NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL
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NORTH METRO
JANUARY 2020
BUSINESS JOURNAL
Sissy’s Log Cabin Celebrates 50 Years: Calls Conway Home PAID ADVERTISEMENT
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Chairman’s Circle recognizes Conway Chamber’s top investors Each year, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce acknowledges its top investors through a “Chairman’s Circle” designation. Members of the Chairman’s Circle underwrite the economic development, education and government affairs initiatives of the Chamber, Conway Development Corporation and Conway Downtown Partnership. “The level of community building and economic development work we do is not sustainable on a membership dues model,” said president and CEO Brad Lacy. “Greater investments are necessary in order to lay the groundwork for business recruitment, new initiatives, and site development. Each year, more companies invest at a higher level to help us underwrite major projects and initiatives. We couldn’t operate without them.” In 2019, 85 Chamber-member businesses achieved the designation – investing a combined $1.6 million – compared to 79 members in 2018 with a total investment of $1.5 million. The following businesses achieved Chairman’s Circle status in 2019: Diamond: Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau/City of Conway, and Conway Corporation. Platinum: Acxiom, Centennial Bank, Conway Regional Health System, Crafton Tull, and First Arkansas Bank & Trust. Gold: AY Magazine (Vowell Inc.), Bank OZK, Baptist Health Medical Center, Central Baptist College, Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland; Crain Buick GMC/Crain Kia, First Security Bank/ Crews & Associates, First Service Bank, Nabholz Construction Corporation, Simmons Bank, University of Central Arkansas, and Virco. Silver: American Management Corporation; Andy’s Frozen Custard; Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield; Arkansas Business Publishing Group; Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – River Valley & Ozark Edition; Arkansas Federal Credit Union; Arkansas Scholarship Lottery; Arvest Bank; Caldwell Toyota; CAMS/Safely Tucked Away Mini Storage; Car-Son Construction; Chick-Fil-A; Cintas; Country Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn & Suites, Candlewood Suites; Crain Hyundai and Crain Genesis of Conway; Delta Dental of Arkansas; Edafio Technology Partners; Engage Management & Salter Construction; Garver; Green Bay Packaging; Heartland Automotive Group; Kimberly-Clark Corporation; Klaasmeyer Construction; Landmark CPAs; Moix RV; Nabco; Northwestern
Mutual; Park Hill Home; Pediatrics Plus; Preferred Medical; Pro Auto/Ozark Escape; Reliance Health Care and Incite Rehab; Rock-Pond Pros; Rogers Group; Sam’s Club; Smith Ford; Snap-on Equipment; Stoby’s/PattiCakes Bakery; Trinity Development; TriTechne; and Windows USA. Bronze: Academy Sports + Outdoors, American Safeguard Insurance, ARcare, Arkansas Cancer Coalition, Arkansas Surgical Hospital, Conway Management/Lindsey’s Resort, Cousins’ Office Furniture, Covington Companies, DXC Technology, Eric Rob & Isaac, Express Employment, Flywheel Energy, Fountaine Bleau, Freyaldenhoven Heating & Cooling, H+N Architects, International Paper, Log Cabin Democrat, Lumber 1 Home Center, Mainstream Technologies, Regions Bank, Reynolds Performance Hall, Second Baptist Church, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Walmart, and Wonder State Box Co. n
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Fourteen Conway leaders listed among the state’s most influential Conway leaders representing various industry sectors were named to Arkansas Business’s 2019 list of the state’s “Most Influential Leaders.” Claiming 14 of the Arkansas 250 as residents, Conway had the third highest number of leaders on the list. Only Little Rock and Fayetteville, the first and third most populous cities in the state, had more. Conway is the state’s seventh largest city by population. The Arkansas 250 – Conway John Allison Chairman Home BancShares Inc. Karen Garrett Managing Partner Hudson, Cisne & Co. Alex Lieblong Investor Lieblong and Associates CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE Brad Hegeman Chief Operating Officer Nabholz Construction Services Greg J. Williams CEO & Board Chair Nabholz Construction Services
EDUCATION & HEALTH CARE Ed Choate President & CEO Delta Dental of Arkansas Houston Davis President University of Central Arkansas T. Kale Gober Vice President for University Advancement University of Central Arkansas Matt Troup President & CEO Conway Regional Health System INDUSTRY LEADERS Rhea Lana Riner Founder & CEO Rhea Lana’s Franchise Systems Inc. Jeff D. Standridge Chief Catalyst Conductor Ted Thomas Chairman Arkansas Public Service Commission
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Patti Stobaugh named chair of Conway Area Chamber board Patti Stobaugh, owner of PattiCakes Bakery and Stoby’s Restaurant, is the 2020 chair of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s 33-member board of directors. Stobaugh succeeds Jason Culpepper of Simmons Bank as chair. Nine new appointments began their terms in January 2020: Carl Harris of DXC Technology, Dawn Bramlett of US Compounding, Houston Davis of the University of Central Arkansas, Melvin Gonzales of Melvin’s Painting, Ellis Arnold of Hendrix College, Teneicia Roundtree of TreeHouse Cleaning, Susan Shaddox of Main Street Arkansas, Drew Spurgers of Kanga Studio, and Lacey Vance of Hounds Hideaway. Outgoing board members include Dr. Spencer Gordy of Conway Family Dental, Dr. Melanie Smith of Magie Smith Charton Eye Clinic, Darren Jones of UACCM, Brad Teague of the University of Central Arkansas, Mike Yoder of Kroger, Kenny Kinley of Edafio Technology Partners, and Chase Blackwell of TriTechne. n
QUALITY OF LIFE Bishop Woosley Director Arkansas Scholarship Lottery
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Brad Lacy President & CEO Conway Development Corporation Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Patti Stobaugh
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Chamber’s 2020 Annual Meeting set for April 2 Nominations open for awards; tickets, sponsorships available With more than 1,000 business and community leaders in The Young Business Leader Award recognizes a community business attendance each year, Annual Meeting is billed as the largest leader, age 40 or younger, who has helped create a more vibrant business event in Conway. The 2020 event, organized by the business and social environment for all of Conway’s residents. Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for April 2 at The Business of the Year Award recognizes Conway Area UCA’s HPER Center. Tickets and sponsorships are available now at Chamber of Commerce member businesses for their continued conwaychamber.org. growth, innovation, and community involvement. It is presented An awards ceremony recognizing individuals and businesses in five categories: Outstanding Hospitality, Outstanding Nonprofit, that have made a difference in Conway over the past year is one of Outstanding Retailer, Outstanding Large Employer (100 employees or the highlights of Annual Meeting. The Conway Area Chamber is more), and Outstanding Small Business (99 employees or fewer). accepting nominations for the following categories: With the exception of the Distinguished Service and Good Neighbor The Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award is the Chamber’s awards, nominees must be members of the Conway Area Chamber highest form of recognition. of Commerce or work for a Established in 1957, this award is Chamber-member business. Visit presented annually to an individual ConwayChamber.org/annualor group who has rendered meeting to access the online special service for the benefit nominations site. of the community. Candidates Those submitting have demonstrated an active nominations are encouraged leadership role for the betterment to address specific examples of the community through their of each nominee’s leadership, involvement in business, civic, and community service, personal social service organizations. and professional impact, work/ Established in 1973, the Lloyd life balance, perseverance, Westbrook Good Neighbor Award is ethics, and success. A panel of presented annually to an individual Chamber executives outside the who has given of his or her time and state of Arkansas will select the talents. Candidates are known for award recipients. The deadline Acxiom was the 2019 Business of the Year in the Outstanding Large Employer going beyond the call of duty to help to submit nominations is Friday, category. To submit a nomination for this and other Annual Meeting awards, visit others. The nominee shall exemplify Jan. 31. ConwayChamber.org/annual-meeting. outstanding public service to the Annual Meeting is a sellout Conway area. event each year, so those who wish to attend are encouraged to reserve The Business Executive of the Year Award recognizes the owner, their space in advance. Individual tickets are $75, and tables and executive, or president of a business who has displayed outstanding sponsorships begin at $1,000, both of which can be purchased online performance in either an individual or collaborative endeavor. at conwaychamber.org/annual-meeting. The nominee is a driving force behind the company and works to For additional details about Annual Meeting, contact Mary maintain an enriched business climate and an enhanced quality of Margaret Satterfield, director of events and Toad Suck Daze, at life in Conway. Mary@ConwayArkansas.org or 501-932-5412. n
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Sissy’s Log Cabin Celebrates 50 Years: Calls Conway Home PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Left to right: William Jones (Sissy’s Log Cabin VP of Operations) and J.R. (Sissy’s Log Cabin Conway Store Manager)
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If you have lived in Central Arkansas for any length of time, you’ve likely heard Sissy Jones’s catchy tagline: Life’s too short for ordinary jewelry. But, for the Jones family, the story of Sissy’s Log Cabin is much larger than a simple phrase. 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Sissy’s Log Cabin, and the story of this generational family business is far from over. It all started with a little dilapidated log cabin. With no air conditioning or restroom, Sissy Jones started her small antique furniture shop down in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, after her business grew too large for her home. She drove past the log cabin on the side of the highway, felt drawn to the building and the rest is history. Since that day, her determination and dedication to the people she serves has fostered five locations, and now three generations of Joneses are contributing to the legacy. When it came to choosing the location of the newest store, Conway “just made sense.” Bill Jones, Sissy’s son and CEO of the business, had been watching the Conway area for a while. Other cities in Northwest Arkansas and Tennessee were on the table as possible options, but Conway was the obvious winner. Conway was unique in the fact that it had a small-town feel in a city of more than 65,000 people. Being from Pine Bluff, a place like this stood out as ideal for the Jones family. Even though it serves as the retail epicenter for more than 400,000 people, Conway residents value small businesses. Bill knew Sissy’s would be in good company among growing businesses in the close-knit community. “Conway is the perfect place for our fifth location,” Bill 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.” Sissy’s was built on a foundation of quality jewelry and quality customer service. This level of customer care in the store is even known
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as “The Sissy’s Experience.” Expect personal attention and detailed service as soon as you enter the doors. Conway is so important to the family, that William Jones, Bill and Sharri’s eldest son, is part of the team running the new store. He works alongside Jason “J.R.” Richard, the Conway store manager, who has been part of the Sissy’s family for nearly ten years and knows the importance of really understanding each guest. William attended the University of Central Arkansas where he met his wife, Dawn, while she was also a student there. Conway is a special place for them both and William counts it a joy to be back in Conway and investing in a community he’s loved for so long.
“I’m so glad to be back in Conway and looking forward to getting connected to this community in a new way,” William said. “Whether you have never visited a Sissy’s Log Cabin location, or you’re a longtime customer of ours, come see us and experience the difference.” The Jones family is dedicated to the community in everyday life outside of the cabin doors, too. Decades later, Sissy never forgot the lessons her mother taught her about philanthropy on a local level, which helped her to see her business and her customers in a new light. Sissy believes, “If you’re living in a town
JANUARY 2020
and you don’t help that town, how can you expect the townspeople to help you?” The team at Sissy’s was quick to begin their involvement in the Conway community. Already, the Conway Symphony Orchestra, Conway Regional Health Foundation, Children’s Advocacy Alliance and St. Joseph’s School have been impacted by the generosity of the family business. Sissy’s recently partnered with the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce at its Illuminate event during the holidays, reminding every attendee of the importance of making family memories. The Jones family is eager to continue its legacy here in Conway. Giving back is just part of their DNA. “You have two hands,” Sissy says. “One to receive and one to give.” Besides serving her community, Sissy believes raising a family is one of her greatest accomplishments. There are three generations of Joneses serving at Sissy’s now, and Sissy herself is still very much involved in creating one-of-a-kind experiences for each person who walks in the cabin doors. Bill Jones and his wife Sharri are the everyday managers of the business and work together to make the details and the big picture come to life. They have been married for more than thirty years and are now joined in the business by their two sons, William and Wyatt. William serves as VP of Operations and Wyatt is learning the family business in the Little Rock store. William now has two young sons of his own with his wife, Dawn. The Jones family is growing just like their business! As we celebrate 50 golden years of Sissy’s Log Cabin, the growth of the company indicates that the future is just as bright as the past. Conway is a special addition to the business, and yet it’s not the last. The family has plans to continue to grow the business and maintain its standing as the premiere diamond and bridal jewelry store in the mid-South. Welcome to Conway, Sissy’s Log Cabin! n PAID ADVERTISEMENT
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NORTH METRO BUSINESS JOURNAL
Fourth annual North Metro Healthcare Awards set for Feb. 20 Doctors, nurses, hospital administrators and other medical professionals will be front and center at an awards luncheon focused on the health care industry. Organized by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, and underwritten by the University of Central Arkansas, the North Metro Healthcare Awards will take place Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the UCA McCastlain Ballroom. The fourth annual event honors individuals who are making an impact on the overall health of the Ed Choate community they serve and companies that are dedicated to the health and wellness of their employees. The Chamber accepted nominations for five award categories in late 2019: Administrator of the Year, Healthcare Professional of the Year, Nurse of the Year, Physician of the Year, and the inaugural Community Impact Award. Honorees will be announced at a later date. Conway Regional Physician Hospital Organization is this year’s award sponsor. In addition to the awards ceremony, the University of Central Arkansas
North Metro Healthcare Awards will feature Delta Dental of Arkansas president and CEO Ed Choate as this year’s keynote speaker. Under Choate’s leadership, Delta Dental of Arkansas has more than quadrupled in membership, revenue, and net assets. Prior to joining DDAR in 2000, Choate worked for 20 years in the managed health care industry in leadership roles at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, NovaSys Health, and HealthScope Benefits. To reserve a table of eight at the University of Central Arkansas North Metro Healthcare Awards, visit the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s website at conwaychamber.org. For additional details or questions about the event, contact Therese Williams at therese@ conwayarkansas.org or 501-932-5411. n
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Arkansas Business Publishing Group owner and president Mitch Bettis to headline CEO Luncheon Mitch Bettis, owner and president of Arkansas Business Publishing Group, will be the featured guest at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s first CEO Luncheon of 2020. The CEO Luncheon will take place Thursday, Feb. 6, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Mabee Student Services Complex dining hall on the campus of host sponsor Central Baptist College. Bettis has more than 30 years of experience in management and publishing. As the head of Arkansas Business Publishing Group, the award-winning digital marketing and media company founded in 1995, he manages the daily operations of a publishing company that produces more than 30 publications and a digital marketing company working with businesses across the United States. He also serves as the publisher of Arkansas Business, the state’s business magazine. Bettis is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, and he completed his master’s and doctorate work at Oklahoma State University. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. To make a reservation, email Therese Williams at therese@ conwayarkansas.org. 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 October-2019 Seasonally Adjusted US ..........................164,039,000 Arkansas.....................1,362,180 Not Seasonally Adjusted US...........................163,943,000 Arkansas.....................1,363,893 Conway............................36,693 Cleburne County.................9,257 Conway County..................8,274 Faulkner County...............62,280 Perry County......................4,280 Van Buren County...............5,709 Unemployment Rate October-2019 Seasonally Adjusted US ..................................... 3.6% Arkansas ........................... 3.5% Not Seasonally Adjusted US ..................................... 3.3% Arkansas............................ 3.2% Conway.............................. 2.6% Cleburne County ................ 4.3% Conway County ................. 3.9% Faulkner County ................ 2.8% Perry County ...................... 3.3% Van Buren County .............. 4.4%
Bank Deposits June Conway 2019.................... $1,835,390,000 2018.................... $1,829,012,000 Percent Change .................0.35%
Conway County 2019.............................$487,826 2018.............................$451,938 Percent Change ............... 7.94% Tax Rate ........................... 1.75%
Faulkner County Cleburne County 2019.............................$820,954 2019....................... $556,697,000 2018.............................$800,327 2018....................... $554,248,000 Percent Change ............... 2.58% Percent Change .................0.44% Tax Rate ........................... 0.50% Conway County Perry County 2019....................... $364,163,000 2019.............................$134,138 2018....................... $358,473,000 2018.............................$144,759 Percent Change .................1.59% Percent Change ..............-7.34% Tax Rate ........................... 2.50% Faulkner County 2019.................... $2,228,144,000 Van Buren County 2018.................... $2,193,879,000 Percent Change .................1.56% 2019.............................$361,945 2018.............................$402,263 Perry County Percent Change ............-10.02% 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 2018....................... $276,171,000 Conway Percent Change .................1.00% 2019......................$139,015,008 2018......................$133,269,215 Sales & Use Tax Collections Percent Change ............... 4.31% *Includes mixed drink sales December Conway 2019...........................$2,688,470 2018...........................$2,616,136 Percent Change ................ 2.76% Tax Rate .......................... 2.125% Cleburne County 2019.............................$529,629 2018.............................$489,897 Percent Change ............... 8.11% Tax Rate ......................... 1.625%
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 (December) Conway 2019......................................267 2018......................................208 Percent Change ............. 28.37%
Values of Residential Units Sold** Year to Date (December) Conway 2019......................$152,241,605 2018......................$153,033,518 Percent Change...............-0.52%
Residential Units Sold** (New and Existing) Year to Date (December) Conway 2019......................................771 2018......................................798 Percent Change ..............-3.38%
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% 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 (December) Conway 2019..............................$197,460 2018..............................$191,771 Percent Change..................2.97% **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
Events Schedule Date
Event
Feb 6
CEO Luncheon
Feb 20
North Metro Healthcare Awards Luncheon
Feb 27
UACCM Off The Clock
Apr 2
Annual Meeting
Apr 21
Academic Signing Day
May 1-3
Toad Suck Daze
May 7
Leadercast
May 21
Outlook Conway
Jun TBD
CEO Luncheon
Jun 12
Bowling for Business
Aug 11
Teacher Breakfast and Education Fair
Aug TBD
UCA Purple Passion, an Off The Clock Event
Sep TBD
CEO Luncheon
Oct 8
Conway Downtown Partnership Annual Meeting
Oct 15
Business Expo and Taste of Conway
Oct TBD
Minority Enterprise Development Awards
Oct TBD
Tucker Creek Trick-or-Treat, an Off The Clock Event
Nov TBD
CEO Luncheon
Nov TBD
CALI Graduation
Nov 28
Illuminate and Small Business Saturday
Dec TBD
Women in Business Register for events at www.ConwayChamber.org
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