09-2018 North Metro Business Journal

NORTH METRO

SEPTEMBER 2018

BUSINESS JOURNAL First Service Bank: Real Banking. Real People.

First Service Bank has two branches in Conway. Representing the Conway North branch at 2475 Washington Avenue are, from left to right, Skyler Bagby, universal banker; Sarah Allen, universal banker; Deanna Brock, vice president and loan officer; Baylee Clark, universal banker; and Brenda Shelton, Conway market branch manager.

Left to right: Ina Standridge, travel club director; Lori Case Melton, Conway market president; Courtney Magie, assistant branch manager; and Lindsey Harris, universal banker, are located at the Conway South branch at 540 United Drive.

First Service Bank

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Celebrating Our #1 In 2018, Conway Regional was named #1 in Central Arkansas for Medical Excellence in Cardiac Care*, among 50+ other awards. While we’re proud of our awards, our team is driven by something more: you.

One Team. One Promise.

Our #1 priority is and will always be you, the patient, and that’s the #1 worth celebrating.

*CareChex® — an information service of Quantros, Inc.

#1 in Central Arkansas for Medical Excellence in Cardiac Care

SEPTEMBER 2018

NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Area professionals graduate from Community Development Institute CONWAY, Ark. – Four professionals representing the city government, chamber of commerce, and nonprofit industries in the North Metro area were among the 40 individuals awarded graduation certificates during the 32nd annual Community Development Institute (CDI) at the University of Central Arkansas.

Jack Bell, chief of staff for the City of Conway’s Office of the Mayor; Julie Murray, executive director of the Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce; Corey Parks, director of economic development for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce; and Jennifer Welter, executive director of the Community Action Program for Central Arkansas, completed all three years of CDI’s program of study.

CDI trains community leaders and economic development professionals on how to strengthen their local economies and build communities. This is achieved by developing their ability to identify community assets; set goals; encourage collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders; and bring communities, organizations, and businesses together to respond to a broad range of economic and quality of life issues.

The complete CDI experience is a three-year program, with one week of training per year. Participants move through the program curriculum in cohorts and are exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to the field of community and economic development.

UCA is the birthplace for the Community Development Institute, which started in 1987 in partnership with Entergy, Southwestern Bell, and ARKLA. Since that time, CDIs have been established in California, Texas, Alabama, Idaho, and Illinois, and a national governing and certification body, the Community Development Council, has been created.

More information about CDI can be found at uca.edu/cdi.

Jennifer Welter

Julie Murray

Corey Parks

Jack Bell

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Amy Whitehead, assistant vice president of community and workforce development at UCA’s Center for Community and Economic Development, and CDI Year 3 class directors Lisa Johnson and Kevin Sexton, recognize CDI graduates Jack Bell, Julie Murray, Corey Parks, and Jennifer Welter at the 2018 CDI graduation ceremony on Aug. 3.

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First Service Bank intersects small-town banking with modern technology With a focus on “real banking” for “real people,” First Service Bank has embraced a business model that blends the personal nature of small-town banking with the modern technologies customers expect in the 21st century.

The Faulkner County-based bank was chartered in 1962 and has 11 locations serving 10 communities, including Conway, Clinton, Dermott, Flippin, Greenbrier, Little Rock, Marshall, Mountain View, Shirley, and Yellville. Privately held and majority family owned, First Service Bank operates as a community bank, placing relationships with its customers at the forefront.

“We know our customers, and they know us,” said Lori Case

From the Conway South branch, Conway market president Lori Case Melton interacts in real time with Emily, a customer care specialist based in Greenbrier.

Melton, who has served as president of the Conway market for three years. “If something’s wrong, you’ll receive a phone call from a real person who actually knows what’s going on with your account.”

First Service Bank is relatively new to Conway, opening its first branch in the city six years ago at 2475 Washington Avenue. A second location opened at 540 United Drive in 2017. Melton and her team work continuously to introduce First Service Bank and its small-town banking style to Conway.

“Once customers begin banking with us and experience our smalltown banking style, they stick around.”

As modern society becomes increasingly electronic, the banking

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industry has adapted by incorporating new technologies, such as mobile banking, remote deposits, and online-only institutions.

While convenient, these advances in technology come at a cost to personal relationships.

Rather than ignore these trends, First Service Bank has found ways to combine the latest banking technology with old-fashioned banking services. Two recently launched services, video tellers and the First Service Travelers Club, keep personal relationships and human connection at the forefront.

Video Tellers While it may seem counterintuitive for an institution that prides itself on small-town banking, First Service Bank operates its drive-thrus with video tellers rather than in-person tellers.

These universal bankers, as they are called, are based at the bank’s corporate office in Greenbrier and are able to interact in real time with customers beyond the traditional “banker’s hours.” The video tellers are available from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

First Service Bank’s video tellers look like an ATM. The difference is that by touching the screen, customers can quickly interact with a universal banker who can guide them through their banking transactions and answer any questions they may have.

“Our pool of customer care specialists take care of customers

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throughout First Service Bank’s entire network of 11 branches,” Melton said. “Because our bank is open until 9 p.m. – two hours later than any of our competitors – it makes a statement that our customers can speak to a live, local banker well after normal business hours.”

“It’s like FaceTime for banking,” said Emily, a customer care specialist.

First Service Travelers Club If video tellers represent banking of the future, bank-organized travel clubs are reminiscent of days gone by. First Service Bank has introduced a travel club, the First Service Travelers, that continues its mission of putting customers first. First Service Travelers is designed for customers 50 years and older who have flexible schedules and enjoy travel, local events, and other sociable experiences.

Melton said travel clubs remain popular among smaller banks but have been phased out among the larger banks. First Service Bank decided a travel club would be a good fit because of the institution’s people-first focus and small-town banking style. This is the third travel club Melton has helped establish during her 33-year banking career.

“The First Service Travelers Club is a great fit for our bank, as we serve communities like Flippin, Yellville, Clinton, and Mountain

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View that have a heavy senior population,” she said. “Offering this service is another way to get to know our customers better.”

Ina Standridge is the director of the First Service Travelers and is assisted by Marilyn Battles, a banker with more than 50 years’ experience. Together, Standridge and Battles accompany the Travelers Club on day trips and longer excursions.

In March 2019, the First Service Travelers Club will embark on a 10-day Shades of Ireland trip, featuring Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, and Limerick. The group will have a Pacific Coast Adventure in September 2019, touring Washington, Oregon, and California. Day trips have included Branson, Missouri, and Bentonville, Arkansas. Local events include BINGO nights, complete with prizes and snacks.

For more information about joining First Service Travelers, call Ina Standridge at 501-514-2340 or Marilyn Battles at 501-733-0529.

Real Banking. Real People.

With around 100 employees, the lending team and universal bankers at First Service Bank are ready to assist customers with establishing checking and savings accounts, applying for a full range of loan products, and other services to meet their personal and business needs. For more information about First Service Bank’s products and services, visit firstservicebank.com.

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Downtown redevelopment, placemaking expert to be featured guest at Downtown Annual Meeting Joe Borgstrom, principal of Place & Main Advisors LLC, will be the featured guest at the Conway Downtown Partnership’s 2018 Annual Meeting. The fifth annual event will take place Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Hendrix College.

Borgstrom is an accomplished professional in the fields of downtown redevelopment, community and economic development, Main Street, and placemaking. Throughout his 20-year career, he and his teams have used state and local incentives to leverage more than $2.2 billion in private investment into communities.

Borgstrom co-founded Place & Main Advisors LLC with his wife, Kirsten Borgstrom. The consulting firm specializes in downtown and traditional commercial district revitalization using placemaking techniques and Main Street strategies, offering services to developers, statewide associations, Main

Street coordinating programs, local downtowns, and commercial districts.

Borgstrom has been a featured keynote speaker at statewide downtown conferences in Wisconsin, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Delaware and was a featured speaker at the White House Placemaking Summit.

During the Annual Meeting, the Conway Downtown Partnership will also announce the 2018 recipient of the Downtown Award of Distinction.

The award recognizes an individual or business that has had a profound impact or influence on downtown Conway. Attendees will also get the latest information on downtown economic development projects.

Sponsorship opportunities and tables are still available.

To reserve a place, contact Conway Downtown Partnership executive director Kim Williams at 501-932-5407 or kim@conwayarkansas.org.

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NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

North Metro Economy at a Glance Population US ..........................325,719,178 Arkansas .....................3,004,279 Conway ...........................65,782 Cleburne County...............25,048 Conway County................20,916 Faulkner County.............123,654 Perry County....................10,348 Van Buren County.............16,506 Unemployment Rate July-2018 Seasonally Adjusted US ..................................... 3.9% Arkansas ............................ 3.7% Not Seasonally Adjusted US ..................................... 4.1% Arkansas............................ 3.8% Conway.............................. 3.3% Cleburne County ................ 4.3% Conway County ................. 4.6% Faulkner County ................ 3.3% Perry County ...................... 3.8% Van Buren County .............. 5.2% Sales Tax Collections August Conway 2018..........................$2,811,985 2017..........................$2,179,264 Percent Change.............. 29.03% Tax Rate ....................... 2.125%* *Sales tax rate increase of 0.375% Cleburne County 2018.............................$569,313 2017.............................$521,695 Percent Change................ 9.13% Tax Rate ......................... 1.625%

Conway County 2018.............................$457,869 2017.............................$466,944 Percent Change...............-1.94% Tax Rate ........................... 1.75% Faulkner County 2018.............................$864,597 2017.............................$804,897 Percent Change................ 7.42% Tax Rate ........................... 0.50% Perry County 2018.............................$135,468 2017.............................$126,222 Percent Change................ 7.33% Tax Rate ........................... 2.50% Van Buren County 2018.............................$397,266 2017.............................$371,069 Percent Change................ 7.06% Tax Rate ........................... 2.00% Restaurant Sales* Year to Date (July) Conway 2018......................$115,970,348 2017......................$109,476,276 Percent Change................ 5.93% *Includes mixed drink sales Hotel Sales Year to Date (July) Conway 2018........................$10,502,582 2017........................$10,617,740 Percent Change...............-1.08%

Bank Deposits June-2017 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% Commercial Building Permits Year to Date (August) Conway 2018..........................................9 2017........................................17 Percent Change.............-47.06% Residential Building Permits Year to Date (August) Conway 2018......................................119 2017........................................99 Percent Change.............. 20.20%

Residential Units Sold (New and Existing) Year to Date (August) Conway 2018......................................511 2017......................................762 Percent Change ............-32.94% County Year to Date (July) Cleburne County 2018......................................263 2017......................................230 Percent Change ............. 14.35% Conway County 2018........................................75 2017........................................77 Percent Change ..............-2.60% Faulkner County 2018......................................990 2017....................................1032 Percent Change ..............-4.07% Perry County 2018........................................38 2017........................................29 Percent Change ............. 31.03% Van Buren County 2018......................................139 2017......................................139 Percent Change ............... 0.00% Values of Residential Units Sold Year to Date (August) Conway 2018........................$90,544,350 2017......................$139,348,848 Percent Change ............-35.02%

County Year to Date (July) Cleburne County 2018........................$49,047,133 2017........................$38,085,240 Percent Change ............. 28.78% Conway County 2018..........................$8,390,100 2017..........................$7,644,637 Percent Change ............... 9.75% Faulkner County 2018......................$171,082,890 2017......................$177,114,936 Percent Change ..............-3.41% Perry County 2018..........................$5,215,842 2017..........................$3,106,190 Percent Change ............. 67.92%

Conway County 2018.............................$111,868 2017...............................$99,281 Percent Change ............. 12.68% Faulkner County 2018.............................$172,811 2017.............................$171,623 Percent Change ............... 0.69% Perry County 2018.............................$137,259 2017.............................$107,110 Percent Change ............. 28.15% Van Buren County 2018...............................$90,339 2017...............................$90,339 Percent Change ............... 0.00%

Van Buren County 2018........................$12,557,121 2017........................$12,557,121 Percent Change ............... 0.00% Average Price of Residential Units Sold Year to Date (August) Conway 2018.............................$177,191 2017.............................$182,873 Percent Change ............... -3.11% Cleburne County 2018.............................$186,491 2017.............................$165,588 Percent Change ............. 12.62%

Proud sponsor of Pulse of Conway Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Arkansas Realtors Association, and Cooperative Arkansas Realtors MLS.

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Business Expo, Taste of Conway set for Oct. 11 The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo, presented by Cousins’ Office Furniture and Baptist Health Medical Center – Conway, is a business-to-business trade show that includes breakfast and lunch presentations and Taste of Conway.

The 2018 Business Expo will take place Thursday, Oct. 11, from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds.

More than 100 booth spaces showcasing a wide variety of business services will participate in this business-to-business networking event, the goal of which is to ultimately increase sales and sales leads for exhibitors and introduce attendees to a variety of business services in the area.

Admission to Business Expo is free to the public. Vendors that are members of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce can participate in Business Expo for $425, which includes a 10x10 space with electricity, one ticket to both breakfast and lunch, and two tickets to Taste of Conway. Non-member pricing, premium booth spaces, and sponsorships are available.

The Business Expo breakfast, sponsored by Conway Corporation, has served as an occasion to announce and inform business leaders about substantial economic development and community initiatives. The lunch presentation is also informative, as the Arkansas Department of Transportation will discuss projects that affect the Conway area. Lunch is sponsored by Rogers Group and

Moix RV. Tickets to the breakfast and lunch are $10 each.

New to Business Expo in 2018 are two “how-to” sessions. In the morning, a panel discussion featuring some of Conway’s largest companies will detail how smaller businesses can obtain information about requests for proposal and provide insight into what these companies seek in new business partners when making purchasing decisions. During the afternoon session, The Conductor will host a workshop designed to help businesses with their elevator speeches, walking them through the steps on how to craft a pitch to increase its effectiveness. Both sessions will have limited seating. The cost to attend each session is $25 or both sessions for $40.

The day ends with Taste of Conway, giving the community the chance to sample some of the best food the city has to offer.

Restaurants, caterers, food and drink distributors, and other food service providers that are members of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce are eligible to participate in Taste of Conway at no cost, putting their business in front of more than 400 community members. Tickets to Taste of Conway for the general public are $15.

Vendor space, tickets, and sponsorships can be purchased online at ConwayChamber.org. For more information about Business Expo and Taste of Conway, contact Mary Margaret Satterfield at mary@ conwayarkansas.org or 501-932-5412.

DXC Technology executive to headline CEO Luncheon Gopala Krishnan, U.S. Regional Delivery Centers executive for DXC Technology, will be the featured guest at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s third CEO Luncheon of 2018.

Presented by Nabholz Construction Corporation, the CEO Luncheon will take place Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the campus of host sponsor Central Baptist College. First Service Bank is the speaker sponsor for the luncheon.

A senior executive in the DXC U.S. Healthcare Delivery Organization, Krishnan has driven growth across multiple clients in the health care industry both in government and commercial regions. During his 20-year career as a business and technical leader in information technology services, he has held several technical responsibilities, ranging from systems engineer to various levels of

management positions.

Since 2015, Gopala has been building the Center of Excellence – Development centers for U.S. Healthcare Delivery in India and the United States. Conway is one such major strategic development and delivery center for DXC. Gopala holds a master’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from India and an MBA from Kansas University.

Any employee of a Chamber-member business is welcome to attend the CEO Luncheon. The cost is $25 for individual tickets or organizations can reserve a table of eight for $200. A limited number of seats are available. Those interested in attending can make reservations by emailing Therese Williams at therese@ conwayarkansas.org or by calling 501-932-5411.

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