2018-03 North Metro Business Journal by Conway Area Chamber of Commerce

NORTH METRO

MARCH 2018

BUSINESS JOURNAL

American Safeguard Insurance: Excellent People. Excellent Service. Excellent Clients. Story on Page 4

Sunday, March 18, 2018

NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

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inside 4

What’s in a name? Conway Chamber Adds Two to Team

Cover Story

march 2018

American Safeguard Insurance

7 8 10

Editorial

Annual Meeting Awards honor Conway-area businesses, individuals Leadership program welcomes largest class in 30-year history

Eight new members join Conway Area Chamber’s board of directors

Marcus Elliott joins Conway Regional as Director of Corporate Health Services Chamber accepting applications for Academic Signing Day

North Metro Economy at a Glance

“Restructuring,” “Optionality,” “Strategic Alternatives,” and other polite euphemisms

Toad Suck Daze and Museum of Discovery Announce Partnership Honorees named for second annual healthcare awards

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What’s in a name? We recognize that it’s strange (some might say presumptuous or even rude) to start calling a place people are already familiar with by a different a name. But that’s what we presume (even if it’s unintentionally rude) to do with this publication. Our hope is that by naming this place, we will be able to better tell the story of its people and its economy. What and where is the “north metro”? Simple answer, it’s everything north, east, and west of Maumelle that is still largely influenced economically by Little Rock. Northern Pulaski, Faulkner, Perry, Conway, Van Buren, Cleburne, and parts of Pope, White, and Lonoke counties would all meet that definition.

Why can’t you just say central Arkansas or even the Little Rock MSA? Because the former is too vague and the latter is specifically inaccurate when you consider how we really live and work. In the case of “central Arkansas,” we don’t know where it stops, but it is almost certainly larger than a single trade area or labor shed. In the case of the official and more well-defined MSA (Pulaski, Faulkner, Saline, Perry, Grant, and Lonoke counties), it leaves out too many counties and towns (Conway, Van Buren, and Cleburne counties) that are a regular part of business life for many of us within the MSA. Green Bay Packaging in Morrilton, Arkansas Nuclear One in Russellville, and the bulk of the Fayetteville Shale are just a few examples of major economic activities

that don’t neatly fit into the MSA box. I still don’t get it. We think of it this way; where are the most likely participants in your local economy coming from? Who do you run into shopping, dining, or at the doctor? Who is in the office next door? It’s likely that those folks may not live in the same MSA, but they do live just down the road. OK. I get it. But now what? Now we begin telling stories about the economy we live in – not the one defined by statistical guidelines. Each month, we will feature some of the north metro’s brightest business stars while providing insight into our exciting, and growing, economy.

Conway Chamber Adds Two to Team The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce recently added two new positions to its community and economic development team. Earlier this year, Corey Parks and Isaac Sims began their respective roles as director of economic development and director of community development and planning. As director of economic development, Parks will coordinate the Business Retention and Expansion Program, assist with requests for information/proposals from prospective new businesses, assist with the government affairs agenda, and provide statistical analysis of the local and regional economy. Parks previously worked at the University of Central Arkansas Center for Community and Economic Development as a project coordinator. “I enjoyed working in communities across the state while at the center,” said Parks. “But I am looking forward to now serving the community my wife, Callie, and I call

Isaac Sims

Corey Parks

home.” As director of community development and planning, Sims will assist with the development of Conway Development Corporation-owned commercial, office, and industrial properties. He will also serve as the primary point of contact for four “Conway 125” projects: Roundabout Art, Startup Space, the Grand Theatre, and Interstate Beautification. Sims comes to the

Chamber from Garver Engineering where he worked as an urban planner. “The notion of working in a flexible, all-ideas-inclusive environment like the Chamber was exciting,” Sims said. “I became a Faulkner County resident in 2013, and since then, I’ve wanted to take part in the betterment of Conway. I’m honored to be on this team and excited to see the many amazing plans for this city unfold.” Both Parks and Sims are graduates of the University of Central Arkansas. Conway Area Chamber president and CEO Brad Lacy said that their addition adds much needed capacity to the organization. “Corey and Isaac immediately bring energy and valuable experience to our team. Their addition is already paying off as we work to achieve long-term goals for the community and provide economic insight to our business leaders.”

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American Safeguard Insurance:

Excellent People. Excellent Service. Excellent Clients. Shopping around for the best insurance premiums can be a time-consuming and confusing process. With so many insurance companies in the market, it can be difficult for customers to single-handedly find competitive pricing for the coverage they need. Through its vast network of insurance carriers and its 16 licensed agents serving 18 states, American Safeguard Insurance makes this process far less daunting. ASI is an independent, fullservice insurance agency based in Conway that helps customers protect their personal and commercial assets while saving money. The company has been in Conway since 2000 but has undergone a rebrand over the past year, not only externally with a new logo and website, but also internally by changing its approach to doing business. “When we say rebrand, we still have the same name, but we’ve chosen a new logo, a new look, a new website, and a new office culture,” American Safeguard Insurance chairman Jeff Standridge explained. “So, in the last 12 months, we have chosen to grow our company, change the culture in the office, build out a high-performance team, expand our geographic footprint outside of Conway and into other states, open another office, and take what we think is a differentiating level of service as broadly as we can.” American Safeguard Insurance opened its

second location in Mountain Home earlier this year. The firm also announced the promotions and appointments of Jeremy Davis and Jason Smith as managing partners. Davis has served as a commercial agent for the agency since 2004, and Smith has served in a similar capacity since 2010. Prior to joining American

Safeguard Insurance, Smith was an agent with Farm Bureau Insurance. “Unlike a captive insurance agency that only serves one insurance company, we broker for multiple carriers,” Smith said. “So, when you come into our office or call us on the phone and ask for a quote, we can give you estimates from 14 to 15 different companies for your personal auto, home, and any other insurance needs. Overall, we would work with you to determine which company you wanted to go with based on the coverages and the associated premiums.” Davis said it’s this market access that sets

American Safeguard Insurance apart. “The volume that we deliver gives us the opportunity to represent some of the largest insurance carriers in the world,” he said. “As an independent insurance agency, we pretty much have our choice of companies that we represent, and our agents are able to write policies specific to our clients’ coverage needs.” Although it has locations in Conway and Mountain Home, American Safeguard Insurance is what Davis describes as “boundary-less,” able to provide all types of insurance coverage to customers across the state and nation. “ASI is not bound by geographic boundaries. The depth and breadth of our agency is something a lot of people are not aware of,” he said. “We can provide insurance in 18 states, and if we had a customer come to us from a state we are not licensed in, we would pursue that license very quickly.” Because of this commitment to reaching customers wherever they are, American Safeguard Insurance has leveraged technology, including secure, cloud-based document storage; e-sign documents; and video proposals. In addition, the agency will be part of a 20-week accelerator program being offered to tech-enabled businesses in Arkansas this spring. The 10x Cyber Accelerator, a partnership between The Conductor, Arkansas Economic Development

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Commission, Startup Junkie Consulting, and Metova, will focus on business growth and cyber protection. “We’re trying to re-identify what a future insurance agency will look like and access our ability to work with customers regardless of their geographic location,” Smith said. We pretty much have the ability now to do anything, anywhere and can do so using a secure and protected, technologically advanced system.” Despite its wide-ranging reach, Smith added that American Safeguard Insurance is committed to providing consultative, personal service for each customer and sees these relationships as more than just transactional. “I realize it’s a cliché, but we truly do put the customer first. With every customer, whether a large commercial client or a smaller auto/ homeowner client, we individually assess what each one needs and are not interested in simply selling someone an auto insurance policy, for example, and sending them on their way. We’re committed to excellence in everything – excellent people delivering excellent service for excellent clients.” “We’re not going to sell people a policy if we can’t articulate the need behind that policy,” Davis added. “If I take my car to a mechanic or if I have someone working on my house, and they come to me with recommendations or

NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

options, my question back to them is always, ‘What would you recommend if I were your mom? I don’t want you to sell me something you wouldn’t try to sell your mother.’” Since it was founded 18 years ago, American Safeguard Insurance has grown from a small agency serving mostly local clients to a large, multi-state agency with 16 licensed agents serving large commercial and personal clients, as well as providing life, health, disability, and long-term care insurance. ASI is part of American Safeguard Group Inc., which also operates a surety-bond division called Bond America. “We’ve grown substantially since we were founded and have no plans to slow down,” Standridge said. “In the near future, we’ll be exploring surrounding states for the opportunity to place physical offices, and we also plan to balance our portfolio of Jason Smith

Sunday, March 18, 2018

services across other forms of insurance.” “We want people to know we’re here,” Smith said. “We serve a lot of customers in Conway, but over half of our customers don’t even live in the area. What’s good for people across the state and nation sits right down the street.” American Safeguard Insurance is located at 1100 Bob Courtway Drive, Suite #16 in Conway. Stop by or call 501-513-2195 for a free quote. To learn more about American Safeguard Insurance, visit americansafeguardins.com.

Jeremy Davis

Editorial

“Restructuring,” “Optionality,” “Strategic Alternatives,” and other polite euphemisms

Change is such a given state of the human condition that it can be blamed for countless clichés we will attempt to spare you from. But, whether you subscribe to the idea that “creative destruction” is necessary for economic growth or that “business cycles” are inevitable (or even predictable, ha!), everyone will eventually experience the anxiety that comes with anticipated change. Over the span of less than three

weeks, the north metro witnessed three announcements from major employers that could have a significant effect on our local economy: Kimberly-Clark would undertake a global “restructuring,” Acxiom was separating business functions to maintain “optionality,” and Southwestern Energy is considering “strategic alternatives” that include selling the Fayetteville Shale assets. Reading past the MBA terminology (which

we appreciate for both its vagueness and precision), what does all of that mean? Kimberly-Clark will be closing some facilities around the globe. Acxiom might sell off part of the company. Southwestern Energy wants cash to explore other (liquidrich) parts of the country. For those who live and work here, CHANGE • A6

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Toad Suck Daze and Museum of Discovery Announce Partnership 25 north metro schools to benefit from STEM initiative Two of Arkansas’s best-known brands in children’s programming are teaming up to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education in the north metro. Leadership from the Toad Suck Daze festival and the Museum of Discovery recently announced “Toad Suck Tinkerfest presented by Acxiom,” a new partnership benefitting more than two dozen elementary schools in Faulkner, Pulaski, Lonoke, Cleburne, Van Buren, and Conway counties. The initiative will also provide membership to the museum’s Discovery Network for each participating school. Network membership is made possible though a gift from First Arkansas Bank & Trust. “On behalf of everyone here at the Museum of Discovery, let me say we are thrilled the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce understood the value of membership in the Discovery Network and rallied civic-minded sponsors like Acxiom and First Arkansas Bank & Trust to support all of these elementary schools,” said Kelley Bass, CEO of the Museum of Discovery. “The real beneficiaries, of course, are the children who attend these schools. Their

teachers will learn many fun, hands-on educational activities that will engage the students and open their eyes to a different style of learning. That learning – and fun – will span the next two semesters and will be on public display at Toad Suck Daze this May. We are thrilled to forge the partnerships announced today.” More than 24 teachers have already been trained on using “tinkering kits” in a class setting. The kits allow students to develop a variety of practical skills while being exposed to STEM oriented concepts like circuitry, robotics, and more. In May, students will have the opportunity to participate in an open-to-the-public Tinkerfest at the Toad Suck Daze festival in downtown Conway. “For almost 40 years Toad Suck Daze has invested in the education of Faulkner County youth,” said Jamie Gates, executive vice president of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. “Today’s partnership extends that mission to kids across central Arkansas. This May, when we all gather in downtown Conway for a weekend of food, family fun… and toad racing…we’ll be improving the

educational experience for kids in seven counties.” The list of participating schools includes the following: • Stagecoach Elementary • Clinton Elementary School • Conway School District (9 elementary schools) • Conway Christian Lower Elementary • Greenbrier Eastside • Springhill Elementary • Wooster Elementary • Heber Springs Elementary • Jacksonville Arnold Drive/Tolleson • Jacksonville Bayou Meto • Lighthouse Academy • Crystal Hill Elementary • Pine Forest Elementary • St. Joseph Elementary • Maumelle Charter Elementary/Academics Plus • Mayflower Elementary • Morrilton Elementary

CHANGE from A5

Kimberly-Clark’s two Arkansas facilities (Conway and Maumelle) may grow even while the company’s footprint shrinks. Acxiom has spun off business units in the past. Less than a year ago, more than 100 Acxiom IT employees made the transition to a new company, Ensono. Those jobs didn’t leave—they moved down the street. And the new company brings the potential for new customers…and growth. And whoever is in a financial position to purchase the Fayetteville Shale assets from

SWN will be a well-capitalized energy player able to quickly take full advantage when natural gas prices rebound. Healthy economies not only survive change – they thrive from it. While the names, assets, and daily activities of our region’s businesses change day-by-day, the reasons they succeed do not. For those reasons and more, these recent announcements represent opportunity, not threat, to our economy.

the natural reaction to any one of those scenarios is anxiety. The reasons why are self-evident. However, recent history shows us that each scenario could play out in a way that improves the local economy. The last time Kimberly-Clark went through global consolidation, the company invested in central Arkansas. When a manufacturing facility closes, the demand and work is absorbed by other locations.

For the latest information about Toad Suck Daze, visit Facebook.com/ToadSuckDaze.

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Honorees named for second annual healthcare awards Doctors, nurses, hospital administrators and other medical professionals were front and center at an awards luncheon focused on the healthcare industry. Organized by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and underwritten by the

University of Central Arkansas, the North Metro Healthcare Awards honored individuals who are making an impact on the overall health of the community they serve and companies that are dedicated to the health and wellness of their employees.

The Chamber accepted nominations in late 2017, and a panel of healthcare executives from across the country selected the following award recipients:

PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR: Dr. Robert McCarron, founder of Conway Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center, was named the 2018 Physician of the Year. McCarron (left) is pictured with Bobby Riggs of Conway Regional Physician Hospital Organization, the sponsor of the Physician of the Year award.

NURSE OF THE YEAR: Channing Hall, director of nursing for Independent Living Services, is the 2018 Nurse of the Year. Hall (left) is pictured with Mallory Lanford of Preferred Medical, the sponsor of the Nurse of the Year award.

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR: Stephana Loyd, vice president and chief nursing officer at Baptist Health Medical Center – Conway, was named the 2018 Administrator of the Year. Loyd is pictured with Paul Bradley of Edafio Technology Partners, the sponsor of the Administrator of the Year award.

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: Gary Jones, D.D.S. at CHI St. Vincent Conway Interfaith Clinic, is the 2018 Healthcare Professional of the Year. Jones is pictured with Lori Case Melton of First Service Bank, the sponsor of the Healthcare Professional of the Year award. WORKPLACE WELLNESS AWARD: Kimberly-Clark Corporation received the 2018 Workplace Wellness Award at the University of Central Arkansas North Metro Healthcare Awards. Pictured with UCA president Dr. Houston Davis (left) are Shea Johnson and Chris Boudrie of Kimberly-Clark. Sam’s Club was the sponsor of the Workplace Wellness Award.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the North Metro Healthcare Awards featured Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield president and CEO Curtis Barnett as the keynote speaker. Barnett, a UCA alumnus, began his career with Arkansas Blue Cross in 1993 and assumed the position as president and CEO in January 2017.

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Annual Meeting Awards honor Conway-area businesses, individuals UCA’s Ronnie Williams receives Distinguished Service Award Ronnie Williams, vice president for student services and institutional diversity at the University of Central Arkansas, is the 2018 recipient of the Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s highest form of recognition. Established in 1957, this award is presented annually to an individual or group who has rendered special service for the benefit of the community and has taken an active leadership role in business, civic, and social service organizations. The award is part of the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, billed as the largest business event in Conway with approximately 1,100 business and community leaders attending. The 2018 event was underwritten by TriTechne and presented by the University of Central Arkansas, Crafton Tull, and Conway Regional Health System. Williams joined other individuals and businesses that were recognized at a special reception for award winners in February

and at Annual Meeting on March 15. Log Cabin Democrat and Northwestern Mutual sponsored the Annual Meeting awards. Crystal Kemp, marketing and public relations manager for Conway Corporation, received the Lloyd Westbrook Good Neighbor Award. Since 1973, this award has been given to an individual who exemplifies outstanding service to the Conway area, going above and beyond to help others. Conway Regional Health System president and CEO Matt Troup was named the 2018 Business Executive of the Year. This award recognizes the top leader at a business who is a driving force behind his or her company and works to maintain an enriched business climate and enhanced quality of life in Conway. The 2018 Young Business Leader of the Year award went to Drew Spurgers, owner of Kangabloo Creative. This award recognizes a community business leader under the age of 40 who has helped create a more vibrant

business and social environment in Conway. Business of the Year awards were presented in five categories and recognized the following business and organizations: • Outstanding Nonprofit: Haven House • Outstanding Hospitality: Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom • Outstanding Retailer (tie): The Ride and Haynes ACE Hardware • Outstanding Large Employer: Centennial Bank/Home BancShares Inc. • Outstanding Small Business (tie): Conway Manufacturing Group and Pro Auto The nomination period for the Annual Meeting awards was in January. Chamber of commerce professionals from Tennessee, Texas, and California selected the finalists. For more information about the 2018 Annual Meeting award recipients, visit ConwayArkansas.org.

Leadership program welcomes largest class in 30-year history At 61 participants, the Conway Area Leadership Institute class of 2018 will be the largest class in the leadership program’s 30year history. CALI program facilitator Ed Linck, chief operating officer at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, said the class represents a cross section of Conway-area residents. “The CALI program is stronger than ever and continues to produce exceptional leaders from a variety of backgrounds, industries, and experience levels who continue the tradition of building a better Conway and improving the city we call home.” The eight-month curriculum for the Conway Area Leadership Institute is based

on Conway2025, the city’s long-range strategic plan that was developed with the input of more than 1,400 area residents. The Conway2025 plan includes 132 goals spread across seven sectors: Keep Conway Active, Keep Conway Building, Keep Conway Creative, Keep Conway Learning, Keep Conway Moving, Keep Conway Safe, and Keep Conway Working. Pete Tanguay, president of CALI underwriter Rock-Pond Solutions, said a focus on the city’s vision and future direction is a hallmark of the leadership program. “Rock-Pond is excited to invest in the Conway Area Leadership Institute again in 2018,” Tanguay said. “The opportunities and momentum for growth, while improving

the quality of where we live, are tremendous for the city of Conway. “The Conway2025 plan is a clear and intentional vision for how we will seize these opportunities together. Communicating this vision to leaders who are committed to our future and plugging them in to key positions where they can make a difference is one of the most important things we can do. This is the mission of CALI, and I look forward to being a small part of its success.” Since it was established in 1988, over 700 alumni have graduated from the program. To learn more about the Conway Area Leadership Institute and to view the Class of 2018, visit conwayarkansas.org/leadership.

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Eight new members join Conway Area Chamber’s board of directors Melanie Smith of Magie Smith Charton Eye Clinic transitions to board chair

Melanie Smith, M.D.

The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce announces eight new appointments to its 33-member board of directors for 2018. Joining the board are Tim Bowen of Baptist Health Medical Center – Conway, Charles Frost of Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom, Drew Gainor of Northwestern Mutual, Dr. Spencer Gordy of Conway Family Dental, Randy Milligan of Thomas & Thomas LLP, Blake Robertson of Cousins’ Office Furniture, Dr. Bill Tsutsui of Hendrix College, and Mike Yoder of Kroger Marketplace. Outgoing board members include Jay Myers of Crain Buick GMC/Crain Kia, Lee Harris of Harris Plastering & Construction, Alan Kizer of Chickfil-A, and Justin Bennett of Corco Construction. Taking the helm of the board is Melanie Smith,

M.D., ophthalmologist, cataract surgeon, and partner at Magie Smith Charton Eye Clinic. Smith succeeds Andrea Woods of Nabholz Construction Services as chair. A native of Martin, Tennessee, Smith completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee at Martin, graduating with highest honors and as one of the top 15 with the University Scholars designation. She received her medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, where she served as class president all four years and earned the Distinguished Student Achievement Award for outstanding scholarship, leadership, service, and character. After an internship at the Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Smith completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Other members of the board’s executive committee include Woods as past-chair, vice-chair Scott Champlin of Snap-on Equipment, treasurer Jason Culpepper of Simmons Bank, secretary Brad Lacy of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, Patti Stobaugh of PattiCakes Bakery, and Pete Tanguay of Rock-Pond Solutions.

Dr. Melanie Smith is the 2018 chair of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors. She is pictured with new board appointees for 2018 (seated, from left): Randy Milligan, Smith, and Mike Yoder. Standing, from left: Blake Robertson, Drew Gainor, Dr. Bill Tsutsui, Charles Frost, and Tim Bowen. Not pictured: Dr. Spencer Gordy.

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Marcus Elliott joins Conway Regional as Director of Corporate Health Services Marcus Elliott has joined Conway Regional Health System as the Director of Corporate Health Services. In this position, Elliott will serve as the health system’s representative to community employers and will have oversight over Conway Regional’s athletic training area as well as the Diabetes SelfManagement Education program. “As we continue to focus on being successful in a dynamic market, Marcus will be critical in helping to identify community health needs and ensuring that Conway Regional is meeting those needs,” said Rebekah Fincher, Corporate Director of Business Development and Physician Relations. Elliott has more than 12 years combined experience as an executive sales representative and territory manager with Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals and Medtronic Diabetes medical devices, as well as eight

years with Alltel Communications, serving five years in sales as the manager and then vice president of Retail Sales. “It is my honor to represent Conway Regional to the business community,” said Elliott. “I look forward to helping form

dynamic partnerships with corporate leaders to improve the health of the community. I’m also excited about telling the story of a creative, caring, and committed Conway Regional staff.” Elliott is a licensed minister previously starting and pastoring a nondenominational ministry known as “Church 228.” In addition, he has served as campus pastor for the New Life Church at the downtown Little Rock campus. Elliott is a former all-conference football player for the Arkansas Razorbacks, where he served as captain of the ’84 team. A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Elliott stays connected to sports and the Hogs through regular appearances on “DriveTime Sports Talk,” a popular radio show carried statewide on 103.7 The Buzz. Marcus and his wife, Ramona, have three adult children.

Chamber accepting applications for Academic Signing Day Each year, Conway Academic Signing Day recognizes a select few of Conway’s high-achieving graduating seniors who have received significant academic awards and substantial scholarships. The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications from the class of 2018. Therese Williams, director of events at the Conway Area Chamber, said Academic Signing Day gives high academic achievers and their support systems the recognition they deserve. “Academic Signing Day is based loosely on letter of intent ceremonies for athletic scholarship recipients,” Williams said. “It gives us an opportunity to celebrate the academic success and future plans of

Conway students.” Graduating seniors from Conway High School, St. Joseph High School, Conway Christian High School, and those homeschooled and living in the Conway School District are eligible to apply. Other qualifications include having a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale and being recognized in one of these five areas: • the recipient of a top scholarship from a four-year accredited college or university they plan to attend; • a National Merit Scholar or National Merit Finalist designation; • acceptance into a U.S. Service Academy; • the winner of a state or national scholarship program; and

• the recipient of a Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship or Governor’s Scholarship. The application is available online at conwaychamber.org/academic-signingday, and the deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 28. Applicants will be notified by mid-April if they have been selected to participate in Academic Signing Day. The ceremony will take place Wednesday, April 25, at the University of Central Arkansas’s Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center. Acxiom Corporation is the presenting sponsor for Academic Signing Day.

North Metro Economy at a Glance pulseofconway.com

Unemployment Rate December 2017 Seasonally Adjusted US........................................4.1% Arkansas..............................3.7% Not Seasonally Adjusted US .......................................3.9% Arkansas..............................3.6% Cleburne County ..................4.8% Conway County ...................4.5% Faulkner County ..................3.3% Perry County ........................4.1% Van Buren County ................5.3% Sales Tax Collections February Cleburne County 2018......................... $520,101.87 2017......................... $465,984.77 Percent Change ...............11.61% Tax Rate ...........................1.625% Conway County 2018......................... $460,889.59 2017......................... $461,537.88 Percent Change ............... -0.14% Tax Rate .............................1.75% Faulkner County 2018......................... $990,813.33 2017......................... $855,724.18 Percent Change ...............15.79% Tax Rate .............................0.50% Perry County 2018......................... $139,745.82 2017......................... $115,273.87 Percent Change ...............21.23% Tax Rate .............................2.50% Van Buren County 2018......................... $407,838.87 2017......................... $350,881.55 Percent Change ...............16.23% Tax Rate .............................2.00% Bank Deposits June-30 Cleburne County 2017.............................. $524,244 2016.............................. $513,251 Percent Change .................2.14%

Conway County 2017.............................. $382,665 2016.............................. $387,785 Percent Change ............... -1.32% Faulkner County 2017........................... $2,052,122 2016........................... $1,855,340 Percent Change ...............10.61% Perry County 2017................................ $71,596 2016................................ $72,391 Percent Change ............... -1.10% Van Buren County 2017.............................. $277,646 2016.............................. $285,875 Percent Change ............... -2.88% Residential Units Sold (New and Existing) Year to Date (December) Cleburne County 2017....................................... 411 2016....................................... 392 Percent Change .................4.85% Conway County 2017....................................... 120 2016....................................... 113 Percent Change .................6.19% Faulkner County 2017..................................... 1785 2016..................................... 1570 Percent Change ...............13.69% Perry County 2017......................................... 57 2016......................................... 33 Percent Change ...............72.73% Van Buren County 2017....................................... 254 2016......................................... 22 Percent Change ...........1054.55% Values of Residential Units Sold Year to Date (December) Cleburne County 2017......................... $71,553,867

2016......................... $67,710,944 Percent Change .................5.68% Conway County 2017......................... $11,898,840 2016......................... $10,960,322 Percent Change .................8.56% Faulkner County 2017....................... $310,018,800 2016....................... $263,846,350 Percent Change ...............17.50% Perry County 2017........................... $6,271,767 2016........................... $4,016,265 Percent Change ...............56.16% Van Buren County 2017......................... $24,605,234 2016........................... $1,845,822 Percent Change ...........1233.02% Average Price of Residential Units Sold Year to Date (December) Cleburne County 2017.............................. $174,097 2016.............................. $172,732 Percent Change .................0.79% Conway County 2017................................ $99,157 2016................................ $96,994 Percent Change .................2.23% Faulkner County 2017.............................. $173,680 2016.............................. $168,055 Percent Change .................3.35% Perry County 2017.............................. $110,031 2016.............................. $121,705 Percent Change ............... -9.59% Van Buren County 2017................................ $96,871 2016................................ $83,901 Percent Change ...............15.46%

Sources: Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Arkansas Realtors Association.