scott as a unique operation in Arkansas agriculture. Short for SMART Reproduction, it is the first company in the United States to achieve European Union and U.K. certifications for the collection, storage and export of frozen sheep and goat semen and embryo. It is also the first company to negotiate multicountry export certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As such, it remains the only facility of its kind in the U.S. and has opened the door to previously unavailable global markets for American sheep and goat producers. Its growth has been exponential, and the company’s revenue is now 100% exportbased.

“Our products are used in breed-up programs worldwide,” Scott said. “In these programs, we are taking elite American genetics and using them primarily in developing countries to make the native goats better.”

Arkansas Top Commodity Exports

PRODUCT VALUE (USD)

% SHARE CHANGE 21/20

Aircraft, Spacecraft, and Parts Thereof $889,120,188 15.83% -13.22%

Nuclear Reactors, Boilers, Machinery and Mechanical Appliances; Parts Thereof $503,540,592 8.97% 9.18%

Plastics and Articles Thereof $388,483,694 6.92% 54.22%

Arms And Ammunition; Parts And Accessories Thereof $364,860,474 6.50% 159.76%

Electrical Machinery and Equipment and Parts Thereof; Sound Recorders and Reproducers, Television Recorders and Reproducers, parts and Accessories $309,700,154 5.51% 11.04%

Cereals $273,185,393 4.86% -4.40%

Meat and Edible Meat Offal $261,606,414 4.66% 7.08%

Iron and Steel $247,917,096 4.41% 109.53%

Dairy Produce; Birds’ Eggs; Natural Honey; Edible Products Of Animal Origin $197,291,820 3.51% 15.78%

Paper and Paperboard; Articles Of Paper Pulp, Paper Or Paperboard $189,344,107 3.37% -9.03%

Vehicles, Other Than Railway Or Tramway Rolling Stock, and Parts and Accessories Thereof $176,698,165 3.15% 14.83%

Organic Chemicals $170,939,487 3.04% 16.68%

Articles Of Iron Or Steel $164,175,449 2.92% 64.04%

Cotton, Including Yarns and Woven Fabrics Thereof $129,052,546 2.30% -3.19%

Rubber and Articles Thereof $121,237,026 2.16% 12.28%

Residues and Waste From The Food Industries; Prepared Animal Feed $88,118,353 1.57% 29.60%

Miscellaneous Chemical Products $87,046,420 1.55% 16.60%

Aluminum and Articles Thereof $76,472,979 1.36% 96.70%

Optical, Photographic, Cinematographic, Measuring, Checking, Precision, Medical or Surgical Instruments and Apparatus; Parts And Accessories Thereof $75,274,825 1.34% 40.33

Pulp of Wood or Other Fibrous Cellulosic Material; Recovered (Waste and Scrap) Paper and Paperboard $74,631,700 1.33% -69.01%

Essential Oils and Resinoids; Perfumery, Cosmetic or Toilet Preparations $70,570,485 1.26% 3.63%

Miscellaneous Edible Preparations $68,315,810 1.22% -3.59%

Inorganic Chemicals; Organic or Inorganic Compounds of Precious Metals, of Rare-Earth Metals, of Radioactive Elements or Of Isotopes $67,466,153 1.20% 12.47%

Edible Preparations Of Meat, Of Fish, Of Crustaceans, Molluscs Or Other Aquatic Invertebrates, Or Of Insects $66,310,265 1.18% 30.22%

Tools, Implements, Cutlery, Spoons and Forks, of Base Metal; Parts Thereof of Base Metal $62,895,585 1.12% 24.71%

Source: Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas Export Statistics 2021 Report.

Arkansas Top Export Partners

COUNTRY

VALUE (USD) % SHARE CHANGE 21/20

Canada N/A 22.54% 10.03%

Mexico $982,446,778 17.49% 37.99%

United Kingdom $362,221,949 6.45% 116.17%

Japan $344,440,221 6.13% 100.93%

China $264,251,940 4.70% -4.79%

France $217,989,173 3.88% -67.60%

Netherlands $137,247,570 2.44% -41.19%

Germany $129,211,045 2.30% 83.70%

Saudi Arabia $125,113,267 2.23% 205.15%

South Korea $114,677,385 2.04% 44.29%

Vietnam $91,051,072 1.62% 152.71%

United Arab Emirates $86,641,277 1.54% 119.81%

Haiti $83,781,790 1.49% 21.83%

Belgium

$80,444,234 1.43% 2.45%

Brazil $78,930,366 1.41% -42.44%

Australia $77,068,770 1.37% -37.87%

Taiwan $75,870,256 1.35% -4.68%

India $73,964,432 1.32% 76.77%

Russia $64,094,951 1.14% 748.41%

Nigeria $63,506,041 1.13% 885.37%

San Marino $57,000,000 1.01% N/A (No exports in 2020)

Singapore $50,983,629 0.91% -26.64%

Senegal

$49,720,474 0.89% 10845.81%

Italy $38,433,707 0.68% -3.26%

Indonesia $35,553,601 0.63% 4.20%

Source: Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas Export Statistics 2021 Report.

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WOMEN Power 2022

AMP closes out another year by focusing a spotlight on women in Arkansas who are setting themselves apart in the worlds of business and politics. These AMP Power Women for 2022 were nominated by readers, and each has blazed a trail, exhibited outstanding leadership or enhanced her company’s performance. We’re proud to recognize these Power Women.

BALANCING ACT:

From the Boardroom to the Classroom,

LaShawnDa Noel Puts Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools on the Path to Success

By Mak Millard

When LaShawnDa Noel was a little girl, she had two plans for her future. First, she would become an opera singer. Second, no matter how far away her travels took her, she would always come back home to Arkansas. Though the Little Rock native did attend Henderson State University on a voice scholarship, she opted for a career in higher education rather than performance. Still, the other idea was spot on. Noel has traveled all across the country for her work, and with a few twists along the way, that path led her to her current role as CEO and Superintendent of Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools.

Fresh out of college, Noel worked as a special projects manager for Century Campus Housing of Houston. She served as liaison between the company and various universities, and that meant flying out to every city where the group had a building project underway. She worked for Century Campus Housing until 2001, but after the events of 9/11, her mother was afraid of the prospect of constant air travel and convinced Noel to come home. Back in Little Rock, Noel held a variety of positions, from nonprofit to profit, in public, charter and higher education.

“Ironically, if you had told me years ago that I would end up in education, I would have told you no,” Noel said. “I was a political science major. I have always been on the operations side of the house.”

Before taking on her current role, Noel again found herself traveling, this time as vice president of operations for a national charter management organization, or CMO. In 2020, she, along with the rest of the country, was grounded for a while. It was in this in-between period that she made her way to a more permanent position with Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools.

“Under the old structure, I served as executive director and superintendent,” Noel said. “It just so happened that the superintendent at the time was moving to be with her husband in Texas. It left this opening, and they needed someone to sit in the space temporarily. So, I said, ‘I’m here in Arkansas, and I can’t do anything else. Why not?’ I’ve been here ever since.”

As if running a school district through a global pandemic wasn’t challenging enough, Noel has also overseen huge changes to ALCS in her short tenure. One of those was combining three Lighthouse districts – Pine Bluff, North Little Rock and Jacksonville – into Arkansas Lighthouse. Also under her administration was the separation of the district from the national CMO in 2022. Though Noel was initially a part of the larger organization, the local board asked her to stay on with ALCS.

“I believe that no CMO should stay in perpetuity,” Noel said. “You plant it, you teach the folks how to fish, and then you go on to plant elsewhere. That concept speaks for itself, because if the work is great where you are, other communities will want you to come in and do the same thing.”

Noel helped the district take the training wheels off, so to speak, and prove it can manage on its own. The added benefit is ALCS can put money it would have spent on national membership back into the coffers for the benefit of its local programs. Leveraging the district’s finances to make the most impact on the scholars it teaches is a major part of Noel’s dual role as CEO and superintendent.

“One of the things I think people don’t really understand is that charter schools are typically public charters. We receive some of the same public funding as your traditional public schools,” Noel said. “The CEO piece is because we don’t receive all of the funding, or as much of the funding, that a traditional public school does. We’re always ready to tell our story and talk to people about why they should give us money so we can continue educating the scholars in Arkansas.”

Noel not only balances the needs of the board with those of teachers, staff and students, she is constantly promoting the district to outside groups, working to secure the support and partnerships that keep the district growing in a positive direction. In November, Noel and other representatives of ALCS traveled to Miami to participate in the second annual YASS Prize Accelerator and Pitch Contest. The district is one of 32 semifinalists competing for the $1 million prize.

“Most of the time, people say not to mix industries,” Noel said. “But I think when you can integrate different industries and different styles of leadership, it’s the best of both worlds. And let’s be clear: The world is integrated. When we look around, you see that different industries and different types of organizations are coming together to move systems and processes forward. So why not think about education in the same manner?”

Partnerships have allowed the district to invest in financial literacy programs that teach students and their families how to start saving for college. ALCS also has a strong relationship with the Department of Defense, as one of its schools sits on the Little Rock Air Force Base – one of only 11 schools in the country housed in a military installation. In another of its programs, the AgriSTEM initiative, ALCS sent students to the University of Arkansas for a week over the summer. Students donned lab coats and got hands-on experience with the agriculture program, from livestock to planting.

“Oftentimes, the scholars that we’re working with would never have those types of opportunities presented to them,” Noel said. “To be able to see that, and to see their faces when they are there experiencing it, it’s just major.”

Wearing both the CEO and superintendent hats has come with its share of challenges. During the separation from the national organization, reassuring teachers and staff of the stability of the district and its plan for the future was a key part of Noel’s role. Coming into the position during the pandemic was no small feat, either, and she is proud the district never closed, even as it transitioned to virtual learning and back. Noel works to make space for conflicting interests in service of the district’s greater good, oftentimes explaining business decisions to educators and educational needs to businesspeople.

For Noel, all those hurdles have been welcome ones. In fact, it was probably because of the added difficulty that she took the position at all.

“If you ask my mom, she would probably say I’ve always been that way — the kid who was going to climb to the top of the jungle gym and try to jump,” Noel said. “I guess I have always been up for a good challenge.”

Noel also admitted that a lot of the obstacles she faces tend to be self-inflicted. As with many women in leadership positions, she has had to learn to overcome the urge to second-guess herself.

“There are still days where I think, ‘Should I be in this room? Am I capable of sitting at this table?’ That negative speech can sometimes get the best of us,” she said. “The more I can get out of my own way and say, ‘I can do this; I’m supposed to be here,’ the more successful I am.”

2023 will mark the celebration of a century of service for Heart of Arkansas United Way. Our legacy of impact and ongoing commitment to strengthening our community is only possible when we leverage the power of our donors, partners, and volunteers. Lisa, we’re thankful you’ve brought your heart for our neighbors and your willingness to serve to our Board of Directors!

Together, we can make a difference. Together we can Live United.

Kerrie Diaz

CEO, Snyder Environmental

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

Hard work, attention to detail, and determination have been vital. Mostly, I am fortunate to have people who believed in me more than I did in myself.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

My career started in marketing, which provided exposure to a number of business fields. I loved the diversity and diving into the psychology of selling a service. From widgets to insurance, most products and services require an emotional connection to sell. I found it fascinating to figure out what resonated with an audience.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love the sincerity of what we do. Environmental remediation has to be performed correctly. The teams at Snyder make an honest living doing their work to their highest degree of competency. No one at Snyder can be complacent. Each job has to be performed correctly, and the completion of that job yields a positive impact for our communities. It is an absolute joy to be surrounded by people who give their all each day for that outcome.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Believe in yourself, because life’s biggest limitations can come from within. Hard work can get you far, but hard work plus a good education will get you further. Finally, sign up for the hard stuff. Those are the accomplishments you will be most proud of when the work is done.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

I am most proud of my accomplishments when I am having small but memorable moments with my kids. One of them once gave me a coffee mug labeled “Maker of Memories,” and I love it. It is important to stop being a “Power Woman” occasionally, put on a silly outfit and make my kids laugh. At the end of it all, those memories and moments are the gold I seek.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

I love the start of a project and the successful execution of the end product. I have to really push myself through the details in between. This often makes me a poor student, especially in math. Math has always been my nemesis, and I have always appreciated the teachers who, very patiently, have helped me understand the principles of business math.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

I don’t stress about working outside of typical business hours, but I do make a point to be present whenever possible for my kids. I will often have a computer near, even on vacation. I think it is good for my kids to see that there is more to life than just our family and fun. I want them to know that I greatly value my commitments and responsibilities. I also know to unplug and enjoy life in the present when I reach my limit. I love the great outdoors, and I try to take advantage of our state’s outdoor opportunities as much as possible.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE? Do it right, or do it twice.

THE HUMAN ELEMENT:

Teamwork and Loyalty are the Pillars That Raise Annette King High

By John Callahan

Annette King, First Security Bank senior vice president, marketing holds people at the heart of what she does. Whether she is marketing First Security, working with her teammates or helping to build a company culture, it is all human-centric.

King was born and raised in Newport in northeast Arkansas. She attended nearby Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, graduating with a degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations in 1993. From 1996 to 1998, she also attended the American Bankers Association’s Bank Marketing School.

“I chose to study public relations after watching an Arkansas Educational Television Network special on the role that marketing, public relations and advertising had within a company,” King said. “Before that special, I didn’t really know a career in the field was possible. I was immediately intrigued and knew that it was the career for me.

“The idea of being able to build relationships with the public to create a positive image for a company really intrigued me. When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, a customer’s perception of the business is all that matters. If the image is positive, they will consider buying from you. I am just very fortunate to be able to work for a great company led by great people. That makes the marketing team’s job easy.”

King described the beginning of her career at First Security as “pure luck.” In 1994, she traveled to Searcy, where First Security is headquartered, on a search for job opportunities. She walked in and asked if the company was looking for someone for marketing and indeed they were; the bank was going through a period of strategic growth and needed new marketing employees to support it. She was invited in to speak to Reynie Rutledge, chairman of First Security Bank, who then hired her.

“I will be forever grateful that Reynie Rutledge took a chance on me – a young woman, straight out of college but eager, determined and willing to learn the world of banking,” said King.

Her current position within the company testifies that the

chance Rutledge took paid off. King manages a dizzying array of responsibilities including, but not limited to, developing the First Security brand, advertising, community relations, marketing strategy, employee engagement and culture development. With nearly three decades at First Security and two years in her current role, King has had a long time to influence and direct the bank’s brand. But she is not one to brag about her own abilities and attributed her rise through the company to a deep-seated loyalty and dedication to teamwork.

“Of the most important qualities for working in marketing, without a doubt, is a true belief in your company,” King said. “It’s looking beyond what you market or sell to see how you can impact others’ lives for the good through your products and services. Equally important is the ability to collaborate, to work as a team. Other important skills needed to be successful in marketing are excellent communication skills, being both creative and analytical, the ability to problem-solve, and being detailoriented, so you can manage multiple projects at the same time.

“I bleed teal,” said King, referring to the company’s trademark color scheme. “My longevity with the company has uniquely positioned me as a valued, trusted and influential employee due to knowledge gained by my willingness to take on tasks outside of the traditional marketing role.”

King’s loyalty to the bank is deeply rooted in people, and she is quick to praise fellow employees who collaborate to advance the company and serve the customer

“First Security is a family-owned business, and they treat all the employees like family,” she said. “They’ve always been there to support me personally and professionally, and whenever you have such great support from the leadership and ownership of a company, you want to stay.

“I would not be in the position I am without it always being a team effort. I am most proud of our whole marketing team for moving ‘Bank Better’ from just something you put on advertising to becoming a true culture among our entire company.”

Bank Better, the company’s slogan is emblematic of First Security’s commitment to continual improvement, working every day to serve the customer in ways that are more innovative, secure and convenient than ever.

“Everything we do is centered around Bank Better; it is our promise to our customers and something we don’t take lightly. We are always not only striving to deliver on this promise, but also to become better for our customers and each other. This makes me happy to be on the First Security team.”

Aside from her duties in marketing, instilling Bank Better into the company culture is a significant part of King’s role. Various internal programs, such as the culture club, seek to promote a family atmosphere, by bringing together employees for holiday parties, picnics, and other special events.

Better Bank also encourages volunteerism among First Security employees to help give back to their respective communities. King exemplifies this through her work assisting NWA Gives. The nonprofit, established in 2018, highlights and raises money for nonprofits and government organizations such as libraries from across the region. Over its lifetime, NWA Gives has raised nearly $2.8 million, and First Security has been a close partner ever since its inception. Currently, First Security Assistant Vice President Mark Carter serves as vice chairman of NWA Gives’ board of directors.

“First Security is a sponsor of NWA Gives,” said King. “They came to us to start the program about four years ago, and we always look for opportunities to not just support an organization, but to be involved in it. So where I became more involved is more of lending my expertise in marketing and distribution of news releases and helping to get NWA Gives on the map for nonprofits.”

In the end, King has one piece of advice that runs through everything else.

“I would just say that everything is about teamwork and collaborating with those that are on your team in order to have everybody succeed,” she said. “That’s the one thing I want to make sure comes across here, that it is a team effort, and the best thing that we can do is to serve our customers, serve them well, and live out our promise of Bank Better.”

Jessica Hefley

Christian Leadership Coach and Diamond Ambassador for Plexus Worldwide

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

Personal growth and doing scary things. My entire professional career, I’ve tried to be aware of when I am scared to do something, because that means I should probably do it. It’s the willingness to do, feel and put yourself out there with the possibility of failure (but also the possibility of success and impact) that sets leaders apart from the rest.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Leading Ladies is a movement to empower growth-motivated leaders to multiply their impact through a biblically-renewed mind and awareness. It helps women steward their unique calling from God and walk wholeheartedly in freedom spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Proverbs 29:25: “Fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.” Cling tight to that with all your might, and drown out the world!

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

Becoming a certified Christian life coach. I feel like my entire life has been leading up to this! It is so much fun to partner with what God is doing in helping set the captives free – free from old thought patterns, anxiety and purposelessness; free to live with passion and to make more money. I believe with all my heart that more money needs to be in the hands of good people. So much good in the world is done through finances. We have to stop shying away from talking about and making money.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

Presence and constraint. If you are working, constrain and completely focus. You’ll get more done in less time. And when you are off with your family, resting or doing something fun, be fully present! Be all in, wherever you are. Be able to turn it off and turn it on. You’ll greatly reduce that frazzled, overwhelmed feeling and find more fulfillment in both life and work.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

I grew up lower-middle-class, so earning seven figures a year was a completely different category of thought. I had to work through feelings of judgment, fear and leaving others behind. I had to be intentional in working for an audience of one, God, and be willing to steward and increase the gifts He’s given me on purpose.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Dr. Tina Hay has helped me tremendously in doing business supernaturally, in partnership and leading of the Holy Spirit. She’s taught me so much about ministry in the marketplace and bringing heaven to Earth through our influence.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

“Your powerful, peaceful presence changes things” - Dr. Edie Wadsworth. This has taught me that peace isn’t something you finally receive or arrive at after your to do list is done. Peace is feeling you can decide to feel and create at any moment.

ALL ABOUT ARKANSAS:

In Work and in Play, Anne Marie Doramus is One of The Natural State’s Biggest Advocates

By Mak Millard

Though conventional wisdom might warn against mixing business and pleasure, that combination is exactly where Anne Marie Doramus finds her success.

It’s hard to argue with the results: Doramus, vice president of special projects at Arkansas Bolt Co. and a lifelong hunter, was the first woman to be appointed to a full term as an Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioner. In addition to being a founding member of the Arkansas Outdoor Society, she also sits on the boards for the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation and the Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show. Whether she’s working with clients, out-of-state visitors or fellow Arkansans, Doramus relishes every opportunity to showcase just what The Natural State has to offer.

For Doramus, it’s the relationships that make her work worthwhile. Her grandfather founded Arkansas Bolt in 1962, and many of the company’s clients have been doing business with her family for decades. At just 14 years of age, Doramus was eager to go to work, so she started out answering phones at the front desk with the signature greeting, “ABC, this is Anne Marie.” Since then, Doramus has learned the business from the ground up, working in everything from online sales to business development.

“We operate here out of Little Rock, but most of our business comes from outside of Arkansas,” Doramus said. “Being able to have those relationships outside of the state has benefitted my career and self-development. It’s made me go out and see the world and see what else is out there. However, I think in Arkansas we have the best of all worlds.”

Arkansas Bolt serves clients in industries ranging from lawnmowers to garage door manufacturing and automotive parts. Doramus embraces that diversity, as it gives her the chance to marry her career with her passion for the outdoors.

“On the customer relations side, a lot of the people that I get to deal with like to hunt and fish,” Doramus said. “During duck season, I get to do some entertaining, take them to our family

duck camp outside of Little Rock and introduce them to some of Arkansas’ greatest traditions.”

Her travels outside of the state have only enhanced her love for Arkansas. Doramus fell in love with mountain biking in Colorado only to find, in her opinion, the trails in Arkansas were even more well-kept and more fun. Now, through her work with the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, Doramus helps to build mountain biking trails throughout the state.

“How lucky are we to have such great access to mountain biking in Arkansas?” she said. “Maybe I’m biased, but that’s something we should definitely be proud of.”

That penchant for highlighting the state’s natural resources makes it easy to see why Gov. Asa Hutchinson selected Doramus to serve on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in 2019. The only woman to serve before Doramus was Pat Peacock, who was selected to finish the term of another commissioner in 1994 and who held the post for just one year. Now halfway through her trailblazing seven-year term, Doramus is the face of Arkansas’ next generation of outdoorspeople.

“I grew up hunting, fishing and in the outdoors, living in it both in my personal and business life,” she said. “That is really what brought me to serving on the commission; I wanted to make a difference.”

Part of the difference Doramus is making comes from the fact that more and more women are getting involved in hunting and fishing. AGFC capitalizes on that interest through programs like Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW). BOW allows women new to hunting and fishing to learn the ropes and find community in a supportive setting. Every year, Doramus hosts a women’s duck hunt for first-timers on her family farm, and she puts on a similar event for fishing. Doramus also works with other “adult-onset hunters and anglers,” such as college students pursuing degrees in wildlife biology.

“Let’s be honest, it can be an intimidating sport, but don’t overthink it,” Doramus said. “I like to help out however I can and

make it fun. Because I can tell you a million wrong things that I’ve done. It’s never going to be absolutely perfect, but those days where everything just happens to go your way makes it all worthwhile.”

In addition to teaching others and advocating for the outdoors, Doramus and the rest of the AGFC commissioners have the responsibility of setting the rules and regulations for fish and wildlife in the state. Striking the balance between public and scientific opinion can be tricky, but Doramus relies on a piece of advice that has served her in all of her roles: listening and learning.

“I know – and I knew this when I got into it – that we’re not going to make everyone happy,” Doramus said. “But in the end, you always have to do the right thing.”

Doramus’ office at Arkansas Bolt is a stone’s throw away from one of her other passions, the Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show. Doramus has been on the State Fair board for several years and has been ecstatic to see the fair’s record-breaking attendance numbers in recent years. As yet another way to showcase Arkansas, especially in regard to agriculture, Doramus described the fair’s postpandemic turnout as gratifying.

“It’s all on account of the people that work there,” she said. “They are the ones who put their heart and soul into it and really make things happen. The board is so proud and happy to support them.”

Though her work and play are deeply intertwined, Doramus does find time to get out on her own or with husband, Joe, and – no surprises here – enjoy the Arkansan outdoors. Bass fishing, hunting, paddling and golf are a few of her favorites, as well as spending time with her dogs, Bocephus the weiner dog, and Baron, a Labrador. When everything goes according to plan, Doramus likes to end the day curled up with the dogs, a newspaper and her green tea.

Of course, wearing that many hats can be challenging no matter how passionate one is about the work. For Doramus, a self-described “glass half-full” kind of person, life is just too short to stay stressed.

“I think everyone has those times where the world’s caving in on them, and there’s a lot of stuff going on at once,” she said. “But I love it all. I wouldn’t say it’s hard. Sometimes I get tired, but you just keep on going.”

From seasoned outdoor pros to those just getting started exploring The Natural State, Doramus hopes her time as a Game and Fish Commissioner inspires people to step out of their comfort zones. She also hopes her success in joining her passions with her career is something others are able to emulate.

“I know that not everyone has this situation, but I feel fortunate to have been in an environment where women have been embraced in the workplace,” she said. “I think it’s important that if you’re not in that situation, you probably need to find something else. Life can be what you make of it. You have to stay strong, stay true to yourself, smile and be kind. Kindness will show its way back to you.”

821-1880

INSPIRATION

Rebecca Pittillo is inspiring. Has compassion. Is extraordinarily devoted to helping Arkansans. She understands the diverse need throughout our state and is instrumental in helping make an impact through community-based organizations with support from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas. Knowing an individual life has been improved because of a school-based program, a behavioral health effort, or a maternal-child health initiative that the foundation has funded, reminds her that there is nothing she would rather do than take good care of people.

We are happy to have her at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and proud that others recognize what we see daily – that Rebecca Pittillo’s inspirational compassion helps make her a 2022 Arkansas Power Woman.

821-2933

Erin Laine

Manager, Head of Sales & Merchandising Cecil’s Fine Jewelry

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

I had zero sales experience, and it was terrifying. Prior to Cecil’s, I worked in orthopedics as a surgical coordinator at UAMS. I credit my organizational, customer service and problem solving skills to one of my favorite people in the world, Hazel Leslie, RN. She taught me how to “adult” and gave me the confidence to branch out and join my family business.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

The customers, hands down. I cannot stress enough how wonderful it is to wake up and look forward to my job. I get to play with beautiful, extravagant jewels all day and talk to intriguing people. There aren’t many fields in which you get to be a small part of some of the most pivotal moments/memories in people’s lives –engagements, weddings and babies, just to name a few. Even when our cherished customers lose loved ones, we are here to help them take care of their most prized possessions.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Listen and watch. I soaked up everything I could and hit the ground running.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

My family. Retail life is rough. My children know that weekends, late nights, and days off are few and far between in the jewelry world. I might as well be a missing person in the month of December. They all chip in and make our crazy life work –especially my husband, Scott. I cannot even begin to say all that he does for me and our kids, so I will stick with, “Thank you, and I love you more!”

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My assistant manager, best friend and sister-in-law, Lindsey Reynolds. She is my right-hand woman. I don’t know what I would do here without her. She is a new mother, and she’s dealing with the craziness of Cecil’s while balancing home life and a beautiful baby girl. This business wouldn’t run without her.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

I don’t. I hope someday I can have some personal time, but we are so fortunate to be busy. Right now, I am focused on giving the best possible customer experience for the present and for years to come.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

Just like every other business during the pandemic, we’ve been crazy busy and exhausted. We are trying to give everyone our undivided attention at the store so they can all have the red-carpet treatment. Taking care of all customers without making people wait can be challenging, so we appreciate everyone being so patient and friendly. Again, this boils down to our awesome customers.

STEPHANIE ALDERDICE

President, SixtyOne Celsius

Stephanie Alderdice is president and primary shareholder of SixtyOne Celsius, a full service, full-stack creative communications agency headquartered in Hot Springs. She has served on the boards of the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation, the Hot Springs National Park Rotary Club and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. She is excited to join the Friends of KLRE/KUAR Board in 2023. Alderdice is also a member of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Arkansas Class XIV, the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Hot Springs Fifty for the Future, among others. Alderice holds a master’s in communication from Eastern Michigan University. As a national championship coach with the Western Kentucky University Forensics Team, she was honored with being named a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

SUSAN ALTRUI Director, Little Rock Zoo

Susan Altrui is the director of the Little Rock Zoo, an organization committed to inspiring people to value and conserve our natural world. The Zoo is one of Arkansas’s largest family attractions and an important destination for recreation and tourism. As the director, Altrui guides the care of more than 400 animals, ensures that the Zoo maintains its accreditation with the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and directs the overall strategic vision of the organization. Under Altrui’s leadership, the Little Rock Zoo has more than doubled its annual revenue earnings and tripled its fundraising efforts with the Arkansas Zoological Foundation, a non-profit raising funds for the growth and development of the Zoo. Altrui helped secure the largest private gift in the Zoo’s history and most recently led an effort to secure a $12 million dollar bond for new capital investment in the Zoo.

JADE ANUSZEK

Co-founder and President, Arkansas Solar Power, Inc.

SARAH BAILEY

Principal Broker/Owner, Bailey & Company Real Estate

Real estate is Sarah Bailey’s passion, and she loves working with her clients to list and sell their homes. She began her real estate career in 2003 as an agent and became a managing broker in 2006. Now as founder, owner and principal broker of Bailey & Company Real Estate, she is helping a new generation of successful agents accomplish even more while staying front and center with the industry’s latest innovations. Bailey & Company Real Estate is building a real estate brokerage that consists of knowledgeable agents with multiple years of experience. Bailey enjoys helping agents master contracts as well as information and systems that create a smooth buying and selling process for both clients and agents.

BECKY BARNES CAMPBELL

Founder, Campbell Ward

Prior to establishing Campbell Ward, Becky Barnes Campbell was director of operations at Noble Strategies, a full-service public affairs firm that represented Fortune 500 companies, federal and state associations, universities, and other businesses. She also served as chief of staff to Arkansas First Lady Ginger Beebe, working as her scheduler, community liaison and media coordinator, while also championing the First Lady’s causes. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Campbell loves to promote Arkansas, follow and discuss politics and spend time with smart, funny people. She is very involved at Epoch Church, serves as a board member for the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and sits on the Multi-Purpose Civic Center Facilities Board for Simmons Bank Arena. Campbell enjoys volunteering with the Downtown Little Rock Partnership and many other worthy causes.

Candice Lawrence

Vice President of Programs & Partnerships for the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas; Executive Director of Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

Doing my best starts with thinking my best. Your thoughts empower your actions, which in turn generate your results. To achieve this, I start and end each day with a mantra I say in front of a mirror. In the morning, it includes bullet points such as: “Winning is contagious. When I help others win, I win too.” In the evening, I celebrate the day’s successes and give myself grace for the great work remaining to be tackled the next day. By choosing thoughts that generate positive actions, I am being very intentional about what I feed my mind.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Know that momentum is messy, and feeling uncomfortable is just a sign that your old comfort zone is having a hard time keeping up with you.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

Being appointed to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board by Gov. Asa Hutchinson was a huge honor and one I don’t take lightly. I am also passionate about the work Junior Achievement of Arkansas is doing, and I am proud to serve on their Central Board of Directors.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

The jury is still out on this one! Tips are welcome.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

The biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome is myself. Once I realized that fear of failure was keeping me from achieving my dreams, my entire outlook changed. Fear is a debilitating illusion, and I refuse to give it power. That hasn’t always been the case.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/WATCHING/LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

Reading: “Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking” by Jon Acuff.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love serving Arkansas. I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the state’s finest. Currently, I am proud to lead AEDCE, an association made up of the state’s economic developers and chamber of commerce professionals. These are the individuals working to make Arkansas more competitive by bringing industry and jobs to the state. The way they create a quality of place within our communities seems effortless, but it’s not. It’s a tall order, and they do it well. It’s an honor to serve them as their executive director. As vice president of programs and partnerships of the State Chamber/AIA, I am able to impact change in a way I never thought possible. I really do have a dream job.

Elizabeth McLaughlin

EVP of Sales, Westrock Coffee Company

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

God’s grace, a strong work ethic, and the support of my friends and family.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

The people! I absolutely love our team and our customers.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

My advice to a young woman starting her career would be the same as my advice to anyone starting their career. It is crucial to pay attention, do the work, and stay engaged. Treat everyone as you would want to be treated.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

From a professional standpoint, in 2019, our team at Westrock Coffee opened a school in Rwanda to celebrate 10 years of partnership in the country. We built the Mwito pre-primary school in a western province of Rwanda (with views of Lake Kivu and Congo DR), capable of serving 320 students. That school is adjacent to an existing one with more than 600 students where Westrock has invested in providing continuous access to clean water. The ribbon cutting and opening day will forever be one of my favorite days. It symbolized the work by our teams in Arkansas and Rwanda to engage and support our farmer partners and their families. We still support the school, teachers and students, and I hope to visit them again soon.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

The concept of a “work/life balance” is an elusive myth. I hear others, especially women, working to define that balance, and it is often a self-defeating scenario. For me, it has been about focusing on being “where my feet are” and being fully present where I am. There have been times, especially when I had my marketing research firm or when we were just starting Westrock Coffee, when work took priority, but I try to ensure family takes a more frequent priority. I realize time with my son (a junior in high school) is diminishing, and I do not want to miss a moment.

WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING RIGHT NOW?

“Yellowstone.” I’m also looking forward to “Ted Lasso” coming back and seeing “Where the Crawdads Sing.”

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

“Bad news isn’t wine. It doesn’t improve with age.” – Colin Powell.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My mom grew up with humble beginnings where she learned early on the value of a hard-earned dollar. While her family did not have a lot, they were held together by the bond of family, faith and a good old-fashioned hard day’s work. After high school, she went directly into the workforce to earn a living. While I have certainly admired other women who juggle entrepreneurship or corporate roles, none can ever match my mom, who continues to be the biggest inspiration in my life.

NATALIE BARTHOLOMEW

Community President in Northwest Arkansas, First Community Bank

Natalie Bartholomew, a career banker with 21 years of experience in the industry, is the community president in Northwest Arkansas for First Community Bank. Bartholomew has a passion for philanthropy and sits on various boards and committees that serve the Northwest Arkansas region. She was recognized in the 2018 Women In Business list, 2022 Arkansas Money & Politics Women in Banking and the 2022 Intriguing Women list in About You magazine. She was recently presented with the Young Alumni Award for the Department of Agricultural Business and Economics at the University of Arkansas at the 10th Annual Distinguished Alumnus of the Year event. Her podcast, The Girl Banker, has been featured in American Banker, the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal, the ABA Bank Marketing newsletter, and a variety of financial industry newsletters since its launch.

KATIE BECK

CEO, Arkansas Hospitality Association

Katie Beck recently celebrated her oneyear anniversary as chief executive officer of the Arkansas Hospitality Association (AHA). Beck and the AHA team are the voice of the hospitality industry, representing restaurants, lodging, travel and tourism businesses. Previously the Arkansas native served six years in the administration of Gov. Asa Hutchinson in a variety of roles that have prepared her well as the face of the industry before the Arkansas General Assembly, the state’s Congressional delegation, government agencies and other stakeholders. Prior to joining the association, Beck worked as Communications Director for Gov. Hutchinson and represented his office in Washington D.C. Beck, a graduate of the University of Arkansas and the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, works with her team and AHA members to set the future of hospitality in Arkansas.

GEORGEANN BOLTON

Founder, G.A. Bolt Roofing Georgeann Bolton is owner of G. A. Bolt Roofing LLC. With 30 years of small business experience, she moved her focus to roofing. Georgeann is also a licensed insurance agent. While selling insurance, she met a roofing contractor that encouraged her to use her talent in the roofing industry. Bolton worked as a project manager for two and a half years learning every aspects of residential roofing. Once she had learned the business and created a tremendous referral base, she ventured into her third business startup in 30 years, G. A. Bolt Roofing LLC.

JUDY BOREHAM DAWSON, PHD

Member of Board of Directors, The Degen Foundation Ft. Smith

BROOKE BROLO

Agent, Allstate Insurance

LISA BRUMLEY

Vice President, Arvest Bank

Lisa Brumley has served on the Heart of Arkansas United Way board since 2016. In her time on the board, Brumley has served as a member of the Community Investment Committee, the founding chair of Women United, and a member of the Executive Committee. Brumley’s commitment to United Way and to strengthening the education, financial stability and health of everyone in our community has led her to be a longtime leadership giver and a driver behind successful Arvest Bank United Way campaigns. Lisa is a senior private banker and vice president at Arvest Bank, where she manages comprehensive client relationships with broad-based needs for many financial solutions. She has been recognized as a top-producing private banker for four years, serving high-net-worth individuals and commercial clients, including physicians, dentists and business executives.

Callie Parks

Associate Vice President of Hospital Operations at Baptist Health Medical CenterNorth Little Rock

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

I have always focused on cultivating relationships and building trust with those around me. I think this is critical no matter what industry you are in. Many of the successful people I know have a team of people around them who support and invest in them.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

My mom was a nurse. When I was younger, I would spend the summer volunteering at the hospital where she worked. I loved the complexity of hospitals. I developed an interest in business, and it just made sense that this is where I would end up. I did an administrative fellowship with Baptist Health, and I’ve never looked back.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

In hospital leadership, we get the unique opportunity to take care of people in our community who may be experiencing the worst day of their lives. I get the opportunity to work with a team of physicians, nurses and other clinical and business leaders to solve complex problems. Every day is different, but the focus remains the same: getting our patients back to their healthiest and happiest selves.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Be welcoming of new opportunities. The times when I have been challenged the most, and grown as a result, were the times when I took on unexpected opportunities.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

We are making a big investment in behavioral health services at our North Little Rock campus, and I’m proud to help lead those projects. We are building a new outpatient clinic and a new 22-bed inpatient unit. This will bring much-needed behavioral health services to our community.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

My dad passed away in January, and it was very difficult. I never thought I’d lose a parent while still in my 20s. There is really nothing that prepares you for that. I’m thankful for the people who supported my family and me during that time and still support us today.

IS THERE ANOTHER "POWER WOMAN" IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Dawn Prasifka is a close friend and mentor of mine. We met in the Work Matters program and have been connected ever since. She flawlessly balances being a successful CEO, wife and mother, and

she is always true to herself. Her energy and spirit for life are contagious. She’s definitely someone I look up to!

WHAT ARE YOU READING/WATCHING/LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

Watching: “The Crown.”

Reading: “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE? “For our own success to be real, it must contribute to the success of others.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

arcf.org

LEGACY-BUILDING IS MY FOUNDATION

Congratulations Ashley on being selected as an Arkansas Money & Politics Power Woman. Thank you for your commitment to improving Arkansas communities through philanthropy.

Ashley Coldiron Chief Development Officer

Rebecca Pittillo

Executive Director, Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas

WHAT’S

YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by amazing leaders who challenged me and gave me opportunities for growth. I also embrace a quote by Rory Vaden: “Success is never owned, it is rented, and the rent is due every day.”

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Through the Blue & You Foundation, I have the opportunity to hear stories from community-based organizations and occasionally see firsthand the impact our funding is having on Arkansans. There are so many needs across our state and people who are truly suffering, so when I see an individual life that has been improved because of a school-based program, a behavioral health effort or a maternal child health initiative that our foundation has funded, it reminds me that there is nothing I would rather do.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Be willing to walk through the doors that open for you. Remember that listening is the most important communication skill, but when you have something to say, make sure it is heard – even if you must say it more than once. It’s okay to fail; just own it, learn from it and move on. Support, build up and celebrate other women.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

Being a part of the $5.3 million commitment the Blue & You Foundation made to improving behavioral health care in the state of Arkansas.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

Running has been a part of my life for over 20 years. Its purpose has shifted from training for 5K races, to training for marathons, to training for triathlons, to running for my health and mental wellbeing. It is a big part of my life, and so are the people I train with on those early morning runs. I also enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors, whether it’s in my backyard working in my rose garden or hiking in a different country. Being outdoors each day is very important to me; sometimes that just means walking the block around the downtown Arkansas Blue Cross building to breathe in the fresh air.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/WATCHING/LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

“Love is the Way” by Bishop Michael Curry.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

On October 13, 2020, my husband and I lost our 16-year-old son, Isaac, to suicide. Our lives were completely shattered, and our world stopped. Our careers did not stop, and the need to continue getting up every day was real. This was more than an obstacle in life: it was the loss of my precious only child. But I did get up, I did move forward, and I found my purpose in the mission of Arkansas Blue Cross and the Blue & You Foundation to improve behavioral health in the state of Arkansas. I continue to push forward every day knowing we are making a difference and saving lives through the education and behavioral health projects we support.

LISA BUEHLER

VP of Sales and Marketing, Allegra and Image 360

Lisa Buehler has been part of the marketing, graphics, and visual communications industry since 1991. Buehler provides leadership and oversight for both the Allegra and Image360 — Little Rock brands. Buehler is also active in the community, chairing the board for the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and serving on the board of Women & Children First.

AMY CHARPENTIER Director of Implementation, Apptegy

Amy Charpentier has served as the director of implementation at Apptegy since 2020. Charpentier received a bachelor’s degree in political science and French at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, before going on to complete a master’s degree in education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to joining Apptegy, Charpentier taught and served as the chief academic officer at KIPP Delta Collegiate High School. Charpentier was awarded the KIPP Delta Public Schools’ “Beyond Z” award, as well as the Helena World’s “Best of” in education.

SUSAN CHRISTIAN

Vice President of Marketing and Federal Advocacy, Ritter Communications

Ritter Communications has grown from serving one community to becoming a regional telecom power player, serving four states and over 46,000 customers. Susan Christian, vice president of marketing and federal advocacy, has been a major part of the team positioning the telecom for its ongoing success. She is the driving force behind all of the company’s communications and advertising initiatives and manages a full menu of technology services and solutions for Ritter’s business and residential markets. Christian ensures Ritter Communications has a voice in Washington, D.C. with lawmakers, governmental regulatory agencies and trade associations while advocating for key public policy positions affecting the telecom industry. Prior to joining Ritter, Christian served in marketing leadership positions in Arkansas and Texas, and in 2018 was named Independent Marketing Executive of the Year by Cablefax, a leading industry media outlet. She dedicates time to supporting her community, serving on the executive committee of the board of BRIDGES, a

Memphis nonprofit dedicated to transforming young people into community leaders.

KIM CLATWORTHY

Owner, Elder Independence

Kim Clatworthy is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and studied under Teepa Snow. Clatworthy believes every life is precious, and she considers the time she gets to spend with those in need of home care, including the time she spends with their families, to be a privilege and an honor. Clatworthy’s superpower is her heart; she is an old soul and caring for people comes naturally to her. She always knows the way to help a family and provides information for those resources, even when the best option may not be in-home care.

JENNIFER COBB

Senior Vice President and Executive Director, City Year Little Rock

Jennifer Cobb is an authentic, energetic, data-driven leader with more than 20 years of diverse experience in health care and nonprofit communications, fundraising and marketing. A storyteller at heart, Cobb serves as senior vice president and executive director of City Year Little Rock. She leads a team of 11 staff members supporting up to 45 AmeriCorps members who’ve committed to a year of service as student success coaches in Little Rock public schools. Prior to joining City Year, Cobb served in leadership roles in fundraising and communications at UAMS Institutional Advancement, Arkansas Children’s Foundation, Arkansas Business Publishing Group, and at various nonprofits in Montgomery.

Cobb graduated with a degree in English from Rhodes College.

ASHLEY COLDIRON Chief Development Officer, Arkansas Community Foundation

Ashley Coldiron serves as chief development officer for Arkansas Community Foundation. Previously, Coldiron has been senior director of development for Heifer International, senior vice president of major and planned gifts for Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation and executive director of the CARTI Foundation. She also spent eight years as a capital campaign consultant for various Arkansas charities prior to joining Arkansas Community Foundation. She was a member of the

Paula Rader

President and CEO, United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

Hard work and perseverance. Being empathetic and respectful. The most important skill I have learned is how to listen.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

I was raised in Conway, which is the home of the largest Human Development Center in the state. As a child, I saw what happened to children with disabilities. I wanted to use my career to make a difference and help others have real lives in the community of their choice.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Almost daily, I get to interact with people who are living life to the fullest, making their own choices and doing activities that make them happy. I also get to work with people who have the same dream.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Dream big. Stand on your own two feet. Hold yourself accountable, but be open to opportunities. Work hard and believe that what you do can make a difference!

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

My parents provided an upbringing that allowed me to believe I could be and do whatever I chose. My father taught me how to relate to people no matter how differently they were raised than me. I have a very supportive husband, Michael, and a handful of lifetime friendships that keep me grounded. Our 17-year-old dog, Willoughby, is one of my biggest fans.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

I have had a few very painful obstacles to overcome, but I do believe that whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I’m living proof.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My first job in my field was at Goodwill Industries in the early 1980’s. Doris Bell was the Vice President. She taught me how to be fair and to listen to every side of the story (because there are always at least three).

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?

Reading is my escape into other lives and worlds. I have just started “The Last Chairlift’’ by John Irving. He never disappoints.

Susan Reynolds

Vice President and Sales Associate, The Janet Jones Company

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

My mother has always said to be kind, no matter the circumstance, and to use the Golden Rule as our guiding philosophy. Her generosity of spirit inspires me.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

Growing up in the world of real estate, my sister and I would often go with Janet to show a home or hold an open house. I started working at The Janet Jones Company when I was in high school, and I got my real estate license at 18.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I always loved real estate because it is an opportunity to help people. Owning a home is the American dream, and I like being a part of that dream.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

My advice to a young woman is the same as my advice to anyone: Success doesn’t always happen right away, especially not without hard work and dedication.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

I’m most proud of raising two daughters to be kind, caring and contributing members of society. I’m also proud of working alongside my mother at The Janet Jones Company – which she started in 1980 and grew into the best real estate company in Little Rock.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

In real estate, you can be working every minute of the day, in or out of the office. Traveling, playing tennis and spending time with my family are all hobbies that keep me balanced.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My ultimate inspiration has always been my mother, Janet Jones.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/WATCHING/LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

Reading: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. Listening: “Midnights” by Taylor Swift.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

“To whom much is given, much shall be required.” - Luke 12:48.

Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XV in 2000. Her master’s degree in business administration was earned at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1997, and she graduated from Centenary College of Louisiana with a Bachelor of Science in business in 1989.

JACQUELYN COMPTON Owner, The Pizzeria

Born and raised in Little Rock, Jacquelyn Compton has always loved to host friend and family gatherings. Her career is an extension of that passion. After two years of culinary training in Mexico, Compton moved to New York to continue her education at the Culinary Institute of America. In 2002, she returned to Little Rock and began a 12-year catering and event planning adventure that has culminated in her current establishment, The Pizzeria in the Heights. The Pizzeria opened its doors in October of 2014 and is a classic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzeria. Compton strives to apply old world techniques utilizing both imported and local ingredients. The Pizzeria’s Bar Program, paired with a rotating monthly dessert menu, is unrivaled and extremely unique for the region. Hospitality is Compton’s passion, and The Pizzeria sets the stage to create and serve guests every night of the week -- entertaining is culinary artistry at its finest.

CINDY CONGER Wealth Manager/Founder, Conger Wealth Management

Cindy Conger’s leadership in financial planning began in 1985 when she partnered with another investment professional to found one of the first firms in Arkansas to be registered with the SEC as a Registered Investment Advisor in Little Rock. Conger’s professional work at the time included preparing tax returns as a CPA, and developing and implementing investment allocations for individuals and institutions.

KAYLEE CREED

Owner, CK Agency

CK Agency is a local Allstate agency owned and operated by Kaylee Creed. Creed has been in the insurance field for nearly a decade and takes great pride in protecting the most important thing in your world now and for years to come. When at the office, Creed can be found doing anything from helping with a claim to taking payments. She always has heart and passion when it comes to fighting the good fight. With Creed and her

team behind the scenes, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got someone in your corner.

MELISSA CRUISE

Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Development, HP Engineering, Inc.

KRISTI CRUM

CEO, Rock Dental Brands

As CEO of Rock Dental Brands, Kristi Crum oversees an organization with 102 affiliate dental clinics across Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama and Florida. Prior to joining Rock Dental Brands in 2019, Crum spent 17 years successfully climbing the ranks at Verizon, the largest telecom company in the United States, ultimately holding numerous executivelevel positions including president of the South Central Region, as well as vice president of marketing and distribution strategy. Crum is a North Little Rock native and earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Hendrix College in Conway.

KANIKA DAVIS

National Outreach and Education Specialist, USDA Outreach Specialist

MELISSA DAWSON

President & Chief Executive Officer, Centers for Youth and Families, Inc.

Melissa Dawson is President & Chief Executive Officer of Centers for Youth and Families, Inc. (“The Centers”). Prior to being named CEO in 2017 Melissa has held the position of chief operations officer as well as various roles since 1994. In her role as CEO, Melissa leads a team of 300 employees working towards The Centers’ mission of meeting the unique and evolving needs of individuals by providing comprehensive, integrated care that promotes physical, emotional and social wellness for all. Melissa received a bachelor’s and a master’s of Public Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She serves as a board member of the Arkansas Council for Behavioral Health and is a member of the federal Administration for Children and Families Region VI Human Trafficking Work Group.

Errin Stanger

Director of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub at Winrock International

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

My definition of success is being filled with joy and being able to share that joy with others. My secret is thanking God for the joy He provides daily. If I do not start my day with scripture and prayer, it is not a good day. Trust me, or just ask my husband!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love seeing the power of inspiration and innovation to transform lives. I also love how that power can lead to incredible relationships, careers and impacts. I get a chance to meet so many different types of people, and I stand in awe at their creativity and talent. I love sharing our mission with the world and seeing individuals realize the potential inside of them. I work with a happy, dedicated team that leads with compassion and knowledge daily.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Trust God, and then get out of your own way. I am amazed at the barriers we can put up around ourselves. You must believe in yourself. Challenges and failure will occur, but how you face those challenges is what’s critical. Women need other successful women around them. I believe in the power of mentorship and friendships rooted in faith.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

I could paint a rosy picture of only working 40 hours a week and not taking work home, but that would be a bold-faced lie. My husband is my stop sign, and he really helps me slow down and focus on family when I am home. I also do triathlons and run marathons. I pray while I work out, and it is such a special quiet time for me. My current goal is to create more white space in between meetings so that I can take time to process and think before the next one.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

Grief has been an obstacle that I was unprepared for early in my life. When I lost my sister, I was 27 years old and devastated. Thankfully, a friend introduced me to GriefShare, which is a fantastic program to help you face and overcome your grief. I used those same principles again when my mom passed away two years ago. Grief can be a tricky, slippery slope, and it is important to handle yourself with love and care.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My mom. She was headstrong, loved deeply, was brilliant in every sense of the word and a constant force of love and protection. I have her picture in my offices at work and at home, and I often look at them when I am making large decisions. I pray her strength and tenacity stays with me throughout my life.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/WATCHING/LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

Reading: “The Spirituality of Fundraising” by Henri Nouwen and “Love Does” by Bob Goff . Watching: “Yellowstone.”

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE? “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela.

KERRIE DIAZ

CEO, Snyder Environmental

Kerrie Diaz is the current CEO of Snyder Environmental, an industry leader in environmental remediation throughout the mid-south. As CEO, Diaz chairs Snyder Environmental’s ongoing success and growth initiatives across all channels and market sectors. She provides organizational leadership and supports sustainable growth initiatives throughout the company’s footprint. She provides ongoing evaluation of the overall strength and profitability through key company metrics. Diaz is a lifelong resident of Central Arkansas and is active in BOMA of Greater Little Rock, the Little Rock Chamber and Rotary Club 99. She is an alumni of the University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas State Chamber’s Leadership Arkansas Class XIII.

ANNE MARIE DORAMUS

Vice President, Sales and Special Projects, Arkansas Bolt Co.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioner Anne Marie Doramus has achieved quite a few accomplishments that belie her young age. She’s currently a member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and serves on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show, as well as serving on the board of the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation. Doramus is one of the youngest ever appointed to a full 7-year term on the AGFC and the first female commissioner. She’s also a founding member of the Arkansas Outdoor Society, a group for young adults passionate about conservation and the outdoors in Arkansas.

Doramus has seen firsthand the impact that the AGFC has on Arkansas. Growing up, her father passed on his love for the outdoors, and that is what she intends to do in her role as a commissioner. She believes passing the torch of conservation is essential to uphold The Natural State’s reputation of being an outdoors paradise — not just for the sports involving hooks and bullets, but also for the hikers, bikers, paddlers and bird watchers.

SUE EMRY

Executive Vice President, Envirotech Vehicles (EVTV)

Sue Emry is the executive vice president of Envirotech Vehicles (EVTV), a transportation-industry-leading provider and manufacturer of purpose-built, all-electric, zero-emission vehicles. With more than 30 years of experience in the transportation, vehicle manufacturing and financial industries, Emry joined the company in 2017 and continues to play an integral role in EVTV’s operations, including its efforts to establish a manufacturing facility in the United States, as well as managing the receipt of new vehicles from overseas manufacturers. She has served as controller of EVTV since April 2021. Prior to that, she served as the director, president, chief financial officer and secretary of Envirotech Drive Systems, Inc. (“Drive Systems”).

Originally from Long Beach, California, Emry has received the Quickbooks ProAdvisor Elite certification and was recognized by the Arkansas Secretary of State for the notable achievements and contributions she had made to the state with the Arkansas Traveler Award.

REBECCA ESTEP

Grants & Policy Director, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas

KAREN FETZER

Club Executive Secretary, Little Rock Rotary

JILL FLAXMAN, M.D.

Practice Founder and Owner, Natural State Pain

C. ANN FLEMING CEO, Fleming Electric

ISABEL

GAMARRA

Director of Communications, Northwest Arkansas Council Workforce Housing Center

Isabel Gammarra serves as the director of communications and advocacy for the Northwest Arkansas Council Workforce Housing Center, where she manages the center’s brand, external communications and community outreach efforts. Gamarra is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with more than 12 years of experience working in public affairs, corporate communications and marketing. She began her career in crisis communication working with international oil and mining

Jodiane Tritt, JD

Executive Vice President, Arkansas Hospital Association

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

My mantra has always been that what I lack in talent, I will make up for in work ethic. My parents set a wonderful example of service and instilled in me and my siblings that the best work you can do is to use your talents and gifts to benefit others.

HOW

DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

I was a biology, chemistry and math nerd at Hendrix College, but I chose to go to law school instead of medical school. I worked in a variety of health care environments while going to law school in the evenings. I loved my time at each job, but I really enjoyed serving Arkansans who needed assistance with services that the health department offered and working with members of the legislature on public health issues. I was sort of the liaison among Arkansans, members of the legislature, other health care advocates and the public health professionals at ADH. All of those experiences led me to the Arkansas Hospital Association, where I get to use all of my education and experience to help create and advocate for policies that positively impact health care in Arkansas.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? ?

I am blessed to be in a position to get to advocate for Arkansas’ hospitals, the health care professionals who make them great and –most importantly – the patients, families and communities whom our hospitals serve. I also sincerely appreciate getting to work with – and be a trusted resource for – elected officials.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

Professionally, I’m most proud of working with all of the stakeholders involved to help Arkansas expand Medicaid coverage to Arkansans who earn less than 138% of the federal poverty level (in 2022, that’s $18,754 annually).

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

My husband, Jamie, and I are definitely a team as we work together to raise our three children and balance executive-level careers. We have a wonderful family support system, too. My mother-in-law is especially helpful to our household. She lives close to the high school and makes sure all the required athletic uniforms are clean and no one is hungry when Jamie and I are unable to do it all.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

I’m not sure I have overcome it, but one of the biggest obstacles I face is guilt. I feel guilty when I am working and missing family activities, and I feel guilty when I am participating in family things and not giving 100% of my attention to my career. That’s especially challenging in times like these, when we have hospitals across the state who are truly hurting financially and having to make hard trade-offs to keep their doors open.

Stephanie Alderdice

President, SixtyOne

Celsius

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

I’m both relationship-oriented and results-driven. I want clients who visit SixtyOne Celsius to know we’re invested in helping their businesses grow and succeed, but it doesn’t happen immediately. It is a process. It requires time, trust, open communication and a willingness to experiment, learn and adapt.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD? I went to work for Kirby & Company, a communications agency owned by Arkansas advertising veteran Kirby Williams. Two years later, I had the opportunity to purchase the agency.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? SixtyOne Celsius works heavily with small and mid-sized businesses, nonprofit organizations and community initiatives across various industries and fields. I have an amazing team of full-stack creatives who bring an eye for design, wit and strategy to every project they touch.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS? My proudest accomplishment is the over $75 million in community improvement funds we’ve helped to acquire for Garland County and the City of Hot Springs through our work with various ballot-initiative campaigns.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My mom, Lynn Patterson, who passed away in February 2020 after a 10-year battle with cancer. She taught me to be resilient and optimistic while facing the inevitable difficulties of life.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE? “Be curious, not judgmental.”

Leading the way.

Simmons Bank congratulates Tina Groves on being named to the prestigious Arkansas Money & Politics’ 2022 Power Women list. Her leadership and teamwork help move your business and our community forward.

For more than 100 years, we’ve worked hard to meet each of our customers’ unique needs. Everything from buying a home, starting a business or simply having the ability to manage your money safely and securely, anywhere you happen to be.

Find your local branch at simmonsbank.com/locations

Katie Beck

CEO, Arkansas Hospitality Association (AHA)

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

I’ve always surrounded myself with quality, high-achieving people.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

I was fortunate to serve in Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s administration for over six years in various roles, including communications director and spokesperson during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was during this time that I saw the hospitality industry’s ability to pivot and effectively respond almost overnight. One of the things that inspired me each day was not only the industry’s resiliency, but the way these businesses came together for the good of their employees, patrons and communities.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? The impact we can make on the lives of Arkansans. Hospitality is an industry that brings joy and happiness to people every single day, and being able to represent and work with industry professionals is truly an honor. This year in September, we reached a record 124,000 jobs in tourism and hospitality in Arkansas. As the state’s second largest industry, our members play a vital role in the lives of Arkansans and visitors to our state.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Prepare, anticipate, pay attention, and never underestimate the power of building strong relationships.

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?

“Leadership in Turbulent Times” by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

“It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

DRIVING EXCELLENCE

We are proud to celebrate, Susan Christian as an exceptional leader in our organization and industry. Susan embodies our Right by You pledge with her unwaivering dedication to our customers, employees, and the communities we serve.

As a company dedicated to excellence, we congratulate Susan for this recognition and for her accomplishments throughout her career.

companies, and has served as a communications consultant for aviation, banking, real estate and technology firms. She spent more than seven years of her career working in higher education, specifically in community relations, where she worked to build mutually beneficial partnerships and increase university ties to the local community. Originally from La Paz, Bolivia, Gamarra earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s in public administration from Florida International University, and she can speak and write in Spanish fluently.

ANNA BETH GORMAN

Chief Executive Officer, Women’s Foundation of Arkansas

MELISSA GRAHAM, MD

Allergy & Asthma Specialist, Advanced Allergy & Asthma

TINA GROVES

EVP and Chief Risk Officer, Simmons First National Corporation

Tina Groves serves as EVP and chief risk officer at Simmons First National Corporation. With more than 28 years of experience, Groves manages mergers and acquisitions for the Bank, engaging a variety of resources to create a cohesive process; mitigating risk and capturing value; and overseeing risk management, regulatory and consumer affairs and vendor management. A Certified Public Accountant, she has internal and external audit, accounting and general risk management experience. Prior to joining Simmons Bank, Groves was a risk management/internal audit consultant for Simmons Bank.

LAURICE A. HACHEM President, Hachem Investments

Laurice A. Hachem operates her privately-held real estate investment company with offices in Bentonville, Arkansas and Tampa, Florida. Hachem moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2017 and began creating an economic impact for the area through her real estate ventures. Hachem is also a philanthropist who contributes to organizations including the United States Marshals Museum Foundation, the American Red Cross, the UIC Neurosurgeon Fellowship Program, the Boys & Girls Club of America and Mercy Hospital of Arkansas. In addition to being the Chairwoman of the United States Marshals Museum Foundation located in Fort Smith, Hachem sits on the board of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation in Tampa.

SHANNON HEARD

Associate Director of Executive Education, Sam M. Walton College of Business

Shannon Heard currently serves as the associate director of executive education at the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business. Heard is responsible for the execution and delivery of executive education programs at Walton College at 2nd & Main in downtown Little Rock. Prior to joining Walton College Executive Education, Heard was the program manager for the Arkansas Academy for Educational Equity and residency program coordinator at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Heard earned her Bachelor of Arts in economics and music from Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. She holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in organizational communication from the Reynolds College of Business at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Heard currently serves on the board for Our House, Inc. and Junior League of Little Rock as marketing vice president.

JESSICA HEFLEY

Christian Life Coach

Jessica Hefley helps leaders make more money by unlocking resistance around worth and wealth. She didn’t let growing up lower/middle class and being an introvert from a small town hold her back. In just 11 months, she reached the highest rank in her network marketing company, has been featured in Success From Home magazine and has remained a top-earning millionaire for over five years with Plexus Worldwide.

She has since launched a #1 podcast in the Self Improvement category called “You’re Worth It” and has gone on to use her skills as a certified speaker, trainer and coach on the John Maxwell Team as well as her training in spiritual direction and christian life coaching to offer a truly unique 6-month leadership experience through her flagship coaching program, Leading Ladies.

LAUREN HENDRIX, M.D. Arkansas Urology

Lisa Buehler

Owner,

Allegra Print & Imaging of Arkansas, Inc. and Image360

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

My husband and I wanted to start our own business, and while we both had an abundance of background in the hospitality industry, we decided we wanted to do something new. The printing and sign industry isn’t all that different – it’s all about customer service and relationships.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? It’s a creative industry, and while we do the same type of thing every day, every project is different. Taking care of our clients and learning about their businesses is what I enjoy the best. I’ve always told anyone that asks: when it stops being fun, it’s time to find something else to do. Thirty-two years later, it’s still fun.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE? Work hard; play harder.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME? This industry has changed so much since we opened in 1991. Keeping up with changing technology is probably the most challenging.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Susan Altrui is incredible. Watching her overcome challenges to make the Little Rock Zoo a beautiful place to visit, learn and be inspired always makes me smile.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/WATCHING/LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? “The Culture Code” by Daniel Coyle.

LISA HERSCHBACH, PH.D.

Executive Director of Community Relations, Thaden School

Lisa Herschbach, Ph.D., is a leader in the development of world-class academic programs and educational opportunities for students from high school through college and beyond that advance access and equity and promote life-long learning. Herschbach leads school-wide efforts to demonstrate and celebrate the quality, value, and impact of a Thaden School education on the advancement of the greater Northwest Arkansas region. Prior to her work at Thaden, Herschbach served as the director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Princeton. Before arriving at Princeton, Herschbach spent several years on the faculty of the Federated History Department at NJIT/Rutgers, where she created a new graduate program in science studies that served primarily adult learners and working professionals. Herschbach holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history, philosophy and women’s studies from Stanford University and a doctoral degree in the history of science from Harvard University. She has served on the non-profit boards of the Friends of the Bentonville Public Library and Latinas en Bici.

MAGGIE HOGAN

Chief Financial Officer, Kelley Commercial Partners

Maggie Hogan joined Kelley Commercial Partners in 2006 as a property manager. Soon after, she earned the designation of certified property manager and has gained invaluable experience managing both commercial and residential properties, including HPRs. In 2018, she assumed the role of chief financial officer and serves as secretary/treasurer of the corporation. Hogan leads the accounting department, remains the asset manager on several properties for the firm, and provides support to the property management teams through cash flow planning, analyzing properties’ financial strengths and weaknesses and capital budgeting planning. The firm now manages approximately 8.1 million square feet with a full staff of property managers and a facilities services team.

LAUREN HOOVER, JD

Co-founder and Attorney, LaCerra, Dickson, Hoover, & Rogers PLLC

Before establishing LaCerra, Dickson, Hoover, & Rogers, PLLC with her partners in 2016, Hoover was a partner at the law firm of Hilburn, Calhoon, Harper, Pruniski, & Calhoun, Ltd. in North Little Rock. Hoover’s practice consists of a wide variety of litigation. Hoover is from North Little Rock and graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock. Hoover holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Louisiana State University. Hoover graduated from the UALR Bowen School of Law and was admitted to the bar in 2006. She is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association and Pulaski County Bar Association. She currently serves as secretary on the Board of Directors for the Pulaski County Bar Foundation and is a graduate of the 2012 Arkansas Bar Association Leadership Academy.

ANGIE HOPKINS Partner, Frost PLLC and Valuation and Litigation Services

As a forensic accountant, Angie Hopkins uses techniques to “follow the money” in suspected incidents of fraud, asset theft and embezzlement, among other areas. The investigation is not all about crunching the numbers but also includes conducting interviews and reviewing documents. Ultimately, the premise is to provide the results in a court of law.

Hopkins has worked on investigations ranging from $25,000 to over $25 million, testifying in both state and federal courts. She also uses many of these techniques in other matters, such as calculations of damages in commercial litigation matters and preparation of business valuations related to estate and gift planning and shareholder disputes. Hopkins has also been appointed to act as a special master analyzing claims in a $45 million court settlement, an examiner in U.S. Bankruptcy Court and a receiver by various courts. A native of Arkansas, Hopkins is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University.

JOHNELLE HUNT

Co-founder, J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.

Becky Barnes Campbell

Partner, Campbell Ward

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

Let’s be honest: There’s no secret. Work hard, set boundaries, get a therapist, learn from mistakes, apologize when necessary, love your people, and celebrate every success – with champagne.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I get to meet really interesting people and help tell their stories. Small talk isn’t my favorite, but my job allows me to dive in and get to the core of an issue before putting a plan in place. Every plan includes approximately 27 spreadsheets, and spreadsheets are the way to my heart.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Take the risk! The worst that can happen is you need to do it again or try something else. This was a hard lesson for me to learn as an extremely type-A, risk-averse person. The majority of my career wasn’t planned, but that has been the best part.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU? My grandmothers and my mother are strong and inspiring in a multitude of ways. I have had the luxury of working for and with some incredible women who have mentored, challenged and supported me. I do not deserve my friends, but I’m so glad they are in my life. They make me laugh, tell me to chill, encourage me and know when and how to celebrate.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/WATCHING/LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

Reading: “The Last Housewife” by Ashley Winstead. Watching: Season two of “White Lotus.” Listening: The podcasts “Buried Bones,” “Smartless” and “My Favorite Murder,” along with blasting ῾90s hip-hop, The Highwomen and The Avett Brothers.

Photo by Katie Childs

Jennifer Cobb

Senior

Vice President

City Year Little Rock

and

Executive Director,

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

I like to consider myself a storyteller who can clarify complicated topics through language. It’s one of the reasons I’m passionate about educational equity. If we can help children read fluently, speak clearly and write concisely, the sky’s the limit for what they can achieve.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

I parlayed my liberal arts education and English degree into strategic communications and later fundraising. I’m at my best and most fulfilled when serving a nonprofit mission.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Do the inner work required to know yourself, your values and your boundaries.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

I had the privilege of serving on the fundraising team that raised more than $80 million to build Arkansas Children’s Northwest. Last spring, I was also honored to help City Year Little Rock host its first Red Jacket Luncheon, an event that brought together more than 250 advocates to advance educational equity for the students and schools we serve.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

In 2019, I decided to quit drinking. Recovery has given me the clarity and compassion to lead, create and collaborate in ways I never thought possible.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/WATCHING/LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Reading: “The Body is Not an Apology” by Sonya Renee Taylor Watching: “Shantaram” and the third season of “See,” both on AppleTV+ Listening: “Take It Like a Man” by Amanda Shires.

Valerie Moring, Healthcare/Cybersecurity Lead

Amy Langston, Director of Talent Management

Amy Charpentier

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

Education technology was a surprise pandemic change. After 18 years in education, I decided to interview for roles outside of my field to see what options might be available. Apptegy offered me an incredible opportunity to move into education technology.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I love the people! On Monday mornings, I am excited to be at work with my colleagues and direct reports, as well as our clients.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

There are two pieces I’d offer. First, be willing to dig into opportunities that may not totally align with your role or your training. I’ve learned so much from being a part of cross-functional teams and being open to new opportunities that I wasn’t sure I was ready to do. Second, build relationships at work. I have had very close work relationships across my 20 years of professional work. Those relationships have sustained me professionally and personally. My closest friends started as work colleagues. My connections have helped open doors to new roles, opportunities and resources.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

“The noise doesn’t go away, but the most successful people I know have figured out how to live with it, to lean on the people who believe in them, and to push onward with their goals.” - Michelle Obama.

Congratulations

KIRBY JETT

VP Business Development officer, Signature Bank of Arkansas

Kirby Jett is the VP business development officer for Signature Bank of Arkansas’ home office in Fayetteville. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s of bcience degree in hospitality, general foods and nutrition. Jett is actively engaged with the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, where she has served on the board of directors, as a diplomat, graduated from Leadership Fayetteville, and is a member of the Leadership LINK Alumni committee. She is an enthusiastic volunteer with the Children’s Safety Center, where she is head of the annual Dream Big Gala Committee. She has spent countless hours as a fundraising volunteer for causes such as the Fayetteville Order of Police, Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

JANICE KEATING, M.D.

Neurologist, Mercy Clinic Neurology - Fort Smith

STEPHANIE KEET

President of Marketing, JTJ Restaurants,

LLC

Little Rock native Stephanie Keet is the president of marketing for JTJ Restaurants, LLC. Keet and her team handle marketing and advertising for restaurants, including Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, Petit & Keet, Cypress Social, Waldo’s Chicken & Beer and Big Bad Breakfast. Keet also volunteers for organizations like the Children’s Tumor Foundation, ACCESS and the Children’s Advocacy Center. Keet obtained her bachelor’s degree in applied communication from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

ANNETTE KING

SVP of Marketing in Northwest Arkansas, First Security Bank

Annette King has built a career at First Security Bank out of a passion for connecting people with financial solutions that will help make life better for them. She joined the team shortly after graduating from Arkansas State University with a bachelor’s of science degree in journalism and public relations. She developed a genuine passion for community banking and continued her educa-

tion at the School of Bank Marketing and Management. King believes in First Security and feels that telling the bank’s story allows customers to connect with a brand they can believe in, too. Now the senior vice president of marketing in Northwest Arkansas, she works with a collaborative team to build the bank’s brand, actively deploy representatives in the community to make a difference and supports others in developing solid relationships with customers.

ASHLEY KNIGHT

Chief Operating Officer, Harvest Group

LAURA LABAY

Commercial & Residential Realtor, eXp Realty

ERIN LAINE

Store Manager, Cecil’s Fine Jewelry

Erin Laine is the manager and head of sales and merchandising at Cecil’s Fine Jewelry. Laine transitioned into the family business in 2009 to work with her mother, and Cecil’s Fine Jewelry owner, Becky Whelan. Prior to joining Cecil’s, Laine worked as a surgical coordinator in orthopedics at UAMS. Laine is committed to upholding the Cecil’s brand and giving customers the best possible experience.

AMY LANGSTON

Director of Talent Management, Edafio Technology Partners

Amy Langston, CSP, CPC, joined Edafio Technology Partners as the director of talent management in March 2022 to support the growing need for qualified talent to meet business demands. A resident of Arkansas for over 30 years, Langston has over 15 years of recruiting, operations and sales leadership, with the last 12 years serving in a managerial or director-level role. She oversees talent management, including diverse recruitment and additional training programs to bring competitive internships and certified apprenticeship programs to Edafio.

KATIE LANING NIEBAUM

President, Delta Solar

Cindy Conger, CPA/PFS,CFP

Wealth Manager, Conger Wealth Management

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

I went back to college at 28. I finished my undergraduate degree and a master’s degree to be sure I had the knowledge I would need to succeed. Once I started the company along with my business partner, I didn’t allow failure as an option. I did without in my personal life to make sure that the company would have enough money to continue. It all paid off, and I am happy to say that I will retire next year.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

I initially thought I would be a CPA in public practice. However, public accounting firms wouldn’t consider me because I had young children and couldn’t travel. When I answered an ad for someone interested in financial planning, I talked with one of my professors, Dr. Ashvin Vibhaker, who thought I had the right skill set and would like it. It was a new field, so we had to figure it out as we went along, but I loved the work.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

I was inducted into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame this year. To be among women whom I have admired throughout my career is such an honor.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

When I started as a financial planner, there were very few women in it. In the late 1980s, I would go to conferences and be one of 10 women at a conference with 200 men. While I was a 50% owner in our company – meaning I put up 50% of the money to start it –men would assume I was not a producing partner. They would say to my partner, “Have your girl call my office.” It wasn’t a great way to make an impression on either of us!

WHAT ARE YOU READING/WATCHING/LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

Reading: “The Boys from Biloxi” by John Grisham.

Rachel Parker Harding

Congratulations on being recognized as one of AMP’s 2022 Power Women.

You are an inspiration not only to everyone you meet and those you work with but also to your family and friends.

We love you - Linda and Rush Harding

POWER WOMEN

Kaylee Creed

Exclusive Agency Owner, CK Agency

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

The one thing that comes to mind when I think of success is my support system. In every area of my life – family, friends, work colleagues, and the team within the agency and beyond – every single person is part of my success.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love the opportunity to make a difference. Over the years, I’ve seen and experienced the difference your insurance and your agent can make.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Do it scared. Don’t overthink it. Someone else’s opinion of you is just that: theirs. It belongs to them alone. Be kind to yourself. Everyone is doing the best they can and learning along the way.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD? A conversation with my best friend and business partner, Courtney Seguin. Our youngest children attended daycare together. From there, we formed a friendship that turned into working together in the insurance field. Along with a lot of planning and drive, that relationship turned into the CK Agency.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

Professionally, I am most proud of earning one of the top spots in the state as an elite performing agency while still in the early stages of ownership. In my personal world, the accomplishment I’m most proud of is my family; they are the real MVPs.

Anne Marie Doramus

VP of Special Projects and Sales for Arkansas Bolt Company; Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioner

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

I think the most important advice is to listen, learn and to always be yourself.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Just like in life, you’re not going to please everybody. As long as you’re doing what you’re passionate about, the path forward might be hard, but you can pave it.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

The list goes on with the women who inspire me. That goes back to another secret to success: Surround yourself with a multitude of different people, and you’ll learn so much from each and every one of them.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/WATCHING/LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

Reading: “The Palace Papers” by Tina Brown. Watching: “Yellowstone.” Listening to: The Arkansas Game and Fish podcast.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE?

My grandfather, Harry Hastings, has always said, “The most important thing you own is your name.” Even when you think no one’s watching, they are.

CANDICE LAWRENCE

Vice President of Programs & Partnerships for the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas; Executive Director, Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE)

Candice Lawrence is the vice president of programs & partnerships for the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, as well as the executive director of Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE). Prior to joining the state chamber team, Lawrence served as the communications representative, visitor’s services manager and community outreach coordinator for Caterpillar Inc.’s North Little Rock facility. She received her Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from the University of Arkansas.

REBEKAH LEE, DVM

Doubletree Veterinary Clinic

Rebekah Lee, DVM knew from an early age that her mission was to take her love of animals and build a life dedicating herself to providing the best healthcare possible to them. She currently practices as an associate veterinarian at Doubletree Veterinary Clinic in Little Rock. Her primary focus is on small animals, but Lee enjoys the variety of mixed animal practice. Her professional interests include surgery, dental health and dermatology. She loves interacting with clients and educating them on their pet’s wellness. Lee continually researches the latest advances in veterinary medicine, striving to always provide excellent medical care for her patients. She graduated from LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 2017. Lee served as a member of the 2018 ArVMA Power of 5 leadership program.

ALANA LEIVA

Co-owner, Leivas Coffee

MARY LEWIS

Owner and CEO, Lewis Contractors

Mary Lewis is the owner and CEO of Lewis Contractors, a residential and commercial construction company. Lewis has built many West Little Rock homes, and she also played a role in the construction of the 16,000-square-foot UALR Wrestling Center. She is currently developing an 80-acre residential neighborhood in Searcy, with 20 three-to-five acre homesites. Lewis graduated from Harding University with a bachelor’s degree in dietetics.

SARAH LOFTIN

Chief Nursing Officer, Arkansas Surgical Hospital

Sarah Loftin is the chief nursing officer at Arkansas Surgical Hospital (ASH) in North Little Rock. In this role, Loftin provides clinical and administrative leadership for planning, directing and evaluating patient care. She serves as the advocate for all other nurses and helps develop processes to ensure patients experience high-quality, five-star care. Early in her career, Loftin worked on a specialty unit at Baptist Health caring for cardiac and kidney patients. She joined Arkansas Surgical Hospital in 2014 as a staff nurse in the pre-operative department, becoming the clinical coordinator for that department in 2016. She was promoted to director of quality services and risk management in 2017. Loftin received her nursing degree from Baptist Health Schools. She was a 2018 recipient of the AR Center for Nursing Top 40 Nurse Leaders under 40.

ANGELICA LUNA ROGERS

Agent, Coldwell Banker RPM Group CHRIS

MCCREIGHT

Communications Director, Girls Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas

Maggie Hogan

CFO of Kelley Commercial Partners

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

Perseverance is high on the list, along with always being willing to ask questions. People make mistakes because they are not willing to stop and ask questions. Asking questions is a sign of intelligence, not weakness.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD? It was a chance meeting — I was looking for a new career path and ran into someone that worked for the company. She remembered my background in construction and as a former CFO. The company was looking for a property manager with an accounting background, and I fit the bill.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Have a strong work ethic and dogged determination. Both will serve you well.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE? It is much easier now than it was in my 30s with young children. It took me a while to understand how important self care is. I work hard, but I also take time for myself. I love to travel and try to make sure that there is a boondoggle planned around the corner.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME? I started in the highway construction business working in a man’s world, so early on, I had to learn to set boundaries while not taking myself too seriously. It is a good lesson in general. I am pretty laid-back as a leader — determined, but laid-back.

Lauren Hoover

Attorney Lacerra, Dickson, Hoover & Rogers

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

Naps are OK, but never ever quit.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

The real story is my mom had “Perry Mason,” “Law & Order,” and a little “Murphy Brown” on television all the time. My parents did not tell me “no,” or they knew early on that telling me “no” would do them no good. I’m grateful to them both for supporting me.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? Other than being in a courtroom, the best part of my job is watching a client go from having their head down and shoulders folded over in defeat to head up with a little hitch in their step.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Don’t take the bait. Let them underestimate you, and then make them pay, all day, every day, and twice on Sundays.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

My single proudest professional accomplishment is the establishment of LaCerra, Dickson, Hoover & Rogers, PLLC in 2016 with my partners.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

I basically don’t, the first thing that is needed is to have a husband that always has your back like I have. But there are four things that help: Be an owner; go to your kids’ games; Diet Cokes; and cuss a lot.

Electrifying Leadership

Congratulations to our executive vice president, Sue Emry, on being named to the AMP Power Women list. Your leadership and oversight of our operations in Arkansas and across the U.S. are helping drive our company forward as we electrify communities across the country.

Envirotech Vehicles is proud to be headquartered in Osceola, Arkansas. Our purpose-built, zero-emission, all-electric solutions are addressing the challenges of traditional fuel pricing instability and helping fleet operators unlock the benefits of green technology.

NASDAQ: EVTV

Sue Emry Executive Vice President

POWER WOMEN

Stephanie Keet

President of Marketing, JTJ Restaurants, LLC

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

I believe success is where preparation and opportunity meet. The journey is just as important as the outcome.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Say yes to opportunities, have an open mind, and don’t fall into the trap of “It’s not my job.” Some of my greatest lessons and talents have come from areas where I unexpectedly learned something new.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I believe you are the company you keep, so I surround myself with many “power women” who inspire, challenge and motivate me to become the best version of myself.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/WATCHING/LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

Each year I average about 20 audiobooks of numerous genres. I’m currently reading “The One Year Bible,” and I hope to finish it by the end of the year.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE?

I can quote pretty much every line of the movie “What About Bob?”

There’s No Masking Our Success

The Arkansas Health Care Association would like to congratulate the inaugural graduates from the certified medication assistant program at Arkansas Tech University in Ozark, in partnership with Methodist Village Senior Living in Fort Smith. Designed to address the growing need for medication assistants at long‑term care facilities, this program aims to reduce medical staffing issues and promote better patient care.

The program is not only valuable to its participants, but it’s also a crucial way to increase the quality of patient care we provide at our long-term care facilities.

ELIZABETH MCLAUGHLIN

EVP of Sales, Westrock Coffee

Elizabeth McLaughlin currently serves as the executive vice president of sales for Westrock Coffee Company, where she oversees the development of new product portfolios and relationships for the largest retail chains in the world. Over the last several years, McLaughlin served as Westrock Coffee’s group president of sales, marketing, and client services. She was instrumental in building the company’s retail and private label manufacturing business, as well as leading the company’s sustainability initiatives, product development and quality assurance programs. Prior to joining Westrock Coffee, Elizabeth owned and served as chief operating officer of SIR Research, a consumer marketing research firm in Richmond, Virginia. She previously worked as the vice president of sales and marketing at PBM Products, a private label consumer products company. She began her career in 1996 at Alltel Corporation.

TABITHA MCNULTY, JD Appellate Attorney, Arkansas Commission for Parent Counsel

Tabitha McNulty, JD began her legal career in 2005 as a trial attorney handling child-welfare cases for the Arkansas Department of Human Services. She transitioned to handling appeals for the agency in 2008. In 2015, she moved to the Arkansas Public Defender Commission Dependency-Neglect Appellate division, now a division within the Arkansas Commission for Parent Counsel, and began representing indigent parents on appeal within child-welfare cases. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and received her law degree from the Bowen School of Law in Little Rock. She serves on the board of the Central Arkansas Boys and Girls Club and is currently serving as the President of the Junior League of Little Rock as it continues to celebrate its centennial anniversary.

JUDY R. MCREYNOLDS

Chairman, President and CEO, ArcBest

Judy R. McReynolds is the chairman, president and chief executive officer of ArcBest. Under her visionary leadership, ArcBest has evolved into a multibilliondollar integrated logistics company leading the way with cutting-edge technology and customized solutions that help keep the global supply chain moving.

McReynolds guides ArcBest with over 30 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry, including 25 years with the company. Building on ArcBest’s nearly 100-year legacy, she has been the driving force behind diversifying the company into a logistics powerhouse with a full suite of modern logistics solutions that meet customers’ supply chain needs. McReynolds’s experience, combined with her commitment to serving customers well, providing the best atmosphere for employees and conducting business in a way that helps build a safer, more sustainable company and world, has made ArcBest a leader in the logistics industry and a pillar in the communities where it operates.

ELIZABETH MICHAEL

Co-owner, Bark Bar

JENNIFER MOORE, PH.D.

Founding Dean, Arkansas Colleges of Health Education School of Occupational Therapy

Jennifer Moore, Ph.D. is the founding Dean of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education School of Occupational Therapy. As an occupational therapist herself, she is an advocate of occupational engagement for all people. She is one of the founders of the Acting Creates Therapeutic Success program, which allows individuals of all abilities and opportunities to engage in the arts. In her academic role, Moore is passionate about creating learning experiences that simulate real-world scenarios and help students realize the fulfillment that comes from serving others through occupational therapy. Her teaching, scholarship and service interests focus on occupationbased and community programming, leadership, advocacy and professionalism. She has been recognized for her significant contributions to her profession, and was awarded the designation of Fellow. Moore holds degrees in occupational therapy, including a Ph.D. from Texas Woman’s University.

Arkansas Money & Politics Power Women 2022

Congratulations

Jacquelyn Compton

We are dedicated to serving the best food and beverages made with the highest quality ingredients and spirits we can find. We believe Quality and Exceptional service are the fundamental principles of hospitality.

Mary Lewis

Owner and CEO, Lewis Contractors

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Take the leap and work hard every day. Always be honest. You don’t have to say everything you know, but when you do speak, make sure you are telling the truth.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

I am most proud of my sons. Everything I do is to enrich their lives and leave them a legacy.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK LIFE BALANCE?

I don’t. I do everything, 24/7. My subs and clients can call me anytime, and if my family has a need in the middle of the day, I’m there for them.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

The greatest obstacle was the 2007 market disaster that destroyed my business. I had to completely rebuild, all while raising children and supporting a family.

IS THERE ANOTHER POWER WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Liz Howell, a realtor in Searcy, is an amazing woman who gets more accomplished than anyone I know, all with a calm voice and a smile on her face.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6.

4910 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR, 72207 501. 551.1388

Sarah Loftin, RN, CMSRN Chief Nursing Officer at Arkansas Surgical Hospital

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

I have known since I was a little girl that I would be caring for people in some capacity as a career. My grandmother was a nursing assistant, and my mom was a nurse, so I have been around health care my whole life. It was a natural choice for me.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Health care can be a very difficult field, but it is also incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to watch the progression of our patients. Oftentimes, patients arrive in the worst pain of their lives. Following a procedure – sometimes as soon as they are awake enough to have a conversation – their quality of life is already better, because their pain has improved. There is nothing better than watching the great outcomes our patients experience each and every day.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

I try to be where I am: If I am working, I put my focus on work. If I am at home or at a function with my kids and family, then I do my best to be present with them in that moment.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My late mother-in-law, Cindy Loftin. She was my friend, my mentor and my confidant. While my husband, then boyfriend, was overseas, I lived with Cindy and my father-inlaw, Doug. I didn’t know it at the time, but she was preparing me for a life as a Loftin. Everyone knew her high standards and expectations. She was amazing.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE? “You might encounter many defeats, but you must never be defeated.” – Maya Angelou.

with us. Bank Better.

When you bank with First Security, you’re choosing real support. For you, and for the state. That’s because our bank is your community bank. So friends, families and fellow Arkansans find better solutions together. It’s another way First Security helps Arkansas bank better –and it’s why you should call on us today.

Judy R. McReynolds

Chairman, President and CEO of ArcBest

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO SUCCESS?

There’s power in listening — to a mentor, to customers, to our employees. It’s the best path to decision-making. It also allows you to get to the root of an issue and uncover ways to adapt and grow.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Find a workplace that shares your values and where employees can be trusted to do the right things. Remember that change is good and often necessary for growth. Trust your instincts, but be open to taking risks.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

Diversifying our company so we could fully support the way businesses operate in a world that’s constantly changing. Building on our nearly 100-year legacy, in 2016, we introduced a broad portfolio of logistics solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Through our integrated approach, we help shippers overcome a myriad of supply chain challenges.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME?

When I stepped into the role of CEO in 2010, ArcBest was still coming out of the Great Recession. Over the last decade, we’ve weathered changes in the industry, the economy and an unprecedented pandemic. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to withstand challenges and become a multibillion-dollar logistics company offering a full suite of supply chain solutions.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My mother. She is strong and sets out to accomplish what is most important to her. She is also a servant at heart.

VALERIE MORING

Healthcare/Cybersecurity Lead, Edafio Technology Partners

Valerie Moring, joined Edafio Technology Partners as the cybersecurity and healthcare consulting team lead in 2017 to support professionals navigating cybersecurity consulting, health care delivery, policy improvement and quality payment programs for all payers. Above all, her passion is to bring quality-based, metric-driven, patient-centric, secure and affordable healthcare to the region.

A resident of Arkansas, Moring has over 26 years of health care and cybersecurity experience, with the last twelve years in managerial roles leading the corporate cybersecurity and healthcare consulting teams. Moring manages the expanding portfolio of healthcare and cybersecurity services, from security risk assessments and information security program management to regulatory compliance consulting, innovative quality payment programs and much more.

LASHAWNDA NOEL

CEO/Superintendent, Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools

LaShawnDa Noel is the chief executive officer andsuperintendent of Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools, which has campuses in Pine Bluff, Jacksonville and North Little Rock. Noel has previously served in a variety of roles in education, including for the national charter management organization Lighthouse Academies. In 2022, she oversaw the separation of ALCS from Lighthouse Academies and transitioned into her current role. Noel holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.

MARTIE NORTH

SVP and Director of Community Development and Engagement in Emerging Markets, Cadence Bank

HEATHER

NELSON Co-founder and President, Seal Solar

MIGUEL NEWBERG Owner, M.N.’ Teriors

EMILY NEWMAN

Senior Communications Manager, Crystal Bridges and the Momentary

LAURA NICK

Communications Director, Garver

As Garver’s communications director, Laura Nick leads the in-house communications team charged with branding, strategic marketing and internal and external communications. Since joining the firm in 2011, she created the firm’s competitive recruitment program and developed the company’s employee-driven charitable giving program. In 2019, she led her team in developing and executing the Garver Chain Reaction Challenge, a year-long initiative celebrating the firm’s 100th year. The campaign, centered around STEM kit and monetary donations to elementary schools across the country, earned a 2020 PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence and the Best of Show Award in the SMPS National Marketing Communications Awards. Nick also values building connections within her community particularly through Rotary Club 99 and the North Little Rock Chamber and serves on the Arkansas State University College of Communications Advocacy Council.

Martie North is a senior vice president and director of community development and engagement in emerging markets at Cadence Bank. North has spent nearly 30 years in the community development and financial services industry, supporting small businesses, working on commercial lending, mortgage and management information systems, to name a few. She is a graduate of Harding University and a proud Arkansan.

KILA OWENS-MONTGOMERY

President, St. Bernards Foundation

RACHEL PARKER HARDING

Parker Lexus, Parker Luxury Group

Rachel Parker Harding began to work for her family’s dealerships, Parker Luxury Group, shortly after getting married. Harding’s grandfather, Leger Parker, started the Parker Luxury Group with Parker Cadillac in 1967. While settling into married life, Harding worked for Parker Audi of Little Rock and Parker Cadillac as a Receptionist before moving into the position of internet sales assistant. She then took on a sales and leasing consultant position with Parker Lexus. While being at home with her two boys, Harding maintained vehicle internet photos for the dealerships and monthly employee newsletters

POWER WOMEN

Laura Nick

Communications Director, Garver

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD?

My first job post-college was recruiting teachers to rural Arkansas schools. I loved connecting candidates to employers, and I still do! Eventually, recruiting led me to Garver to start our recruitment program.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love collaborating with the best creatives in the business to create new and engaging ways to sell the Garver brand – both internally and externally – every single day.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Build your network, and then use it. One of my strongest networks originated from my Methodist church camp days.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS? Running the NYC Half Marathon is one of my most memorable personal accomplishments. Distance running tends to be about conquering individual goals, but I wouldn’t have accomplished the challenges of that race without my best friend running step-by-step with me. This experience reinforced to me that individual goals can’t always be accomplished without the support of a team.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

Striving for an even work/life balance isn’t my goal, primarily because I love what I do and love doing it all the time. I am a proponent of work flexibility and having the option to shift my energy to what needs it the most at that time, whether that’s for family or work priorities.

WHAT ARE YOU READING/WATCHING/LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Reading: “Win Forever” by Pete Carroll. Lately, I’ve been exploring the philosophies of some of football’s best coaches and seeing how those can be applied off the field.

Libbi Dixon Whitehurst

Chief

People Officer, First Orion

WHAT DO YOU LOVE BEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love creating an environment where people can be successful and find enjoyment in their work. At First Orion, we strive to create positive employee experiences at every stage of the employee life cycle.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN STARTING HER CAREER?

Figure out what brings you joy, then find a way to weave that into your work. As the adage goes, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Also, find a mentor to help guide you along the way.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

It may seem simplistic, but it’s about regularly reviewing your priorities and being intentional about what must get done today. Knowing what can be moved to tomorrow is essential. In addition, you must periodically recharge through time off with family and friends. Find time to ensure moments of laughter each day. My moments come through the people I spend time with – in and out of the office – and by not taking myself too seriously.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My former leader, Cindy Childers. Cindy gave me multiple stretch opportunities over the years, resulting in new strengths, capabilities and diverse experiences. Cindy is a great coach and one of the most emotionally intelligent leaders I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. She continues to be my mentor to this day and a dear, close friend.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE?

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller.

but spent the majority of her available time volunteering in the community and serving on boards of several local nonprofit organizations. For years, she spent most of her time with Women & Children First, Easterseals Arkansas, Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Arkansas Children’s Tumor Foundation, among others. Additionally, Harding enrolled in the National Automobile Dealer Association (NADA) Dealer Academy in Tysons, Virginia, where she graduated in November 2021.

CALLIE PARKS

Associate Vice President-Hospital Operations, Baptist Health Medical Center-North Little Rock

Callie Parks is the associate vice president of hospital operations for Baptist Health Medical Center — North Little Rock. In this role, she is responsible for the operations of all ancillary and support services for the 225-bed facility. Prior to her role in North Little Rock, she served as an associate vice president for the Baptist Health Medical Group and was responsible for clinic operations and a number of ambulatory initiatives. Most recently, she served as the interim vice president of operations for Baptist Health’s Western Region, which includes Baptist Health’s Fort Smith & Van Buren hospitals. Parks earned her Bachelor of Science in biology at the University of Central Arkansas and Master of Health Administration at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is a member of the Medical Group Management Association and American College of Healthcare Executives.

CARRIE PHILLIPS, ED.D.

Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

REBECCA PITTILLO

Executive Director, Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas

Rebecca Pittillo is the executive director of the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas and assists with the philanthropic giving program of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Pittillo joined Arkansas Blue Cross in 2018, and she has worked with regional teams in Hot Springs, Pine Bluff and Texarkana. For the first 21 years of her career, she worked at Jefferson Regional in Pine Bluff in several leadership positions. She was the executive director of the Jefferson Regional Foundation, served as a member of the Jefferson Regional Senior Leadership Committee and had oversight of all internal and external communication for the organization. Pittillo currently

serves on the boards of Southeast Arkansas College, the Arkansas Community Foundation-Pine Bluff Chapter and the United Way of Southeast Arkansas. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

ALLYSON PITTMAN GATTIN Public Relations Director, Peacock Agency

ELIZABETH PULLEY

Executive Director, Children Advocacy Centers of Arkansas

PAULA RADER

President and CEO, United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas

Paula Rader completed her undergraduate studies at Hendrix College and obtained a master’s degree in special education with an emphasis in supported employment from UALR. Rader started working at United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas in 1992 as an ACS waiver supervisor and flourished quickly to other leadership roles. In 1993 she took on the role of the Project STAR adoption grant manager. Here, she spent five years directing all grant activities, focusing on recruiting parents for children with special needs and providing specialized training for service providers in conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Children and Family Services about the special issues adopted children face in their daily lives. She became compliance/program administrator in 2002, eventually being promoted to chief program officer. After 24 years with UCP of Arkansas, Rader became president and chief executive officer in 2016.

VICTORIA RAMIREZ

Executive Director, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

SUSAN REYNOLDS

Vice President, The Janet Jones Company

Susan Reynolds is one of the top real estate agents in Little Rock and has been in the real estate business for over 20 years. Reynolds’ goal is to make her clients happy by providing them with the highest level of service, professionalism and integrity in the real estate industry. Most of her business comes from personal referrals. She is a Little Rock native with extensive knowledge of local schools, churches, organizations and our beautiful community. With an enthusiastic and energetic attitude, Reynolds strives to provide such incredible service in order for her clients to have a wonderful real estate experience.

JULIE

ROBINSON, PH.D.

Associate Professor and Leadership Specialist, Cooperative Extension Service

Julie Robinson, PH.D. is an associate professor and leadership specialist in the Community, Professional, and Economic Development Department at the Cooperative Extension Service. Robinson, a Greenbrier native, earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture business in 2005 from Arkansas State University and two years later earned a Master of Science in agricultural economics from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She earned a doctorate in human and community resource development from The Ohio State University in 2013. Robinson has been working in the areas of leadership, employee development, program planning and strategic planning for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture since 2013. Robinson is the director of LeadAR, Arkansas’ longest-serving leadership development program, in which participants travel the state taking part in issue-based discussions, skill-building exercises and hands-on activities with fellow LeadAR class members. Since 1984, 19 classes and more than 500 alumni have completed the LeadAR program.

KRISTEN SAFFA Philanthropist

ERRIN STANGER

Director, The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub at Winrock International

Errin Stanger is the director of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, Arkansas’ first makerspace and home to Winrock International’s Headquarters. She has graduate degrees in biology and urban studies from Rhodes College, along with more than 20 years of experience in urban planning, fundraising, public relations, community development, event coordination and STEAM educational programming. She is the producer of the North Little Rock Maker Faire and the proud host of the Make48 North Little Rock competition held in 2022.

Prior to joining The Innovation Hub in mid-2014, Stanger was involved with the planning team for the Argenta Downtown Revitalization project. She has served on the State Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson and represented the Kauffman Foundation as a community organizer of North Little Rock for Global Entrepreneurship Week.

BARBARA SUGGS

Senior Sales Coordinator, B&G Foods, Inc.

CHARLEY SWANN

Managing Partner, James, House, Swann & Downing PA.

TORI TISDALE MOREHART

McClard’s & DownHome Catering Tori Tisdale Morehart started DownHome Restaurant and Catering in 2003 on Lawson Road in a small brick building. She began catering to doctors’ offices, pharmaceutical representatives and small area businesses. The business continued to grow, and she eventually bought the former Grampa’s Catfish building on Stagecoach Road in 2015. The restaurant and the catering business continued to grow and flourish. While COVID-19 hurt everyone in the restaurant and catering industry, the pandemic taught Morehart that her customers are more than business partners: they’re family. She shares that loyal customers helped them survive the pandemic. Morehart became a part of McClard’s BBQ in August of 2022 and rebranded as McClard’s & DownHome Catering. This rebranding is a combination of the iconic, 94-year-old McClard’s BBQ and great southern-style home cooking. Morehart believes that it’s not work when you love what you do and love the people you do it for.

KAREN TREVINO

President & CEO, North Little Rock CVB

JODIANE TRITT, JD Executive Vice President, Arkansas Hospital Association

Jodiane Tritt, JD has served as the executive vice president of the Arkansas Hospital Association (AHA) since 2018. Tritt joined the AHA executive team as vice president of government relations in 2010. Tritt previously served as executive director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Research (now known as the Translation Research Institute) at UAMS. Prior to that position, she was director of community support for the Arkansas Department of Health. She is a past president of the Arkansas Society of Association Executives; a past president of the Arkansas Society of Professional Lobbyists; a member of the South Central Telehealth Resource Center Advisory Council; and on

the Advisory Board of the UAMS College of Public Health. She is also a past chair of the State Association of Government Relations Officials for the American Hospital Association. She is a graduate of Hendrix College and holds a JD from William H. Bowen School of Law.

LIBBI DIXON WHITEHURST Chief People Officer, First Orion

Libbi Dixon Whitehurst serves as the chief people officer at First Orion, a global telecommunications solutions provider transforming the phone call experience through branded communication. She has more than 30 years of experience leading human resources and people operations. Before First Orion, Whitehurst held several leadership positions at Acxiom, including vice president of human resources. In her six years at First Orion, she has built an award-winning workplace culture recognized by Great Place to Work for seven consecutive years and featured in the 2022 Inc. Best Workplaces list.

SHELLY YORK

Franchisee, Miracle Ear, Inc.

Shannon Heard

Tabitha McNulty

LAW MAN, FAMILY MAN

By Katie Zakrzewski

Will Jones is the Little Rock-based Sixth Judicial District’s newest elected prosecutor, taking over for Larry Jegley who’s stepping into retirement.

Originally from Murfreesboro, Jones graduated from Henderson State University in 1998 and from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 2001. After serving as deputy prosecutor in Crawford County, Jones started work in the Pulaski County Prosecutor’s office in May 2001.

“After 11 years, I went to work for Attorney General Dustin McDaniel to run the newly formed Cyber Crimes Unit, where I worked for seven years before moving to Pine Bluff to be Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the 11 West Judicial District,” Jones said.

Jones’ wife, Paula Juels Jones, is a district judge and longtime tennis player. The two have been married for 17 years and have two children, Caroline and Collier. Jones is just as engaged in his kids’ extracurricular activities as he is in the law.

“Our kids are very active in sports,” he said. “They both play tennis, and Collier plays baseball and football as well. I’ve had the privilege of helping coach Collier’s team for the past few years. Our family enjoys fishing and the outdoors when we can get the time, but we have to work hard to find the time with our busy schedules.”

To everything else, Jones added campaigning to his workload, defeating public defender Alicia “Lisa” Walton at the polls in November.

“I believe we ran a good race,” he said. “I’ve been working hard for this community for the better part of 20 years, so I feel like all of those longstanding relationships and families I’ve served helped us win this election. I’m incredibly humbled by the outpouring of support.”

Jones won with 30,033 votes in his favor, totaling 53.34%. Walton received 26,270 votes, totaling 46.66%.

Jones said no matter how taxing the election season, the real work is only beginning. He outlined some of the priorities he has in his new role serving Pulaski and Perry counties.

“Two things seem to be keeping me up the most at night: the COVID backlog and the overwhelming number of homicides and violent crime in our community,” he said. “Each year, the prosecutor files approximately 5,000 felony cases. Because of COVID, courts were hesitant to conduct jury trials in 2020 and 2021. As a result, very few cases were resolved, causing the caseload for each deputy prosecutor to increase dramatically, with some deputy prosecutors hav-

ing over 700 cases.

“Additionally, since Jan. 1, 2019, there have been over 180 homicides in Little Rock alone. With such an increase in caseloads and violent crime, we need someone with a long record of prosecuting complex cases and holding people accountable.”

Over his career, Jones has tried more than 140 jury cases, many of which were homicides or crimes against children. Not surprisingly, this shaped his campaign messaging and now guides his first steps in his new role. He’s on record emphasizing the importance of implementing intervention and rehabilitation in addition to ensuring juveniles get the support they need in order to be strong, responsible adults.

“We need to take a tougher stance on the illegal possession of weapons. If we can prevent illegal gun possession, we can greatly reduce the amount of violent crime in our community,” Jones said in an earlier interview .

Asked what he took from the election process, Jones said he is gratified to have received so much support and pledged to live up to the faith shown to him in the polls by fighting for equal justice for all under the law.

“Most of my career has been spent working on child abuse, sexual assault, rape and homicide cases. I’ve had many tearful conversations with victims and families, discussing the worst day of their lives and the misery left behind,” he said. “Having the chance to bring some sense of justice and closure is an enormous responsibility, and I have been fortunate to have had that opportunity.

“We will continue to do what we believe is right and will work with anyone to make our community safer.”

Will Jones is ready to tackle crime in Arkansas’s sixth Judicial District

“We will continue to do what we believe is right and will work with anyone to make our community safer.”

RAZORBACK WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Starts Season Strong, Undefeated, Ranks in AP Poll

In a Dec. 5 news release from the University of Arkansas Athletic Department, it was announced the women’s Razorback basketball team cracked into the AP Top 25 Poll for the first time this season. The women’s basketball program came in at No. 21 in the poll, the first time the U of A has found itself in the top 25 since the 2020-2021 season.

Led by head coach Mike Neighbors, the squad is among 15 undefeated teams in the country, having reeled off 10 wins. Virginia and Stanford also had 10 wins at the time of the rankings, the most among NCAA Division I programs.

The Razorbacks started its season with a 70-50 win over University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and rolled through the next nine games essentially unchallenged since. The team is has defeated its first 10 opponents by average margin of 22.2 points, and out-rebounded them by an average of 8 rebounds per game.

The Hogs’ list of fallen foes includes Central Arkansas (72-34), Tulsa (79-70), Kent State (80-59), University of Arkansas at Little Rock (93-49), Northern Arizona (82-73), Clemson (76-62) and Kansas State (69-53).

With wins over Troy (87-70) and Oral Roberts (92-58) the Razorbacks are off to the best start to a season, since 2013. The team has won half of its contests at home, two on the road and three in neutral gyms.

With conference play right around the corner, the team appears to be hitting on all cylinders, averaging 80 points and 46.2 rebounds per game.

The roster is stacked with talent, including Erynn Barnum who has scored an average of 15.8 points per game and Samara Spencer, who led the team in scoring in the Troy and Oral Roberts games, including a 32-point career high in the latter contest. Spencer is also the team’s assist leader, with 45 as of Dec. 5. Barnum and Saylor Poffenbarger lead the team in rebounding

with an average of 7.6 caroms per game.

The Dec. 5 AP Poll finds SEC stalwart South Carolina sitting at No.1, with Stanford, Ohio State, Indiana, Notre Dame, Uconn, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, North Carolina State and Iowa State comprising the top ten. LSU, Arizona, UCLA. Michigan, Utah, Iowa, Oregon, Creighton, Baylor and Maryland reside ahead of Arkansas, while Gonzaga, Oklahoma, Kansas State, and Villanova rounding out the top 25.

The NET rankings, which were also published on Dec. 5., slate Arkansas at No. 23.

By Sarah Coleman // Photos courtesy of U of A

LIBERTY, BIBERTY

Hog fans can make Memphis feel like Dallas

By Mark Carter

And so it will be Memphis and the Liberty Bowl, War Memorial’s slightly more successful and questionably better-looking big brother, on Dec. 28, for the hard-luck Arkansas Razorbacks.

The Hogs will face a capable team in Kansas, which limped to a 6-6 finish after a promising start. Sound familiar? One more win might’ve placed the Hogs in a much higher-profile matchup in the Gator Bowl against Notre Dame (the Irish do owe us one). But for a season that — let’s face it — failed to meet (admittedly unreal) expectations, then an easy trip to Memphis and a winnable matchup is adequate consolation.

Let’s get in the extra practices, regroup in the aftermath of the transfer portal, which now challenges every Division 1 team in this brave new world of college football, make a good few days of it in Memphis — the state’s cool but somewhat shady older cousin — and wash away the taste of the 2022 finish.

Like Dallas, Memphis is close, accessible and filled with cardinal red when Arkansas is in town. And it sure as heck beats Shreveport or Birmingham. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Once upon a time, the old Cotton Bowl in Dallas represented the pinnacle for Razorback football. A charter member of the old Southwest Conference, Arkansas football arguably played the league’s No. 2 to the Texas Longhorns.

Before Arkansas left for the Southeastern Conference after the 1991 season, the Hogs had played in the Cotton Bowl, hosted by the SWC champ, more than any other team not wearing burnt orange, the visual-aesthetic equivalent of boiled cabbage.

From the advent of modern college football as we know it in the 1960s through the ‘80s, the SWC was one of Division 1’s six primary leagues, and teams like Arkansas, Texas, Texas A&M and sometimes SMU and later even Houston were players on the national scene. Thus, the national championship often went through the SWC champ and the Cotton Bowl.

For Razorback fans, making it to Dallas meant two important things: The Hogs had won the SWC, and perhaps more importantly, likely had beaten Texas, a watershed moment in the lives of Arkies.

When Frank Broyles brilliantly read the political tea leaves in Texas and knew the gettin’ was good for Arkansas, since 1925 the only non-Texas school in the league, he had secured the athletic program’s future. But he also knew the Hogs were in for a rude awakening on the gridiron.

The SWC was fading; just three schools — Arkansas, UT and A&M — had the money/support/desire to field competitive allaround programs. Those three characteristics were present in every SEC team outside of Nashville. (Ironically, in two seasons, the Horns will join the Hogs and Aggies, members since 2012, in the SEC.)

In the SWC, big, bad Texas — bigger and richer than all — was the measuring stick. Broyles made sure to warn the Razorback fanbase that the Hogs would be moving from one Texas to seven or eight of them each fall.

Three decades in, it’s easy to see his point. While the UA athletics program overall is one of the most competitive in the league, in the SEC, there’s football and everything else. (The fact that Southerners joke about SEC decisions running through Tuscaloosa is no coincidence.)

And despite those three SEC West titles and trips to Atlanta under Houston Nutt, the Hogs have struggled to be consistently good on the gridiron.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sam Pittman spoiled us last season. Nine and four… a New Year’s Day win over Penn State in the Outback Bowl… Three trophy-game wins…

Though a 6-6 finish represents something close to a miracle for a program still working to wash off the stigma of 2017-19, that 9-4 campaign last year reset the bar on the Hill. And as Hog fans from Tontitown to Timbuktu well know, Arkansas football and expectations aren’t on the best of speaking terms. The Hogs tend to fare better when discarded.

The clean start to the ‘22 season — now solid resume wins over Cincinnati and South Carolina — was sullied by that couldonly-happen-to-us turn of events in Arlington that was finished off with a last second haymaker of a gut punch off the foot of Cam Little and top of a goal post. From there, it felt like the Hogs were hanging on for dear life the rest of the season. In terms of injuries, that was almost quite literally the case.

There were high points beyond week two, of course. A rousing win under the watchful eye of the Wasatch range in Utah; the Hogs’ symbolic — and KJ Jefferson’s literal — trucking of Auburn on the Plains to serve up some sweet but overdue redemption; 42-6 in the third quarter against those fraternal-future-commercial-loan-officer-wanna-be’s from across the big river. Those memories will stand out.

One might argue that progress wasn’t made this season on the Hill, that this team underachieved, and frankly, didn’t show up for at least a couple of winnable games. That depth remains a glaring issue. Valid points, all. But considering the schedule’s brute strength and the program’s weekly dance with the injury bug (the Hogs played multiple games with multiple starters out), six wins ain’t bad and represents what many fans dared to expect for this year.

But many others dared to dream bigger for ‘22, and but for a

few typically wonky Arkansas breaks, this could’ve been an 8- or 9-win campaign. But alas… woulda, shoulda, coulda.

Besides, KJ is back in ‘23. And Rocket Sanders and Pooh Paul. Jordan Domineck, Beau Limmer, Brady Latham. Maybe even Jalon Catalon. And on day one of its opening, the portal delivered an offensive lineman from Florida.

Arkansas lost four games by nine points despite its starting quarterback missing almost half the season. A hard-luck season, for sure. But, let’s not forget, a bowl season. Bowls may not mean much anymore, when 86 of 130 FBS teams make them. And with players planning to work the NFL combine, player opt-outs are becoming routine. Even for playoff teams.

But harken back to the post-Petrino decade, Hog fans. Bowls may be something of a punch line these days, but they beat the alternative. And Memphis isn’t a bad consolation prize. It’s no Dallas, but Hog fans can make it seem like it is, if on a smaller scale. It’s familiar — the Hogs have played in more Liberty Bowls (six) than any other school — and fans can day-trip it.

The only concern? Kansas — Kan-saw — represents a team we absolutely should beat. And that worries me greatly.

By Mark Carter // Photos courtesy of U of A

The timing of Eric Musselman’s arrival in Fayetteville was opportunistic, given the impending arrival of the transfer portal as game-changing dynamic.

Musselman’s pro pedigree and approach proved a perfect fit for Arkansas, his attention to detail a much-needed departure from Mike Anderson’s strict lowceiling adherence to system basketball. And the former’s knowledge of what it takes to make it and stick at the next level was a perfect match for the portal era.

A couple of seasons now into this brave new world, Musselman has proven as effective at recruiting the portal (Justin Smith, Au’Diese Toney, Trey Wade) as he has the high school ranks. The 2022-23 Hogs sport a mix of prep blue chippers — the nation’s No. 2 class behind only Duke — and a portal class of emerging SportsCenter regulars.

Arkansas was ranked 11th in the AP poll and was 8-1 heading into the Dec. 10 matchup in Tulsa with Oklahoma, with a Maui third-place finish and strong quad 1 win on the resume. Razorback basketball, pre-March, is back in the national conversation at a level not seen in almost three decades. And Hog fans starving for something more substantial than the lukewarm porridge of the Mike Anderson era are lapping it up.

Arkansas’ early-season success sans injured Nick Smith Jr., the heralded blue chipper out of North Little Rock High, was icing on the cake and teases of just how high the ceiling is for Musselman’s fourth Razorback squad.

The Hogs have cycled through some stars who were NBA-ready after two years — Joe Johnson, Bobby Portis, Daniel Gaf-

ford, Isaiah Joe come to mind — but never a one-and-done. Musselman may have two such players this year in Smith and 6’7” point guard Anthony Black, one of three incoming 5-stars. Yet another, 6’7” swing Jordan Walsh, was projected by many in preseason as a potential one-and-done.

The 6’-5” Smith, rated by many services as the nation’s top overall recruit coming into his freshman (and likely only) season on the Hill, sat out the Hogs’ first six games nursing an injured knee. He made his first appearance the Monday after Thanksgiving with six scoreless minutes against a game Troy squad, but his true debut came a few days later against San Jose State. Smith’s line included 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting (three of five from range), with five assists, a rebound and no turnovers in just 24 minutes.

Add a haul of impact portal prizes to the mix — Ricky Council IV from Wich-

The 2022-23 Hogs sport a mix of prep blue chippers — the nation’s No. 2 class behind only Duke — and a portal class of emerging SportsCenter regulars.

Junior Davonte Davis, freshman Anthony Black, freshman Jordan Walsh, sophomore Trevon Brazile and junior Ricky Council IV gather on the court at the 2022 Maui Invitational.

ita State, Trevon Brazile from Missouri, all-Pac 12 Jalen Graham from Arizona State and the Mitchell twins from Rhode Island — and expectations were as high on the Hill for hoops as they’d been since Nolan was presiding.

Coming off back-to-back Elite Eights but with just two players returning from last season’s run, early wins started out uneven as team chemistry brewed. But ultimately, they were convincing.

Thus far, the 2022-23 iteration of Hogs seems to start slow. But once it figures things out —thanks to Musselman’s unequaled halftime adjustments — then look out. In the Dec. 3 win over San Jose State, the Hogs broke open a close affair early in the second half, with a Council three-point play at the 16:27 mark extending the lead to eight and opening the Bud Walton floodgates. Before the first media timeout of the second half, Smith’s third triple had opened the lead to 11, and that was that. The Hogs outscored the Spartans 59-23 in the second half in the 41-point win.

Smith was projected to be the team leader in many categories, from scoring to serving as on-court general, and his second outing showed just why. The best, of course, is yet to come for the freshman.

Council, meanwhile, continued his early season role as primary scorer and designated SportsCenter Top 10 candidate. As of Dec. 5, the 6’ -6” junior was averaging a team-high 20 points, a team-high 36 minutes, three rebounds, three assists and two steals per game. He was shooting 53 per-

cent from the floor, knocking down 78 percent from the line and was a respectable 33 percent from beyond the arc.

In transition, he’s money and just eight games into his Razorback career already considered one of the program’s best dunkers. If not for Council, that distinction might belong to Brazile, the 6’10” human-highlight-reel sophomore who scored a career-high 23 against SJSU and led the Hogs on the boards in five of their first seven games.

Heading into the UNC-Greensboro game, Brazile was averaging 13 points and a team-high 6.5 boards per game and had emerged as the team’s most reliable long-range threat at 39.3 percent (notwithstanding Smith’s 50 percent on just six attempts).

The Hogs were shooting 33 percent as a team from range, heading into UNCG. Not great, but good enough to keep most teams from falling back into tight zones and daring the Hogs to shoot. And though it was forcing 17 per game, the Hogs were still giving up 14 turnovers on average.

Running the show, Black has proven an invaluable resource. The unicorn 6’7” point is everywhere in the box score, averaging 13 points, four assists (but also three TOs) and two steals while shooting 51 percent from the field, 39.1 percent from range and 79 percent from the stripe. The team’s beating heart in Maui, Black may finish as the Hogs’ best distributor since Lee Mayberry.

The 6’7” Walsh has shown flashes of his potential and remained the starter at the 4 spot with Brazile coming off the bench to fill Musselman’s important sixth-man role. Before the season is done, Walsh’s presence on the boards, in transition and from the 3-point line, will be critical to how far the team goes. The freshman already has proven himself capable of locking down guards and forwards on defense,

Head Coach Eric Musselmann

though Muss has been forced to provide some in-game reminders on occasion.

Kamani Johnson and Devo Davis, the two lone returnees, remain key cogs as the rotation is worked out heading into SEC play. Johnson’s heroics forced overtime in the Maui third-place game, then helped win it. And though Devo’s season thus far has proven spotty, the 6’4” homegrown guard can still disrupt on defense. Though his role may be limited compared to last season, Devo will be the difference in at least two or three contests down the stretch.

And the Mitchell twins from Rhode Island — 6’9” Mahki and 6’10” Makhel — have proven adept at holding down the post with Mahki grabbing most of the minutes. Both bring a rim protector mentality to defense and have helped the Hogs hold opposing teams to just 40 percent from the floor and 28 percent from beyond the arc.

The Hogs, meanwhile, are converting at a 49.8 percent clip from the field as of this writing, impacted by an almost even assist-to-turnover ratio. Those numbers should improve as Smith plays more and the blend of newcomers continues to gel.

The Hogs opened at No. 9 in the AP top 25, fell to 11th post-Maui, then re-entered the top 10 heading into UNCG and Oklahoma. In Maui, one of the early season’s more high-profile events, the Hogs walloped a bad Louisville team — a good brand win if not a resume-building one — before enduring top 10 Creighton and top 15 San Diego State in two matchups that brought Sweet 16-level intensity. Three games in three days, the final

two as intense as a team will see outside of March, and without what was supposed to be its most dangerous weapon. Not a bad opening month.

Musselman’s Arkansas teams have proven to be strong finishers. If his fourth band of Razorbacks can hit on a similar run, then the Muss Bus has a legitimate shot to overtake the hype train this spring and deliver some long-missed hardware to the program’s trophy case.

Sophomore Forward Trevon Brazile

Freshman Guard Nick Smith Jr.

ELDER CARE COMMUNITIES

Prepare to celebrate, brace for future challenges

By Dwain Hebda

The shadow of COVID-19 has made the past two years particularly long and difficult for the nation’s senior living and long-term care facilities. Which is why administrators of these communities in Arkansas are so jolly about the resumption of holiday traditions for the 2022 season, even as steep challenges await in the new year.

“We’re gathering safely but we’re gathering again, and that’s very exciting for us,” said Vickey Kirkemier, administrator of Superior Health and Rehab in Conway. “It is joyous to watch the volunteers return to the facility. It is a blessing to see church gatherings are now back in place. Christmas will be normal again.”

Kirkemier said outside groups and volunteers have been trickling in for some time, but the holidays add a special meaning to the visits.

“We’ve already begun seeing more visitors from

local schools and churches, and we are looking forward to children singing Christmas carols,” she said. “Our residents cannot wait for their songs to fill our hallways again.”

Following 20 months of pandemic-related restrictions, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services kicked down the door on its own regulations last November. In its revised guidance, CMS dismantled most of the remaining restrictions that were put in place as a way to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent infections among the nation’s seniors, a population among the most vulnerable to the virus.

Citing high vaccination rates, lower monthly infection numbers and widely available booster shots, CMS stated, “continued restrictions on this vital resident right [to visitation] are no longer necessary.”

The new guidance directs the nation’s 15,000

nursing homes to open their doors and allow unrestricted indoor visits for all residents, without limiting numbers of visitors or requiring advance scheduling.

Now, a year after the guidance was issued, senior living and health care community administrators are preparing for holiday festivities and guests more on par with pre-pandemic levels.

“The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put these guidelines in place to keep our residents as safe as possible,” said Melissa Curry, CEO of Methodist Village Senior Living in Fort Smith. “We are extremely excited that friends and families can now come in and be with their loved ones.”

The pandemic had a devastating effect on older Americans. Despite representing just 16% of the U.S. population, adults 65 and older account for 80% of COVID deaths, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Untold millions more residents and their families suffered the mental and emotional distress of loneliness and being separated from loved ones.

Given this, retirement communities, assisted

living centers and long-term care communities have continued to employ protocols to limit new infections and contain cases to prevent wider outbreaks, even as they have adopted the new, more relaxed visitation guidelines. Many of these strategies and processes are based on the hard-won knowledge gained during the onset of the pandemic in 2020.

“We’ve learned a lot from COVID,” said Kirkemier. “We’ve had to make adjustments, and I’m sure we’ll have to continue to make adjustments. The challenge for long-term care today is the same for us as everyone, to gather up what the pandemic has left behind and return to our normal. Long-term care has been through a lot in the past three years.”

Rachel Bunch, executive director of the Arkansas Health Care Association, the trade group for the industry in Arkansas said, “The difference is that we now have a playbook. We have a vaccine, we have protocols, and we know how to contain it. We’ve learned a lot and now know how to handle it.”

Holidays or not, merely bringing the challenges of COVID under control doesn’t buy the

Rachel Bunch

Melissa Curry

Vickey Kirkemier

industry much time to relax. Rather, it simply moves other challenges from the back burner to the front of the stove.

Such challenges directly affect companies’ ability to serve the communities in which they operate, starting with personnel. Bunch said between a systemic shortage of nurses dating back decades and those taking early retirement or changing fields due to the pandemic, staying staffed is one of the most serious challenges facing the industry in Arkansas and nationwide.

“It’s not about the number of facilities or beds, but the fact that we have a nursing shortage in Arkansas,” Bunch said. “The industry as a whole has and will continue to meet the needs for longterm care, but we’re also looking at ways to fuel the pipeline to get more certified nursing assistants

and nurses into the field.”

Personnel is a particularly complicated issue in communities offering more than one category of elder health care services. Superior Health and Rehab, for instance, offers a full suite of short-term rehabilitative services in addition to long-term care, the vision of Michael Morton, owner of Central Arkansas Nursing Homes Group, parent company for the Conway facility.

“It has always been a priority of Mr. Morton to provide what is needed to take care of the elderly in Conway and the surrounding areas to help the community as much as possible. That’s why we find it beneficial to have both rehab and long-term care under one roof,” Kirkemier said, while noting the additional services require staffers with specialized skills.

Methodist Village is similarly diverse, with 45 independent living apartments and capacity for 71 assisted living and 145 long-term care residents. Curry said the day-to-day stress of the job combined with the added pressure of the pandemic took a toll on health care workers, including in the elder care space.

“I think often that health care workers don’t get the recognition they deserve,” she said. “The majority of people taking care of seniors do it because they have the heart for it. I promise you, if you didn’t love seniors, you wouldn’t still be in the field after this pandemic.”

Bunch said the association has been at the forefront of things since the pandemic began, advising members of latest guidance and helping establish consistent protocols to keep residents and staff alike safe. As senior communities turn their attention to other pressing operational and staffing issues, the association has pitched in anew, working to lure traveling nurses back to Arkansas and creating partnerships with colleges and universities as they educate new generations of health care workers.

“These collaborations help promote long-term care as a viable work option,” Bunch said. “We are starting to see a rebound in staffing and hope to continue that trend by continuing to do more and more partnerships with colleges and students across Arkansas.”

Another familiar issue, reimbursement, has also reentered the headlines of late, as elder health care companies continue to struggle with the gap between the rising cost of providing services and the level of payment received from sources such as Medicare. CMS has already promised additional funding to skilled nursing companies, but at the cost of a raft of new guidelines and regulations, the long-term financial consequences of which are asyet unknown.

On top of that, baby boomers continue to move into independent, assisted and long-term care communities in record numbers, bringing up issues of capacity. Put it all together and you’ve got a multifrontal assault of market challenges for the industry.

Bunch said while progress on such complex issues is often measured one step at a time, the association is in it for the long haul to help operators provide the best care to clients regardless of

such challenges.

“We are working with facilities to make sure each has the tools and equipment needed to deal with patients who have more complex medical issues,” Bunch said. “We will also continue to work with state leadership regarding care for elderly patients to improve issues such as access to private rooms, medical transportation and continued training for staff. It’s a work in progress.”

“The majority of people taking care of seniors do it because they have the heart for it. I promise you, if you didn’t love seniors, you wouldn’t still be in the field after this pandemic.”

Feels Like Home

Chapel Ridge Health and Rehab is a place residents can feel like home. A place of their own with staff and friends nearby.

We are here to provide a loving supportive home for our residents. One where they are cared for physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally while they are afforded the attention, respect and dignity they deserve.

It is our goal to provide the highest quality of healthcare services and the greatest variety of healthcare options to the residents of this community.

4623 Rogers Ave. Fort Smith, AR 479.452.1541

Chapel Ridge Health & Rehab

Connecting Families with Residents

with

Alma Nursing and Rehabilitation Center’s residents and staff are ready to roll up their sleeves so they can do away with FaceTime visits and visits through the windows, and get back to life as normal with friends and family.

Alma Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 401 Heather Lane • Alma, AR

479-632-4343

Nestled in the center of a quiet neighborhood, Innisfree Health & Rehab is a unique, family-oriented facility offering skilled care in a loving, supportive atmosphere.

Our licensed nurses, physician assistants, dentists, podiatrist and other specialists believe that our residents need strong relationships with their families and is key to the healing process.

The entire Innisfree staff is devoted to providing the highest quality care possible, in a manner which celebrates the dignity and grace of every resident.

Our home is conveniently located just off Walnut in Rogers close to Walmart, under the medical directions of Dr. Kimberly Burner. 301 S. 24th Street | Rogers, AR 72758 | 479-636-5545 | www.InnisfreeHR.com

NURSING & REHABILITATION

Superior Drive, Conway

Contact Vickey Kirkemier to lear n more at 501-733-0802

LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES BY COUNTY

ARKANSAS

Crestpark DeWitt, LLC 1325 Liberty Dr., DeWitt

Crestpark Stuttgart, LLC 707 W. 20th St., Stuttgart

DeWitt Nursing Home 1605 S. Madison, DeWitt

ASHLEY

Nightingale at Crossett 1101 Waterwell Rd, Crossett

Nightingale at Stonegate 118 Jerry Selby Dr., Crossett

Good Samaritan Society 300 Good Samaritan Dr., Moutain Home

Hiram Shaddox Health and Rehab 1100 Pine Tree Ln., Mountain Home

BENTON

Benton Apple Creek Health and Rehab, LLC 1570 W. Centerton Blvd., Centerton

Highlands of Bella Vista Health and Rehab, LLC 670 Rogers Rd., Bella Vista

Innisfree Health and Rehab, LLC 301 S. 24th St., Rogers

Jamestown Nursing and Rehab, LLC 2001 Hampton Pl., Rogers

Promenade Health and Rehabilitation 1101 S. Promenade Blvd., Rogers

Nursing homes in Arkansas are listed by county and number of beds (2020 data).

Source: Arkansas Department of Human Services

BAXTER

Care Manor Nursing and Rehab 804 Burnett Dr., Mountain Home

Gassville Therapy and Living 203 Cotter Rd., Gassville

Ashley Rehabilitation & Health Care Center 2600 N. 22nd St., Rogers

Bradford House Nursing and Rehab, LLC 1202 SE 30th St., Bentonville

Concordia Nursing & Rehab, LLC 7 Professional Dr., Bella Vista

Rogers Health and Rehabilitation Center 1149 W. New Hope Rd., Rogers

Shiloh Nursing and Rehab, LLC 1092 W. Stultz Rd., Springdale

Siloam Healthcare, LLC 811 W. Elgin, Siloam Springs

2017 People’s Choice Winners for Faulkner Co. in these categories: — by the Consumer’s Research Council of America —

The Blossoms at Rogers

Rehab & Nursing Center 1513 S. Dixieland Rd., Rogers

BOONE

Hillcrest Home 1111 Maplewood Rd., Harrison

The Springs of Harrison 115 Orendorff Ave., Harrison

The Springs of Mt. Vista 202 Tims Ave., Harrison

BRADLEY

Chapel Woods Health and Rehabilitation 1440 E. Church St., Warren

CARROLL

Autumn Hill, Inc. 500 Hammond Ave., Berryville

Brighton Ridge 235 Huntsville Rd., Eureka Springs

CHICOT

Dermott City Nursing Home 702 W. Gaines St., Dermott

Lake Village Rehabilitation and Care Center 903 Borgognoni Dr., Lake Village

CLARK

Nightingale at Arkadelphia 2701 Twin Rivers Dr., Arkadelphia

Twin Rivers Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center 3021 Twin Rivers Dr., Arkadelphia

CLAY

Corning Therapy and Living Center 831 N. Missouri Ave., Corning

General Baptist Nursing Home of Piggott 450 S. 9th Ave., Piggott

Rector Nursing and Rehab 1023 Hwy. - 119, Rector

CLEBURNE

Indian Rock Village Health Center 265 Dave Creek Pkwy., Fairfield Bay

Southridge Village Nursing and Rehab 400 Southridge Pkwy., Heber Springs

The Springs of Greers Ferry 1040 Weddingford Rd., Heber Springs

CLEVELAND

The Green House Cottages of Southern Hills 701 S. Main St., Rison

COLUMBIA

Summit Health & Rehab Center 506 N. Long Ave., Taylor

The Green House Cottages of Wentworth Place 26 Warnock Springs Rd., Magnolia

The Springs of Magnolia 2642 N. Dudney Rd., Magnolia

CONWAY

Brookridge Cove

Rehabilitation and Care Center 1000 Brookridge Cove, Morrilton

CRAIGHEAD

Craighead Nursing Center 5101 Harrisburg Rd., Jonesboro

Lakeside Health and Rehab 1207 Willow Run Rd., Lake City

Ridgecrest Health and Rehabilitation 5504 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro

Our facility features all private rooms for our long term residents, as well as, private short term rehab rooms with 42-inch flat screen televisions and telephones for family and friend convenience. We have a dedicated secure unit with 23 private rooms and an enclosed courtyard.

2600 Park Ave | Hot Springs, AR 71901 | 501.321.4276

Jamestown offers a state-of-the-art therapy gym and orthopedic center. Personalized physical, occupational and speech therapy programs will center on regaining strength and independence.

Customized physical, occupational and speech therapy programs are conducted by licensed therapists who focus on improving mobility and motor skills following an injury or illness. The enrichment of daily physical function can significantly improve a resident’s self-reliance and overall happiness.

Our staff provides residents with specially tailored treatment plans designed to recapture health, independent living and facilitate a return home.

Jamestown features separate rooms and private suites with a private entrance for the comfort and convenience of short-term residents and their families focused on returning home. A full meal service with snacks is prepared daily.

2016

To schedule a tour, call our Referral Line at 479.586.9707 or take a virtual tour at www.JamestownNR.com 2001 Hampton Place | Rogers, AR Conveniently located at off of New Hope Road near Mercy Medical Center.

Hot Springs’ newest, premier skilled nursing and long term care facility

St. Elizabeth’s Place 3010 Middlefield Dr., Jonesboro

The Springs of Jonesboro 1705 LaTourette Dr., Jonesboro

CRAWFORD

Alma Nursing and Rehab 401 Heather Ln., Alma

Crawford Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center 2010 Main St., Van Buren

Valley Springs Rehabilitation and Health Center 228 Pointer Trail West, Van Buren

Van Buren Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center 1404 N. 28th St., Van Buren

CRITTENDEN

The Springs of Avalon 610 S. Avalon St., West Memphis

The Springs of Broadway 800 W Broadway, West Memphis

Willowbend Healthcare and Rehabilitation, LLC 01 Brougham Ave., Marion

CROSS

Crestpark Wynne, LLC 400 Arkansas St., Wynne

River Ridge Rehabilitation and Care Center 1100 E. Martin Dr., Wynne

DALLAS

St. Johns Place of Arkansas, LLC 1400 Hwy. 79/167 Bypass, Fordyce

DREW

Belle View Estates

Rehabilitation and Care Center 1052 Old Warren Rd.,Monticello

The Woods, A Nightingale Community 1194 N. Chester St., Monticello

FAULKNER

Conway Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center 2603 Dave Ward Dr., Conway

Greenbrier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 16 Wilson Farm Rd., Greenbrier

Heritage Living Center 1175 Morningside Dr., Conway

Salem Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Inc. 2401 Christina Ln., Conway

St. Andrews Healthcare 3501 College Ave.,

Conway Superior Health & Rehab 625 Tommy Lewis Dr., Conway

FRANKLIN

Greenhurst Nursing Center 226 Skyler Dr., Charleston

Ozark Nursing & Rehab 600 N. 12th St., Ozark

FULTON

Eaglecrest Nursing and Rehab 916 Hwy. 62/412, Ash Flat

South Fork River Therapy and Living 624 Hwy. 62/412 W., Salem

GARLAND

Belvedere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, LLC 2600 Park Ave., Hot Springs

Lake Hamilton Health and Rehab 120 Pittman Rd., Hot Springs

Lakewood Therapy and Living Center 260 Lake Park Dr., Hot Springs

BRIARWOOD NURSING & REHABILITATION, INC.

Briarwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a 24-hour skilled nursing and rehab center housed in a spacious facility, conveniently located off I-630 in Little Rock.

Our Rehabilitation Team offers Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapies— satisfying goals to return home after short-term rehab!

516 S. Rodney Parham Little Rock, AR 72205 501.224.9000

Lakewood Health and Rehab offers skilled professional care in a supportive and compassionate atmosphere.

We invite you to experience the difference our facility has to offer from the moment you walk through our door.

Call us to today to schedule your tour!

are a 24-hour skilled nursing and rehabilitation center located centrally in Sherwood. Our caring, professional staff strives to provide quality service in a warm and family-like atmosphere. Our facility

Quapaw Care and Rehabilitation Center, LLC 138 Brighton Ter., Hot Springs

The Blossoms at Hot Springs Rehab & Nursing Center 552 Golf Links Rd., Hot Springs

The Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 524 Carpenter Dam Rd., Hot Springs

The Springs of Park Ave 1401 Park Ave., Hot Springs

Village Springs Health and Rehabilitation 1208 N. Hwy. 7, Hot Springs

GRANT

Sheridan Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center 113 S. Briarwood Dr., Sheridan

GREENE

Greene Acres Nursing Home 2402 County Club Rd., Paragould

The Green House Cottages of Belle Meade 2200 Chateau Blvd., Paragould

HEMPSTEAD

Heather Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 400 W. 23rd St., Hope

HOT SPRING

Arbor Oaks Healthcare and Rehabilitation 105 Russellville Rd., Malvern

Encore Healthcare and Rehabilitation of Malvern 1820 W. Moline, Malvern

Happy Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation 955 Division St., Malvern

HOWARD

Dierks Health and Rehab 402 S. Arkansas Ave., Dierks

Nashville Nursing and Rehab, Inc. 810 N. 8th St., Nashville

The Springs of Mine Creek 1407 N.Main St., Nashville

INDEPENDENCE

Mountain Meadows Health and Rehabilitation 1680 Batesville Blvd., Batesville

Apple Creek Health & Rehab is located in quiet, Centerton, Arkansas. We are the newest all-private room long term care/ skilled nursing facility in Northwest Arkansas, and we are Medicare and Medicaid certified. Our staff includes Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Licensed Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists, and Certified Nursing Assistants.

We are a 24-hour skilled nursing and rehab center conveniently located in North Little Rock, AR. Our professional nursing staff provides physical, occupational and speech therapy services. Even when you can no longer live at home, you can still live in a warm, friendly, home-like environment. Come by and visit, and we will show you an experienced, caring staff that is dedicated to your health, happiness and well-being.

519 Donovan Briley Blvd. • North Little Rock, AR 72118 • 501.753.9003

ASHTON PLACE

Customized physical, occupational and speech therapy programs are conducted by licensed therapists who focus on improving mobility and motor skills following an injury or illness. The enrichment of daily physical function can significantly improve a resident’s self-reliance and overall happiness.

Our staff provides residents with specially tailored treatment plans designed to recapture health, independent living and facilitate a return home

Hickory Heights features a separate Rehab wing for the omfort and convenience of short-term residents and their amilies who are focused on returning home. A full meal service with snacks is prepared daily.

» Conveniently located at 3 Chenal Heights Drive in

To schedule a tour, call us at 501.830.2273 or take a virtual tour at H ickory H eig H ts H r . com

Hickory HeigHts offers a state-of-the-art therapy gym and orthopedic center. Personalized physical, occupational and speech therapy programs will center on regaining strength and independence.

Little Rock

The Springs of Batesville 1975 White Dr., Batesville

Wood-Lawn Heights 2800 Neeley St., Batesville

IZARD

Pioneer Therapy and Living 1506 E. Main St., Melbourne

White River Healthcare 1569 AR Hwy. 56, Calico Rock

JACKSON

St. Michael’s Place, Inc. 1311 N. Pecan St., Newport

The Blossoms at Newport

Rehab & Nursing Center 326 Lindley Ln., Newport

JEFFERSON

Arkansas Convalescent Center 6301 S. Hazel St., Pine Bluff

The Blossoms at White Hall

Rehab & Nursing Center 9209 Dollarway Rd., White Hall

The Villages of General Baptist Health Care West 6810 S. Hazel St., Pine Bluff

Trinity Village Medical Center 6400 Trinity Dr., Pine Bluff

JOHNSON

Johnson County Health and Rehab, LLC 1451 E. Poplar St., Clarksville

LAFAYETTE

The Blossoms at Stamps Rehab & Nursing Center 826 North St., Stamps

LAWRENCE

Lawrence Hall Health and Rehab 1051 W. Free St., Walnut Ridge

Walnut Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 1500 W. Main St., Walnut Ridge

LEE

Crestpark Marianna, LLC 700 W. Chestnut, Marianna

LINCOLN

East Point Health and Rehab 505 E. Victory St., Star City

Gardner Nursing and Rehabilitation 702 N. Drew St., Star City

LITTLE RIVER

Little River Nursing & Rehab 162 Hwy. 32-2A, Ashdown

Pleasant Manor Nursing & Rehab 950 Homestead, Ashdown

LOGAN

Oak Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Inc. 150 Morton Ave., Booneville

Paris Health and Rehabilitation Center 1414 S. Elm St. , Paris

LONOKE

Barnes Healthcare 1010 Barnes St., Lonoke

Cabot Health and Rehab, LLC 200 Northport Dr., Cabot

Cavalier Healthcare of England 400 Stuttgart Hwy., England

Chambers Nursing Home Center, Inc. 1001 E. Park St., Carlisle

Greystone Nursing and Rehab, LLC 121 Spring Valley Rd., Cabot

Lonoke Health and Rehab Center, LLC 1501 Lincoln St., Lonoke

Spring Creek Health & Rehab 804 N. 2nd St., Cabot

Colonel Glenn Health and Rehab

We specialize in Short-Term Rehabilitation and LongTerm Care services. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our home has to offer. We want you and your loved one to feel comfortable and safe while here with us. You will also notice the pride we take in our facility by keeping our building sparkling clean from the inside out. 215 S. Portland Ave. | Russellville, AR 72801

Colonel Glenn Health and Rehab is Central Arkansas’ newest 120-bed state-of-theart skilled nursing facility. We provide a range of services from long-term care to short-term rehab, including respite care. Our facility is conveniently located off the I-430 South Colonel Glenn exit. We provide 24-hour care for all skill levels. All employees are offered continuing education in addition to ongoing on-site training.

•Outdoor pavilion

•On-site beauty shop

• Activity program for all skill levels, including trips within the community

• 82 private rooms

• Luxurious interior design

13700 DAVID O. DODD ROAD || LITTLE ROCK || 501-907-8200

Twin

Arkansas Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 2107 Dudley St., Texarkana

Bailey Creek Health & Rehab 1621 E. 42nd St., Texarkana

Bentley Rehabilitation and Health Center 1100 E. 36th St., Texarkana

MISSISSIPPI

Gosnell Health and Rehab 700 Moody St., Gosnell

Harris Healthcare 287 S. Country Club Rd., Osceola

Heritage Square Healthcare Center 710 N. Ruddle Rd., Blytheville

Manila Healthcare Center 814 N. Davis, Manila

MONROE

The Springs of Brinkley 1214 N. Main, Brinkley

MONTGOMERY

Montgomery County Nursing Home 741 South Dr., Mount Ida

NEVADA

Southern Pines Health and Rehab 700 Manor Rd., Prescott

The Springs of Hillcrest 1421 W. Second St. N., Prescott

NEWTON

Newton County Nursing Home 610 E. Court St., Jasper

OUACHITA

Happy Home Nursing and Rehab 365 Alpha St., Camden

Ouachita Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 1411 Country Club Rd., Camden

Silver Oaks Health and Rehabilitation 1875 Old Wire Rd., Camden

The Springs of Camden 900 Magnolia Rd., Camden

PERRY

Perry County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 1321 Scenic Dr., Perryville

PHILLIPS

Crestpark Helena, LLC 116 November Dr., Helena

PIKE

Murfreesboro Rehab and Nursing, Inc. 110 W. 13th St., Murfreesboro

Nightingale at Glenwood 615 Mountain View Rd., Glenwood

POINSETT

Three Rivers Healthcare and Rehabilitation 33904 Hwy. 63 E., Marked Tree

Woodbriar Nursing Home 204 Catherine St., Harrisburg

Atkins Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

POLK

The Green House Cottages of Homewood 215 Homewood Cir., Mena

POPE

Atkins Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 605 NW 7th St., Atkins

Legacy Heights Nursing and Rehab, LLC 900 W. 12th St., Russellville

Russellville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 215 S. Portland Ave., Russellville

Stella Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 400 N. Vancouver Ave., Russellville

PRAIRIE

Des Arc Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 2216 W. Main St., Des Arc

Maple Healthcare 200 S. Maple St., Hazen

PULASKI

Arkansas State Veterans Home at North Little Rock 401 John Ashley Dr., North Little Rock

Colonel Glenn Healthcare and Rehab, LLC 13700 David O. Dodd Rd., Little Rock

Cottage Lane Health and Rehab 800 Brookside Dr., Little Rock

Encore Healthcare and Rehabilitation at West Little Rock 12111 Hinson Rd., Little Rock

Hickory Heights Health and Rehab, LLC 3 Chenal Heights Dr.,Little Rock

Lakewood Health and Rehab, LLC 2323 McCain Blvd., North Little Rock

Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Good Shepherd, LLC 3001 Aldersgate Rd., Little Rock

Parkway Health Center 14324 Chenal Pkwy., Little Rock

Premier at the Springs 3600 Richards Rd., North Little Rock

Presbyterian Village, Inc. 510 Brookside Dr., Little Rock

Robinson Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, LLC 519 Donovan Briley, North Little Rock

Sherwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Inc. 245 Indian Bay Dr., Sherwood

The Blossoms at Cumberland Rehab & Nursing Center 1516 Cumberland St., Little Rock

The Blossoms at Midtown Rehab & Nursing Center 5720 W. Markham St., Little Rock

The Blossoms at North Little Rock Rehab & Nursing Center 2501 John Ashley Dr., North Little Rock

The Blossoms at West Dixon Rehab & Nursing Center 2821 W. Dixon Rd., Little Rock

The Blossoms at Woodland Hills Rehab & Nursing Center 8701 Riley Dr., Little Rock

The Green House Cottages of Poplar Grove 7801 Kanis Rd., Little Rock

The Lakes at Maumelle Health and Rehabilitation 103 Alexandria Dr., Maumelle

We are a comfortable “home in the country” in the small, historic city of Lonoke.

Our staff of trained professionals help residents to attain optimal health, maintain independence and dignity and when possible, to assist them in returning home.

The Springs of John Barrow 2600 Barrow Rd., Little Rock

The Springs of Pinnacle 6411 Valley Ranch Dr., Little Rock

Woodland Hills Healthcare and Rehabilitation 320 W. Braden St., Jacksonville

The Springs of Chenal 3115 S. Bowman Rd., Little Rock

Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Inc. 516 S. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock

RANDOLPH

Pocahontas Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center 05 Country Club Rd., Pocahontas

Randolph County Nursing Home 500 Camp Rd., Pocahontas

SALINE

Alcoa Pines Health and Rehabilitation 3300 Alcoa Rd., Benton

Amberwood Health and Rehabilitation 6420 Alcoa Rd., Benton

Arkansas Health Center 6701 Hwy. 67, Benton

Evergreen Living Center at Stagecoach 6907 Hwy. 5 N., Bryant

Good Samaritan SocietyHot Springs Village 121 Cortez Rd., Hot Springs Village

Heartland Rehabilitation and Care Center 19701 I-30, Benton

Southern Trace Rehabilitation and Care Center 22515 I-30, Bryant

SCOTT

Waldron Nursing and Rehab 1369 W. 6th St., Waldron

SEARCY

Highland Court, A Rehabilitation and Resident Care Facility 942 Hwy. 65 N., Marshall

SEBASTIAN

Ashton Place Health and Rehab, LLC 318 Strozier Ln., Barling

Chapel Ridge Health and Rehab 4623 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith

Covington Court Health and Rehabilitation Center 4500 Old Greenwood Rd., Fort Smith

Fianna Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 8411 S. 28th St., Fort Smith

Legacy Health and Rehabilitation Center 3310 N. 50th St., Fort Smith

Methodist Village Senior Living 7425 Euper Ln., Fort Smith

Pink Bud Home for the Golden Years 400 S. Coker, Greenwood

The Blossoms at Fort Smith Rehab & Nursing Center 5301 Wheeler Ave., Fort Smith

SEVIER

Bear Creek Healthcare 322 W. Collin Raye Dr., De Queen

SHARP

Ash Flat Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center 66 Ozbirn Ln., Ash Flat

Cave City Nursing Home 442 Taylor Cir., Cave City

Stella Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation provides skilled professional care in a compassionate, supportive and comfortable atmosphere. Our staff takes pride in their jobs and it shows by their caring nature; by striving to find more innovative ways of caring for our residents as well as providing 24 hour skilled nursing care, inpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to our residents.

N. vancouver russellville, Ar 72801 479-968-4141

ST. FRANCIS

Crestpark Forrest City, LLC 500 Kittle Rd., Forrest City

STONE

The Blossoms at Mountain View Rehab & Nursing Center 706 Oak Grove St., Mountain View

UNION

Courtyard Rehabilitation and Health Center, LLC 2415 W. Hillsboro, El Dorado

Hudson Memorial Nursing Home 700 N. College Ave., El Dorado

Oak Ridge Health and Rehabilitation 501 Hudson St., El Dorado

The Springs of El Dorado 1700 E. Short Hillsboro St., El Dorado

Timberlane Health and Rehabilitation 2002 Timberwood Rd., El Dorado

VAN BUREN

Ozark Health Nursing and Rehab Center 2500 Hwy. 65 S., Clinton

WASHINGTON

Arkansas Veterans Home at Fayetteville 1179 N. College Ave., Fayetteville

Butterfield Trail Village 1923 E. Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville

Edgewood Health and Rehab 1393 E. Don Tyson Pkwy., Springdale

Fayetteville Health and Rehabilitation Center 3100 Old Missouri Rd., Fayetteville

Katherine’s Place at Wedington 4405 W. Persimmon St., Fayetteville

North Hills Life Care and Rehab 27 E. Appleby Rd., Fayetteville

Prairie Grove Health and Rehabilitation, LLC 621 S. Mock, Prairie Grove

Springdale Health and Rehabilitation Center 102 N. Gutensohn, Springdale

The Maples Health and Rehabilitaiton 6456 Lynch’s Prairie Cove, Springdale

Westwood Health and Rehab, Inc. 802 S. West End St., Springdale

Windcrest Health and Rehab, Inc. 2455 Lowell Rd., Springdale

Oak ManO r

NursiNg & r ehabilitatioN CeN ter, iNC.

Oak Manor is a licensed healthcare facility inspected and federally regulated by the Arkansas Office of Long Term Care. 24 hour skilled nursing care, inpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are available to the residents of Oak Manor. This 120 bed facility provides Medicare/Medicaid certified care with private and semi-private rooms. 150 Morton Avenue, Booneville, AR 72927 479.675.2689 oakmanornr.com

WHITE

Beebe Retirement Center, Inc. 709 McAfee Dr., Beebe

Oakdale Nursing Facility 101 Cynthia St., Judsonia

The Crossing at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation 2500 E. Moore Ave., Searcy

The Springs of Searcy 1205 Skyline Dr., Searcy

WOODRUFF

Woodruff County Health Center 139 W. Hwy. 64, McCrory

YELL

Dardanelle Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 2199 State Hwy. 7 N., Dardanelle

Mitchell’s Nursing Home, Inc. 501 W. 10th, Danville

Nursing &Rehab

400 West 23rd s treet Hope, A r

Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy Speech Therapy • Spacious Living Area Secured Unit • Hospice & Respite Care Semi-private or private beds available for long-term care & rehab services

b.com | 870.777.3448

“

We offer a warm, home-like environment, encouraging each resident to achieve the maximum level of activity and independence.

Hear Ye! HEAR YE!

By Joe David Rice

Have you ever followed a car block after block, sometimes even mile upon mile, whose driver seemed totally oblivious to the incessant blinking of the vehicle’s turn signal? Well, there’s a good chance that clueless individual might have been me. Like more than a few of my generation, I simply didn’t realize that my blinker was on because my hearing just isn’t what it once was.

The loss was gradual, but after decades of exposure to screaming crowds, lawnmowers, leaf blowers and an assortment of power tools, my eardrums have lost some of their sensitivity. In recent years, I noticed that I was having trouble following our priest’s Sunday sermons, that the volume on the television never seemed quite loud enough, that cross-table conversations in restaurants were becoming more difficult. And that I was frequently asking my patient wife to repeat things.

Yet I was reluctant to address my condition, mostly because I was familiar with my late father’s frustrations with his hearing aids. I recall the high-pitched feedback that often squealed from the devices, his constant battle to adjust settings and the never-ending problems while dealing with batteries. Normally a mild-mannered man, my dad had expanded his vocabulary to express his total

disgust with these instruments.

And, to be perfectly honest, there was some ego involved in the hesitation to address my own situation. Vanity, too, I suspect. Deep down, I wasn’t ready to be seen with something protruding from my ear, an identifier lumping me with that group of old and infirm folks.

But then I learned that my longtime friend Shelby Woods was wearing hearing aids and, in fact, had been using them for months before I spotted a tiny, nearly invisible wire on the edge of his ear. So, I asked him about it. At first, he’d become aware of difficulties in carrying on conversations in groups, particularly in crowds. But the last straw came when Shelby’s 14-year-old son shouted, “Dad, turn the TV down!” He decided to do something about it.

Shelby made an appointment to see Dr. Graves Hearnsberger with the Arkansas Otolaryngology Center in Little Rock, and was soon outfitted with a set of hearing aids. When I asked him about his experience, Shelby admitted that adjusting to the devices took some time, but said, “They’ve improved my quality of life.”

I, too, then scheduled a visit with Dr. Hearnsberger, a physician now in his 33rd year of practice. When I shared my father’s exasperations, Hearnsberger was sympathetic. “The technology just a few years ago was average, at best,” he said. “Hearing aids are so much more effective these days. The biggest thing we have to dispel is the poor acceptance of hearing aids by their family members in the past.”

Once Hearnsberger confirmed that I had indeed suffered hearing loss, he referred me to his colleague, Dr. Lei Ross, a specialist in matching hearing devices with patients. Although she’s been practicing for less than two years, she’s seen improvements in technology even in this short span of time, both in rechargeable devices and background noise suppression.

After reviewing my hearing test results and consulting with me about my expectations, Ross suggested that I try a product by Oticon, a subsidiary of a Danish company founded well over a century ago by Hans Demant whose wife was hearing impaired. Each of these hearing aids is composed of three elements: a compact unit placed behind the ear containing a pair

“Deep down, I wasn’t ready to be seen with something protruding from my ear, an identifier lumping me with that group of old and infirm folks.”

of tiny microphones and the battery; the speaker, which slips into the opening of the ear canal; and the ear grip, a clear plastic wire that follows the contour of the ear and holds the speaker in place.

In the beginning, I was well aware that something foreign was attached to my ears. But now I don’t realize they’re there, sort of like I forget that I’m often wearing eyeglasses. What I really notice is the amazing improvement in my hearing. At church, in the grocery store, on the street in the neighborhood, in front of the TV, I’m able to hear what’s going on.

Not only that, they’re easy to use. Every evening before I go to bed, I place the little devices in a charger and they’re ready for another full day of service the next morning. No worry about batteries. They’re easy to clean and are moisture-resistant. Wearing them outdoors in the rain is not a problem, but I remove them before showering. As for wearing them while canoeing, it’ll probably depend upon the stream. If tumping over is likely, I’ll probably leave them at home!

Best of all, my hearing aids are bluetooth compatible, meaning they’re connected to my cellphone. Telephone calls are routed straight to my aids, giving me wonderful, clear connections every time. Also, there’s an app on my phone allowing me to control the volume of each device. This proved especially helpful a couple of weeks ago when my boys and I attended an NFL game in Kansas City. The young woman sitting to my right was an exceptionally vocal fan of the Chiefs, literally screaming in my ear from the opening kick-off through the end of overtime. The solution? I got on my phone and muted the aid in my right

ear. Instant relief.

Thanks to a ruling that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued only weeks ago, people with mild to moderate hearing loss can now purchase hearing aids over the counter without a prescription or custom fitting. Shelly York and her partner, Tiffany Davis, owners of several Miracle Ear franchises in the state, are excited about this development, feeling it will encourage previously disinclined consumers to take action. With hearing aids often costing several thousand dollars, York says her company “will find a solution for every person.” The Miracle Ear Foundation, a source of financial assistance for both adults and children, has helped a number of Arkansas residents.

York is familiar with the baby boomers’ interest in appearing youthful. “Hearing aids won’t make you look old,” she said. “Today’s small, bluetooth-enabled devices are stylish. Having some-

Dr. Hearnsberger

Dr. Lei Ross

Dr. Susan Emmett

thing in your ear these days could well be the sign of a younger age.” Perhaps.

Helping young Arkansans is an objective of the UAMS Center for Hearing Health Equity, the first of its kind in the world. “Kids with hearing loss are more likely to do worse in school and even drop out early,” said Dr. Susan Emmett, the center’s director. The resulting problem is obvious. “Adults with even mild hearing loss are more likely to have low income and be unemployed or underemployed.”

After earning medical degrees from Princeton, Johns Hopkins, and Duke, Emmett brings outstanding credentials to her new position, not to mention a great deal of enthusiasm. “It’s really exciting to see Arkansas as the state that will become known for leading this type of work,” she said. With major funding from the National Institutes of Health, Emmett and her col-

leagues have established an ambitious program. “Our projects,” she added, “are currently happening all over the United States, from rural Alaska to Appalachia, and even internationally.”

“We’re working on brand-new applications of telehealth that will for the first time connect kids in rural schools with specialists that are hard to come by in rural areas. Based on the work we’ve been doing in other rural areas of the U.S., we will bring new innovations to children right here in Arkansas.”

Without question, hearing aids have improved my lifestyle. I more readily participate in conversations, follow sermons and listen to television at normal levels. I can now hear the crunching when I walk through fall leaves, the chirping of hummingbirds at our feeders and the chorus of crickets and frogs at night. And you won’t catch me driving with that neverending blinker light!

A CHANGE OF PACE: An Alternative to Conventional Medicare, Medicaid Care

By Sarah Coleman

The process of aging can bring changes into not only an individual’s life but also into the lives of family members and caretakers. Aging requires various levels of care and while there are a multitude of options available to simplify care needs, Baptist Health’s PACE program allows eligible participants to stay in their homes while still receiving a long-term residential facility level of care.

According to the World Health Organization, the most common conditions presenting later in life include hearing loss, cataracts, back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, depression and dementia, all of which require specific care. Per WHO’s website, people are more likely to face several health conditions simultaneously as they age, meaning the amount of specified care needed typically increases with the aging process.

In planning for the best course of care, individuals can consider home health care, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities and retirement living communities. In many situations, individuals may meet state standards to qualify for residential long-term care but are still able to safely live inside of their homes and be active in their communities.

Formerly known as Complete Health with PACE, Baptist Health PACE is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization sponsored by Baptist Health since its inception in 2016. The program focuses on providing an alternative care option through a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. PACE serves aging adults who are eligible for long-term care facilities

but prefer living at home and are still capable of doing so with assistance.

Sheila Williams, vice president of PACE services at Baptist Health, said participant must be 55 or older; meet the state’s requirements for long-term level of care; reside in the service area and be able to live safely in their homes. According to an August news release, Baptist Health PACE provides services for residents of Lonoke, Faulkner, Saline and Pulaski counties.

According to the Arkansas Department of Human Services Office of Long Term Care, there are more than 23,000 Arkansans receiving services in long-term care facilities each year. This number includes those who reside in nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities and psychiatric residential treatment facilities. In Arkansas, the requirements for long-term care are evaluated on an individual basis, and all who are seeking residential care

are evaluated through a Medical Need Determination Form (DHS 703 form). The medical need criteria in Arkansas evaluates an individual’s recent hospitalizations, hospice participation, ability to walk with or without assistance, continence status, nutritional status, hearing, vision, behavior and more.

“In determining if someone is able to live safely in their home, we send someone out to their home to assess their living situation. We want to see if there are any risks and if they have family support to keep them safe and if they are able to stay in their home,” Williams said.

On the surface, PACE seems similar to other home health initiatives, however, it differs from these programs, including Baptist Health Home Health, in several important respects. Home health services at Baptist Health include at-home physical therapy, nursing visits and other services needed for the patient at home.

Left to Right: Dr. Jasmine Brathwaite, Sheila Williams, Troy Wells, Theartis Ricks, Brent Beaulieu, John McMorran, Derrell Hartwick, May Hartwick, Dr. Cliff Fullerton and Doug Weeks.

According to Williams, Baptist Health Home Health focuses on restorative health in order to rehabilitate while Baptist Health PACE is largely focused on preventative care for the purpose of disease prevention. This means the program seeks to keep eligible adults healthy and well enough to continue to live outside of a long-term care facility.

“In PACE, participants are assisted with daily living. This includes bathing, toileting, dressing, meal preparation and even light housekeeping,” Williams said, while noting participants play an active role in determining their needs and goals for care.

To do this, patients are expected to actively participate in planning conversations discussing level and duration of care, according to Williams. The Baptist Health PACE team also works with the family or caregiver of the participant to establish a plan of care.

As part of Baptist Health PACE program, Baptist Health opened the doors of its Adult Day Health Center, located on Springhill Drive, on Aug. 12. Located near the hospital’s North Little Rock campus, the new center delivers necessary services to its participants, including all services covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

“PACE understands the demands of working while still trying to care for a loved one, especially a frail or elderly parent,” Baptist Health communications said via the August news release. “PACE provides and coordinates all medical care – including home care, therapies, transportation, and other services — that your loved ones need to live a healthy, safe life in their home.”

According to the Arkansas DHS Division of Medical Services, individuals’ eligibility for Medicaid services is certified through the Department of Human Services offices or district Social Security offices. Medicaid offers payment assistance for medically necessary services for low-income Arkansans. Separately, Medicare is federal health insurance for those 65 and older, although the age requirement is waived under certain

circumstances, such as physical disability.

According to the DHS website, individuals generally qualify for full Medicaid benefits starting at age 65. Full eligibility is based on a variety of factors including income, property ownership, age and situation.

In addition to providing these services, Baptist Health PACE also provides services deemed medically necessary by internal interdisciplinary teams. Baptist Health provides comprehensive senior care which includes preventative care, screenings, health lectures, special events and more, provided by a multidisciplinary team of physicians and health professionals. According to the Baptist Health website, some common areas seniors require treatment for include menopause, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, geriatric fractures, heart health and more.

“Examples of these services include all medically necessary health care services, medications, doctor visits, hospital visits, transportation to and from appointments, care in the home, transportation to and from the day center, in-home devices as needed and more,” Williams said. “In the certified adult day center, participants can receive most of the care onsite as well.”

With most services offered at the center, Williams explained there are a variety of reasons why participants are involved in the day center, aside from receiving health care services. Some participants come for respite stay – short-term relief for primary caregivers– while others come for services and socialization.

“At the center, we have meals, therapy services, physical therapy, occupational therapy and social workers all in one place,” Williams said.

As far as recreation, Willliams said each month a slate of structured activi-

ties is scheduled, ranging from group activities and games to more individual pursuits such as reading and working puzzles.

“Our participants love to play Bingo, so we have Bingo routinely throughout the week,” Williams said. “In group exercise, we like to make it fun, so our participants don’t even really look at it as hard work. We also have games participants can enjoy within the company of each other and a lot of other group activities.”

Baptist Health PACE bridges the gap between independence, assisted living and long-term residential care. While it is available to those who have both Medicare and Medicaid, it is also available to eligible participants who lack one or both of these for a monthly premium. Premiums are equal to the Medicaid capitation plus the premium of Medicare medication. Rates change every year; the current monthly premium is about $5,500 a month. Williams said PACE currently doesn’t have any members who pay a premium.

“Baptist Health PACE replaces conventional Medicare and Medicaid care with the basic goal of providing [longterm residential] level of care while allowing them to stay in their homes and in the communities they love,” she said.

For more information about Baptist Health PACE, call (501) 441-8000, or visit baptist-health.com.

HIGH & DRY

Barge on the Mississippi River

Drought conditions taking a toll on Arkansas and nation.

Arkansas has seen many dry periods in its history, but this year’s drought is causing so many problems for The Natural State and other states along the Mississippi River that in some areas, it seems almost biblical in proportion.

Affecting everything from farming and duck hunting to football games and barge shipping on the state’s waterways, the shortfall in rain has even led the U.S. Drought Monitor to declare western Arkansas as extreme drought territory.

Fred Long serves as vice president of Logistic Services, a key player in the loading and offloading of barges and ships in the region. He’s worked at the Port of Little Rock for 28 years, handling all the docks, ports, terminals and warehouses of the complex.

Long said while the Arkansas River has been impacted by the drought, the Mississippi River poses a much larger problem for both the area and the nation. That river’s water levels are now so low that barges carrying goods are getting grounded along the way.

“Most of the cargo we handle transits the upper or lower Mississippi River, and those are areas so low now that it’s affecting how much they can draft on barges and tows,” he said.

By Carl Kozlowski

“They normally can draft to 12 feet in the Mississippi, but now the loaded barges are drafting too deep to move, so they just have to sit. It depends on where the barge gets stuck to see if they can even lighten it.

“We’re seeing a slow rise in the water level, so now you’re seeing barges move again. But the cascading effect is that you had a number of barges that had not moved. So, you’ve got a backload of barges having to clear through the transportation system.”

Another problem Long noted were the Arkansas, Ohio and Tennessee Rivers converging with the Mississippi further north, and different water levels in each cause additional navigational problems for barges coming up from the Gulf of Mexico. The Arkansas River has fewer problems than other waterways, being fed by rainfall in Kansas and Colorado.

Arkansas has another advantage in the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas Navigation System, which created a highly successful series of locks and dams to better regulate water levels. Long said the Mississippi doesn’t have effective locks and dams, so much of the water that does flow into it from waterways such as the Ohio River doesn’t hold well. As such, the impact on Arkansas has been muted compared to other regions

Long said recovery is already occurring, as by Thanksgiving

week water levels had risen four feet in the Mississippi with the Tennessee and Ohio rivers also getting to safe levels, which is critical for the nation’s infrastructure and supply chain.

“This country was founded by people coming in from ships, and when the U.S. was populated, it was people coming down and the commerce coming in by water,” Long said. “The country grew off the rivers first, then off the rails and then off the interstates. The way the country’s grown over the years has changed, but it’s always been the safest and most economical, cost-efficient way to move goods on the waterways.”

The Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining a 9-foot channel on the Arkansas River, according to Jay Woods, public affairs specialist for the Little Rock District. He notes the Arkansas River is maintaining a healthy flow of 12,000 cubic feet per second, without having to do additional dredging.

“It’s kind of weird because the National Weather Service says we’re in a drought, but by Corps standards we’re not,” Woods said. “The water is staying in the conservation pool, which is where it’s supposed to be instead of the flood pool where it’s been for the past five or six years.”

Environmental issues aside, shipping costs are much higher than normal, said Cassandra Caldwell, director of the Arkansas Waterways Commission. The commission is responsible for developing and protecting Arkansas’ five navigable waterways, and Caldwell noted studies on the drought’s economic impact will likely take years.

“We’re seeing the Mississippi River affecting some of the grains and commodities that are grown in states like Kansas and Oklahoma and shipped out,” said Caldwell. “It also affected the amount that was harvested this year. There’s quite a lot of soybeans here in Arkansas, and they’re having a hard time getting the product to market.

“Barges are in short supply and high demand right now, and with the restrictions imposed on drafts on that river, we can’t fill the barges as full. We normally can fill to a 12-foot draft with the equivalent of 70 tractor trailer trucks for a barge and a typical tow is going to move about 15 barges on the river. That’s a lot of trucks off the road, and capacity is down by 30 to 50 percent as barges can only be filled 50 to 60 percent.”

Aside from business factors, the drought season has had a major effect on the fun side of life too, as the world-famous duck hunting season in Stuttgart has been seriously impacted.

Dennis Adkins has been in rice farming for 50 years and is such an avid duck hunter that he’s out at least 55 days of the 60day season. He says that the Bayou Meto water source that runs from Jacksonville through Stuttgart has dropped dramatically, as has the Big Ditch that large duck hunting clubs rely upon.

“An 1,100-acre reservoir is now very sparse, with little pockets of water in there,” Adkins said. “It’s known as the Duck Hunting Capital of the World, and everyone is suffering from lack of water. There are even places that you can walk across that are normally filled with flowing water.”

Adkins noted a little further east, the White River and others

are well below flood stage.

“The Mississippi River is at the lowest level ever recorded,” he said. “They’re finding boats and Civil War stuff there. All this will have an adverse effect on duck hunters and their ability to hunt.”

The duck hunting season spurs massive business for Stuttgart, as hunters spend over $1 million per day at sporting goods stores, hotels and restaurants. Hunters come from all over the nation, and have included U.S. presidents and celebrities.

There are other factors impacting this year’s season, as federal reports indicate the mallard population has dropped by up to 8 million birds.

“In my opinion it’s overhunting,” Adkins said. “There’s also been such a surge that Missouri was an area that didn’t hunt that much years ago, and now they short stop us.

“Ducks Unlimited has bought thousands of acres up there for ducks to rest. A duck’s not going to move unless their food is covered over, and then they head south. If they can’t rest here, they’ll move on, and we won’t have ducks.”

Caldwell notes there’s hope on the horizon, as the region enters a wet season on the Mississippi River.

“We’ll be back to full capacity or close to it,” she said. “That’s coming soon, it’s just the process is a little painstaking right now.”

Cassandra Caldwell Fred Long

Dennis Adkins (left) with his son, Kris.

Plentiful Game Populations. Generous Bag Limits. Beautiful Public Land.

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Start planning your next hunting trip now. Find a wildlife management area near you:

Populations.

What’s a Wildlife Management Area (WMA)?

A WMA is property that is set aside and managed to increase wildlife habitat and provide outdoors opportunities such as hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and hiking. The AGFC owns dozens of WMAs and works with many other state and federal agencies to provide more than 3.2 million acres of public hunting opportunity in The Natural State.

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Junior League of Little Rock

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For exactly 100 years, the Junior League of Little Rock has empowered and trained women to understand the needs of their communities and bring about change. And the downtown structure housing the Junior League of Little Rock is just as historic as the organization itself.

The three-story building at 401 S. Scott St. was built in 1910 by the Benevolent and Protected Order of the Elks Lodge 29, and originally opened as a men’s social club. Theo Sanders, a successful architect from Little

By Katie Zakrzewski

Rock, designed the building in 1908, and construction began as fundraising allowed. The BPOE is a national organization for men dedicated to fellowship and work in their local communities.

In 1927, the building was purchased for $75,000 by the Woman’s City Club, which used the building over the next 74 years as a clubhouse, hosting meetings, bridge games and luncheons. The Woman’s City Club (WCC), which worked towards improving women and their communities, would also rent the

building out to organizations including the Catholic Woman’s Exchange, the Little Rock Council of Girl Scouts, and they would host the Little Rock Cotillion in their ballroom.

In the 1980s, WCC membership began to decrease, and costs began to rise as fewer individuals were renting the building. The WCC attempted to sell the building in 1984, but a disagreement among members led to a potential deal falling through.

In May of 2001, the Junior League purchased the building and upon taking possession, discovered the original linen plans outlining the design of the building. The basement contained a gymnasium, a grill area and marble-lined locker rooms for men. The first floor contained meeting rooms, rooms for card games, rooms for writing, a kitchen, parlor and restrooms.

The second floor housed a parlor room for ladies, a meeting room for private Elk functions in addition to a well-known grand ballroom. The top floor of the building contained eight sleeping rooms and a shared bath, which were available to rent for local and out-oftown Elk members.

Junior League has since renovated the building, modernizing many rooms and areas both in design and in purpose. Throughout these renovations, many decisions have been made to keep original detailing the same, as an homage to the building’s history. For example, Elk doorknobs and eagle wing light fixtures are all a nod to the building’s original interior design.

The exterior of the building contains several unique features that aren’t at first glance obvious to the naked eye. “BPOE” is carved in the stonework over the balcony, while “Lodge 29” is carved into the stone circles above the doorway. Black-and-white photographs of the building during its tenure as the Elk Lodge show a huge pair of elk antlers on the top of the building. To this day, many pairs of elk antlers can be found hidden in the details of the building, such as on the cast bronze doorknobs. There is also rumored to be a bullet hole in the face of the building’s clock, the origin of which is unknown.

Founded in 1914 to assist the modern-day United Way, the group separated into its own establishment in 1921 before affiliating with the Associate of Junior Leagues International in 1922. The Junior League of Little Rock was incorporated in 1929.

The first project the Junior League spearheaded was the Baby Welfare Station. This center, located at the Arsenal at McArthur Park, provided medical exams for infants and small children in addition to health care education for mothers. The Junior League established and built up the project before turning it over to the

City of Little Rock in 1937.

Kelley Bass, CEO of the Museum of Discovery, wrote about the impact the Junior League of Little Rock has had on the museum and the city.

“One of the watershed moments in the 95-year history of the Museum of Discovery and biggest driver of our huge crowds after moving to the River Market in 1998 was Imagination Station, a collection of interactive activities and exhibits that quickly became the most popular area in the new museum,” Bass wrote.

“The exhibit was funded by one of the museum’s legacy partners, the Junior League of Little Rock, and we owe that fine organization a debt of gratitude for spring boarding us to unprecedented success. But that is just one manifestation of the League’s support of the museum, which has included countless volunteer hours and financial support for many of our programs.”

The Junior League has continued its work through volunteers, funding and leadership support to ensure projects don’t just succeed, but last. The impact of the Junior League’s members can be tied to Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Potluck Food Rescue, Centers for Youth and Families, Gaines House, Volunteers in Public Schools, Riverfest, the Museum of Discovery and many other organizations and events.

Today, as the Junior League of Little Rock celebrates its 100th anniversary and recent induction into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame, it’s clear the organization will continue to do whatever it takes to uplift communities within the city and the women who have played such a crucial role in them.

The impact of the Junior League’s members can be tied to Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Potluck Food Rescue, Centers for Youth and Families, Gaines House, Volunteers in Public Schools, Riverfest, the Museum of Discovery and many other organizations and events.

OF TURKEYS AND TOADS

By Mark Carter

It’s no jumping frog from the High Sierra, but the Sonoran desert toad is causing people to behave like characters from a Mark Twain tale.

Every once in a while, a headline invokes a double take, and “Park Service: Please don’t lick the toads” is one of them.

Some adventurous visitors to national parks and monuments in the Southwest are convinced the toad carries the “God molecule,” a hallucinogenic so unique and potent it’s been compared to a religious experience, the papers report. (Others call it your everyday, run-of-the-mill deadly toxin.)

On Facebook, the National Park Service recently reminded day-ahem-trippers to refrain from licking, be it a “banana slug, unfamiliar mushroom or a large toad with glowing eyes in the dead of night.”

Though toad-gathering in search of enlightenment apparently is a thing, and thus, the social media entreat, the demand for the trip-inducing toxins has led to the creation of a cottage “retreat” industry.

The “God molecules” — scientific designation, 5-meO-DMT; street name, Bufo — found in the critter are manifested “safely” by drying the toad’s secretions into crystals, which are then smoked in a pipe.

And that last part, very much, is a thing. The toxin is illegal in the United States, classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. But south of the border, the Bufo flows legally.

The practice of smoking these toad-infused crystals goes back decades. It’s treated as ceremony, costs hundreds or thousands of dollars, and the experience lasts from 15 to 30 minutes.

For those “meeting God,” that half hour could manifest itself in infinite ways. One could trip the light fantastic, perhaps through interdimensional stargates; ride dragons around floating mountains on Pandora; maybe tube the Strawberry River with Sasquatch in search of that elusive pick.

Depending on their own psychic nooks and crannies, trippers could channel Milton, Cameron, Black … But they might also discover an eternity in line at the DMV or encounter a worstmemory Groundhog Day. So, go ahead and pick your poison. Because in some cases, Bufo is high or die.

Ambrose Bierce — the dark Twain — disappeared in northern Mexico, mysteriously, in 1913. The renowned author and journalist, famous in his time as a war correspondent, had been embedded with Pancho Villa’s army during the Mexican Revolution.

His last known correspondence, written to a friend and dated Dec. 26, closed with the ominous line, “As to me, I leave here tomorrow for an unknown destination.”

He was never heard from again. The U.S. government launched an investigation into how one of its citizens, and a prominent one at that, went missing over the border. To no avail.

Most theories accept that Mr. Bierce was shot by Mexican rebels or died by suicide. But maybe, just maybe, he sampled the local toads the night before setting off from the city of Chihuahua with the general’s army.

And licked instead of dried.

***

The Monday before Thanksgiving, President Joe Biden presided over a truly American tradition — the annual pardoning of turkeys.

Despite the brilliant — and satirical, not that anyone remembers satire — headline from The Babylon Bee that declared a turkey was denied this traditional pardon after photos emerged of it outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, two gobblers indeed were spared the chopping block.

Their names? Chocolate and Chip, for Mr. Biden’s favorite ice cream.

Still reveling in the aftermath of Democrats’ better-than-expected midterm showing, Mr. Biden was quick with the quips: no ballot stuffing or “fowl” play, the only red wave will be if Commander, the presidential German shepherd, knocks over the cranberry sauce …

(The red trickle did deliver a GOP House, however, and the president’s confidence may soon take a hit.)

And in an appropriate sign of the times, the Bidens welcomed the year’s White House Christmas tree the same day, Thanksgiving now officially absorbed into the Christmas empire like Austria into the Reich.

Fortunately, neither Chocolate nor Chip was airdropped from a helicopter over the White House lawn, a la the Thanksgiving episode of the vastly under-appreciated “WKRP in Cincinnati.”

In it, after turkeys were dropped from the sky as part of a holiday promotion for his radio station, an unintended guinea Hindenburg, station boss Mr. Carlson admits, “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.”

We’ve all had those moments, Mr. Carlson. Chocolate and Chip, the Associated Press reports, “flew” back to North Carolina to live out their post-pardon lives.

The president, to his credit, closed the ceremony with remarks about which we should all be willing to agree, and for which a prompter shouldn’t have been necessary: “This is a special time … in the greatest nation on Earth, so let’s be thankful.”

Amen to that, Mr. President.

Amr Ismail, MD

Conway Regional Multispecialty Clinic

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Lung Care Specialty

Amr Ismail, MD, is a practicing pulmonologist at the Conway Regional Multispecialty Clinic with experience in diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the lungs, such as asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, and pneumonia. Conway Regional is also proud to offer an endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy procedure used to diagnose different types of lung disorders, inflammation, infections, and cancer.

Visit ConwayRegional.org to learn more.

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