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NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL
NORTH METRO
OCTOBER 2020
BUSINESS JOURNAL
AARP Arkansas: Empowering people to choose how they live as they age
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OCTOBER 2020
conwayarkansas.org
Conway Chamber’s Annual Meeting to air on primetime television Annual Meeting is one of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s
2020 Annual Meeting Award Honorees
most anticipated events each year. Previously scheduled for early April,
William C. “Bill” Adkisson, founder of Faulkner County Title
the Chamber postponed the 2020 event because of the COVID-19
Company and longtime law partner at Graddy & Adkisson LLP,
pandemic; more than 1,100 people would have been in attendance.
together with Conductor founding director and former Acxiom
This year’s event will reach an even larger audience, all from the safety and comfort of their own homes. Underwritten by First Security Bank and presented by Acxiom
executive Jeff Standridge, Ed.D., are the recipients of the Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award. MM “Twig” Satterfield is the recipient of the Lloyd Westbrook Good Neighbor
Corporation, Crafton Tull, Conway Regional Health System, and the
Award for his contributions in managing the Lollie Levee for more than
University of Central Arkansas, Annual Meeting 2020 will be broadcast
20 years.
on primetime television. An hourlong TV special will air on THV
Drew Gainor, managing director at Northwestern Mutual, has been
Channel 11 at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, and will celebrate the
named Business Executive of the Year. The Young Business Leader of
tradition and legacy of Conway.
the Year award goes to Paul Bradley, director of marketing at Conway
The show will recognize the Annual Meeting Award honorees and will feature an interview with Acxiom CEO Chad Engelgau. The Chamber encourages people to make it a fun night and host a watch party with close friends and family.
Regional Health System.
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 In addition to the abovementioned sponsors, other major sponsors of Annual Meeting are Northwestern Mutual, Landmark CPAs, Trinity Development, and Conway Corporation. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can contact chief revenue officer Lindsay Henderson at Lindsay@ConwayArkansas.org or 501-932-5403. n
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OCTOBER 2020
Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas
William C. “Bill” Adkisson
Jeff Standridge, Ed.D.
Bulgogi Korean BBQ
MM “Twig” Satterfield
Drew Gainor
Francis M. Fine Jewelry
Paul Bradley
Virco Manufacturing Corporation
Hounds’ Hideaway
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conwayarkansas.org
Minority Enterprise Development award honorees recognized The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce
MINORITY EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
recognized the recipients of its annual Minority Enterprise Development Awards at an invitationonly event on Monday, Sept. 28, at TGI Friday’s. The Minority Enterprise Development Awards were presented by Northwestern Mutual, Conway Corporation, and Conway Regional Health System. First Community Bank and Sam’s Club were the award sponsors, and Hendrix College and Sandstone Real Estate Group were the speaker sponsors. MED
Mita Sitaram | Kumon of Conway
MINORITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
advocates included Acxiom, Arvest Bank, Nabholz Corporation, Candlewood Suites, Comfort Inn & Suites, and Country Inn & Suites.
Tim and Gena Ester
In addition to honoring the award recipients,
OUTSTANDING YOUNG MINORITY PROFESSIONAL
the Minority Enterprise Development Awards featured Ronnie Williams as the keynote speaker. In conversation with Conway Area Chamber president and CEO Brad Lacy, Williams spoke about
Northwestern Mutual
his brother Marvin’s tragic death in 1960 while in police custody and the trial that followed 25 years later. Williams’ remarks and the entire ceremony are available to view on the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s YouTube channel. n
Brad Lacy and Ronnie Williams
Trip Leach | S7 Tactical
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OCTOBER 2020
“Biketoberfest” to promote area cycling amenities As the city of Conway continues to emerge as a cycling destination
platforms, including Strava, an online community of the physically
in Arkansas, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership
active. Participants in Biketoberfest are encouraged to post or check-
with Conway Regional Health System, is launching a fall campaign
in online while cycling using the hashtag #BikeConway.
to increase awareness about the variety of bike amenities the area has to offer. The Conway Regional Health System “Biketoberfest” will highlight
“We hope that Biketoberfest will bring new awareness to residents and visitors about what the Conway area has to offer cyclists of every skill level,” said Conway Area Chamber President & CEO Brad Lacy.
four different ways to enjoy biking in and around Conway: longer-
“The online campaign will let us introduce cyclists to each other and
distance road rides, mountain biking, gravel rides, and “community”
to new routes in a way that safe and fun.”
or leisure rides. Biketoberfest is presented by Caldwell Toyota, Car-Son
Conway Regional Health System Biketoberfest will last the entire month of October. For more information about rewards and group
Construction, and the Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau. The
rides, visit the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce or Conway
month-long promotion will highlight twelve popular routes, three in
Convention and Visitors Bureau Facebook pages and join the
each surface type. Routes will be featured on all popular social media
#BikeConway Facebook group. n
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AARP Arkansas: Empowering people to choose how they live as they age While AARP is often known for discounts
We are on-the-ground in Arkansas with an
Political Action Committee (or PAC). AARP is helping local communities
and its “active” use of the U.S. Postal
office in Little Rock and activities across the
Service, AARP is, first and foremost, a
state, including Conway, thanks to hundreds
become “livable” for people of all ages. For
social mission organization empowering
of AARP volunteers contributing their time
example, AARP helped fund the bike corral
people to choose how they live as they age.
and energy.
in downtown Conway. In October, we are sponsoring the Arkansas PBS election
Through Arkansas volunteers, AARP helps ensure that those 50+ live vibrant lives and have information and tools for health security, financial resilience, and other matters. What AARP does in Arkansas might surprise you. Here are a few offerings: • Free movie screenings and advance premieres. • Workshops about managing debt and saving for the future.
You can find AARP information and resources from wherever you are with our new Virtual Outreach program that offers a variety of webinars, special events and other activities you can engage in from home.
November Veterans Arkansas PBS show we are supporting. To fully understand AARP as it exists today, it helps consider how one person’s power with leadership, passion, and vision can impact many lives. Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, founder of AARP and its first volunteer, had that kind of impact. She had the power to make life better for millions of
• Inviting residents to tell us what they’d like to see more of in the area. • Helping caregivers to connect with people like them, learn about new resources and relax.
debates and will be back in Conway for a
people by creating AARP 60 years ago. You will find AARP working to protect and
After retiring from 41 years as an educator,
update Medicare and Social Security, lower
and spurred by a growing concern about
the cost of prescription drugs, and ensure
access to medical care, Dr. Andrus focused
access to affordable healthcare. AARP is
on establishing an affordable group health
deeply committed to its 60-year history
insurance policy for retired teachers – the
resources from wherever you are with our
of being a non-partisan organization. We
first such group policy of its kind in America.
new Virtual Outreach program that offers a
advocate for the interests of all those over
Soon Dr. Andrus turned her energies to
variety of webinars, special events and other
50. Unlike other organizations, AARP does
issues facing all Americans entering their
activities you can engage in from home.
not buy our influence. We do not give money
retirement years, including health care,
Learn more at aarp.cvent.com/VirtualAR.
to political candidates. We do not have a
medical insurance, and creating a framework
• Giving you tips on how to use new technology. You can find AARP information and
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OCTOBER 2020
What AARP does in Arkansas might surprise you. Here are a few offerings: • Free movie screenings and advance premieres. • Workshops about managing debt and saving for the future. • Inviting residents to tell us what they’d like to see more of in the area. in which people could channel their skills and
service of volunteers, AARP stands as the
experience to serve their communities.
nation’s leading organization and voice for
In 1958, Dr. Andrus, already a nationally known advocate, founded AARP. Throughout
people age 50 and older. Mindful of the issues our founder Dr. Andrus
the establishment and growth of both the
tried to address, we still face significant
National Retired Teachers Association
challenges.
(NRTA) and AARP, Dr. Andrus recruited and
Only a small fraction of the Boomers who
was supported by the energy, efforts, and
are nearing retirement are financially prepared
commitment of many volunteers, playing
to retire.
roles ranging from advocacy to service, from
Programs like Medicare and Social Security
communication to education and beyond.
are all too often at risk on Capitol Hill. But they
Through her tireless dedication and far-
are critical to older Americans. In Arkansas,
reaching vision, plus the hard work and
53% of those receiving Social Security rely on it
• Helping caregivers to connect with people like them, learn about new resources and relax. • Giving you tips on how to use new technology.
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OCTOBER 2020
for 50% or more of their income. Almost
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There is much to be done on these and
a third of Social Security recipients in
other issues. Fortunately, we have a
Arkansas depend on it for 90% or more of
dedicated group of volunteers working
their income.
to make life better for all Arkansans.
We are also striving to make it
AARP deeply depends on – and values
easier for older people to live with
– our volunteer corps’ expertise and
independence and remain in their homes
energy. Hundreds of members, including
and communities for as long as they can,
Conway residents, are hard at work
surrounded by family and friends. We are
to help bring positive social change
doing this by:
across Arkansas. Teams of volunteers
• Supporting the millions of family caregivers who provide unpaid care to their loved ones with resources and tools.
are working together to keep people
• Advocating for and providing better quality, affordable and accessible services to help people live independently and the family caregivers who support them.
the community to help make sidewalks
• Working to ensure people can live in their homes and communities for as long as possible by advocating for more resources and services to assist those who need care
AARP Safe Driver program.
• Helping families navigate the confusing care systems to provide support for their loved ones.
Resources:
conwayarkansas.org
informed about caregiving resources and
AARP helps local communities become “livable” for people of all ages and helped fund the bike corral in downtown Conway.
staying safe from scams, reaching out to and crosswalks safe for people of any age, helping Veterans, preparing free tax returns, and saving lives through the Thanks to members and volunteers, AARP helps make where you live, work, and play an even better place. Visit www. aarp.org/ar and follow us on Facebook: AARPArkansas. n
AARP Fighting for Health and Financial Security: aarp.org/advocacy AARP and Caregiving Resources: aarp.org/caregiving AARP Fighting Scams and Fraud: aarp.org/fraud AARP’s Support for Livable Communities: aarp.org/livable AARP Tools for Work and Jobs: aarp.org/work
AARP Tools for Financial Security: aarp.org/money AARP Volunteer Opportunities: aarp.org/volunteer AARP’s History: aarp.org/history AARP Policies: aarp.org/policy
North Metro Economy at a Glance Population US ..........................328,239,523 Arkansas ....................3,017,804 Conway............................67,638 Cleburne County ..............24,919 Conway County ...............20,846 Faulkner County ............126,007 Perry County ....................10,455 Van Buren County ............16,545 Civilian Labor Force July-2020 Seasonally Adjusted US ..........................159,870,000 Arkansas ....................1,305,613 Not Seasonally Adjusted US...........................161,374,000 Arkansas.....................1,323,626 Conway............................32,565 Cleburne County.................8,896 Conway County..................7,994 Faulkner County...............59,418 Perry County......................4,017 Van Buren County...............5,581 Unemployment Rate July-2020 Seasonally Adjusted US.................................... 10.2% Arkansas ........................... 7.1% Not Seasonally Adjusted US.................................... 10.5% Arkansas............................ 7.5% Conway.............................. 7.1% Cleburne County................. 8.5% Conway County.................. 7.2% Faulkner County................. 6.8% Perry County...................... 6.5% Van Buren County............... 7.9%
Bank Deposits June Conway 2019.................... $1,835,390,000 2018.................... $1,829,012,000 Percent Change..................0.35%
Conway County 2020.............................$555,237 2019.............................$484,408 Percent Change ............. 14.62% Tax Rate ........................... 1.75%
Faulkner County Cleburne County 2020.............................$935,446 2019....................... $556,697,000 2019.............................$868,151 2018....................... $554,248,000 Percent Change ............... 7.75% Percent Change..................0.44% Tax Rate ........................... 0.50% Conway County Perry County 2019....................... $364,163,000 2020.............................$155,144 2018....................... $358,473,000 2019.............................$137,373 Percent Change..................1.59% Percent Change ............. 12.94% Tax Rate ........................... 2.50% Faulkner County
2019.................... $2,228,144,000 Van Buren County 2018.................... $2,193,879,000 Percent Change..................1.56% 2020.............................$460,945 2019.............................$396,833 Perry County Percent Change ............. 16.16% 2019......................... $65,345,000 Tax Rate ........................... 2.00% 2018......................... $72,986,000 Percent Change.............. -10.47% Restaurant Sales* Van Buren County Year to Date (August) 2019....................... $278,929,000 Conway 2018....................... $276,171,000 Percent Change..................1.00% 2020......................$125,002,712 2019......................$137,808,420 Sales & Use Tax Collections Percent Change...............-9.29% *Includes mixed drink sales September Conway 2020...........................$2,973,829 2019...........................$2,849,938 Percent Change................. 4.35% Tax Rate.......................... 2.125% Cleburne County 2020.............................$658,649 2019.............................$610,792 Percent Change................ 7.84% Tax Rate......................... 1.625%
Hotel Sales Year to Date (August) Conway 2020..........................$8,489,193 2019........................$12,152,832 Percent Change.............-30.15%
Residential Building Permits Year to Date (September) Conway 2020......................................166 2019......................................217 Percent Change.............-23.50%
Values of Residential Units Sold** Year to Date (September) Conway 2020......................$135,192,256 2019......................$117,586,936 Percent Change.............. 14.97%
Year to Date (September) Residential Units Sold** Cleburne County (New and Existing) 2020....................... $93,506,726 Year to Date (September) 2019....................... $65,626,665 Conway 2020......................................618 Percent Change..............42.48% 2019......................................599 Conway County Percent Change................ 3.17% 2020........................$16,918,403 2019........................$14,371,988 Year to Date (September) Percent Change.............. 17.72% Cleburne County Faulkner County 2020......................................425 2020. . ....................$283,022,686 2019......................................340 Percent Change.............. 25.00% 2019......................$232,714,409 Percent Change.............. 21.62% Conway County Perry County 2020......................................135 2019......................................126 2020..........................$6,230,046 Percent Change................ 7.14% 2019..........................$3,962,657 Percent Change.............. 57.22% Faulkner County Van Buren County 2020....................................1222 2019....................................1072 2020........................$28,181,245 Percent Change.............. 13.99% 2019........................$21,104,855 Percent Change.............. 33.53% Perry County Average Price of 2020........................................46 Residential Units Sold** 2019........................................37 (New and Existing) Percent Change.............. 24.32% Year to Date (September) Conway Van Buren County 2020......................................210 2020..............................$219,112 2019......................................179 2019..............................$196,305 Percent Change.............. 17.32% Percent Change................11.62% **Includes sales of residential units
Year to Date (September) Cleburne County 2020.............................$221,056 2019.............................$193,020 Percent Change.............. 14.52% Conway County 2020.............................$125,322 2019.............................$114,063 Percent Change................ 9.87% Faulkner County 2020.............................$205,238 2019.............................$188,280 Percent Change................ 9.01% Perry County 2020.............................$135,436 2019.............................$107,099 Percent Change.............. 26.46% Van Buren County 2020.............................$134,196 2019.............................$117,904 Percent Change.............. 13.82%
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.
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Hendrix College to Lower Tuition by 32% CONWAY, Ark. (October 2, 2020) — This fall, U.S. News & World Report listed Hendrix College on its 2021 Best Value Schools list among nationally ranked liberal arts colleges. For students entering Hendrix for the first time in the Fall 2021 semester, it will be an even better value. The College announced today that it will reduce tuition by 32%. “Hendrix has one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country,” said Hendrix President Ellis Arnold. “Nevertheless, we know that there are students who would thrive at Hendrix but don’t apply because they’re concerned about the published price.” In recent years, costs have risen dramatically at institutions across the country, including Hendrix. While rising costs are concerning, families rarely pay the full published cost of tuition after financial aid and scholarships are awarded, making the actual cost of attending college difficult to discern. “By lowering our tuition, we want to let those students and families know that we hear their concerns and, most importantly, they can come to Hendrix,” said Arnold, adding that the College is able to offer generous need- and merit-based financial assistance thanks to philanthropic support from alumni and friends. Hendrix will continue to offer competitive academic- and need-based scholarships and financial aid to students who apply and are accepted. “We recognize that Hendrix is still a significant investment,” said Ryan Cassell, vice president for enrollment. “Reducing tuition is part of a comprehensive commitment to keeping Hendrix within reach for students and families.” Among the available financial aid and scholarship opportunities is the Hendrix Tuition Advantage program, which matches the published in-state tuition and fees at the flagship university in a student’s home state, Cassell said. State and federal grants, as well as outside scholarships, may further reduce tuition at Hendrix. In addition, the College offers a variety of ways to assist families in paying for education, including installment plans and access to loans. With COVID-19 causing increased financial uncertainty for many households, it is a perfect time for Hendrix to be responsive to families’ cost concerns. “For students who seek a high quality residential liberal arts experience, now is the time for us to assure families that Hendrix is within reach,” said Cassell.
Lowering tuition does not mean lowering quality, Cassell added. Not only is Hendrix among the U.S. News & World Report Best Value Schools, the College is the publication’s only top 100 nationally ranked liberal arts college in Arkansas and continues to appear on the Most Innovative Schools list among national liberal arts colleges “making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.” “The Hendrix Odyssey Program is a nationally recognized model for engaged learning, and the College continues to develop new curricular initiatives and other experiences that enhance the educational outcomes of Hendrix graduates,” said Cassell. “These opportunities increase the value of a Hendrix education, even as we lower tuition.” To be considered for academic-based scholarships, students simply need to apply for admission, preferably by the November 15 non-binding Early Action I deadline. Families wishing to be considered for need-based aid should complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA by the selected admission application deadline. Families can begin submitting the 2021-2022 FAFSA in early October 2020. Hendrix will also reduce tuition for its M.A. in accounting program for students who enter in Fall 2021. Current students enrolled at Hendrix will continue under their current financial aid, scholarships, and tuition. Hendrix will further offer current students the option of a tuition-free fifth year (ninth and tenth semester). The College will provide returning students more information on this option in mid-October. “We understand that it has been a challenging year,” said Arnold. “While we cannot undo the disruption created by COVID-19 for our current students this year, we hope that a tuition-free fifth year will allow them the opportunity to have a richer residential and learning experience at Hendrix.” For more information, visit www.hendrix.edu/tuitionreset. For prospective students and families interested in Hendrix, the College is currently offering in-person and virtual visit experiences. To learn more, see www.hendrix.edu/visit or contact Associate Director of Campus Visitation & Administrative Services Jenn McKenzie at mckenziej@hendrix.edu or 501-450-1362. n The original version of this story appeared on hendrix.edu.
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Leave a review for the restaurants you visited.
#ConwayToGo Supporting small businesses and safe dining. Let’s support our local restaurants! Use hashtag #ConwayToGo to highlight establishments that are accommodating diners with curbside takeout, home delivery, etc. during a time when restaurant dining rooms are operating at limited capacity and social distancing is encouraged. We also invite you to join and participate in the #ConwayToGo Facebook community at facebook.com/groups/ConwayToGo.
