NEWSMAKERS

By AMP Staff

SANDERS APPOINTS THREE TO THE ARKANSAS STATE PARKS, RECREATION, AND TRAVEL COMMISSION

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced on Jan. 19 her appointments of Eric Jackson, Dr. Trey Berry and Rebecca Lentz to the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission. The appointments run through Jan 2029.

“I am excited to appoint Eric Jackson, Dr. Trey Berry and Rebecca Lentz to the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission – three excellent representatives of Arkansas who will continue to show the nation and the world the incredible natural beauty, world-class outdoor recreation and great economic success of our state,” Sanders said.

Jackson is being reappointed to the body, Berry replaces John Gill and Lentz replaces Skot Covert.

Jackson is the senior vice president at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and serves on Oaklawn’s board of directors. He has helped oversee the resort’s development into one of the premier racing and gaming centers in America and Arkansas’ top commercial tourism attraction, as well as supervising $100 million in construction at Oaklawn.

Berry is president of Southern Arkansas University, having risen to the position just four years after joining the university. His successful fundraising efforts have contributed to new programs, a variety of academic accolades and 10% enrollment growth for the highest enrollment in the history of the institution.

Lentz, also known as “Lady Angler Lentz,” is an outdoor enthusiast and National Guard veteran who uses social media platforms to showcase Arkansas’ outdoor recreation opportunities and natural beauty. She hopes to motivate others to explore Arkansas’ outdoors and related activities.

Arkansas State Fair Appoints First Female General Manager

The Arkansas State Fair has named Little Rock native Tiffany Wilkerson as its new general manager. Wilkerson is the first female to serve in the position, the first African American, and, at age 39, the youngest to serve.

Wilkerson has worked for the Arkansas Livestock Show Association for the past 20 years, with roles including commercial exhibitor coordinator, box office manager, and director of administration. In her new position, she will oversee all business operations and direct all activities for the promotion, preparation, and production of the annual Arkansas State Fair. Furthermore, she will establish and maintain business organization and structure to efficiently conduct the management functions of the Arkansas Fairgrounds on a year-round basis.

Wilkerson hopes to build upon the traditions of the State Fair while growing the Fairgrounds as a year-round event venue and an ag-educational program. She said, “I am thrilled at this opportunity. My entire career as part of the Arkansas Livestock Show Association has been full of exciting challenges. I intend to take my 20 years of experience and build on our current levels of success. The sky’s the limit for the Arkansas State Fair and our Association.”

Bruce Maloch, chairman of the Arkansas Livestock Show Association, said of Wilkerson, “Tiffany’s historical knowledge, experience, and expertise make her the perfect choice to serve as general manager of the Arkansas State Fair. She is familiar with all aspects of the State Fairgrounds and will provide the leadership to make the fairgrounds the premier entertainment and livestock exhibition venue in the state.”

Westrock Coffee Adding Distribution Center To Conway

Westrock Coffee Company, a leading integrated coffee, tea, flavors, extracts, and ingredients solutions provider, announced an agreement to develop a 530,000-square-foot distribution center with Tempus Realty Partners, an Arkansas-based real estate investment partnership represented by Colliers Arkansas. The 30-acre site, near the heavily trafficked I-40 in Conway, is 30 miles from Little Rock.

Westrock Coffee will fully occupy the distribution center following construction, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. The state-ofthe-art development will support the distribution needs of Westrock Coffee’s extract and ready-to-drink manufacturing facility in Conway, 2.2 miles away.

“We are thrilled to announce the construction of our state-of-the-art distribution center, which will allow us to more efficiently and effectively serve our customers with our innovative beverage solutions,” said Joe T. Ford, co-founder and chairman of Westrock Coffee. “This new facility is a testament to our commitment to meeting the growing demand for our products and providing the highest level of service to our valued clients. We look forward to expanding our presence in central Arkansas and driving Westrock Coffee’s growth and success in the industry.”

Will Ford, group president of operations of Westrock Coffee said, “Westrock Coffee continues to invest in our operations, and the announcement of this new distribution center is further proof of our commitment to expand our business. In tandem with the development of our manufacturing facility, this center will enhance our capabilities and help our customers continue to innovate in the beverage space, which is undergoing seismic shifts in consumer preferences. We are truly excited to further cement Westrock Coffee’s connection to the Conway community with this distribution center.”

Honoring young business professionals is the dominant narrative in our culture: success and fulfillment are encouraged and recognized at the dawn of adulthood (or even sooner, if you can manage it). But achievements don’t come instantly, and success is becoming of everyone, regardless of age. People don’t turn obsolete at 32, 45, 50, or even 70, and our reader-nominated list proves just that.

The following individuals are not only making positive impacts in their communities but in the lives of all Arkansans. They are lawyers, CEOs, doctors, educators, small business owners and more. Thanks to decades of hard work, they are superstars in their fields. At Arkansas Money & Politics, we revere these individuals for their expertise and look forward to seeing what their futures hold—now presenting: AMP’s 2023 Fifty Over 50.

Bob Arthur Director of Training and Leadership Development

Harps Food Stores, Inc.

Bob Arthur has been with Harps for six years, but his early career consisted of sales work and vocational and bi-vocational ministry positions. He previously worked as a contractor, facilitating leadership and HR training for companies such as Tyson Foods, La-Z-Boy, Glad Manufacturing and more. Arthur earned his master’s degree from Liberty University; in 2006, he published “Incredible Influence,” a book focused on encouraging individuals to develop their relationship skills. Arthur has been involved in the Springdale community as a planning commissioner, president of the Springdale Rotary Club, 2010 president of Springdale Leadership, and a chamber board member. His favorite part of his role with Harps is being able to influence others for their benefit.

Jerry Barakat Owner

Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse

Ocean’s at Arthur’s Jerry Barakat owns Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse and Ocean’s at Arthur’s. Barakat has been in the restaurant business for 40 years and opened Arthur’s in 2007. Throughout its continued success, Arthur’s has moved several times and is currently located on Chenal Parkway in Little Rock. Arthur’s offers over 350 world-class wines from its wine cellar, and Barakat takes pride in the high-quality food served at both restaurants. He is also grateful for the friends, family, staff and support that make the restaurants excel in every category. The restaurants are managed by Barakat’s two daughters, Suzi and Sandy.

Kim Clatworthy Owner Elder Independence Home Care

Kim Clatworthy has been the owner of Elder Independence Home Care, a leader in home nonmedical care for older adults, since 2014. Clatworthy learned early on that she wanted to care for others, thanks to the values her parents instilled in her; her favorite part of the job is being able to offer unique solutions to families in need of help. Clatworthy has been recognized numerous times for her work by the Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce and others. She has undergraduate degrees from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

George Dodson Co-owner Hopkins Icehouse

George Dodson is the co-owner of Hopkins Icehouse in Texarkana. Dodson and business partner, David Jones, originally purchased the building without a concrete business idea. However, the pair saw a need for a unique restaurant and bar in the area, and Hopkins Icehouse was born in 2007. After over a decade, Dodson has enjoyed growing the business and watching downtown Texarkana become an impressive entertainment district. Previously, Dodson worked in the family business of asphalt road overlay and was the vice president and general manager at Lamar Outdoor Advertising. Outside of work, Dodson enjoys spending time outside, live music and great food.

Chad Evans President, COO Aromatique

Chad Evans is president and COO of Aromatique, the HeberSprings-based leading manufacturer of decorative fragrances. Previous to this role, Evans oversaw Aromatique’s manufacturing operations. He attributes the company’s success to the employees, who have been dedicated to their work for decades. The company initially started in founder Patti Upton’s kitchen; today, the company operates across the country, shipping handmade decorative fragrances worldwide. Evans has been with the company since 1983 and spent many years on the manufacturing side before stepping up to his current role in 2013 following Upton’s retirement. Evans’ goal with the company is the same as it has been since the beginning: to provide the finest decorative fragrances on the market.

Beverly Foster, DC Owner

Chiropractic Health & Rehabilitation

Beverly Foster, DC, has served the Little Rock community for over 25 years and is known as the “go to” chiropractic physician for complex and difficult back and neck treatment. She is an expert at blending the best of natural and conservative care with conventional medicine. Her patients and peers respect her knowledge and skills. Foster has been voted the “Best Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine” year after year by multiple outlets. She currently serves on the UAMS College of Public Health Advisory Board, has served on both the Arkansas