Listen, Conway. (June 2020)

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NORTH METRO

NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2020

BUSINESS JOURNAL

Listen, Conway.

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JUNE 2020

NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

Listen, Conway.

Beginning June 9, 2020, and continuing for 30 consecutive days, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce is using its Facebook and Instagram platforms to elevate the voices of Black members of the community as part of a project titled “#ListenConway.�

The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce launched #ListenConway in response to the recent high-profile killings of Black men and women by police and the protests that ensued in Conway and around the world, reaffirming that Black lives matter and demanding justice and equality for all. These stories from friends, neighbors, and colleagues are no substitute for concrete action but are an attempt to spark productive dialogue within the community that will lead to positive change.

Internally, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce has engaged a diverse group of business and community leaders to discuss next steps the organization can take to put its commitment to equity and inclusion into practice.

Thirteen stories from the #ListenConway project follow.

To read all of the submissions, follow the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook at facebook.com/conwayarchamber or Instagram at instagram.com/conwaychamber. You can also search the #ListenConway hashtag on these platforms.

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conwayarkansas.org

NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2020

See me. See them. See us.

- Corey Parks

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NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2020

JEFF ANDERSON

Second-Year Medical Student, UAMS I am a husband, a father, a brother, a son, an ordained Elder, and a former Wampus Cat and UCA Bear football player.

I enjoy playing video games, fishing, and playing the piano.

I am dedicated, hardworking, loyal, and a fighter for equity.

And I am a Black man.

246 years of slavery, 89 years of legalized segregation and Jim Crow laws, 56 years of discrimination (redlining, mass incarceration, police brutality) all because of the color of our skin. Despite these facts, when I speak against the oppression my people have faced, the response is always similar: 1. “Go back to where you came from.”

Unfortunately, I don’t know where I came from. I was stripped of the privilege of knowing my heritage.

2. “Compared to how it used to be, everything is equal now.” Equality is not enough. I was once told equality is giving everyone a pair of shoes, but equity is giving everyone a pair of shoes that fit.

Unfortunately, many people in my community are still wearing the incorrect size. It’s hard to compete in a race that started over 400 years ago, but if everyone does their part, hopefully one day we will be able to catch up.

SARAH COLEMAN

Full-time student at UCA, Writer I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a student journalist, and a Christian.

I enjoy painting and everything to do with nature – especially hammocking and the lake.

I love spending time with my friends.

I am resilient, I am a hard worker, and I like to think I am a good communicator.

I am a Black (biracial technically) woman.

I just wish others understood what it is really like to be in the middle of two very different cultures.

I wish others could take time to understand what it is like to hold your breath every time you see a police car – not just because you might get a ticket. Or what the wave of anxiety of being followed in a store feels like. I want people to know the struggle of learning to love yourself in a society that praises beauty standards that often do not include or reflect that women of color are also beautiful. I want others to take a second to feel what it is like having your accomplishments dwindled down to, “Oh, it’s because they have to reach a minority quota.” I want others to hear that racism is not just an issue of hatred; it is deeply rooted, and it is absolutely just as much taught as it is ingrained in our society.

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SHANEIL EALY

Higher Education Administrator I am a mom, a wife, a sister, a believer, a best friend, and a leader.

I enjoy writing family poems, working out, cooking, gardening and creating experiences that make great memories with friends and family.

I advocate, mentor women, and empower others to realize their potential.

I am classy, patient, resourceful, poised, generous, and genuine.

And I am a Black woman.

Although I couldn’t articulate it at the time, my first experience with racism was in third grade.

I was the only Black student in my class. My teacher would make me take my tests at the back of the classroom away from my other classmates.

Today, I have a doctorate and hold a leadership position in higher education. My husband and I own two diesel repair companies in Conway and Little Rock. Every day, my husband and I face the dichotomy of operating in two worlds.

We are forced to assimilate into boardrooms and our offices in order to be accepted by the majority. We carry the weight of not only being a leader but a Black leader. We represent our Black community and have a great responsibility to operate in excellence so that the generation behind us may be invited to sit at the table. To whom much is given, much is required. Still, neither our successes, our education, nor our reputation can prevent us from being perceived as a threat in our community or our sons, Jase (6) and Henderson (11), from being stereotyped in their schools.

That is my Black experience.

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NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2020

CECILIA ELLIOTT

Executive Assistant to the President/CEO, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce

AIDAN ESLINGER

Author, Actor, Playwright I am a son, a brother, a creative, a Christian, and a friend.

I enjoy writing, reading, watching YouTube, singing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

I am smart, determined, visionary, compassionate, caring, and charming.

I am a young Black man.

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MILLIE GOINS

Military Spouse, Mother, and Public Health Independent Contractor

I am a Conway transplant, UCA alumna, your friend, your sister in Christ, your colleague, your neighbor, or, more memorably, the smile that lights up a room.

I enjoy traveling, brunch with my girlfriends, gardening, creating, and spending time with my family.

I am loyal, honest, and seek to encourage, My experience with racism occurred during my My goal is to entertain and inspire. I’ve published educate, and empower others in any capacity senior year of high school 1969-1970 when the two books and written and directed four stage I serve. schools in Camden, Arkansas, were integrated. It plays. I own a company and frequently give back Moreover, I am a Black woman! was hard to say the least – during my first week to my community.

Racial hardships make me wonder where God I was spat on, not for anything I had done wrong I do well in school, and I will go to college.

Yet, is. Being Black allows me the opportunity to but simply because of the color of my skin. some still don’t see my worth. My mother is choose compassion for my oppressors, daily, My favorite quote from Nelson Mandela says, afraid for me to take a walk, drive alone, or wear with the realization that unforgiveness is a “No one is born hating another person because hoodies. Although I’m not a threat, I’m seen as distraction. Being Black for me is operating, with of the color of his skin, or his background, or his one because of the color of my skin. And if the joy, in a state of misery. Being Black is living in a religion. People must learn to hate, and if they color of my skin is seen as a weapon, I can never perpetual cycle of compounded grief, unwilling can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for be unarmed. That is my Black experience. to accept the assurance of invalidated loss. love comes more naturally to the human heart Being Black is looking past disenfranchisement than its opposite.” and smiling at the future. Being Black is being rewarded with resilience, an invaluable asset.

Being Black is acknowledging that only God can fix broken people I encounter.

I am a spirited, young-at-heart, “seasoned citizen.”

I enjoy reading, traveling, and working crossword puzzles.

I am feisty, strong-willed, independent, and determined.

And I am a Black woman!

NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

conwayarkansas.org

ARTHUR INGRAM Acxiom Associate

I am a husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, crazy friend, coworker, mentor, and much more.

I enjoy spending time with my kids, reading, relaxing, and watching my kids chase their dreams.

I am hardworking, loyal, loud and crazy, fun, serious when needed, and sensitive.

And I am a (PROUD) Black man.

One of my most important jobs is raising my Black son to be kind, productive, and aware.

The conversations I’ve had with my almost 13-year-old have been eye-opening. The things I’ve had to prepare him for while reassuring him that he’s great and that he’s enough can be sobering. I wish people knew that it’s possible to be pro-Black, WOKE, and still support good police! So, when you see me post or hear my loud mouth, please know that it is not anti-police rhetoric or disorder than I seek but equality and growth for ALL!

SHUN INGRAM

Assistant Dean of Student Life, Panhellenic Advisor I am a son, brother, friend, Christian, and human being.

I enjoy playing sports, working out, traveling, reading, and quality time with family and friends.

I am positive, bold, fun, compassionate, smart, joyful, and generous.

I am a PROUD Black man.

I take pride in my ability to connect with others and leave a positive impact. I occupy many spaces where I am the minority. Within some of those spaces, I have been subjected to moments of racism in the form of microaggressions, racist jokes, stereotypes, derogatory terms, and experiences. These were moments in which I refused to tolerate; I spoke up and addressed them. I will always speak up. However, they should never happen. I shouldn’t have to explain my worth to be seen as human. I also should not fear going for a run because my skin is seen as a threat. Policies and people must change.

JUNE 2020

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TENNILLE LASKER-SCOTT College Professor

I am a daughter, mother of two sons, sister, friend, and professor.

I enjoy reading, reading, and more reading. I love to paint and work with my hands. I am a sports fanatic and travel to watch my favorite teams (Georgia Bulldogs and Pittsburgh Steelers).

I love making people smile. I’m a jokester at heart. I am a lifelong learner. I seek out opportunities to learn. I’m self-assured and most importantly, I’m resilient.

And I am a Black woman.

My Black experience is intricately and beautifully woven moments that are marred with hatred: Academic scholarships and fellowships reduced and referred to as “charity” or “minority money.” Obtaining a doctorate from a top program and university, met with cynicism and demands of proof from my white students.

Delivering my first child and being asked by a nurse if he was biracial because he was so beautiful. Proudly watching the crowd cheer my sons’ athletic abilities on the field and court and those same athletic abilities be the factors of fear for the majority race. My father once said, “Racism is a chokehold on Black joy.”

He was right.

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NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2020

CORNELL MALTBIA Pastor

COREY PARKS Economic Developer

I am a husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a pastor, and a friend.

I enjoy all types of music, but I cannot dance.

I also enjoy WWE wrestling and The Young and the Restless. Victor Newman is still my favorite character.

I am unapologetically a Black man.

I am a son, brother, uncle, and friend.

I enjoy running, analyzing data, playing basketball, shooting guns, and cheering for the UCA Bears.

I am practical, honest, loyal, reliable, and determined.

And I am a Black man.

I want you to know that I am multifaceted in my perspective. I am against racism and police brutality. But I support good cops and peaceful protest. I am encouraged by so many in our city publicly condemning racism. And still, I am perplexed by the deafening silence of others. I see the good in our city. And yet, I cannot deny that racism still exists within our borders. Not so long ago, my wife and I were exiting a local store with a buggy full of groceries. Simultaneously, a white couple set off the alarms and began to literally sprint to the parking lot. To my surprise, the associate ignored the couple and demanded to search our entire shopping cart. When I suggested that she turn her attention to the people running across the parking lot, I was told to be quiet and empty my cart. We stood in total shock as we watched their car speed from the parking lot. This is one of many examples of my Black experience.

Invisible burdens make being Black in America almost unbearable at times. Not running in a hoodie or dark clothing at night, worrying about moving too quickly during a traffic stop, and researching a community’s demographics before a vacation are all part of my Black experience.

However, “You all look alike to me,” and “they all look the same” illustrate my most difficult daily struggle; Black people are frequently not recognized as individuals. This burden leads to sweeping generalizations about people of color and the irrational responsibility of feeling like your words, actions, and opinions reflect on an entire race. Most days this feeling motivates me to be the best version of myself. Unfortunately, that does not make it any less exhausting. I want people to “see color” because failing to do so means not seeing part of my identity or acknowledging the challenges that come with being Black. BUT I am more than my skin color.

conwayarkansas.org

SHAWANNA RODGERS

Diversity & Economic Development Coordinator I am a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, loyal friend, co-worker, mentor, and a woman of faith.

I enjoy gardening, helping others, lawn work, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

I am human, dedicated, hardworking, confident, encouraging, compassionate, selfless, and forgiving.

And I am a Black woman.

My Black is multi-dimensional. It is filled with beauty, love, and joy, yet filled with shock, pain, and frustration, in turn producing an immense desire to be a productive part of understanding and change. My Black, despite the challenges that come with it, is YET filled with HOPE! As a woman of color, I have been groomed on how to operate in a world that should not see my Blackness as intimidation, less than, or to be profiled but unfortunately in some cases it does. I was taught at a young age to be expressive and to speak my mind, but over the years I’ve learned that when my voice comes forth it is strong, sharp, and oftentimes straight to the point. But that does NOT make me an angry Black woman.

The sharpness and strength erupt from a deep passion within my heart. I LOVE my Blackness! My voice is not my words, it is my actions! I will use the opportunities God has given me to be a voice in helping bridge the gap for civility and equality. My Black is multi-dimensional!

North Metro Economy at a Glance Population US ..........................327,167,434 Arkansas ....................3,013,825 Conway............................66,426 Cleburne County ..............24,965 Conway County ...............20,891 Faulkner County ............124,806 Perry County ....................10,352 Van Buren County ............16,603 Civilian Labor Force March-2020 Seasonally Adjusted US ......................... 162,913,000 Arkansas ................... 1,386,469 Not Seasonally Adjusted US ..........................162,537,000 Arkansas.....................1,378,026 Conway............................33,891 Cleburne County ................9,320 Conway County .................8,425 Faulkner County ..............62,110 Perry County ......................4,260 Van Buren County ..............5,875 Unemployment Rate March-2020 Seasonally Adjusted US ..................................... 4.4% Arkansas ........................... 5.0% Not Seasonally Adjusted US ..................................... 4.5% Arkansas............................ 4.9% Conway.............................. 4.1% Cleburne County ................ 6.8% Conway County ................. 5.7% Faulkner County ................ 4.2% Perry County ...................... 5.2% Van Buren County .............. 6.7%

Bank Deposits June Conway 2019.................... $1,835,390,000 2018.................... $1,829,012,000 Percent Change .................0.35%

Conway County 2020.............................$441,845 2019.............................$388,833 Percent Change.............. 13.63% Tax Rate........................... 1.75%

Faulkner County Cleburne County 2020.............................$766,121 2019....................... $556,697,000 2019.............................$753,212 2018....................... $554,248,000 Percent Change................ 1.71% Percent Change .................0.44% Tax Rate........................... 0.50% Conway County Perry County 2019....................... $364,163,000 2020.............................$114,244 2018....................... $358,473,000 2019.............................$112,101 Percent Change .................1.59% Percent Change................ 1.91% Tax Rate........................... 2.50% Faulkner County

2019.................... $2,228,144,000 Van Buren County 2018.................... $2,193,879,000 Percent Change .................1.56% 2020.............................$261,881 2019.............................$308,408 Perry County Percent Change.............-15.09% 2019......................... $65,345,000 Tax Rate........................... 2.00% 2018......................... $72,986,000 Percent Change ............. -10.47% Restaurant Sales* Van Buren County Year to Date (May) 2019....................... $278,929,000 Conway 2018....................... $276,171,000 Percent Change .................1.00% 2020........................$76,042,998 2019........................$83,642,411 Sales & Use Tax Collections Percent Change...............-9.09% *Includes mixed drink sales May Conway 2020...........................$2,472,829 2019...........................$2,481,431 Percent Change ...............-0.35% Tax Rate.......................... 2.125% Cleburne County 2020.............................$444,551 2019.............................$456,101 Percent Change...............-2.53% Tax Rate......................... 1.625%

Hotel Sales Year to Date (May) Conway 2020..........................$4,998,770 2019..........................$6,425,451 Percent Change.............-22.20%

Residential Building Permits Year to Date (May) Conway 2020........................................88 2019......................................118 Percent Change.............-25.42%

Values of Residential Units Sold** Year to Date (May) Conway 2020........................$60,607,537 2019........................$57,367,374 Percent Change................ 5.65%

Year to Date (May) Residential Units Sold** Cleburne County (New and Existing) 2020....................... $31,362,008 Year to Date (May) 2019. ...................... $29,003,784 Conway 2020......................................286 Percent Change................8.13% 2019......................................301 Conway County Percent Change...............-4.98% 2020..........................$8,076,984 2019..........................$8,349,050 Year to Date (May) Percent Change...............-3.26% Cleburne County Faulkner County 2020......................................158 2020. . ....................$127,490,964 2019......................................177 Percent Change.............-10.73% 2019......................$114,216,410 Percent Change.............. 11.62% Conway County Perry County 2020........................................66 2019........................................70 2020..........................$3,799,173 Percent Change...............-5.71% 2019..........................$2,547,900 Percent Change.............. 49.11% Faulkner County Van Buren County 2020......................................649 2019......................................630 2020........................$10,001,650 Percent Change................ 3.02% 2019........................$10,577,205 Percent Change...............-5.44% Perry County Average Price of 2020........................................29 Residential Units Sold** 2019........................................22 (New and Existing) Percent Change.............. 31.82% Year to Date (May) Conway Van Buren County 2020........................................68 2020..............................$212,658 2019........................................94 2019..............................$190,589 Percent Change.............-27.66% Percent Change................11.58% **Includes sales of residential units

Year to Date (May) Cleburne County 2020.............................$183,568 2019.............................$177,186 Percent Change................ 3.60% Conway County 2020.............................$122,379 2019.............................$119,272 Percent Change................ 2.60% Faulkner County 2020.............................$196,442 2019.............................$181,296 Percent Change................ 8.35% Perry County 2020.............................$131,006 2019.............................$115,814 Percent Change.............. 13.12% Van Buren County 2020.............................$147,083 2019.............................$112,523 Percent Change.............. 30.71%

Proud sponsor of Pulse of Conway Sources: 2014-2018 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.

10 JUNE 2020

NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

RACHEL SIDNEY

Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor I am a wife and mother of two tiny humans, who loves and believes in God. I enjoy reading, listening to music/podcasts, vacationing, and working out.

I am inquisitive, persistent, talented and gregarious, but I value my quiet time.

And I am a Black woman.

My Black experience is a rollercoaster of unlearning all of the anti-Blackness that surrounds me: from the teachers who assumed I was unintelligent to the professor who equated my skin tone to a curse; from being denied acting roles because people “weren’t ready for a Black girl” to the military leaders who said my hair didn’t fit their standards; from the folks who tried to prop me up as an exception, an example of the “good Blacks” to me rejecting this notion and embracing my past, the systems that helped create it, and the desire to change them. My Black experience is me everevolving and always reminding myself that I am worthy of love and respect. n

conwayarkansas.org

Conway Corp CEO Bret Carroll joins National Association Board Conway Corp CEO Bret Carroll has been elected to serve a three-year term on the American Public Power Association (APPA) board of directors. The election took place June 9, 2020, during APPA’s Public Power Connect: Virtual Summit & Business Meeting.

“I am honored to serve on the APPA board and to contribute to the conversation about the future of public power and the entire industry,” Carroll said. “I look forward to working alongside the APPA leadership team to ensure the future is strong for local public power providers and their communities.”

The APPA is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 49 million people in 2,000 communities nationwide. There are 15 public power communities in Arkansas. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training and operations.

Carroll was named Conway Corp’s Chief Executive Officer in 2017. He originally began working at Conway Corp in 1998 as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Carroll holds a BBA in Accounting and an MBA in Finance from the University of Central Arkansas. He is recognized by the American Public Power Association as a Certified Public Power Manager. n

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NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2020 11

United Way to host three-day scavenger hunt in downtown Conway United Way of Central Arkansas is hosting a three-day scavenger hunt in downtown Conway July 29-31 to provide family-friendly, socially distanced fun while supporting local nonprofits and downtown businesses.

Named after the giant inflatable turkey on display at United Way’s signature Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning, Truman’s Big Scavenger Hunt 2020 will correspond with the Conway Downtown Partnership’s semiannual Moonlight Madness event.

At Moonlight Madness, downtown merchants open their doors for extended hours and provide deals on seasonal merchandise. The shopping event expanded from its usual one day to three days to prevent overcrowding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moonlight Madness will take place July 29, 30, and 31 from 5-7 p.m. nightly.

Stores will be open during normal business hours during the day.

Downtown merchants have until Wednesday, July 1, to participate in the scavenger hunt. For a $100 donation, businesses can place a coupon, flier, or sample in the swag bag; add a logo and question on the scavenger hunt board; and offer a $100 raffle prize from their business (purchased by United Way). A $25 donation allows the business to place a coupon, flier, or sample in the swag bag.

The public can purchase scavenger hunt boards online for $20 each beginning Monday, July 6, and ending Thursday, July 30.

Pre-purchased scavenger boards will be available for pick up at the United Way of Central Arkansas office located at 1110 Oak Street at the following dates and times: July 29 from 5-8 p.m., July 30 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and July 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If they are still available, boards can be purchased in person at these times.

The three-day scavenger hunt is self-paced and involves responding to the prompts on the scavenger board, which includes answering questions, taking photos, and completing challenges. Each purchase of a scavenger board automatically gives the participant one raffle ticket, and opportunities to earn additional raffle tickets are available:

• Participants can earn one extra raffle ticket for every five answers submitted on the scavenger hunt board, for each receipt showing $20 spent at a participating business, and for each Facebook challenge completed.

• Participants can earn three extra raffle tickets by making a $50 donation to United Way of Central Arkansas.

• The first 10 scavenger hunt boards to be fully completed and turned back in to the United Way of Central Arkansas office will receive five extra raffle tickets.

Only those who purchase a scavenger board are eligible for the drawings, which will happen live on United Way of Central Arkansas’ Facebook page at 9 p.m. on July 31.

Located in downtown Conway, United Way of Central Arkansas provides funding and partnership to local nonprofits and offers complimentary services to the community, such as free tax preparation, financial education courses, Stuff the Bus, Charity Tracker, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

To learn more about Truman’s Big Scavenger Hunt or United Way of Central Arkansas, visit uwcark.org or like the United Way of Central Arkansas Facebook page at facebook.com/uwcark.

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