2018-08 North Metro Business Journal

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

Celebrating Our #1 In addition to being the only hospital in Conway that uses state-of-the-art 3D mammography, Conway Regional was named #1 in the State for Medical Excellence in Women’s Health* in 2018. While we’re proud of our awards, our team is driven by something more: you.

One Team. One Promise.

Our #1 priority is and will always be you, the patient, and that’s the #1 worth celebrating.

*CareChex® — an information service of Quantros, Inc.

#1 in the State for Medical Excellence in Women’s Health

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Chamber employees earn IOM recognition Therese Williams, director of events at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, and Adena White, director of communications, received the IOM graduate recognition in July from the Institute for Organization Management.

Institute is a four-year professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. As graduates of Institute, both Williams and White have completed 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management.

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members, and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions offered annually at five locations across the country.

Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to

their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to gain professional development through the Institute for Organization Management,” Williams said. “Over the years, I’ve learned from experts in their fields and made connections with my industry peers around the state and across the country, leaving me with a toolkit of resources to better serve our members and stay relevant in the field.”

White said attending Institute and obtaining her IOM was beneficial to both her work at the chamber of commerce and her volunteerism on the board of directors for an association and a nonprofit. “The curriculum at Institute provided a comprehensive survey of the principles of nonprofit management.

Going through the program with other chamber and association professionals enhanced my learning experience, as I have been able to take best practices back to the organizations I serve. I’m thankful to the Conway Chamber for the opportunity.”

Adena White and Therese Williams join Conway Area Chamber colleagues Brad Lacy, president and CEO; Laura Grimes,

Adena White and Therese Williams received the IOM graduate recognition from the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management. As chairman of the West Institute Board of Regents, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Brad Lacy (right) presented White and Williams with their certificates. Also pictured is Chris Wallace, chairman of the Institute’s national Board of Trustees.

chief financial officer; Lindsay Henderson, chief operating officer; and Mary Margaret Satterfield, director of Toad Suck Daze and events, in earning the IOM graduate recognition.

Lacy was appointed to the Board of Regents of Institute of Organization Management in 2012, serving as chairman in 2018. He is also a faculty member for Institute, providing instruction and sharing resources in targeted courses.

Grimes was selected to serve as a class advisor for Institute for three years, facilitating learning and building team spirit for her homeroom class.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

For more information about the program, visit Institute.USChamber.com.

Therese Williams and Adena White (center) join other Chamber colleagues in earning the IOM graduate recognition, including Brad Lacy and Laura Grimes. Both Lacy and Grimes have been involved with Institute in various capacities since earning the IOM graduate recognition.

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National Community Challenge selects three Arkansas projects

Three Arkansas cities are getting a financial boost for projects that will help improve life in their communities.

AARP’s Community Challenge grant program is distributing $1.3 million to help fund 129 projects across the country that will improve safety, transportation, parks, access to housing and more.

Grants will go to the city of Morrilton, the Conway Downtown Partnership and the city of Little Rock.

The city of Little Rock will be implementing a program that will educate drivers about their rights and

responsibilities to keep bikers and drivers safe. Morrilton will be installing hammock farms around town to provide a safe and relaxing space for residents.

And in Conway, a bike-corral project will create a safe space for bicyclists to park while they enjoy the downtown area.

In order to improve the livability of a community, Conway Downtown Partnership director Kim Williams says improvement projects should allow residents of all ages to make the most out of where they live.

“When you’re looking at city building

and things like that, we try to look at what’s good for people who are age eight to age 80,” says Williams. “So what’s good for youngsters is also good for our older population. So encouraging people to be able to walk and to ride bikes and to feel safe while doing that.”

This is the second year for the challenge, which encourages fastaction projects. This year’s deadline for completion is Nov. 5.

Original article by Mary Kuhlman, Public News Service – AR

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Conway Symphony Orchestra instrumental to the city’s creative economy As studies on the creative economy have shown, arts programs are a vital part of a growing and successful city. A group of professional musicians from the University of Central Arkansas and Hendrix College, together with music lovers in the community, recognized this in 1984 and founded the Conway Civic Orchestra, now the Conway Symphony Orchestra.

In the three decades since, the Conway Symphony Orchestra has brought high-quality orchestral music to the central Arkansas community through performances and education. Affordable ticket prices

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and ever-expanding outreach programs are made possible by individual gifts to the CSO annual fund, and through partnerships with area businesses.

From providing concert tickets to clients or employees as a special treat, to sponsoring individual programs, businesses of any size and with any budget have multiple ways to partner with the symphony throughout the year, said general manager Vicki Crockett.

“Our partnership opportunities range from $250 to $5,000 and enable the CSO to continue to share the excitement of live, symphony music with the entire community,” Crockett said.

“The connection between the Symphony and businesses, other nonprofits, individual donors, and area schools allows us to increase access to artistic programs, while offering significant marketing opportunities to businesses.”

The Symphony’s 34th season will launch in the fall of 2018. Long-term partner Conway Corporation was the season underwriter for the 2017-2018 season, and the CSO looks forward to continuing to help tell the

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“First Security is ‘Making Better Happen’ for our customers and our communities. We are proud to partner with the Conway Symphony Orchestra to bring outstanding events to our community. We feel CSO is also ‘Making Better Happen,’ and we are excited to be a part of this great organization.”

– Margaret Smith, First Security Bank

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company’s story.

For the 2018-2019 season, the Conway Symphony Orchestra has already signed up returning sponsors First Security Bank, College Square, Smith Ford, Conner and Sartain, and St. Francis Veterinary Clinic.

The support from these partners enables the Conway Symphony Orchestra to expand its community outreach programs, including a free concert in Simon Park on Sept. 21.

CSO on the Go sends small ensembles to hospital lobbies, assisted living centers, library concerts, and community events, bringing music to those in the community who may not be able to access it otherwise. The Symphony has received additional support for this program in the 20182019 season from the Arkansas Community Foundation.

Another music outreach program funded by donors and partners sends visiting musicians to area elementary and middle schools at no cost to the school. During each CSO in the Classroom visit, professional musicians present an interactive, educational music program to students in second through

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sixth grades. The CSO was able to expand this program last season with support from Toad Suck Daze.

Therese Williams, president of the Conway Symphony Orchestra board of directors, said the presence of the symphony is instrumental in making Conway and surrounding area a desirable place to live.

“Through the partnerships that we have in place with different organizations, the Symphony’s reach extends through the business community as well as area schools, helping fans of all ages experience classical music.

“Personally, music has always played an influential role in my life, so I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with the instrumental arts. Professionally, I’m proud to be a part of an organization like the CSO that enriches the quality of place of our city through a vibrant arts and culture scene.”

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The 75-member orchestra is led by conductor and music director Israel Getzov.

An experienced musician, educator, and speaker known for his easygoing manner, Getzov ensures that audiences will not see a “traditional, stuffy symphony concert” when they attend a CSO performance.

“Before the orchestra plays a piece of

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music, I speak directly to the audience and let them know what it’s about, what’s important, and maybe even play a couple of the main themes or ideas,” Getzov said.

“So, you are going to be prepared to not only know what’s in the piece of music but to actually enjoy it. Our goal is to make the music come alive for our audiences and for them to feel involved and invested the whole way through.”

Season tickets for the 2018-2019 season go on sale Sept. 10 for returning subscribers, and Oct. 1 for new subscribers, by calling the box office at (501) 450-3265. Individual tickets will be available to purchase Oct. 15 by phone or online.

For additional information about partnership opportunities, contact Vicki Crockett at symphony@conwaycorp.net or visit the Conway Symphony Orchestra’s website at conwaysymphony.org.

Conway Symphony Orchestra 2018-2019 Season Sept. 21, 2018, 7:30: Free Community Concert at Simon Park Oct. 27-28: Chicago

(performing with UCA Reynolds Series, not part of CSO subscription)

Nov. 3, 2018, 7:30: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 Dec. 8, 2018, 7:30: Classic Christmas Feb. 16, 2019, 7:30: A Romantic Evening April 20, 2019, 7:30: Music of John Williams

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North Metro Economy at a Glance Population US ..........................325,719,178 Arkansas .....................3,004,279 Conway ...........................65,782 Cleburne County...............25,048 Conway County................20,916 Faulkner County.............123,654 Perry County....................10,348 Van Buren County.............16,506 Unemployment Rate June-2018 Seasonally Adjusted US ..................................... 4.0% Arkansas ............................ 3.8% Not Seasonally Adjusted US ..................................... 4.2% Arkansas............................ 4.0% Conway.............................. 3.3% Cleburne County ................ 4.1% Conway County ................. 4.7% Faulkner County ................ 3.4% Perry County ...................... 4.3% Van Buren County .............. 5.2% Sales Tax Collections July Conway 2018..........................$2,638,996 2017..........................$2,162,319 Percent Change.............. 22.04% Tax Rate ....................... 2.125%* *Sales tax rate increase of 0.375%

Cleburne County 2018.............................$554,064 2017.............................$511,115 Percent Change................ 8.40% Tax Rate ......................... 1.625%

Conway County 2018.............................$454,280 2017.............................$458,345 Percent Change...............-0.89% Tax Rate ........................... 1.75% Faulkner County 2018.............................$797,363 2017.............................$796,719 Percent Change................ 0.08% Tax Rate ........................... 0.50% Perry County 2018.............................$139,016 2017.............................$122,171 Percent Change.............. 13.79% Tax Rate ........................... 2.50% Van Buren County 2018.............................$364,468 2017.............................$368,305 Percent Change...............-1.04% Tax Rate ........................... 2.00% Restaurant Sales* Year to Date (June) Conway 2018........................$98,590,929 2017........................$98,349,514 Percent Change................ 0.25% *Includes mixed drink sales

Hotel Sales Year to Date (June) Conway 2018..........................$8,437,246 2017..........................$9,105,603 Percent Change...............-7.34%

Bank Deposits June-30 Cleburne County 2017........................$524,244.00 2016........................$513,251.00 Percent Change ............... 2.14%

Residential Building Permits Year to Date (June) Conway 2018........................................90 2017........................................75 Percent Change.............. 20.00%

Values of Residential Units Sold Year to Date (June) Conway 2018........................$63,562,712 2017......................$101,962,926 Percent Change ............-37.66%

Conway County 2017........................$382,665.00 2016........................$387,785.00 Percent Change ..............-1.32%

Residential Units Sold (New and Existing) Year to Date (June) Conway 2018......................................364 2017......................................581 Percent Change ............-37.35%

Cleburne County 2018........................$40,677,785 2017........................$30,771,785 Percent Change ............. 32.19%

Faulkner County 2017.....................$2,052,122.00 2016.....................$1,855,340.00 Percent Change ............. 10.61% Perry County 2017..........................$71,596.00 2016..........................$72,391.00 Percent Change ..............-1.10% Van Buren County 2017........................$277,646.00 2016........................$285,875.00 Percent Change ..............-2.88% Commercial Building Permits Year to Date (June) Conway 2018..........................................9 2017........................................13 Percent Change.............-30.77%

Cleburne County 2018......................................215 2017......................................187 Percent Change ............. 14.97% Conway County 2018........................................62 2017........................................70 Percent Change ............-11.43% Faulkner County 2018......................................815 2017......................................861 Percent Change ..............-5.34% Perry County 2018........................................34 2017........................................23 Percent Change ............. 47.83% Van Buren County 2018......................................124 2017......................................114 Percent Change ............... 8.77%

Conway County 2018..........................$7,426,608 2017..........................$6,577,130 Percent Change ............. 12.92% Faulkner County 2018......................$141,569,575 2017......................$146,060,040 Percent Change ..............-3.07% Perry County 2018..........................$4,865,332 2017..........................$2,574,781 Percent Change ............. 88.96% Van Buren County 2018........................$12,340,480 2017........................$10,020,600 Percent Change ............. 23.15% Average Price of Residential Units Sold Year to Date (June) Conway 2018.............................$174,623 2017.............................$175,496 Percent Change ............... -0.50%

Cleburne County 2018.............................$189,199 2017.............................$164,555 Percent Change ............. 14.98% Conway County 2018.............................$119,784 2017...............................$93,959 Percent Change ............. 27.49% Faulkner County 2018.............................$173,705 2017.............................$169,640 Percent Change ............... 2.40% Perry County 2018.............................$143,098 2017.............................$111,947 Percent Change ............. 27.83% Van Buren County 2018...............................$99,520 2017...............................$87,900 Percent Change ............. 13.22%

For more useful information go to: pulseofconway.com Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Arkansas Realtors Association, and Central Arkansas Multi Listing Service. Data compiled by Corey Parks and Isaac Sims.

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2019 A&P funding requests now open to organizations hosting special events

The Conway Advertising and Promotions Commission is now accepting funding request applications for 2019.

Sponsored by the A&P Commission, the Special Event Advancement program is designed to help organizations within the Conway area with efforts related to special event development. The purpose of providing assistance is to stimulate tourism and produce a positive economic effect on the businesses in the city of Conway.

Financial assistance may be provided in the areas of seed money, advertising and publicity, and A&P event incentives.

Seed money is administered to new events only and is Our client got 500 additional leads in 2 months. limited to a period of no more than three years to allow Our client got 500 additional leads in 2 months. organizers to establish the event with sponsorships and other At ThriveHive, we work hard to help our customers At ThriveHive, we work hard to help our customers fundraising efforts. Advertising and publicity purchases may reach their business goals. So when a customer reachcomes their to business goals.

So when a customer include television, newspaper, radio, and online advertising, us asking for more leads, we deliver.

Our client got 500 additional leads in 2 months. as well as mail-outs and billboards. A&P event incentives comes to us asking for more leads, we deliver. provide funding for special events at the discretion of the Hive, we work hard to help our customers reach their business goals. when a customer to we’ve us asking for amazing more leads, By usingcomes ThriveHive, seen really resultswe deliver. A&P Commission.

Organizations requesting support for 2019 must submit from our Facebook Advertising campaign. We’ve By using ThriveHive, we’ve seen really amazing results their request to the Commission by Oct. 16, 2018. Forms generated more than 500 leads for our programs in sing ThriveHive, we’ve seen really amazing campaign. results fromWe’ve our Facebook and funding request guidelines are available to download at fromtheour Facebook Advertising past two months, our cost-per-click is less than a ertising generated campaign. more We’vethan generated more thanprograms 500 leads for our the Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website at 500 for our dollar per person, and theleads conversion rate on that is in rams in the past two months, our cost-per-click is less than a dollar conwayark.com. the past two months, our cost-per-click is less than a unbelievably positive.”

For questions or additional information, contact Rachel person, and the conversion rate on that is unbelievably positive.” dollar per person, —and the conversion rate on that is Shaw, director of destination marketing at the Conway CVB, Bruce, rowing club executive director — Bruce, rowing club executive director at 501-932-5409 or rachel@conwayarkansas.org. unbelievably positive.”

Looking for more leads?

Lookingfor for more more leads?

Looking leads?

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— Bruce, rowingwith club ThriveHive. executive director Get more leads today, Get more leads today, with ThriveHive.

Get more leads today, with ThriveHive.

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