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NORTH METRO
NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL
NOVEMBER 2019
BUSINESS JOURNAL
Fountaine Bleau:
A new chapter in Conway’s development PAID ADVERTISEMENT
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NOVEMBER 2019
NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL
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Honorees named for eighth annual Women in Business Awards The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s eighth annual Women in Business awards luncheon will take place Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Centennial Valley Events Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Presented by Windows USA, Women in Business honors women in the Conway area who have excelled in leadership and community service and inspired others on both a personal and professional level. Velda Lueders of Coldwell Banker RPM Group is the 2019 Diamond Achievement Award recipient. This award is presented to a woman with at least 25 years of professional experience who has inspired and empowered many generations of women and has had a positive impact on those in her profession and in the community. Five individuals have been named Outstanding Women in Business. The honorees embody high standards of excellence, dedication, and accomplishment to their respective organizations, industries, and to the business community. Rita Birch of Arvest Bank, Rebekah Fincher of Conway Regional Health System, Jamisa Hogan of Kids World Child Care Center, Cinda Montgomery of Yours Truly Consignment Inc., and Donna Seal, a licensed clinical social worker, are the 2019 Outstanding Women in Business. The 2019 Outstanding Woman in Nonprofit is Melissa Allen of CAPCA. This award recognizes those in the nonprofit, education, or government industry sectors who embody a high standard of excellence, dedication, leadership, and accomplishment to her field. The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce opened nominations to the public, and women executives outside Conway selected the award recipients. In addition to the awards, Women in Business features an executive-level speaker. This year, the first seven women to be named “secretary” in Arkansas state government will be the featured guests. Panelists will include Jami Cook, secretary
of the Department of Public Safety; Amy Fecher, secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services; Cindy Gillespie, secretary of the Department of Human Services; Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism; Wendy Kelley, secretary of the Department of Correction; Becky Keogh, secretary of the Department of Energy and Environment; and Elizabeth Thomas Smith, secretary of the Department of Inspector General. Space is limited at Women in Business, and the event is nearly at capacity. To reserve a seat or table, email director of events Therese Williams at therese@conwayarkansas.org.
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NOVEMBER 2019
DXC Technology Increases Presence in Conway Creating a Global Center of Excellence in Medicaid Services and Adding 1,200 Tech Jobs New hires to join 450 current employees over next four years Governor Asa Hutchinson was joined by executives from DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) and a crowd of community members on Oct. 22 in announcing 1,200 new jobs at the company’s Conway, Arkansas, location. The new positions will be in healthcare and life sciences, automotive and security IT services as DXC builds upon the success of Conway to establish a global Center of Excellence (CoE) that serves the Medicaid business for 30 states and other clients. “A large part of the mission of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and this administration has been to recruit high-paying, high-tech jobs to the state, and we’re thrilled to see DXC expand in Conway,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “When an existing business chooses to reinvest and expand, you know there’s something special happening.” In addition to its work with the State of Arkansas, DXC currently provides health and human services to clients across 42 U.S. states and territories, offering fiscal agent services, Medicaid Management Information Systems (MMIS), program integrity, care management, immunization registry and eligibility services. DXC’s current Conway facility, located at 355 Ledgelawn Dr., brings together a team of nearly 450 employees and comprises one
of two DXC integrated Medicaid services delivery centers in the U.S. The company also works closely with 16 colleges and universities in Arkansas to develop and recruit talent. “This community, the facility, and the associates who work here have seen a decade
of change in the technology industry,” said Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry. “It’s a credit to central Arkansas’s talent pipeline that a company like DXC recognizes not only the proven record of performance but the opportunities for growth.” DXC cited a number of factors for choosing to grow in the metro Little Rock area. “We’re proud of our public-private partnership with the State of Arkansas and Chamber, and helping manage the
dramatic transformation underway in public health services,” said Andrea Fiumicelli, vice president and general manager of Healthcare and Life Sciences, DXC. “We have a great team in Conway, and our expansion here will create new job and career opportunities, strengthen our educational partnerships, and contribute to the area’s growth economically and as a center of innovation. I want to thank Governor Hutchinson, Brad Lacy and their teams for their confidence and trust in DXC.” “DXC is the perfect fit for our community,” said Brad Lacy, CEO of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and Conway Development Corporation. “Conway has a 50-year history of growing technology talent. Through partnerships with Governor Hutchinson on initiatives like UCA’s cyber range and the Arkansas Coding Academy, we are investing in next generation skills. Today those investments paid off as one of the world’s largest technology companies and leaders in digital transformation recognize that talent pipeline and make a significant commitment to grow their business here.” Fiumicelli said that the new jobs would represent a range of opportunities from entry-level up to highly skilled mid-career technical talent. Those interested in applying should visit jobs.DXC.technology. continued on page 10
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conwayarkansas.org
Central Arkansas holiday tradition combines commerce, community
Taking place each year in downtown Conway, Chick-fil-A Illuminate: A Conway Christmas Tradition is a high-energy kickoff to the holiday season. The 2019 event begins Saturday, Nov. 30, at 3 p.m. with an afternoon full of activities and continues through 8 p.m. Lights, amusements, and concessions will operate downtown through the end of the year. More than 2,000 people gather in Rogers Plaza the Saturday after Thanksgiving to light the state’s tallest Christmas tree, tour downtown via horse-drawn carriage, visit Santa, or ride a four-story Ferris wheel. “Illuminate is a multi-generational event,” said Mary Margaret Satterfield, director of events and Toad Suck Daze at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. “There is something for people of all ages. By starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we’re establishing a tradition for families and extended families.” The 2019 Chick-fil-A Illuminate promises to be the biggest one ever. New holiday lighting and additional attractions throughout the season are already planned. “Every year this event continues to grow,” said Kim Williams, director of the Conway Downtown Partnership. “We’ve expanded and upgraded our holiday lights. We’ve grown the scope and quality of
the celebration. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our retailers and restaurants to people from all over central Arkansas.” Saturday’s Chick-fil-A Illuminate events also coincide with Small Business Saturday, a national holiday-shopping initiative designed to promote locally owned businesses. “Downtown is home to our largest concentration of locally owned businesses and independent retailers,” said Williams. “They’re important to our economy year-round, but during the holidays they’re an amenity to thousands of visitors.” The season of Chick-fil-A Illuminate events is presented by Conway Corporation, Conway Regional Health System, Crain Hyundai and Crain Genesis of Conway, First Service Bank, Lumber 1 Home Center, Miller Spectacular Attractions, and Snap-on.
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Fountaine Bleau— A New Chapter in Conway’s Development Burkhalter Technologies CEO John Burkhalter knows a good opportunity when he sees one. The Hendrix graduate’s career has spanned a number of industries over the last several decades. After successful ventures around the state in civil engineering, manufacturing, and utility contracting his most recent project represents his first in Conway. Fountaine Bleau Conway represents a new chapter in Conway’s residential development story. The $70 million, 339 luxury apartments represent the first of their kind in Conway. “We knew Conway needed a housing product like Fountain Bleau,” said Burkhalter. “As an engineer, developer, and planner I instantly recognized the opportunity that Central Landing represented. And I’m very grateful that our company is the first of many projects to break ground thare.” Fountaine Bleau promises the convenience of city living along with the serenity and views of a natural setting. Newly designed with comfort in mind, the floor plans include full-size washers and dryers, granite countertops, fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances, and private balconies with iron patio doors. The pet-friendly homes are laid out in a peaceful neighborhood setting. The shared amenities range from a PAID ADVERTISEMENT
resort-style pool to a state-of-the-art movie theater. The first phase of Fountaine Bleau is scheduled to open late in the first quarter of 2020 and preleasing will begin after the first of the year. Fountain Bleau will offer a mixture of one, two, and three bedroom units. The development will also offer fully furnished corporate units with leasing options designed to accommodate relocators. “The recent job announcements are a perfect example of why we’re building in Conway,” said Burkhalter. DXC, the new hospital, the growth at Acxiom; it’s a great opportunity for a company like ours. We think we have a role in that growth by offering housing options the market needs.” “We feel like we’re bringing something completely new to the Conway housing market. There are no multi-family options that offer anything close to our suite of amenities or quality of construction. Whether it’s a corporate option for relocating executives or a private residence for someone who wants to downsize without making sacrifices.” Fountaine Bleau Conway is located on 18 acres on the western edge of the 150 acre Central Landing development on Bruce Street near the intersection of 6th Street. For more information about Fountain Bleau or pre-leasing visit www.FountaineBleauConway.com.
NOVEMBER 2019
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NOVEMBER 2019
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Nominations open for 2020 North Metro Healthcare Awards New “Community Impact Award” recognizes health-related outreach efforts The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the fourth annual North Metro Healthcare Awards, an event that honors doctors, nurses, hospital administrators and other health professionals in seven counties: Faulkner, Cleburne, Van Buren, Perry, Pope, and Conway counties and the city of Maumelle. Honorees will be recognized in the following categories at a luncheon that will take place in February 2020: The Nurse of the Year award honors nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and other nurses who have consistently shown dedication and commitment to providing exceptional patient care. Nominees pursue excellence in nursing and perform above expectations in the face of adversity. Nominees for Physician of the Year use their talents and skills to provide exceptional and compassionate care to the North Metro community. Physicians practicing in family medicine, pediatrics, OB-GYN, psychiatry, osteopathy, chiropractic, anesthesiology, oncology, cardiology, neurosurgery, and other specialties are eligible for this award. Members of a healthcare company’s leadership team can be nominated for Administrator of the Year for their dedication to exceptional organizational quality, their ability to empower their team, and their passion for improving the community they serve. The Healthcare Professional of the Year award recognizes first responders, emergency medical technicians, social workers, hospital department staff, physician’s assistants, radiologists, lab technicians, insurance experts, therapists and other health professionals committed to excellent service and professional guidance. Nominees for this award have positively affected the overall quality of healthcare in the North Metro region.
New in 2020, the Community Impact Award will recognize an individual or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to a particular health-related cause through community outreach efforts. Examples include fundraising events, such as auctions, fairs, or races; medical or dental services provided to the public; and events or campaigns designed to increase funding and/or raise awareness to aid in the fight against a particular disease or condition. The nomination period for the North Metro Healthcare Awards will close Wednesday, Nov. 20. To submit a nomination, visit conwaychamber.org/healthcare-awards.
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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 Civilian Labor Force August-2019 Seasonally Adjusted US ..........................163,922,000 Arkansas ....................1,362,512 Not Seasonally Adjusted US ..........................164,019,000 Arkansas.....................1,359,599 Conway............................33,810 Cleburne County ................9,212 Conway County .................8,183 Faulkner County ..............62,008 Perry County ......................4,283 Van Buren County ..............5,643 Unemployment Rate August-2019 Seasonally Adjusted US ..................................... 3.7% Arkansas ........................... 3.4% Not Seasonally Adjusted US ..................................... 3.8% Arkansas............................ 3.6% Conway.............................. 3.0% Cleburne County ................ 4.4% Conway County ................. 4.4% Faulkner County ................ 3.1% Perry County ...................... 4.1% Van Buren County .............. 4.9%
Bank Deposits June Conway 2019........................... $1,835,390 2018........................... $1,829,012 Percent Change .................0.35%
Percent Change ............... 6.12% Tax Rate ......................... 1.625% Conway County 2019.............................$512,559 2018.............................$480,807 Percent Change ............... 6.60% Tax Rate ........................... 1.75%
Cleburne County 2019.............................. $556,697 Faulkner County 2018.............................. $554,248 2019.............................$870,934 Percent Change .................0.44% 2018.............................$823,942 Percent Change ............... 5.70% Conway County 2019.............................. $364,163 Tax Rate ........................... 0.50% 2018.............................. $358,473 Perry County Percent Change .................1.59% 2019.............................$136,517 Faulkner County 2018.............................$140,967 2019........................... $2,228,144 Percent Change ..............-3.16% 2018........................... $2,193,879 Tax Rate ........................... 2.50% Percent Change .................1.56% Van Buren County Perry County 2019.............................$401,134 2019................................ $65,345 2018.............................$353,405 2018................................ $72,986 Percent Change ............. 13.51% Percent Change ............. -10.47% Tax Rate ........................... 2.00% Van Buren County Restaurant Sales* 2019.............................. $278,929 Year to Date (August) 2018.............................. $276,171 Percent Change .................1.00% Conway 2019......................$139,015,008 Sales & Use Tax Collections 2018......................$133,269,215 Percent Change ............... 4.31% September *Includes mixed drink sales Conway 2019...........................$2,867,315 2018...........................$2,717,311 Percent Change ................ 5.52% Tax Rate .......................... 2.125% Cleburne County 2019.............................$549,608 2018.............................$517,918
Hotel Sales Year to Date (August) Conway 2019........................$13,280,549 2018........................$12,508,551 Percent Change ............... 6.17%
Residential Building Permits Year to Date (October) Conway 2019......................................230 2018......................................164 Percent Change ............. 40.24%
Values of Residential Units Sold** Year to Date (October) Conway 2019......................$130,321,865 2018......................$130,437,961 Percent Change ..............-0.09%
Residential Units Sold** (New and Existing) Year to Date (October) Conway 2019......................................664 2018......................................684 Percent Change ..............-2.92%
Year to Date (June) Cleburne County 2019....................... $38,165,380 2018....................... $40,677,785 Percent Change ............. -6.18%
Year to Date (June) Cleburne County 2019......................................220 2018......................................215 Percent Change ............... 2.33% Conway County 2019........................................87 2018........................................62 Percent Change ............. 40.32% Faulkner County 2019......................................775 2018......................................815 Percent Change ..............-4.91% Perry County 2019........................................28 2018........................................34 Percent Change ..........-17.65%1 Van Buren County 2019......................................119 2018......................................124 Percent Change ..............-4.03%
Conway County 2019........................$10,232,940 2018..........................$7,426,608 Percent Change ............. 37.79% Faulkner County 2019......................$142,247,375 2018......................$141,569,575 Percent Change ............... 0.48% Perry County 2019..........................$3,092,124 2018..........................$4,865,332 Percent Change ............-36.45% Van Buren County 2019........................$13,074,173 2018........................$12,340,480 Percent Change ............... 5.95% Average Price of Residential Units Sold** (New and Existing) Year to Date (October) Conway 2019..............................$196,268 2018..............................$190,699 Percent Change .................2.92% **Includes sales of residential units
Year to Date (June) Cleburne County 2019.............................$173,479 2018.............................$189,199 Percent Change ..............-8.31% Conway County 2019.............................$117,620 2018.............................$119,784 Percent Change ..............-1.81% Faulkner County 2019.............................$183,545 2018.............................$173,705 Percent Change ............... 5.66% Perry County 2019.............................$110,433 2018.............................$143,098 Percent Change ............-22.83% Van Buren County 2019.............................$109,867 2018...............................$99,520 Percent Change ............. 10.40%
Proud sponsor of Pulse of Conway Sources: 2012-2016 ACS 5-Year Data Profiles, Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, C2ER, Sperling’s Best Places, Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Cooperative Arkansas Realtors’ Multiple Listing Services, Arkansas Realtors Association, and City of Conway. **Includes sales of residential units only.
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NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s Newest Location Now Open in Conway CONWAY, Ark. (November 15, 2019) – Community members and leaders gathered at Conway Commons the morning of Nov. 15 to officially open Sissy’s Log Cabin’s newest location. The ribbon-cutting ceremony began at 10 a.m. and Sissy Jones, founder, Bill Jones, CEO, and Brad Lacy, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO addressed the crowd. “It is so special to see our family grow into new locations, like Conway,” said Sissy Jones. “I never imagined my little log cabin would continue to grow, but we are thrilled to be part of this community.” The expansion into Conway is a strategic business decision, as the Jones family recognized the growth in this area of the state. Out of many options, Conway was the right move. “Conway is the perfect place for our fifth location,” Bill Jones said. “This thriving community has already welcomed us so warmly and we are honored to become part of their family and make Conway a part of ours.” Celebrating 50 years in 2020, Sissy’s Log Cabin is the premiere diamond and bridal jewelry store in the mid-South. From its humble roots in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the business has grown to more than 100 employees with four locations in its home state and one in Memphis, Tenn. “We are proud that Sissy’s chose Conway for their newest store. They join a dynamic, regional, market that is a perfect blend of locally owned and national retailers,” Lacy said. “Sissy’s
brings new additions to the retail market including the only Breitling boutique in the state.” The Conway location of Sissy’s Log Cabin is located at 820 Elsinger Boulevard in Conway Commons. The store hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and, starting December 1, it will be open seven days a week during the month of December. About Sissy’s Log Cabin Founded in 1970, Sissy’s Log Cabin is a family-owned and -operated jewelry store with locations in Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Jonesboro and Conway, Arkansas, and in Memphis, Tennessee. As Arkansas’s largest independentlyowned jewelry store, Sissy’s Log Cabin prides itself on quality and customer service. It has consecutively been named “Best Jewelry Store” by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and “Best Jeweler” by AY Magazine. For more information, please visit SissysLogCabin.com.
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About DXC Technology DXC Technology, the world’s leading independent, end-to-end IT services company, manages and modernizes missioncritical systems, integrating them with new digital solutions to produce better business outcomes. The company’s global reach and talent, innovation platforms, technology independence and extensive partner network enable more than 6,000 private- and publicsector clients in 70 countries to thrive on change. For more information, visit www. dxc.technology. About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, seeks to create economic opportunity by attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding and diversifying local economies in the state, increasing incomes and investment, and generating positive growth throughout The Natural State. Arkansas is a pro-business environment operating leaner, faster and more focused through a streamlined state government designed to act on corporate interests quickly and decisively. For more information, visit www.ArkansasEDC.com. About the Conway Development Corporation Organized in 1959, the Conway Development Corporation attracts jobs, retains businesses, and generates economic development in Conway and Faulkner County. The CDC has invested time, energy, and resources to bring about strategic, long-term progress that benefits the entire community.
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