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NORTH METRO
NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL
MARCH 2020
BUSINESS JOURNAL
Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute-Conway improves functional needs of area residents
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NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL
MARCH 2020
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“We will make it through this together.” Conway Area Chamber of Commerce to reschedule 2020 Annual Meeting
Amid the current concerns around
will reschedule. And we will all come
The same goes for our restaurant
coronavirus COVID-19 transmission
together to recognize excellence and our
community. We were entering prime
and per CDC recommendations to
community’s tradition of teamwork –
sports weekends, which are a financial
cancel or postpone mass gatherings or
particularly in challenging times.”
windfall for our restaurants and hotels.
events of 10 or more people, the Conway
Brad Lacy, president and CEO of the
Those gatherings are gone for now as
Area Chamber of Commerce has
Conway Area Chamber of Commerce,
you know. Now it’s up to us to patronize
postponed its Annual Meeting, which
emphasized the city’s community spirit:
our favorite places. If you don’t feel
was previously scheduled for April 2,
There is so much uncertainty right
2020. The new date will be announced
now, but I am certain that Conway will
at a later time.
do what Conway always has done – be
Annual Meeting is billed as the
good citizens, neighbors, and friends.
largest business event in Conway,
It appears to be part of the DNA of this
with approximately 1,100 business and
community. We saved our public schools
community leaders in attendance each
more than once in the early 1900s before
year. The 2020 event is underwritten
we had sustainable funding. We saved our
by First Security Bank and presented
colleges during the Great Depression when
by the University of Central Arkansas
we had no functioning bank by forming the
– the host of the event – together with
Conway Corporation (that turned out to
Crafton Tull, Acxiom, and Conway
be a good decision in many ways!).
Regional Health System.
I know many of our local businesses
comfortable eating out, order carry out, go through the drive-thru, or have a delivery service bring it to you. Our business is important to them. I trust Governor Asa Hutchinson and his cabinet as they make decisions about our safety. We also couldn’t ask for a better mayor to have during a time like this. Mayor Bart Castleberry knows what to do during emergencies and is seasoned. If they tell us to do something, then we should. We had our annual celebration of all things Conway business planned for
An invitation-only reception for
are nervous and have seen a reduction
Annual Meeting award winners was
in foot traffic and business this week.
also postponed. Log Cabin Democrat
Please don’t forget about them. They are
and Northwestern Mutual are the
the fabric of what makes us “us.” I will
sponsors of the Annual Meeting
take some time to shop local today. I will
awards. The award winners are listed
be smart and do all of things that by now
year and over the course of their careers.
elsewhere in this publication and at
we know we should do. You can buy gift
Stay in touch with one another. Check
ConwayArkansas.org.
cards to use later, order online, follow
on those who need special care. Support
them on Facebook or Instagram, and call
local business. We will make it through
in if you see something you like.
this together. n
In a Facebook post announcing the postponement, the Chamber wrote: “We
April 2. That has been postponed. But that doesn’t mean we can’t recognize the incredible contributions so many individuals and businesses made last
NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL
conwayarkansas.org
MARCH 2020
Annual Meeting Awards honor Conway-area businesses, individuals Bill Adkisson, Jeff Standridge receive Distinguished Service Award William C. “Bill” Adkisson, founder of Faulkner County Title Company and longtime law partner at Graddy & Adkisson LLP, together with Conductor founding director and former Acxiom executive Jeff Standridge, Ed.D., are the 2020 recipients of the Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award. Established in 1957, this award is the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s highest form of recognition and 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 2020 event is underwritten by First Security Bank and presented by the University of Central Arkansas, Crafton Tull, Acxiom, and Conway Regional Health System. Log Cabin Democrat and Northwestern Mutual are the sponsors of the Annual Meeting awards, which will be presented in the following categories. Lloyd Westbrook Good Neighbor Award MM “Twig” Satterfield is the 2020 recipient of the Lloyd Westbrook Good Neighbor Award for his contributions in managing the the Lollie Levee for more than 20 years. 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.
Business Executive of the Year Drew Gainor, managing director at Northwestern Mutual, has been named the 2020 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. Young Business Leader of the Year The 2020 Young Business Leader of the Year award goes to Paul Bradley, director of marketing at Conway Regional Health System. 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 Business of the Year awards are presented in five categories and will recognize the following business and organizations: • Outstanding Nonprofit: Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas • Outstanding Hospitality: Bulgogi Korean BBQ • Outstanding Retailer: Francis M. Fine Jewelry • Outstanding Large Employer: Virco Manufacturing Corporation • Outstanding Small Business: Hounds’ Hideaway The nomination period for the Annual Meeting awards was in January. Chamber of commerce professionals from South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas selected the finalists. More information about the 2020 Annual Meeting award recipients will be released as the Conway Area Chamber prepares for Annual Meeting. The event was postponed to safeguard against COVID-19 and the spread of the coronavirus that causes the disease. The Conway Area Chamber will announce the new date at a later time. n
William C. “Bill” Adkisson
Jeff Standridge
MM “Twig” Satterfield
Drew Gainor
Paul Bradley
Bulgogi Korean BBQ
Virco Manufacturing Corporation
Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas
Francis M. Fine Jewelry
Hounds’ Hideaway
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MARCH 2020
NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL
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Six ways to support small businesses Submitted by Conway Downtown Partnership
Shops and restaurants in Downtown Conway are taking extensive, diligent measures to provide a clean, safe and welcoming environment for customers. Downtown businesses remain open, and continue to provide a positive, safe and welcoming experience. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 public health crisis poses incredibly difficult financial challenges to Downtown stores, services and restaurants all of which are locally owned and operated. Even just a few weeks of diminished patronage can be devastating. We encourage everyone to follow the guidelines of public health officials at the local, state and national level, and high-risk populations especially should exercise caution. If you choose to limit your exposure temporarily, here are a few meaningful ways you can still #shoplocal and help some of your favorite Downtown businesses during this challenging time. BUY A GIFT CARD As a promise to return to support them, purchase gift cards to your favorite local shops and restaurants. This puts money in the pocket of your favorite store-owner today to help them cover operating expenses. SHOP ONLINE Many Downtown retailers have online shops. Use this time to check out their online offerings. Several businesses are offering discounts and/or free shipping for those that show support for local during this time. *Reminder: Some shops that don’t offer online shopping are happy to take an order over the phone and have it delivered to you, so don’t hesitate to ask! ORDER TAKEOUT Dining from home more these days? Order delivery or takeout from almost any Downtown restaurant. If you choose
to avoid the crowds, call ahead and pick up – many will even deliver to your car when you arrive! Delivery services such as OmniDelivery, Bite Squad or DoorDash servicing Downtown restaurants are also great options. Visit the #ConwayToGo hashtag on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to see the takeout and delivery options in Conway. TIP A LITTLE EXTRA Have a steady paycheck? Leave a little extra cash for service workers – they especially are going to need the help. Consider a full tip on takeout orders, and leaving a little extra for the kitchen staff, too. SOCIAL CURRENCY Spending more time online? Engage with your favorite Downtown businesses — leave a positive Google, Yelp, or Facebook review. Like, follow, comment and engage with them on social media. It’s free to you but it helps to remind businesses that they aren’t forgotten and this kind of social currency pays dividends of a different kind. SUPPORT ARTS & CULTURE INSTITUTIONS Did you have tickets to a show that was cancelled? Many cultural institutions are nonprofits, so instead of asking for a refund, consider making your ticket cost a donation to the organization. Also, many performances may be rescheduled in the future, so be sure to check emails and social media posts from that organization for updates. Our community’s health depends on all of us working together, showing compassion and remaining strong. Our Downtown businesses are the heart and soul of our civic identity and a significant driver of our city’s economy. We at the Conway Downtown Partnership ask you to join us in ensuring the success and viability of our locally owned small businesses. n
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MARCH 2020
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Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute-Conway Brings Specialized Treatment, Experienced Staff to Improve Functional Needs of Area Residents Baptist Health Rehabilitation InstituteConway is now offering specialized treatment to help patients regain their independence and restore them to the highest level of function. It is just one of the ways that Baptist Health is continuing to address the evolving health concerns of residents in Faulkner County and surrounding areas. The eight-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit, conveniently located on the Baptist Health-Conway campus, treats individuals with a variety of diagnoses and impairments, including: • • • • • • • • • •
Amputation rehabilitation Brain injury rehab Cancer rehab Cardiac rehabilitation Joint replacement Occupational therapy Orthopedics Physical therapy Speech therapy Stroke rehabilitation
Physical therapy education at the University of Central Arkansas brought Erica Robichaud, physical therapist and rehabilitation clinical coordinator, to Conway – a city she called home since. Robichaud, has been in inpatient rehab for more than 13 years, is keenly aware of just what the new inpatient rehabilitation unit means to her community and to Faulkner County as a whole. PAID ADVERTISEMENT
“I am incredibly passionate about rehab, the patients and their families,” Robichaud said. “With our name recognition and expertise, we felt confident that we would have the resources to bring a beneficial service to the community. Our goal is to have residents choose Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute-Conway to address their challenges with the Christian compassion and personal concern that our health care organization is known for.” Each patient at Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute-Conway spends a minimum of three hours a day, five days a week in a mix of therapy sessions customized to their specific condition, including physical, occupational, speech or recreational therapy. Patients may be referred by physicians, family members, friends or a self-referral. A screening examination may be conducted prior to admission.
“Offering these new treatments to area residents aims to improve the communities we serve,” Robichaud said. “Our inpatient rehab unit gives patients the push to be their best, which in turn helps them to get back to living the healthiest and happiest life that they can.” The staff works as an interdisciplinary team with the patient and family to aid each patient’s return to the community, provide each patient with state-of-the-art equipment and assist with education and adjustment to the diagnosis. “Through Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute-Conway, our care team of highly trained specialists is bringing unparalleled rehabilitation services to Faulkner County residents,” said Tim Bowen, President of Baptist Health-Conway. “These additional services reaffirm our commitment to addressing the changing health needs of our community.”
I am incredibly passionate about rehab, the patients and their families. With our name recognition and expertise, we felt confident that we would have the resources to bring a beneficial service to the community. - Erica Robichaud, physical therapist and rehabilitation clinical coordinator
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MARCH 2020
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Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute-Conway has daily access to physicians, on-site dialysis, private room and a Neuro-Integrative Functional Rehabilitation and Habilitation (Neuro-IFRAH)trained therapist for stroke rehab. It additionally has a close working relationship with local prosthetic companies to provide excellent prosthetic/amputation rehab, offers vestibular rehab and has access to a pelvic therapist. Robichaud notes that the staff is experienced particularly with stroke patients as well as with the amputee population and those with multiple fractures. “We work well as a team and are eager and passionate to help serve our community and patients to return to their highest possible level of function,” she said. “Our patients have the ability to prepare meals, do laundry and perform daily tasks as if they were in their own home.”
NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL
Already, Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute-Conway has built a reputation for itself, Robichaud says. “Patients and their families have been very appreciative and welcoming,” she said. “We have heard feedback that they have been waiting for Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute to come to Conway for this community and surrounding communities. The community trusts our name and knows that they themselves and their loved ones will receive the best care.” Robichaud says the inpatient rehabilitation unit plans to continue to grow and expand as the community need grows as well. The cost of treatment, as with any hospitalization, is covered by Medicare, Workers’ compensation and private insurance carriers. To begin the admission process or to schedule a tour of Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute-Conway, call (501) 697-5678 or (501) 585-2760. More information is also available by visiting BaptistHealthConway.com.
conwayarkansas.org
Baptist Health is Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization with more than 200 points of access that include 11 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community and over 100 primary and specialty care clinics in Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. The system additionally offers a college with studies in nursing and allied health; a graduate residency program; and access to virtual care anytime, anywhere. As the largest not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, Baptist Health provides care to patients wherever they are through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit baptist-health. com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. n
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 December-2019 Seasonally Adjusted US ..........................164,556,000 Arkansas.....................1,364,255 Not Seasonally Adjusted US ......................... 164,007,000 Arkansas.................... 1,355,941 Conway........................... 33,873 Cleburne County ............... 9,094 Conway County ................ 8,327 Faulkner County ............. 61,942 Perry County ..................... 4,266 Van Buren County ............. 5,650 Unemployment Rate December-2019 Seasonally Adjusted US ..................................... 3.5% Arkansas ........................... 3.5% Not Seasonally Adjusted US ..................................... 3.4% Arkansas............................ 3.4% Conway.............................. 2.8% Cleburne County ................ 4.8% Conway County ................. 4.0% Faulkner County ................ 2.9% Perry County ...................... 3.6% Van Buren County .............. 5.0%
Bank Deposits June Conway 2019.................... $1,835,390,000 2018.................... $1,829,012,000 Percent Change .................0.35%
Conway County 2020.............................$515,828 2019.............................$470,413 Percent Change ............... 9.65% Tax Rate........................... 1.75%
Faulkner County Cleburne County 2020..........................$1,026,163 2019....................... $556,697,000 2019.............................$949,369 2018....................... $554,248,000 Percent Change ............... 8.09% Percent Change .................0.44% Tax Rate........................... 0.50% Conway County Perry County 2019....................... $364,163,000 2020.............................$146,318 2018....................... $358,473,000 2019.............................$135,029 Percent Change .................1.59% Percent Change ............... 8.36% Tax Rate........................... 2.50% Faulkner County
2019.................... $2,228,144,000 Van Buren County 2018.................... $2,193,879,000 Percent Change .................1.56% 2020.............................$356,751 2019.............................$386,178 Perry County Percent Change...............-7.62% 2019......................... $65,345,000 Tax Rate........................... 2.00% 2018......................... $72,986,000 Percent Change ............. -10.47% Restaurant Sales* Van Buren County Year to Date (February) 2019....................... $278,929,000 Conway 2018....................... $276,171,000 Percent Change .................1.00% 2020........................$16,228,262 2019........................$15,064,092 Sales & Use Tax Collections Percent Change................ 7.73% *Includes mixed drink sales February Conway 2020...........................$3,470,457 2019...........................$3,251,565 Percent Change ................ 6.73% Tax Rate .......................... 2.125% Cleburne County 2020.............................$563,656 2019.............................$524,823 Percent Change................ 7.40% Tax Rate......................... 1.625%
Hotel Sales Year to Date (February) Conway 2019..........................$1,212,499 2018..........................$1,055,950 Percent Change.............. 14.83%
Residential Building Permits Year to Date (February) Conway 2020........................................42 2019........................................45 Percent Change...............-6.67%
Values of Residential Units Sold** Year to Date (February) Conway 2020........................$20,129,084 2019........................$16,682,077 Percent Change.............. 20.66%
Year to Date (June) Residential Units Sold** Cleburne County (New and Existing) 2019....................... $38,165,380 Year to Date (February) 2018....................... $40,677,785 Conway 2020......................................100 Percent Change.............. -6.18% 2019........................................88 Conway County Percent Change.............. 13.64% 2019........................$10,232,940 2018..........................$7,426,608 Year to Date (June) Percent Change.............. 37.79% Cleburne County Faulkner County 2019......................................220 2019. . ....................$142,247,375 2018......................................215 Percent Change ............... 2.33% 2018......................$141,569,575 Percent Change................ 0.48% Conway County Perry County 2019........................................87 2018........................................62 2019..........................$3,092,124 Percent Change ............. 40.32% 2018..........................$4,865,332 Percent Change.............-36.45% Faulkner County Van Buren County 2019......................................775 2018......................................815 2019........................$13,074,173 Percent Change...............-4.91% 2018........................$12,340,480 Percent Change................ 5.95% Perry County Average Price of 2019........................................28 Residential Units Sold** 2018........................................34 (New and Existing) Percent Change.............-17.65% Year to Date (February) Conway Van Buren County 2019......................................119 2020..............................$235,613 2018......................................124 2019..............................$231,816 Percent Change...............-4.03% Percent Change..................1.64% **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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Baptist Health-Conway provides tips for safeguarding against COVID-19 The Arkansas Department of Health maintains the latest guidance for getting tested for the coronavirus (COVID-19) on its website at healthy.arkansas.gov. For information from Baptist Health-Conway about how to prevent the COVID-19 and receive care related to disease, read below: Baptist Health-Conway encourages residents in Faulkner County and surrounding areas to be proactive to help protect themselves against the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, and to take necessary measures if they believe they have contracted the disease. The best way for someone to protect themselves and others from contracting COVID-19 is through habits commonly practiced for the common cold and flu, including: • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick • Washing hands often with soap and warm water for 15 seconds • Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth • Covering all coughs and sneezes • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces Older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are at higher risk for significant complications with COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If someone is believed to have been exposed to COVID-19 and develops mild symptoms like fever, cough or shortness of breath, they are urged to not visit a hospital or clinic. Rather, they should stay home and self-isolate. Before traveling to a hospital, those with symptoms should follow guidance from the CDC to keep the facility’s environment safe and healthy for everyone. That includes calling their provider to let them know the situation and giving advance notice before visiting any facility. If symptoms worsen, such as difficulty breathing or an elevated temperature not responding to over-the-counter
medication, the affected person should make plans to speak with or seek care from their primary care provider. Baptist Health Virtual Care offers a stay-at-home solution to those in need of care. Visit a doctor online before going to an urgent care facility or emergency department. Online doctors within the app are prepared to screen for COVID-19 and make recommendations for next steps any time of day. To access the mobile screening option, look for “Baptist Health Virtual Care” in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. If someone is experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms like persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or bluish lips of face, they should call 9-1-1 or go to their nearest emergency department. Answers to general questions about COVID-19 are also available by visiting the Baptist Health website at baptisthealth.com/coronavirus. n
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MARCH 2020 11
A Growing Health System for a Growing Community
Expanded Access
Innovative Services
More Specialists
Dr. Landon Humphrey with Conway Regional Surgical Associates is board certified in general surgery and vascular surgery. He has extensive training in peripheral artery disease (PAD) which may cause difficulty walking, muscle pain, and chronic wounds. At Conway Regional, we are proud to offer each patient individualized treatment plans with innovative services. Talk to your primary care physician to learn more about PAD. We’re not just growing—we’re growing together.
#conwayregional
New Medical Offices
