LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION!
Performing Arts at UCA FULL STORY, PAGE 5 Junichi Takahashi photo
n EDITORIAL
A
We contain multitudes in conway
quick review of our editorial spread for this month’s Journal showed a number of stories that were decidedly “non-business.” EcoFest, ArtsFest, football and even our feature story about The Reynolds aren’t hard business news. We want to take a moment and assure readers and everyone else that we haven’t lost our business and economic focus. It’s still the heart of our message and the lens we look at our community
through. However, it does bring to light an interesting question. As a city seeks to grow its economy, where does the business world stop and the everything else start? In 2011, the lines are more blurred than ever. People work from home. They have freelance jobs that sometimes pay more than their day jobs. Major employers have the ability to pick up and move to greener pastures seemingly overnight. Many of you have heard references to “Quality of Place” or “The Rise of
the Creative Class.” These are just ideas that are trying to wrap their arms around the same questions we raise here. Specifics aside, it’s obvious that all of the “nonbusiness” factors are having a real impact on business decisions. Conway has never had a problem (in fact we would call it a strength) developing “extracurricular” cultural amenities. We obviously have a head start on most communities because of our three colleges. Where you have
colleges, you have conversation. And youth. And vibrancy. We have the critical mass to be a city of ideas. The supply of these events is nothing to brag about. It’s the very good hand we were dealt. What we should be proud of is the demand. Think about this. In 2000, there was no EcoFest, no ArtsFest, no one dreamed of 12,000 people attending a UCA game and we didn’t have the Reynolds. These events, organizations and changes were created,
nurtured and have been sustained by all of us. We need to remember that and continue to see value in repeating that process. These institutions add real economic value to our community. There is a dollars and cents impact to each of them. But more than that, they make life in Conway better for all of us. They are a critical element of Conway’s value proposition to growing businesses. They are the service after the sell. They are here for us to all enjoy. Support them.
New Airport Receives Critical Funding
The new Conway airport in Lollie Bottoms just moved $1.4 million closer to reality. And the move wasn’t altogether expected. “It was something we had been working on, but I would definitely call it a pleasant surprise,” said Jamie Gates, Sr. Vice President of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.
The $1.4 million discretionary grant comes on the heels of a $2.2 million grant announced in July. Gates says that the combination of the two grants will allow Conway to complete the earthwork and drainage projects currently underway without interruption. “That’s been our goal from day one. We want our contractors to be able to work without stopping to wait for the next grant cycle. From a safety standpoint, it remedies our existing problems the quickest. As a taxpayer, it is the most affordable way to build this airport.” The new airport will have a 5,500 foot long runway that is expandable up to 7,000 feet. The new site is in a currently undeveloped area that offers the city the opportunity to assign appropriate surrounding land use. Conway’s current airport has a much shorter runway and does not offer the safety measures required in modern airport construction. 2 | FAULKNER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL
A $1.4million grant from the FAA will complete the earthwork and drainage projects currently under way at the new Conway airport site.
It is also surrounded by residential, commercial and interstate property. According to Gates, the runway at the new airport will not be open until some time in 2014. The remainder of airport facilities and improvements may not be completed until 2016. “The grant came at the perfect time. But it only gets us back on schedule and will be used up before we know it. We are going to continue to work
with our federal delegation and the FAA to expedite the funding process.” Gates credits the $1.4 million grant to advocacy from Conway’s federal delegation. “The project has been on their radar for years. It’s a process. But if we keep them informed, it gives them the opportunity to push for projects like this.” US Senator Mark Pryor has been involved with the airport project since
taking office in 2003. He says that a new Conway airport will have a regional and lasting impact. “Local airports help drive job creation and economic development in surrounding communities, and provide much-needed travel options for residents and businesses. This grant will go a long way to help build Conway’s new airport so it can better serve the community.”
Ecofest BRINGS education, understanding and ‘magic’ affect everyone in their daily life. “EcoFest doesn’t have a special agenda. We have a ton of educators involved who just make information available so people can make informed choices.” Attendees don’t need an interest in environmental science to enjoy the event. The festival will include exhibits and events that range from green building practices and agriculture to a butterfly release and cardboard car derby. “There is a ton for kids to do. We really make an effort to schedule events that attract people who normally wouldn’t attend an environmental event,” said Plopper. A new attraction this year certainly falls in the range of “unconventional.” Kevin Barnes
Listen to EcoFest organizer Debbie Plopper for very long and you will understand why she thinks “three is the charm” for this year’s EcoFest.
She thinks that the 3rd Annual EcoFest scheduled for Saturday, September 10th in Laurel Park will be the biggest one yet. “We’ve had a tremendous amount of buzz. Just great word of mouth advertising from our, largest ever, group of organizers and volunteers.” EcoFest’s mission is “to create a highly interactive environmental community festival that celebrates the interconnected web of life.” Plopper says that the festival strives to provide a balanced look at issues that
is a professional magician who performed at the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas for 15 years. Barnes has created a “Green Earth Magic Show.” According to Barnes’ bio the show is described as helping “encourage kids everywhere to care for the world around them…sharing ideas ranging from the simplest to the grandest, teaching that even the smallest effort can make a world of difference.” There will be cooking demonstrations, speakers, live music and a host of interactive displays for kids and adults to enjoy. The events at Laurel Park kick off at 10am and last until 4:00pm. For more information and a full schedule of events visit www. ConwayEcoFest. com.
TOP 5 RESIDENTIAL home sales 25
3270 Vineyard Drive 40
40
Old Morrilton Hwy
Gentry La 64
64
Cadron Valley Country Club
3000 Ashley Drive
r
eD
ylin
Meadowlake Rd
Sk
65
Donaghey Ave
Gleason
65 64
1755 Centennial Club Gatlin Park
er S
Hendrix College
krid
Har
Tyle
r St
Centennial Valley Golf Club
Salem Rd
Conway
60
t
eS
nc
Pri
Donaghey Ave
t
10 Terra Cove
Laurel Park
Caldwell St
60
Oak
Oak St
St60
60
Conway Country Club
65
4935 Westin Park Central Baptist College
60
Highway 60 W
PRICE
ADDRESS
BED/BATH SUBDIVISION
SQ. FT.
$/SQ. FT.
YEAR BUILT
CITY
$405,000 1755 Centennial Club 4/4
Centennial Valley
3,879
$104.41
2002
Conway
$369,400 3000 Ashley Drive
Royal Oaks
4,456
$82.90
1996
Conway
$365,000 3270 Vineyard Drive 4/3.5
Falcon Crest
3,690
$98.92
1999
Conway
$318,000 4935 Westin Park
5/3.5
Westin Park
3,375
$94.22
2006
Conway
$316,300 10 Terra Cove
5/3 & 2 half Shady Valley
4,415
$71.64
1990
Conway
5/4
The Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau shoots a commercial at Euphoria Day Spa. The commercial will feature Conway businesses hoping to benefit from football game attendees.
Campaign will promote ‘Game Day in Conway’ What’s purple and gray and brings thousands of visitors from throughout Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana?
Obviously, it a UCA home game. While UCA’s new field has already generated a lot of attention for the Bear’s fall campaign. The Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau is trying to bring attention to all of the amenities Conway has to offer visiting football fans. This month the Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau will launch a media campaign designed to encourage visitors to make the most of their time in Conway during a home game weekend. Conway Chamber Director of Destination Marketing Rachel Earls said that the goal is to take full advantage of the time and purchasing power of football game spectators. “We want to encourage people to make an entire weekend of the game. We want the UCA football experience to include a hotel stay or shopping and dinner out after the game.” The campaign kicks off
with a television commercial that will begin running in mid-September. The commercial features football fans “getting their game face on” as they shop, go to a spa and eat in local restaurants during a home game weekend. The spot will be on a number of regional cable outlets and featured statewide during the broadcast of the UCA-ASU game on September 24th. “The game with ASU offered the CVB a unique opportunity to catch a multistate audience that obviously has an interest in local college football. We want to make sure that our community will be highly visible in the weeks surrounding that game,” said Earls. UCA has five home games scheduled for their 2011 season. Three of those fall in the month of October. Earls says that the timing of the campaign will hopefully complement the schedule. “The first game of the year (September 1) had a tremendous amount of buzz and media attention. We hope to keep that momentum alive throughout September so we can attract a large number of visitors for the rest of the season.”
FAULKNER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL | 3
FAULKNER COUNTY school district test scores stand out state wide The results are in and they are undeniable. The best public schools in central Arkansas are in Faulkner County. Just released Benchmark Exam scores from the 2010/11 school year show that the Vilonia and Conway School Districts finished first and second, respectively, among the 21 school districts in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway MSA. The Benchmark Exam measures the percentage of students district wide who have achieved proficiency or above in literacy and math. The MSA includes Faulkner, Pulaski, Perry, Lonoke, Grant and Saline Counties. The scores released reflect results from
halfhoriz abpgfin.indd 4 |EXPO FAULKNER COUNTY 1BUSINESS JOURNAL
students grades 2 through 8. Of the 40 largest school districts in the state, Conway finished second only to Bentonville for students above proficiency in the two subjects. Conway ranked 14th out of all 247 Arkansas school districts. Vilonia finished ranked 8th of 247. Conway and Vilonia’s percentage at proficiency or above for math was 89% and 84% respectively. For literacy, 84% of Conway students were at proficiency compared to 87% for Vilonia. Both sets of scores stand in stark contrast to the Arkansas average of 77% math proficiency and 63% literacy proficiency. In Conway, the testing took place on 13 campuses. Nine elementary schools, two middle schools and two
I
t shows the hard work that our teachers put in each and every week.
—Greg Murry, Conway superintendent
intermediate campuses. Conway Superintendant Greg Murry said the lofty scores are the result of time and effort by the district’s faculty. “It shows the hard work that our teachers put in each and every week.” Murry said that campuses district wide
were showing positive trends with their exam scores. When looking at the MSA’s 21 school districts. Faulkner County’s six districts took five of the top eight spots. Greenbrier rounded out the top five coming in less than a point behind Benton and Bryant in Saline County. Conway Area Chamber of Commerce President Brad Lacy said that he is thrilled with the results. “For years we have branded ourselves as an education town. This proves we’re more than that. We’re an education county. These results are proof positive that we are the preferred location for parents wanting quality education for their children or employers looking for the workforce of tomorrow.”
8/16/11 3:25 PM
New Season Brings Enriching Performances Close to Home
A trip to the land of Oz or an evening of music celebrating 101 years of Broadway are just a few exciting performing arts events scheduled this season at the University of Central Arkansas.
For decades, UCA College of Fine Arts and Communication and Reynolds Performance Hall have provided quality performing arts to Central Arkansas. The tradition continues with 19 performances during the 2011-2012 UCA Public Appearances season and nearly 60 concerts, theatre productions, lectures, films, and gallery exhibits sponsored by the College of Fine Arts and Communications. This year’s UCA Public Appearances has been divided again into the Night Out Series, Broadway Series, Nostalgia Series and the Distinguished Lecture Series, which is sponsored for 2011-12 by the Log Cabin Democrat. “We are very excited about our 2011-2012 season with its wide variety of events,” said Jerry Biebesheimer, director of UCA Public Appearances. “We hope that by offering four different subscription options, more of our patrons will be able to take advantage of the savings that subscribing offers.” The series is something the city of Conway is proud of. “Any city that reaches out across the globe, across the political spectrum, across the ages of art and achievement to bring the highest cultural arts and ideals into its community not only enriches its citizenry and its quality of life, it adds greatly to the quality of place that city represents,” Conway Mayor Tab Townsell
Photo courtesy TMI Touring Company said. “Bringing those arts and cultural events to a city is the new economic and community development. “The Reynolds Performance Series is bringing just exactly that type of energy and electricity to Conway and the greater central Arkansas area. The ticket to see the world once was a plane ticket; now it’s a season pass to the Reynolds Performance Series.” This year patrons may once again subscribe to their choice of the Night Out Series, Broadway Series or the Nostalgia Series. They may also subscribe to the new Log Cabin Democrat Distinguished Lectures Series or the Performing Arts Package, which combines the 15 events in the Night Out, Broadway and Nostalgia series. Single tickets are also available. Performances in the Night Out series include Martha Graham Dance Company (Oct. 10), Cirque Mechanics2’
Boom Town (Oct. 25), Art of the Drum (Feb. 27), WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour – Live! (Mar 31) and the Moscow Festival Ballet in Romeo & Juliet (Apr 26). The Broadway Series includes 101 Years of Broadway (Sept. 29), The Wizard of Oz (Nov. 19), Danny Glover and Felix Justice in An Evening with Martin & Langston (Feb. 9), Doubt (Mar. 1) and Stomp (Mar. 27). The 2011-2012 season opens with the Nostalgia series’ Dionne Warwick in concert on September 13. The series continues with Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone and The Lettermen (Oct. 27), Pat Boone in A Holiday Celebration (Dec. 11, 2 p.m.) and The Oak Ridge Boys (Apr. 16). The Log Cabin Democrat Lectures series kicks off with Erin Brockovich on September 19 followed by James Carville (Nov. 21), and Dan Abrams (Apr. 5). “Dividing the season into
four series allows us to offer packages that are affordable and that meet everyone’s needs,” said Catherine Marhenke, director of marketing and development for the College of Fine Arts and Communication and UCA Public Appearances. “By purchasing subscriptions to one or more series, you’re going to be able to experience the art that interests you most. “I think this is an amazing lineup with a wide array of guest artists. Where else in Arkansas can you see the Munich Symphony Orchestra, the Broadway tour of The Wizard of Oz and James Carville all in one month? The 2011-12 season is going to be very exciting and diverse.” For more information or to purchase tickets for the Public Performance series, visit www. uca.edu/reynolds or call (501) 450-3265. The College of Fine Arts and Communication offers an array of programming including Captured Live From the
Met at UCA series, UCA Film Festival, concerts showcasing UCA’s music faculty, students and Conway Symphony Orchestra, the college’s artists-in residence series, Festival of One-Act Plays, and Baum Gallery’s exhibit “Connections: The Fifteenth Year,” an anniversary exhibition of art by selected UCA faculty and Arkansas artists. New this year is the first Faculty Film Screening scheduled Friday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall. The screening, free and open to the public, will include recent films made by members of the Digital Filmmaking faculty. In past years, faculty members have shown their films individually in different venues, but this event will bring them all together with their films to showcase their work for the first time. Several films will premier; most involved UCA film students in small and large capacities. “We’re really looking forward to the chance to show our work to our students and to the community at large,” said Joe Dull, assistant professor of digital filmmaking and coordinator of the screening event. “We’re very fortunate to be surrounded by people who support what we do, and this is a great chance to show the work that everyone’s helping to create.” For more information about the College of Fine Art and Communication programs, visit uca.edu/cfac or call (501) 450-3293. Venita Jenkins Associate Director of Media Relations University of Central Arkansas vjenkins@uca.edu (501) 450-5114
FAULKNER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL | 5
Festival Celebrates Arts in Conway In 2007, Conway Alliance for the Arts (CAFTA) held a four-day arts festival in downtown Conway to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the University of Central Arkansas and the dedication of the “Aurora Rising” mural on City Hall.
Members of the Hendrix Art Club put the finishing touches on an Oak Street mural that will be dedicated during the 2011 ArtsFest. 6 | FAULKNER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Now in its fourth year, ArtsFest has grown to include additional events and venues over a 10-day span. ArtsFest 2011 begins Friday, Sept. 23, with a performance by Conway Symphony Orchestra in Simon Park. A full schedule of events that include visual and interactive art exhibits, musical and dance performances, film screenings, and live theater continues through Saturday, Oct. 2, at locations throughout Conway. “Each year, ArtsFest grows in size and scope, and we are delighted to showcase to a wide audience the diversity and talent found right here in Conway,” Judi Moore, ArtsFest chairwoman, said. Some of the featured events are listed below. Admission is free unless otherwise noted. • The Conway League of Artists’ Winners’ Show continues through Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Faulkner County Library. The works of member artists that won the “Art of Month” at the League’s monthly meetings are on display. • Arkansas Arts Center’s mobile touring unit will be parked at the Log Cabin Democrat building from Tuesday, Sept. 27, until Saturday, Oct. 1. • “Handmade Puppet Dreams,” a touring film-festival project created by Heather Henson, will be shown Friday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m. on the street in downtown Conway. The collection of short films is made by independent artists and features handmade puppets. Heather Henson is the daughter of Jim Henson and is the artist-in-residence at UCA. • A number of student exhibits will be on display in downtown Conway on Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1. These include an interactive display at OneChurch on Front Street that features the work of students at Conway Public Schools; a Blackbird Academy Art Exhibit at Montebanq Place on Oak Street; and a Children’s Art Exhibit at American Management Corporation.
• Craig Jensen will give a public lecture on the history of the book Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m. in Reves Recital Hall on the campus of Hendrix College. The lecture is titled “Book Arts: Dressing up Art, Literature, and the Printed Word.” • Conway Community Arts Association presents “Kitchen Witches” Friday, Sept. 30, through Sunday, Oct. 2. The play will take place at the new Lantern Theatre, located at 1021 Van Ronkle Street. Each performance begins at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Reservations can be made at www.ConwayArts.org. • Don’t Stop Please, a seven-piece band based in Conway, will perform Friday, Sept. 30, at 5 p.m. on the Kris Allen Stage in Simon Park. • The third annual Conway Film Festival will take place at That Church in Conway with screenings on Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1. The Conway Film Festival is sponsored and coordinated by Psi Delta Kappa, the cinematic co-ed honors fraternity at UCA. • Soul Speak Conway Community Dance will perform at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, on the Kris Allen Stage at Simon Park in downtown Conway. • Conway’s Civic Clubs will host the third annual Chili Cook-off for CAFTA on Saturday, Oct. 1, in Simon Park. For $5, participants can taste several varieties of chili from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. • The Art School Mural will be dedicated during ArtsFest. The mural is located near The Art School at 915 Oak Street. The Art School will have an exhibit at Mike’s Place during the festival. Conway Alliance for the Arts is an umbrella organization that includes representatives from Conway Community Arts Association, Conway Symphony Orchestra, Conway League of Artists, University of Central Arkansas, Central Baptist College, Hendrix College, Conway Public Schools, St. Joseph School, and Conway Christian School. Its mission is to promote the arts in Conway and central Arkansas through a unified forum, which is achieved through ArtsFest. For more information about ArtsFest 2011 and to view a complete schedule of events, visit www.ArtsInConway.org.
Conway Economy at a Glance Unemployment Rate July 2011 US*....................................9.1% Arkansas*..........................8.2% Faulkner County................7.3% Conway..............................6.7% *Seasonally Adjusted Labor Force July 2011 Conway Employed........................26,536 Unemployed......................1917 Total................................28,221 Faulkner County* Employed ......................53,275 Unemployed.....................4,550 Total................................57,825 *Includes Conway Sales Tax Collections Conway- YTD June 2011......................$10,701,088 2010 .....................$10,662,206 Percent Change .36% Conway -Annual* 2010......................$21,868,102 2009......................$20,825,010 Percent Change 5.0% *Tax Rate 1.75 Faulkner County - YTD June* 2011........................$3,944,215 2010 .......................$3,731,766 Percent Change 5.69% Faulkner -Annual* 2010 .......................$7,834,226 2009 .......................$7,731,691 Percent Change 1.3% *Tax Rate 0.5% Restaurant Sales* Conway – YTD June 2011 .....................$74,367,924 2010 ....................$68,979,998 Percent Change 7.8% Annual Sales 2010 ...................$139,864,203 2009 ...................$130,911,970 Percent Change 6.8% *Includes mixed drink sales Hotel Sales Conway - YTD June 2011 .......................$9,510,794 2010 ......................$9,393,408 Percent Change 2.4% Annual Sales 2010 .....................$17,590,242 2009 .....................$16,404,114 Percent Change 7.2% Building Permits Conway Single Family Residents YTD - July 2011 ........................ 90 permits 2010 ..................... 164 permits Percent Change -4.5%
Total for the Year 2010 ..................... 223 Permits 2009 ..................... 259 Permits Percent Change -1.39% Average Construction Cost* YTD - July 2011.......................... $201,013 2010...........................$171,364 Percent Change 17.3% *Not including land or lot improvements Average Square Footage* YTD - May 2011 ..........................2,820 2010 ..........................2,615 Percent Change: 7.8% *Total under Roof Lottery Sales Faulkner County July..........................$1,346,046 Annual*..................$16,427,525 Annual Per Capita .......$145.07 Total State July .......................$37,721,135 Annual*................$466,437,684 Annual Per Capita........$163.35 *August 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011 Natural Gas Severance Tax Distribution July 2011 Faulkner County...........$17,202 Conway.........................$21,401 2010 Faulkner County.........$171,543 Conway.......................$221,255 Wellhead Price per MCF* May 2011 ................................$4.12 2010 ................................$4.36 2009.................................$3.43 2008...............................$10.62 Yearly Average 2010 ......................... $4.16 2009 ......................... $3.71 2008.......................... $8.07 2007.......................... $6.37 2006 ......................... $6.40 2005 ......................... $7.33 2004 ......................... $5.46 2003 ......................... $4.88 2002 ......................... $2.95 *1000 cubic feet Number of Wells* Faulkner County..................266 Total in Field . ..................3,439 *As of May 12, 2011 Estimated Life Time Value of Production* Total Field.........$8,553,336,233 *As of February 10, 2011
Information provided by pulseofconway.com
Residential Construction Can Jumpstart the Economy BY ROGER LEWIS
Residential construction and real estate sales are severely depressed. A significant part of the economy depends on this business segment, and the economy will not recover until problems in this industry are resolved. The number of Americans buying new homes fell for a third month in July, putting sales on track to finish this year as the worst on record dating back half a century, according to Associated Press Derek Kavitz. Housing remains one of the weakest segments of our economy. Real estate sales of new and existing homes by realtors in Faulkner County are down approximately 10% year-to-date through July 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. According to the National Association of Realtors, the sale of two homes creates one job and puts $60,000 in the economy. Real estate sales count for 2% of the gross nation production. Competition from cheaper, existing homes is hurting sales of new dwellings. Distressed properties, which include foreclosures and short-sales, have made up about 33 percent of all existing-home sales nationally. Unheard of several years ago, shortsales are now widespread. The bank or mortgage holder agrees to sell the home at the appraised value and agrees to accept that as full pay-
ment of the mortgage. Short-sales accounted for 12% of home sales nationwide in the second quarter, up from 10% in the same period last year, says researcher RealtyTrac. Short-sale homes, which often remain occupied until sold, tend to retain their value better than those that go through foreclosure. That helps values of neighboring homes. Until foreclosures and short-sales decline, there will be limited demands for new homes and continued depressed values for existing homes. The foreclosure rate for Arkansas is one of every 662 homes and ranks 16 among the states, whereas the national average is one in every 583 homes. For Conway it is one in every 1110 homes, for Faulkner County it is one in 914, well below the state and national rate. Foreclosures and short-sales have not been a big problem in Faulkner County. The problem is depressed prices and fewer new home constructions. Building permits for single family residences in Conway are down by 45% from 2010. Through July 2011 there have been 90 permits issued for single family residences compared to 164 in 2010 and 158 in 2009. Permits for duplex and multifamily units are down 100%, that is, there have been no permits issued in 2011. The number of permits issued for multi-family units in 2010 were 668 with 846 units in 2009. Ten percent of the private workforce in Faulkner County in 2007 was employed in construction. For
2010 it was down to 8% and is expected to be even lower in 2011. Other business segments supplying building material and services are also impacted. Growth in sales has been weak for both Home Depot and Lowe’s with fierce completion to capture what market that exists. While newly constructed homes represent less than one-fifth of the housing market, they have a disproportionate impact on the economy. Each home built creates an average of three jobs and $90,000 in taxes, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Home financing polices need revision. Certainly we cannot go back to policies that led home buyers to mortgages that they could not afford and houses with inflated values and upside down mortgages that were more than the value of the house. Polices need to be relaxed to allow prospective home owners, particularly first-time buyers, to purchase a house within their means with less than a 20% down payment and with a lower credit score that takes into account certain circumstances such as student loans. The National Association of Realtors states that it would take 14 years for a family to save enough for a 20% down payment, and all the while the price of the home will probably be rising. Home ownership is still the American Dream and a vital part of our economy. More information on real estate can be found at www. pulseofconway.com.
Small Business Lunch and Learn to Explore Educational Opportunities for Working Adults An educated and skilled workforce is crucial to the success of businesses and the local economy. Because education and economic development go hand in hand, Central Baptist College is sponsoring a Small Business Lunch & Learn in partnership with the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.
Called “Education for Small Business,” the Lunch & Learn will take place Tuesday, Sept. 13, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. Ryan Johnson, director of recruitment at CBC, and Eliezer Semedo, education coordinator of PACE and online studies, will be the guest lecturers.
They will discuss Central Baptist College’s educational opportunities for working adults, namely its PACE program, its new Online Studies curriculum, and its partnership with the Society of Human Resource Management. PACE is a non-traditional, accelerated associate and bachelor’s degree program designed for
adults with busy lifestyles. This summer, CBC launched an accredited online degree program that began this fall. To register, call Whitney Farris at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce at 501-932-5411 or email Whitney@ConwayArkansas.org. Payment must be received upon reservation.
FAULKNER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL | 7