CONWAY
2024 COMMUNITY PROFILE & RESOURCE GUIDE
OUTDOORS IN
NEWCOMERS
GUIDE PG 33
CONWAY
PG 98
ABOUT
CONWAY
PG 8
Letter from the Editor
GREETINGS FROM CONWAY 2023 was a great year for Conway. We were named one of the most affordable cities in the United States by Kiplinger, and Forbes named us among one of the top metros for young professionals. Not only that, Conway trailing only our capital city Little Rock.
IT’S AN EXCITIING TIME TO BE IN CONWAY
With all that said, there’s a good chance you’re picking
To help you get settled in your new stomping
became the second-largest city in central Arkansas,
this magazine up as a new mover to Conway or someone who is considering making the City of Colleges your new home. We wanted to give you the best glimpse of Conway we could between the front and back covers of this publication. As you’ll see in these pages, recent developments have put Conway on the precipice of something great. You’ll read about economic development projects that will add hundreds of jobs to the area, and a major renovation of an area lake that will
grounds, we put together a guide for you to make your way around town. You’ll find out who to know in a host of industries like banking, real estate, health care, automotive, insurance, and construction, and you’ll find out the cool places to shop, eat, and have fun in Conway. We’re happy to have you in the City of Colleges, and we hope this publication helps solidify the reason you chose to move here to further your career and set down roots.
solidify and strengthen it as a staple of outdoor recreation for generations to come. Just last year, Conway received a $24.6 million federal grant that will transform the trail system in our area.
4 | Conway+
Lee Hogan Editor, Conway Publications
CONTENTS
CONWAY
ABOUT CONWAY 8 900 Oak Street: The Team Behind the Scenes
EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS | Lee Hogan
10 Conway: A Good Home for All 11 Tips to Help Your Home Search 12 Who We Are and What Sets Us Apart
GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Kara Darling
RESEARCH AND STATISTICS
FEATURES
CHIEF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER | Corey Parks
22 Jacob Briley, Conway Regional Airport 24 Allen Dodson, Faulkner County
ADVERTISING SALES
Judge’s Office
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER | Lindsay Henderson
26 Faye Hedera, 100 Faces of Conway Project
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT | Leo Cummings III
28 Dr. Karen Petersen, Hendrix College 30 Rachel Shaw, Conway Convention
ADMINISTRATION
& Visitors Bureau
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | Laura Grimes SENIOR ACCOUNTANT | Jennifer Hiegel-Shelden
NEWCOMERS GUIDE 33 34 40 48 54 58 64 72 80 86 92
Greetings from Conway Banking Real Estate Homes Health Care Arts, Culture & Entertainment Automotive Construction Retail Restaurants Insurance
ASK THE EXPERTS 38 Financial Planning Advice from
Conway Wealth Management
44 Relocating to Conway with
Coldwell Banker RPM Group
46 Housing Market Insights from
Lenders Title Company
CONWAY PUBLICATIONS EDITORIAL BOARD Johnny Adams Bill Adkisson Lori Melton Lori Ross Jeff Standridge
62 Get Involved with UCA Sports 74 Frank Shaw: A Career Reimagined 108 Get to Know Conway’s Oral & Facial
Surgeon Mitchell L. Collins, D.D.S., M.D.
OUTDOORS 98 Between the Metro and the Mountains 100 Lake Conway: Restored, Renovated,
PRESIDENT & CEO | Brad Lacy EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | Jamie Gates
Reimagined
102 Explore the Great Outdoors 104 The People & Places of
Conway Cycling
107 Road Trips from Conway
THE GUIDE 112 Education 114 Health Care 115 Utilities & Public Services 116 Parks & Rereation
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in this publication, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce cannot guarantee the correctness of all information or the complete absence of error or omissions. For changes or to submit your comments, please contact the Chamber.
900 OAK STREET CONWAY, ARKANSAS 72032 501-327-7788 GetSmart@ConwayArkansas.org
ON THE COVER Greetings from Conway is a mural designed by artist Austin Watt. The mural is coming soon to downtown Conway at the Donaghey Building on the corner of Parkway and Oak streets where Ott Insurance is located.
+ about Conway
900 OAK STREET The Team Behind the Scenes
10 | Conway+
Conway has a coalition of community and economic development organizations working together daily on its behalf. While each organization has a slightly different focus, they all work in partnership to thoughtfully improve the lives of Conway-area residents. The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, Conway Development Corporation, Conway Downtown Partnership, and Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau work together on one mission: making Conway, Arkansas, the best it can be. Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Founded: 1891 A nonprofit organization made up of approximately 1,400 area businesses working to grow the local economy. The chamber is governed by a 34-member board of directors. The chamber plans and organizes networking events, offers advertising and sponsorship opportunities, and advocates for job-creating infrastructure and policies. It also provides business consulting, leads generation, and referrals. The chamber organizes Toad Suck Daze and also hosts large events like Business Expo and Taste of Conway, and SPARK!, a professional development event. Conway Development Corporation Founded: 1959 A nonprofit organization whose mission is to grow the area economy, mainly through job creation. The CDC is governed by a 14-member board of directors. The CDC recruits new business to Conway, helps expand existing businesses, pursues state economic development incentives on behalf of local companies, and develops and markets job-creating real estate. The CDC owns and developed the Meadows Technology Park in south Conway.
Stay Up to Date on All Things 900 Oak Street Visit ConwayChamber.org and ConwayArkansas.org to stay up-to-date on all news from the organizations at 900 Oak Street, and make sure to check out the chamber’s event calendar to see all the fun coming up this year.
Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau (Advertising and Promotion Commission) Founded: 2000 Created by th city council to facilitate tourism and the promotion of the city of Conway, the Advertising and Promotion commission collects taxes on hotel/motel accommodations and levies taxes on all prepared food and beverages. The board consists of seven members each of whom serves a four-year term. The A&P Commission does business under the name Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau. The CVB advertises and promotes events taking place in the city to regional audiences, recruits sporting events, conferences, and other events from around the country to Conway. It also administers annual grants to local tourism-related events. The CVB has recruited and sponsored many of the youth sporting events held in Conway, including the high school all-star games. Conway is also home for spring high school state championship games through 2025. Conway Downtown Partnership Founded: 2001 A nonprofit organization focused on the redevelopment and continued growth of downtown Conway. They are governed by a 16-member board of directors. The downtown partnership markets downtown Conway as a destination for investment and jobs, promotes downtown events, and advocates for and executes public space improvements. The downtown partnership partnered with city government to develop downtown Conway’s streetscape and the renovation and redevelopment of multiple historic buildings. Conway Area Leadership Institute Founded: 1988 A nonprofit organization that prepares emerging leaders to serve the Conway-area community. Formerly the Faulkner County Leadership Institute, CALI became part of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce in 2016 and is governed by the chamber’s board of directors. CALI plans and executes an eight-month curriculum inspired by Conway2035. Hundreds of professionals have graduated from the institute since its inception. Applications for the new class are available in January of each year.
2024 Community Profile & Resource Guide | 11
+ about Conway
CONWAY: A GOOD HOME FOR ALL Conway earned a host of recognitions recently for everything from its affordability, growth, and quality of life for residents of all ages, including families and young professionals. Kiplinger Names Conway No. 8 Most Affordable City in the U.S. Conway was named the No. 8 most affordable city in the country by Kiplinger. Kiplinger ranked the most affordable cities by reviewing data from the Council for Community and Economic Research on living expenses, paired with its own research based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Ultimately, Kiplinger sorted through nearly 100,000 prices on dozens of items in cities across America. Conway was the only Arkansas city ranked in the top 25, which included peer cities such as Harlingen, Texas; McAllen, Texas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Augusta, Georgia; Aiken, South Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Des Moines, Iowa; and South Bend, Indiana. Conway enjoyed one of the highest median home values on the list with housing-related costs that run 27% below the national average, according to Kiplinger. “Groceries, transportation, and healthcare costs are also comparatively modest,” the report said.
12 | Conway+
Little Rock-Conway-North Little Rock Metro named Among Best for Young Professionals The Little Rock-Conway-North Little Rock MSA was named among the top 10 metros in the country for young professionals by Forbes. Forbes ranked the top metros in the country by comparing data across the 100 most populous metros in employment and pay, housing affordability, lifestyle, and cost of living. The Little Rock-Conway-North Little Rock MSA ranked No. 10. “A young adult’s money goes a long way in the Little Rock metro area compared to other places in the country,” the report read. “In addition to the cost of living in Little Rock being around 17% lower than the national average, rent costs run just $1,117 per month on average and the median home price is only $203,000. A 10% down payment on a median-priced home equates to 58.36% of the median individual income.” The Little Rock-Conway-North Little Rock MSA ranked No. 47 in employment and pay, No. 7 in housing affordability, No. 65 in lifestyle, and No. 28 in cost of living. Conway Becomes No.2 Most Populous City in Central Arkansas In its 2023 Metro Trends Demographic Review and Outlook report, Metroplan identified Conway as the second-largest city in central Arkansas, according to its population estimates for 2023. Conway surpassed North Little Rock in the rankings. Since 1990, Conway has grown from 26,481 residents to 67,509 residents. It has experienced 5.3% growth since Census 2020, according to Metroplan. Faulkner County has enjoyed 2.3% growth since 2020, eclipsing its 0.9% growth experienced between 2010 and 2020.
Conway’s Neighbors Conway is surrounded by growing communities in Faulkner, Conway, and Pulaski counties. Greenbrier, Maumelle, Mayflower, Morrilton, and Vilonia are just a short drive from Conway and offer great schools and affordable living. MORRILTON Population: 7,079 County: Conway Median Home Price: $115,500
NEW TO CONWAY?
These tips can help your home search East to West = Old to New If you start on Locust Street at the edge of downtown and head west, as a rule, the homes get newer. Old Conway is bound by Locust Street on the east and Donaghey Avenue on the west. It includes a variety of architectural styles representing the 1910s to the mid-century. It’s adjacent to downtown and close to all three colleges. It’s also conveniently close to all of the shopping and dining options along Interstate 40. Midtown is approximately bound by Donaghey Avenue on the east and Country Club on the west. The Bainbridge, Oak Forest, Tucker Creek, Parkwood, and Smoking Oaks subdvisions all offer traditional home styles from the 1970s and 80s. Other subdivisions like Windcrest, Pippinpost, Scherman Heights, and Adamsbrooke are mingled in and were developed in the 1990s. The commercial development along Prince Street and Salem Road offers instant access to everyday conveniences. West Conway has dozens of subdivisions with homes ranging in price from the mid-200s to over $1 million. Subdivisions like Centennial Valley, Sunderlin Park, Westin Park, St. John’s, Chapel Creek, Winterbrooke, and many more are all in west Conway. The area is the most purely residential part of town, but there are some commercial options along Hogan Road.
Look south for a convenient commute Conway’s fifth interstate exit opened just south of the city in 2017, giving residents who travel back and forth into Little Rock an easier commute. The Cresthaven, Richland Hills, Southwind, Catherine Place, and other subdivisions south of Dave Ward Drive can take advantage of a threemile “head start” on their morning drive. Don’t shop elementary schools If you’ve got school-aged children, where they go to school is a big deal, but in Conway, it’s almost impossible to pick an elementary school you won’t be happy with. Over the past decade, Conway’s elementary schools have spent time at the top of our academic rankings. Benchmark exams, stateassigned letter grades, Blue Ribbon achievement awards — the recognition has been spread around. These tips hopefully will help you start to orient yourself to the Conway house hunt. There are so many other great places to live beyond what’s mentioned here. Go to ConwayChamber.org and find a real estate agent to help you make a home in Conway.
GREENBRIER Population: 5,958 County: Faulkner Median Home Price: $143,400 VILONIA Population: 4,298 County: Faulkner MAUMELLE Population: 19,358 County: Pulaski Median Home Price: $225,900 MAYFLOWER Population: 1,984 County: Faulkner BEEBE Population: 8,718 County: White Median Home Price: $127,400 CABOT Population: 26,844 County: Lonoke Median Home Price: $166,100 SEARCY Population: 23,009 County: White Median Home Price: $151,300 HEBER SPRINGS Population: 7,201 County: Cleburne Median Home Price: $119,700 RUSSELLVILLE Population: 29,133 County: Pope Median Home Price: $135,500
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2022 Update
CONWAY: WHO WE AR E YOUNG COMMUNITY
GROWING COMMUNITY
C O N WAY ’S P O P UL AT IO N GR O W T H
40
64,134
39
35
67,617
38.9
36.9
30
58,908
43,167
29.1
25
28,767
20 15
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2022
10 5
Conway: : 67,617 Faulkner County: 127,665 Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway Metro Area: 757,945
AN EDUCATED WORKFORCE Known as the “City of Colleges,” Conway is home to three higher education institutions, all of which have been in the city since the late 1800s and produce graduates who stay in the area and enter the workforce. More than 40% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
0
National
94.3% high school graduation rate (National Average: 88.9%)
Little Rock
Conway
DIVERSE COMMUNITY
41.3% 25 or older possess a bachelor’s degree or higher (National Average: 33%)
Arkansas
h ispan ic or lat in o Asian
6.7%
t w o or m ore races
4.4%
2.0% am erican in dian & alaska n at ive
0.1%
black or african Am erican
whit e
70.9%
15.7%
White Black or African American American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian Hispanic or Latino Two or more races
A ND WHAT S ETS US APART A GROWING & DIVERSE ECONOMY The central Arkansas economy is one of the most diverse in the United States. In Conway, three “tentpoles” – health care, technology, and education – stabilize and stimulate economic growth. The University of Central Arkansas, Conway Regional Health System, Acxiom, Nabholz Corporation, and the public school district are a few of the major employers.
L A RG EST EM P L OY ERS Employer
Industry
Number of Employees
University of Central Arkansas
Education
2,453
Conway Regional Health System
Health Care
1,760
Acxiom Corporation
Information Technology
1,300
Nabholz Construction
Construction
1,200
Conway Public School District
Education
1,249
Conway Human Development Center
Institutional Care
900
Walmart
Department and Grocery Store
825
Virco Manufacturing
School, Office and Institutional Furniture
600
Baptist Health
Health Care
584
City of Conway
Government
557
AFFORDABILITY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Conway consistently ranks among the nation’s most inexpensive places to live offering a low cost of living but a high quality of life.
Some of the year’s economic development news included a new investment from Westrock Coffee, the country’s leading integrated coffee, tea and extract service provider, and Turbare, a pharmaceutical manufacturer.
30% cheaper
electricity and water rates compared to other cities in Arkansas
$942
median cost of rent
$300 Million
800
TOTAL INVESTMENT
TOTAL JOBS
$11 MILLION
100
$24
CAPITAL INVESTMENT
NEW JOBS
HOURLY WAGE
$1,451
median mortgage
CENTRAL LOCATION
$223,900
Conway is positioned in Metro Little Rock, in the heart of Arkansas, with easy connectivity to the state and region.
value of housing units
Kan sas cit y
Memp his
Great er St. L ou is
nashv il l e
n ew Orlean sM etairie-Ke nner
Fayet t ev iller oger s- sp r ingdal e
At lan ta
Gr eat er b ir mingham
6 hours
5.5 hours
2.5 hours 6 hours
$54,036
median household income
G r e ater H oust on
7 hours
G r e ater Aust in
t ulsa
8.5 hours
3.5 hours
Da lla s-Fort W ort h
oklah om a Cit y
5 hours
4.5 hours
7 hours 8 hours
2.5 hours 6 hours
+ business & economic development
Best of
Pulse
of Conway
Pulse of Conway is the premier source for business news in the North Metro region. Our goal is to make Pulse of Conway readers the most informed professionals in the market. Here’s a recap of our top stories for 2023:
How Does Cost of Living in Conway Compare to Other Cities? Conway was recently named the eighth most
housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and
affordable city in the United States by Kiplinger, and
miscellaneous, in addition to an overall composite score
as part of one of the top 10 metros in the country for
against the national average (100).
young professionals by Forbes, due in part to its housing affordability, cost of living, and other factors.
Compared to 12 of its peers across states like Oklahoma, Iowa, Tennessee, Illinois, Arkansas, Texas, and South
But how do those rankings stack up against real
Carolina, Conway enjoyed the lowest overall composite
numbers? We decided to go in-depth and take a look
score (83.5). It was followed by Oklahoma City (84.1), Des
at how the City of Colleges compares to regional and
Moines (86.2), and Memphis (87.8). Fayetteville (91.6) and
peer cities, according to data from The Council for
Bentonville (91.6) were tied for seventh, respectively.
Community and Economic Research. These rankings
Conway was also most affordable in categories for
are based on prices and data from Q1 2022 to Q1 2023.
grocery (90.6), healthcare (84.5), and miscellaneous (83.7).
Peer cities compared to Conway were Bentonville, Arkansas; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Champaign, Illinois; Des Moines, Iowa; Edmond, Oklahoma; Norman, Oklahoma; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Charleston, South Carolina; Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville,
Its housing index (73.6) was fourth-lowest and nearly 27% beneath the national average. The Most Affordable Places to Live, Buy a Steak, See a Movie, and Visit the Doctor Data from the Council for Community and Economic
Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; and Denton, Texas.
Research also allows to dive deep into costs for the
Index Composite Puts Conway at the Top
everyday items like bread, milk, and ground beef, as
An index composite of Conway and its peers gives a snapshot of key cost-of-living factors, including grocery,
16 | Conway+
well as review important costs like homes, rent, and doctor visits.
Conway had the second-lowest average rent ($799), trailing only Des Moines ($750). Oklahoma City ($855), Champaign ($912), and Edmond ($960) rounded out the top five. Fayetteville and Bentonville tied for the sixth-lowest rent at $963. The national average was $1,393. In terms of average home price, Conway was sixthlowest with an average home price of $367,067. It trailed Oklahoma City ($335,342), Des Moines ($340,828), Champaign ($345,065), Memphis ($355,220), and Denton ($360,434). Fayetteville and Bentonville trailed Conway with an average home price of $378,244. Conway had the lowest average bill for a trip to the dentist’s office ($83.33), and the fourth-lowest average bill for a drip to the doctor ($108).
Conway was recently named the eighth most affordable city in the United States by Kiplinger, and as part of one of the top 10 metros in the country for young professionals by Forbes, due in part to its housing affordability, cost of living, and other factors.
2024 Community Profile & Resource Guide | 17
+ business & economic development
Conway Corp’s solar farm will deliver home-grown, clean energy to Conway Corp customers under a power-purchase agreement with Lightscource bp.
Conway Corp, Lightsource bp Open Solar Farm PHOTOS BY LIGHTSOURCE BP Lightsource bp and Conway Corp celebrated the
“Work on this project began in 2019 and it is one of
successful completion of the 135-megawatt Conway
the most significant projects for Conway Corp since
Solar at Happy project in White County, Arkansas on
our incorporation in 1929,” said Conway Corp CEO Bret
Oct. 19. The occasion marks a significant milestone
Carroll. “I’m proud of the team that worked on this
in the partnership’s shared vision of advancing
project and the way it fulfills key parts of our mission
Arkansas’s energy security and independence, while
by providing reliable and environmentally sound
creating tangible benefits for the local community
electricity to our community. I also appreciate our
and environment.
partnership with Lightsource bp, they have been great
The solar farm will deliver home-grown, clean energy to Conway Corp under a power purchase agreement
partners from the very beginning.” Lightsource bp developed, financed, constructed, and
with Lightsource bp. Conway Solar is projected to
will operate the project, a $125 million private capital
generate enough clean energy to power 21,000 homes.
investment in new energy infrastructure for Arkansas.
18 | Conway+
“At Lightsource bp, we believe that a solar farm can be so much more than an energy facility. By sharing in this vision, our partners at Conway Corp are bringing a host of benefits to their community, from affordable energy to ecosystem health, economic development and beyond.” – Emilie Wangerman, interim chief operating officer, Lightsource bp USA
The Conway Solar project not only generates emissions-free energy for healthier air but has created an opportunity to advance pollinator conservation in the area. Working with the Arkansas Monarch Conservation Partnership, Lightsource bp and Conway Corp have established a five-acre native pollinator garden within the solar farm, featuring 46 varieties
• Economic Growth: The solar project generated 300 jobs during construction, fostering economic growth within the region. • Supporting domestic manufacturers: The project uses of 295,000 solar modules from Arizona-based First Solar, smart solar trackers from New Mexicobased Array Technologies, and steel from Attala Steel in Mississippi.
of Arkansas native plants. This garden is crucial in providing habitat and nectar for at-risk monarch butterflies and other pollinators that support our
Conway Solar at Happy enables Conway Corp to abate 162,800 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.
food supply. Emilie Wangerman, interim chief operating officer at Lightsource bp USA: “At Lightsource bp, we believe that a solar farm can be so much more than an energy facility. By sharing in this vision, our partners at Conway Corp are bringing a host of benefits to their community, from affordable energy to ecosystem health, economic development and beyond.” Additional key benefits of the project include: • Clean energy generation: The project contributes to Conway Corp’s diversified energy mix, supporting their mission to provide safe, affordable, reliable service to their customers. • Healthier air: Conway Solar at Happy supports Conway Corp’s further commitment to providing environmentally-sound service to their customers, enabling Conway Corp to abate 162,800 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. That’s equivalent to taking 35,400 fuel-burning cars off the road for healthier air.
2024 Community Profile & Resource Guide | 19
+ business & economic development
FarmaKeio will invest $2.29 million in Conway, creating 74 jobs.
FarmaKeio Custom Compounding Invests $2.2M, Adds 74 Jobs in Conway Expansion FarmaKeio Custom Compounding
proudly inaugurate our new
development. The 16,000 square-
announced Oct. 20 the acquisition
Custom Compounding facility in
foot facility boasts advanced
of its newest location in Conway.
Conway,” said Dan DeNeui, CEO of
compounding and laboratory
This new facility represents
FarmaKeio. “This state-of-the-art
equipment, ample office space,
a significant advancement in
facility signifies our unwavering
large production areas, including
FarmaKeio’s mission to support
commitment to personalized patient
sterile and non-sterile work areas
the revolution of healthcare
care. We are excited about the
and a warehouse for storage.
by providing personalized
possibilities this facility brings and
“Congratulations to FarmaKeio on
compounded medications and
are optimistic about its potential
the acquisition of its newest facility
service excellence to patients and
to further enhance our ability to
in Arkansas and congratulations to
practitioners across the country.
positively impact patient lives.”
the team in Conway for securing this
The new facility represents a
FarmaKeio Custom Compounding
major investment,” said Governor
$2.29 million investment for
has already made its footprint in
Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “This
FarmaKeio, and the company
the South with its headquarters
announcement brings millions
expects to create 74 new jobs in
in Richardson, Texas. The Conway
of dollars and dozens of jobs to
the area.
facility will provide more space
Arkansas’s fastest growing city. It’s
for not only service and product
a win for the community, a win
lines, but also research, testing, and
for the business, and a win for our
“Today marks a momentous occasion for FarmaKeio as we
20 | Conway+
state. In my administration, we’re doing everything we can to make announcements like this regular by cutting taxes, investing in education, and building up a robust workforce.” With this expansion, FarmaKeio Custom Compounding is expected to reach more markets with its already substantial production volume of compounded hormone medications and in-demand peptide medications that support tailored integrative health treatment plans designed for individual patients. Hormone imbalances and specific medical conditions often require tailored medications to achieve optimal results, and this new facility empowers patients to receive precisely what they need, when they need it. By compounding medications to exact dosages, eliminating allergens and offering alternative delivery methods, FarmaKeio Custom Compounding
“This state-ofthe-art facility signifies our unwavering commitment to personalized patient care. We are excited about the possibilities this facility brings and are optimistic about its potential to further enhance our ability to positively impact patient lives.”
therapies for enhanced outcomes
Dan DeNeui CEO, FarmaKeio
executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Congratulations to the City of Conway, the Conway Development Corporation, and local stakeholders on this exciting new announcement.”
Bart Castleberry. “We thank FarmaKeio Custom Compounding for choosing Conway and for adding to the diverse array of job opportunities for our people.” “Congratulations to FarmaKeio on the facility purchase in Conway to meet increasing demand for their products and services,” said Faulkner County Judge Allen Dodson. “A growing company with a culture of innovation in pharmaceuticals and custom compounding is welcomed in Faulkner County. We are excited about their investment in our community.” FarmaKeio’s new Custom Compounding facility reaffirms the company’s dedication to leading the way in compounded healthcare and delivering patientfocused solutions.
Brad Lacy, president and CEO
Compounding is a fast-growing
next location,” said Clint O’Neal,
the city,” said Conway Mayor
FarmaKeio to Conway,” said
“FarmaKeio Custom
is proud to be the home for their
fast-growing company to
“We are excited to welcome
and improved quality of life.
company, and the State of Arkansas
Arkansas, we welcome another
medications, revolutionizing
helps ensure that patients can experience personalized
“As the fastest growing city in
Looking ahead, the global brand FarmaKeio Pharmacy Network envisions developing the facility to include space for a second location for FarmaKeio Outsourcing. FarmaKeio Outsourcing is a 503B FDA-registered facility renowned for its patented pellet formulated with triamcinolone.
of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and the Conway Development Corporation. “Our diverse local economy has always been a strength of the community and region. FarmaKeio’s decision to locate here adds to that diversity and further strengthens our growing manufacturing sector.”
2024 Community Profile & Resource Guide | 21
+ business & economic development
Westrock Coffee Announces 800 Total Jobs, $300 Million Investment for Conway Westrock Coffee Co. announced June 30 it would create 800 total jobs and invest more than $300 million in Conway. Westrock Coffee CEO and Co-Founder Scott T. Ford made the announcement alongside Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Congressman French Hill, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and local officials at Westrock’s manufacturing facility in Conway. “We could not be more excited to headquarter our state-of-the-
Westrock Coffee will create more than 800 jobs in Conway and has committed more than $300 million to the local market. It will have 1 million SF of space when fully operational.
22 | Conway+
art extracts and ready-to-drink facility in Conway and Central Arkansas,” said Scott T. Ford, CEO and Co-founder of Westrock Coffee. “This decision represents our unwavering commitment to our employees, the community, and our customers. By expanding our jobs and packaging facility, we are strengthening our foundation for growth and reinforcing our dedication to delivering quality beverage solutions. We are grateful for the support of the Governor’s
office, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the community of Conway for its continued support.” This is the third announcement made by Westrock Coffee for Conway since 2021. It purchased the former Kimberly-Clark plant in December 2021, and announced plans for 250 jobs and a $250 million investment — the largest capital investment in Conway’s history — at that time. This most recent announcement of 600 new jobs upped the expected total to
800 jobs in the next five years with an average salary of $70,000. Its total investment is now expected to cross $300 million. “Today’s announcement further establishes Westrock Coffee as a worldwide leader and powerhouse within the food and beverage industry,” said Governor Sanders. “Westrock Coffee is another Arkansas-based success story, creating new, high paying jobs in Conway that will benefit this thriving community and the state as a whole for decades to come.” In January, Westrock Coffee announced a $70 million, 530,000-square-foot distribution center on a 30-acre tract of the Conway Industrial Park. This will give Westrock Coffee more than one million square feet of operating space in Conway. The distribution center is expected to be completed in 2024 and will support the company’s product and packaging produced at Westrock Coffee’s expanded extract and ready-to-drink manufacturing facility in Conway, as well as additional distribution needs. Its Conway manufacturing facility will develop, produce, and distribute its coffee, tea, and ready-to-drink products. The location will utilize stateof-the-art equipment, including advanced robotics, specifically designed to efficiently
“Westrock will very soon be one of Conway’s largest employers. They are a global company who will immediately diversify our economy and create quality careers for the people of central Arkansas.” – Brad Lacy, CEO, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce
manufacture and package a wide range of beverages such as canned or bottled cold brew coffees, lattes, assorted teas, and juice-based products as well as single serve coffee cups. The space will also incorporate an industry leading product development lab and FDA certified pilot plant, enabling Westrock to create, test, and produce new beverage solutions. “Westrock Coffee is another example of bold entrepreneurship finding success in Arkansas,” said Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “Arkansas is a welcoming and supportive environment for businesses like Westrock Coffee to thrive and grow, and we’re proud to see this major expansion happen in Conway.” “This is a significant jobs announcement for the Conway area,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Congratulations
to Westrock Coffee on its continued success and to the community leaders of Conway for welcoming, fostering, and supporting Westrock Coffee as it continues to fulfill its goal to be a global leader in providing beverage solutions to the most distinguished brands around the world.” “Healthy cities attract people and companies,” said Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry. “In 2022, Conway was Arkansas’s fastest growing city. Today’s announcement makes Conway one of the state’s fastest job creators. We look forward to growing together with Westrock Coffee.” “Westrock will very soon be one of Conway’s largest employers,” said Conway Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Brad Lacy. “They are a global company who will immediately diversify our economy and create quality careers for the people of central Arkansas.”
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Teaching the Next Generation of Pilots In 2023, the University of Central Arkansas announced a commercial pilot license program that will be housed at the Conway airport.
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JACOB BRILEY:
Connecting a Passion to the Growth of Conway “I love aviation.” There might not be a better trait for Conway Regional Airport Director Jake Briley to possess. It’s a passion that developed early in life for Briley. He was introduced to aviation during his childhood through family members who served in the military, including an uncle — Donovan Briley — who served as a Black Hawk pilot and was killed in action in Somalia. Briley would go on to serve 13 years in the military as a production controller for Arkansas National Guard. He flew in missions in the Middle East, including Iraq, Syria, and Kuwait, and managed the state National Guard aviaition assets, which totaled in the range of $200 million worth of equipment. Briley, a Greenbrier native, served in the military until his appointment as city airport director in June 2022. It’s a position that combines his love for Conway and his passion to help businesses grow. “There is a lot more community involvement than I think a lot of people see,” Briley said. “This is a gateway to our city with different businesses flying here every day, so it’s important to make that good first impression.” The Conway Regional Airport at Cantrell Field is located on 431 acres in the Lollie Bottoms in the southwest part of town, about 10 miles from Conway’s downtown. It opened in 2014. The airport houses nearly 70 hangars for small-engine plans and six corporate hangars. “It happens every day that corporate leaders will fly into Conway to check on their stores here or those located nearby,” Briley said. “We’re also well located to attract a lot of private jets going cross country to stop and refuel, so we stay competitive on our pricing to attract that business here.” Since Briley took over in 2022, two corporate hangars have been added, fuel sales have doubled, and work continues toward establishing Conway as a national airport. “Our federal funding as a regional airport is $250,000 annually, and that would increase to about $800,000 as a national airport,” Briley said.
This would help fund a number of projects, including a runway extension to begin in 2024. The airport is also scheduled to begin work on about 24 new tee hangars to alleviate a waitlist for airport space that exists currently. Another important development around the airport was the 2023 announcement of a commercial pilot license certificate program at the University of Central Arkansas, which will be completed at the Conway airport. Graduates will leave the program with an instrument rating. “The country, as a whole, is short on pilots, and there are tons of jobs available,” Briley said. “The growth in central Arkansas for private pilots is huge.” Looking a decade into the future, Briley wants to see a small, regional hub located at Conway. “We have so many acres out here, we’re in a great position to build that way,” he said.
“This is a gateway to our city with different businesses flying here every day, so it’s important to make that good first impression.”
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ALLEN DODSON:
A Familiar Face in the County Judge’s Office “We have an embarrassment of riches here,” said Faulkner County Judge Allen Dodson as he sat in his office pondering over the county’s future. “We shouldn’t take a back seat to anyone in the country,” he said. “We are in a good place now, but it is nothing compared to what we could be in the next 10 to 20 years, and it is time to get to work on a long-term vision for our county.” Establishing that long-range vision for Faulkner County is one of the main reasons Dodson chose to run for the office, which he previously held 10 years ago. Dodson was appointed county judge in 2013 and held the office through 2014. He had previously served as the county’s attorney before he was appointed judge. His first term in office was defined by his administration’s response to emergency and disaster situations. A few months after taking office, an oil line ruptured in Mayflower causing 22 homes to be evacuated. “We had no more gotten our feet into the office before that happened,” Dodson said. Major emergency response situations like the oil spill moves other tasks and responsibilities to the back burner, Dodson said. “It throws you behind on annual things the administration is tasked with, such as roads,” he said. “It’s a big operation — the county has more than 900 miles of road to maintain — and it’s a seasonal cycle. I knew there were things I wanted to accomplish that was not possible due to what we were dealing with.” The next year, an F4 tornado tore through the county, tracking 41 miles through Mayflower and Vilonia. With 16 fatalities reported, including 12 in Faulkner County, it was the deadliest Arkansas tornado since an F4 tornado in Jonesboro in 1968. The National Weather Service estimated about 500 homes were destroyed. “It was the most difficult, and challenging time of my administration,” Dodson said. “During that moment, it was a mindset of how I avoid letting the public down. What is the most I can do for the county? I had to help our county heal and we had a massive amount of work to do with many partners, both state and federal, to help our people.” One of the biggest undertakings was the county’s decision to oversee the tornado cleanup across the county.
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“You have to be genuine, understand the value of hard work, and understand the value of people.” “It was a massive undertaking,” Dodson said. “We took more than 1,000 dump truck loads out of one of the worst-hit areas, but I had full belief in our folks that we could devise a system and accomplish it.” Since taking office a second time, Dodson said he’s focused on providing solid leadership for the county and setting high expectations for the county to meet. “There is a toxic dynamic that has developed at the national level, and sometimes even the state level, about government,” he said. “That is not what I believe in our government. We are top performers in Faulkner County, and we should have those expectations about our government.” Being a county judge puts a person in the unique position of having a wide variety of constituents from a rural setting to city dwellers, but it’s a position Dodson believes to be suited for as a seventh-generation county resident. “I’m at home shoveling gravel and using large equipment, but I’m also an attorney with a juris doctorate,” he said. “You have to be genuine, understand the value of hard work, and understand the value of people. Having grown up with exposure of swinging a hammer, working cattle on my family’s farm, holding public office, and being an attorney brings a broad range of social experience that comes into play.”
His Second Time in Office Faulkner County Judge Allen Dodson returned to office in 2023 for the second time. This tenure, he said he’ll focus on the next 10 to 20 years of the county’s future and work to position it well.
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FAYE HEDERA:
Healing and Connecting to Conway Through Art When Faye Hedera committed to the 100 Faces of Conway project, she had lived in the city for all of seven months and knew only a handful of people. It was an inspiration found while drinking coffee one morning in her new Conway home that she followed through on. Suddenly, she had tasked herself with painting dozens upon dozens of people who made up the fabric of a city she barely knew. Hedera, with roots in central Oklahoma and east Texas, came to Conway with her husband and children in 2022 from south Florida. A newly discovered illness encouraged Hedera to move closer to family. She and her familiy discovered Conway through a Google search and thought it a unique place to live. Her first day in Conway came when she and her family closed on their new home. “It was a leap of faith that we were going to choose a good place,” Hedera said. “We had these criteria, and Conway seemed to meet every one of them.” Admittedly, her Faces project was fueled by a need to know the place she chose to raise her family was satisfactory. Her family’s move to Conway was surrounded by trying times. In Florida, Hedera had been diagnosed with Functional Neurologic Disorder. The disorder can affect memory, concentration, cognition, and the processing of sensations. Hedera said it is common for her to experience muscle tightening that can make it difficult to walk or move for a period of time. Before her move to Conway, Hedera worried she would be forced to give up painting. “I thought I would never paint again, because I had lost my ability to move,” she said. “I could barely walk, I couldn’t go up our stairs. Sometimes, I would forget how to go up and down the stairs.” Painting is more than a hobby for Hedera and the thought of losing it was troubling.
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“It’s a creative expression that I have to do,” she said. “I’m not an artist that can go months at a time without painting. It’s something I have to do. I’m able to connect to what I’m creating, and it gives me a sense of purpose and structure. I can create something and let it go. For me, it’s been really healing for a lot of different things.” Hedera was also in the middle of dealing with personal grief after her sister lost an infant child, just prior to her moving to Conway. “It was all these things mixed up,” Hedera said. “By the time the project wrapped, I had experienced healing and felt connected to this community, and it made me want to continue to do things like this and try to add value to the community.” Hedera’s Faces project was on exhibit at the Windgate Museum of Art at Hendrix College during the summer of 2023. Proceeds from the project, totaling $13,250, were donated to the Haven House, a local nonprofit that assists abused and neglected children. “It made me feel like I am still able to add value and beauty into the world even though I struggle sometimes,” Hedera said. “It’s given me a sense of purpose. It was a good reminder that despite my hands not working sometimes, they could still create something that would make someone’s life better.” The project was life affirming, Hedera said, and created an overnight bond with her new home. “Reading all the stories and interacting with the people made me love Conway,” she said. “There were so many different facets that just made me feel an attachment and care about each person that was in the project.”
Getting to Know the Community After just moving to Conway a few months before, artist Faye Hedera set out in January 2023 to paint 100 Conway community members in a project she called the 100 Faces of Conway.
“Reading all the stories and interacting with the people made me love Conway.”
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Aspirations for the Future of Hendrix College Newly installed Hendrix College President Karen Petersen said she wants to help put the college in a strong place for its next 150 years and be a regional leader in the liberal arts during her tenure in Conway.
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DR. KAREN PETERSEN: Preserving the Private, Liberal Arts Experience at Hendrix College PHOTO BY MIKE KEMP
Higher education transformed Dr. Karen Petersen’s life, and that is why she is committed to preserving the private, liberal arts experience for generations of students to come at Hendrix College. Petersen, who became Hendrix College’s thirteenth president on June 1, 2023, was a junior at Middle Tennessee State University when her international affairs professor, Jack Turner, asked her what she was going to do with her life. “I had no idea you could work in higher education, it didn’t occur to me,” Petersen said. “Obviously, I knew other people had pursued that path, but it never occurred to me that I could do that, so I told him I assumed I would graduate and get a job.” Petersen’s professor pressed her on the opportunity of graduate school, but that didn’t seem feasible to Petersen, either. “I worked 40 hours a week to pay for my undergraduate, so I told him I didn’t think I could afford it,” she said. “He told me, ‘Oh, they’ll pay you.’” That was all Petersen needed to hear. “He changed my life with that question,” she said. From there, Petersen went to Vanderbilt University where she received a master’s and doctorate in political science. She returned to her alma mater at Middle Tennessee State University in 2005 as an assistant professor in the College of Liberal Arts. She gradually progressed through the college, ultimately becoming dean of the college in 2018, where she served through 2021. That same year, Petersen became dean of Tulsa University’s Kendall College of Arts & Sciences, where she served until becoming president of Hendrix College in 2023. Her return to Arkansas is a homecoming of sorts. Petersen was born in Huntsville and lived there until she was 8 when her family returned to south Florida. Even as a child, Petersen was drawn to the classroom, remembering many days she and her two younger sisters spent playing school. She was always the teacher and they were always her students. “The fact there was an entrance point for me into higher education, it changed everything for my family,” she said. “Everything about my life is different because of access to higher education and because of the liberal arts.”
It’s not hard to see why Petersen is excited to lead Hendrix College into the future and bring the residential, liberal arts experience to a new generation. “This type of higher education is second-to-none in preparing students for life,” she said. “It teaches them to be broad, critical thinkers who are engaged community members.” When she considered moving to Hendrix College, Petersen was drawn in by the people she encountered during her interview. “There was a pride in the educational experience that students get and how everyone participates in that from faculty and staff to students,” she said. “I fell in love with this place quickly.” Petersen quips that her goal as president of Hendrix College isn’t that audacious. “When I leave here, I want Hendrix College to be in a strong place for the next 150 years as the leading residential liberal arts college in Arkansas, and possibly the region,” she said. “So not too lofty of a goal.”
“Everything about my life is different because of access to higher education and because of the liberal arts.”
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EXECUTIVE FOCUS: Rachel Shaw – Executive Director, Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau PHOTO BY MIKE KEMP Rachel Shaw began working for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce in May of 2011 as the Director of Destination Marketing. In 2019, she became the Executive Director of the Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau. Shaw serves as Treasurer of the Arkansas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus and serves on the board of the Heart of Arkansas Regional Tourism Association.
Visit Conway is funded by Advertising and Promotion tax dollars, so a large part of the work is also focused on providing grants to organizations who are bringing people to Conway. Each year, we give out close to $150,000 in grant funding to support marketing efforts and operations of events ranging from a small 5K or art exhibit, to the largest festival in the state, as well as numerous sporting events.
Q: Most people don’t think of Conway as a tourist destination. How would you describe Conway’s visitor economy?
Q: What are some current or short-term projects CVB/Visit Conway is working on?
A: While we don’t have many tourists, we do have a lot of visitors. Our annual restaurant and hotel economy is now approximately $300 million. Most of our visitors come for one of a few reasons: to visit one of our three colleges, for business travel, or to shop and dine. Conway is also the busiest location for youth sports in Arkansas, thanks to our award-winning baseball and softball complexes.
A: We want to complete the rebrand from the Conway CVB to Visit Conway. As part of the rebranding, we are building a new website that I hope will be a first stop for visitors when they are planning their trip to Conway. We are also partnering with the city to pay for some needed maintenance to the Welcome to Downtown Conway archway sign. With the addition of the new soccer facility opening this year, we will also be working to recruit more soccer tournaments to town.
Q: The Convention and Visitors Bureau is in the process of rebranding. What is motivating the change? A: Conway has always been more of a visitor destination rather than a tourist destination. My goal in updating the brand is to make that clear to the people we serve. We want to introduce ourselves as Visit Conway. We want people to understand our work — that goes beyond people coming in for large group meetings or events. Q: Describe the work that Visit Conway does to grow our visitor economy. A: As the primary marketer of our town, Visit Conway works to attract visitors through the leisure market, sports market, and meetings market. We attend trade shows to meet with these specific interest groups, advertise through local, statewide, and national publications, as well as through our owned social media outlets.
Q: What are the long-range plans or goals for CVB/Visit Conway? A: I would love for Visit Conway to become a widely recognized brand locally and statewide. As Conway grows, our visitor economy will continue to grow as well. My hope is that growth will lead to the development of a convention center and partner hotel so that we can host more large meetings in town. We will also continue to add quality of place focused amenities that will attract new people to Conway while providing entertainment for our returning visitors and residents.
Check out more about the Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau Online! Learn more about the Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau at VisitConway.org or ConwayArk.com
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Your Guide to Your New Home in Conway ARTWORK BY AUSTIN WATT PHOTOS BY MIKE KEMP
The following section of CONWAY+ is all about you, the new mover to Conway, Arkansas. Whether you came here for a career move or just finished college and have decided to stick around. The Newcomers Guide is aimed at giving you a leg-up on the competition, providing you with the people you need to know around town. Whether you’re looking for a new banker, real estate agent, or insurance broker, or you want to make some updates to your home, or trade in your car for a newer model, we devoted the next few pages to introducing you to the folks to know across a gamut of industries. You’ll also learn about some of Conway’s places to hang out and have fun or have a great meal. We’re glad you have decided to make Conway your home. See you around town!
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JOHNNY ADAMS First Security Bank
DILLON RICHARD First Community Bank
BROOKS DAVIS Arvest Bank 36 | Conway+
BANKING DONNY BRADLEY First Arkansas Bank & Trust
MELANIE MOORE Simmons Bank
DONNA ROGERS Cadence Bank 2024 Community Profile & Resource Guide | 37
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Financial Planning Advice from Conway Wealth Management What is the biggest mistake you see people make regarding financial planning and investment? A: Waiting to get started. What are some common misconceptions you encounter about financial advising? A: People think we are in our office trading stocks and bonds all day. We help people identify their long-term financial goals and provide strategies to meet them. Sometimes, there can be apprehension before a first meeting with a financial advisor. How do you put clients at ease? A: We have a specific process we go through with each new client that involves two meetings. We gather information and find out as much as we can about what the client wants to achieve in the first meeting then we provide an assessment, strategies and what a path forward looks like working with us at the second meeting. We do not charge for either of the first two meetings. Once clients know what to expect it puts them at ease.
GREG PILLOW Conway Wealth Management 825 Parkway St. (501) 358-3994 conwaywealthmanagement.com
What are the benefits of meeting early with a financial advisor versus later in your career? A: Time is one of the most important factors that determines long term success in financial planning and investments so the earlier they get a solid plan in place the better off they will be. Many people have retirement plans through their work and never interact with a real-life financial advisor. What are those people missing and why should they still meet with someone? A: Work plans are oftentimes a person’s largest asset for retirement, so we recommend getting a professional opinion about where the money is allocated to make sure it lines up with that person’s goals and objectives. If a person meets with an advisor, they can get this second opinion on the work plan and advice on all of their other financial matters. Having a comprehensive plan in place will provide them with the confidence they need to pursue long-term success. Securities and Financial Planning offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.
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STEPHANIE NICHOLSON WACO Title
KORRY GARRETT Century 21 Sandstone Real Estate
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LEAH BROWN ERA TEAM Real Estate
KELLI SMALL ERA TEAM Real Estate
REAL ESTATE
BART SHAW Lenders Title VICTORIA STENDER RE/MAX Elite
KAREN FERGUSON RE/MAX Elite
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Tips from the Pros: Relocating to Conway What are the most important aspects of a property that new homebuyers should pay attention to, but often miss? A: Most homebuyers today are so savvy and do tons of research before they purchase a property. Securing a home inspector is one of the most important steps in the homebuying process. The buyer should always pay attention to the location and the surroundings of the property. Are there traffic or noise issues that may be a problem? If you work from home, will your Internet access be adequate? Thankfully, in the city limits our Conway Corp internet connection is fantastic! -Lori Quinn What are the most common misconceptions or surprises new residents encounter regarding the local real estate market and industry? What might stand out as unusual for someone moving from another part of the country? A: A big misconception is that we won’t have great shopping or restaurants, which they assume they would have to drive to Little Rock for. The second surprise is how strong our downtown is. As far as something unusual — for our population size — many newcomers are surprised at our rental market inventory. But then when you explain to them that we have three colleges they understand. -Velda Lueders What are some effective ways for new residents to integrate into their new community and neighborhood after they’ve moved in? A: Attending school functions, if they have children, attending religious services, and looking for a community calendar and finding out what is happening in the area that they would be interested in. With the buyer’s permission, many agents send out a postcard, introducing the new neighbors to the neighborhood. –Velda Lueders
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Q&A
Q&A
Housing Market Insights from Lenders Title Company What are some of the best things about the housing market in Conway? A: Conway and central Arkansas continue to be strong housing markets. Our economy has a unique blend of business, higher education, and healthcare that work together to complement each other during up/downswings in the economy. Developers and builders, combined with realtor listings of existing homes, continue to provide a strong mix of housing for those looking to purchase in this market. How does the local market compare to what we see in other metro areas across the country or nationwide? A: We are fortunate to sometimes be sheltered from the downturn volatility that happens on the coast; however, sometimes we do not receive the significant upturns those areas experience as well. Our local market does act like many of our peer cities both in Arkansas and nationwide. Property values have increased locally just like they have nationwide over the past few years, and builders and developers continue to respond well to the needs of our local community. BART SHAW Lenders Title 1301 Main St. (501) 327-6811 lenderstitlegroup.com
If someone is looking to buy a house in Conway, what advice would you share with them? What should they make sure to do during that process? A: I would suggest for anyone interested in buying a home to work with an experienced realtor who understands our local market. These professionals can assist in the process to not only find the home you’re looking for, but also assist in making the correct offer, inspection process, and more. Once a contract is signed, Lenders Title can work with the buyer, agent, lender, and all other parties to ensure a timely closing and title is conveyed. These professionals can help make your process smooth and as stress free as possible. Lenders Title Group began in 1987 with a promise to provide customers unsurpassed service which quickly made it the market leader. Its Conway office is located at 1301 Main St.
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JAMES BUGGS Conway Corp
ERIN WELLS Lumber1
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ZACH WATKINS HD Roofing & Construction
MELVIN GONZALEZ Melvin’s Painting
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HEALTH CARE Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway Baptist Health began in 1921 with a single hospital in downtown Little Rock. Today, Baptist Health is Arkansas’ most comprehensive healthcare system with 12 hospitals across the state and more than 300 points of access. It is also the largest private notfor-profit healthcare organization based in Arkansas. For more information, visit baptist-health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app.
Conway Regional Health System Conway Regional Health System serves North Central Arkansas and the River Valley. Centered on a 180-bed, acute care medical center, Conway Regional provides a variety of services including cardiology, orthopedics, neuro-spine surgery, gastroenterology services, women’s health, surgery, and rehabilitation. Conway Regional was the first hospital in Arkansas to partner with the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Nursery Alliance, allowing newborns to receive care closer to home. Additionally, Conway Regional operates a rehabilitation hospital and a 70,000-square-foot Health and Fitness Center.
Banister-Lieblong Clinic Since 1961, Banister-Lieblong Clinic has grown to become the premier provider of family medicine in Faulkner County. Its team of experienced and professional physicians and staff are committed to providing comprehensive, high quality, and evidence-based health care. Banister-Lieblong added two new physicians in 2023, Dr. Widders and Dr. Fulmer. Banister-Lieblong is accepting new patients and is usually available for same-day appointments. Banister-Lieblong is proud to serve the community and looks forward to another 60 years of care.
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Arkansas Spine and Pain Arkansas Spine and Pain is staffed by compassionate professionals that are dedicated to getting patients back to the activities they love. Arkansas Spine and Pain offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for people who have sustained sports injuries or are living with chronic pain. Arkansas Spine and Pain provides treatment for head and neck, upper body, and lower body issues.
Align Counseling & Wellness Align Counseling & Wellness provides mental health services for people of all ages, backgrounds, and orientations. It is our core mission to work with clients in a way that resonates with dignity and respect while also helping them pursue the goals that are most important to them and their mental health. Each of our therapists has a slightly different focus and approach but we can help with adjustment difficulties, family conflict, LGBTQ+ issues, trauma & religious trauma, etc.
FYZICAL At FYZICAL, a highly skilled, compassionate team of physical therapists are 100% focused on achieving optimal health and wellness for you so you can get back to living the life you enjoy. You will receive a specific program designed uniquely for you. No one program fits all here. FYZICAL is here to help you meet your balance, vestibular, post-surgical, and pelvic health needs.
Conway Behavioral Health Hospital Conway Behavioral Health Hospital offers comprehensive psychiatric and addiction treatment for adolescents and adults in a secure setting with personalized programming that helps patients regain control of their lives. B E H AV I O R A L H E A LT H
The hospital provides acute inpatient care for adults and adolescents who are dealing with mental, behavioral, or psychiatric health disorders. Its services are designed for individuals whose symptoms are severe enough to have impaired their ability to function or put them at risk of harming themselves or others.
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ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT Reynolds Performance Hall UCA Public Appearances is a division of the University’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Its primary responsibility is to develop and present performing arts programming to the entire Central Arkansas community. Public Appearances’ home is the Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall – a 1,200 seat, state-of-the-art theatre on the University of Central Arkansas campus. Reynolds Performance Hall hosts many events throughout the year including national touring artists and Broadway shows, professional speakers, and more. Since opening in 2000, Reynolds has welcomed a host of popular acts and notable entertainers, including The Bacon Brothers, Gladys Knight, Temple Grandin, Spike Lee, Nicholas Sparks, Buddy Guy, Frankie Valli, Wynonna Judd, 38 Special and the late Loretta Lynn and Ray Charles. Popular Broadway shows like Cats, CHICAGO, Kinky Boots, The Color Purple, Legally Blonde, and Rent have also come to Reynolds. For more information, visit uca.edu/publicappearances.
Urban Air Adventure Park Urban Air Adventure Park is the ultimate indoor park were kids of all ages, and kids at heart, can explore thrlling attractions, challenge their body and mind, and most importantly, have a blast. Urban Air pushes adventure to the limit while providing a safe place where the whole fmaily can jump, soar, race, climb, and play. Attractions include MyFly, the Twist Tower, mini-golf, trapeze, bumper cars, virtual reality, climbing walls, performance trampolines, and more.
Malys Get ready for an amazing time with delicious food and creative cocktails at Malys Entertinament. The huge arcade offers non-stop fun for everyone, young and young at heart. At Malys, try your hand at axe throwing or have a friendly family battle on the bowling lanes. Whether you’re a pro or just want to have a great time with loved ones, the bowling area is perfect. Malys laser tag provides an exciting mix of strategy, teamwork, and thrilling competition for an awesome gaming adventure. Come to Malys Entertainment and find out why it’s the best place for excitement and entertainment.
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QA &
Learn More about UCA Athletics with Athletics Director Brad Teague Q: Can you give us a quick background on what division and conference the University of Central Arkansas is a part of, as well as all the different sports played at the University of Central Arkansas? A: In 2006, we reclassified from Division II to Division I. So, for almost 20 years, we have enjoyed success in the highest level of NCAA sports. To be DI, a program must sponsor a minimum of 14 sports and must include men’s and women’s basketball. At Central Arkansas, we sponsor 19 sports, 11 women’s and 8 men’s. We are proud to offer so many to provide us with a diverse group of students. Q: What is the history and tradition of UCA Athletics? A: Central Arkansas has a proud history of success in sports. This program has been successful for over a century. We have enjoyed success in all of our sport offerings over time. We are proud to support all our sports to provide the tools necessary for our students to have a great experience and our coaches and students to be successful in all their endeavors. Q: When is the best time to catch a game on the UCA campus? A: Since we have 19 sports, there is almost a constant occurrence of competition. Most of our sports are free to attend and are played consistently on certain days. Our app is a great way to keep up with all sports. It can be found on our website at UCASports.com. The ticketed sports are football, basketball, baseball, and softball.
BRAD TEAGUE Director of UCA Athletics (501) 450-3150 ucasports.com
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Q: How do I get plugged into UCA Athletics? A: We offer a Monday luncheon on campus to hear from our coaches. It’s a fun time of fellowship with fellow Bears. Our staff is always available to connect with anyone needing more information. How do I find out more about UCA Athletics? A: UCASports.com is the best way to learn about our program. We also promote our programs on all social media platforms. All forms are listed on our website.
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AUTOMOTIVE MARINNA THOMAS Halter’s Body Shop
KATHY RICKARDS Oak Street Automotive BRETT BERRY Chris Crain Hyundai
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TRACY GAFNER Steve’s Auto Center
RITA HALTER THOMAS Halter’s Body Shop
CATE MCCONNELL Smith Ford
KASON KIMBRELL Tommy’s Express Car Wash
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CONSTRUCTION Covington Companies Covington Companies has served Conway since 1923 in a variety of ways. Covington Roofing and Sheet Metal has enjoyed a century of business as one of the oldest roofing contractors in the state. Covington Properties, established in 1983, has been recognized for its revitalization of a host of buildings across downtown Conway, and Covington Construction, established in 1993, has helped complete those revitalization projects along with new projects.
Frank Shaw Properties Longtime Faulkner County residents have likely heard of Frank Shaw. Shaw has been a practicing attorney in Conway for more than 40 years. But in late 2019, Shaw made a major professional shift towards real estate development. And he’s now leading the city’s growth in a new (southern) direction. Shaw helped develop two small subdivisions off Stermer Road in the 1980s, but spent the next three decades focused on his legal practice. In 2019, he had the opportunity to re-enter residential development. With Rausch Coleman, he helped address Conway’s demand for affordable homes with 440 homes. Now, Shaw is developing his first premium home subdivision in south Conway, a nine-lot development known as Orchard Hill Phase One. Orchard Hill subdivision lots range from $100,000 to $140,000. For more information, call Frank Shaw Properties at 501.514.2244.
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Trinity Development Trinity Development is one of Conway’s oldest and largest land development and property management companies. If you live, work, or do business in Conway, there’s a good chance you’ve visited a property that it owns and manages. Trinity Development’s respected real estate team has been dedicated to providing commercial, residential and apartment leasing, outstanding personal service, and exceptional results to Conway and Faulkner County residents for over 30 years.
Diamond State Restoration Diamond State Restoration provides services such as repairing and replacing residential roofs and coating commercial roofs. Diamond State Restoration is a full-service, licensed, and bonded restoration contractor that serves all of central Arkansas. Diamond State Restoration strives to provide professional full-service roofing for central Arkansas by installing roofs that protect from the elements and take a beating from the sun, wind, rain, and storm damage.
Salter Construction Salter Construction, Inc., based in Conway, is one of the largest privately held, family-owned construction and real estate development companies in the state. Founded in 1976 by Gene Salter, the company quickly built a reputation for honesty, teamwork and service. Throughout his career, Gene refers to his clients as respected friends. This camaraderie and team sentiment is rooted deep in the company’s history. The Salter family’s passion, commitment, experience, and integrity are a central part of every project it delivers.
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Q&A
FRANK SHAW: A CAREER REIMAGINED A late-in-life career change is altering the future of Conway’s growth Longtime Faulkner County residents have likely heard of Frank Shaw. Shaw has been a practicing attorney in Conway for more than 40 years. But in late 2019, Shaw made a major professional shift towards real estate development. And he’s now leading the city’s growth in a new (southern) direction.
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In 2023, more than 40% of the homes built in Conway were on lots developed by Frank Shaw. Q: Can you provide insights into the impact your previous developments, focused on first-time home buyers, had on Conway’s growth and development? A: I helped develop two small subdivisions off of Stermer Road in Conway in the 1980s. But I then spent the next three decades focused on my legal practice. It wasn’t until 2019 that I had the opportunity to do residential development again. My plan was to develop a small-lot subdivision in east Conway. I saw the need for affordable housing and just hoped to sell a few. I received a call from John Rausch to set up an appointment with me. He came to the downtown office, and after a few minutes, I asked him if he wanted to buy a few lots. His response was, “I’ll take all of them.” Now — 440 lots later — Rausch Coleman is addressing Conway’s demand for affordable homes. Fast-forward to 2022 and Conway is the fastest-growing city in Arkansas. Without our developments that would not be the case. The market stressors, especially interest rates, are now driving these prices up to mid-range housing in many cases. One remedy is to decrease the minimum lot size, something the city can do. Land prices in Conway, if you find any available, are through the roof. Conway may not see any more affordable housing, despite the demand, and then we will see a corresponding increase in apartment construction. To be clear, density is the major issue. Take your pick, single-family density or multi-family density.
In 2023, the median home price in Conway was $227,450. The median cost per square foot was $145.20 Q: You have recently shifted your development strategy to focus on premium homes and high-end residential developments in southern Conway. What influenced this change and what benefits do you see for the city? A: My first premium home subdivision in south Conway was a simple nine-lot one, Orchard Hill Phase 1. The lots sold before we finished. The idea was to move from first-time buyers to premium buyers. It was my opinion that no matter your station in life, everybody wanted more room.
We looked to south Conway, specifically Round Mountain. My longtime friendship with Richard Collins and his orchard made me aware of the area and the nearby city utilities. Orchard Hill is the culmination of his vision and mine. Looking at a city map reveals that Conway can really only grow south. Our recent buyers have been local folks who are already familiar with the area, west Conway residents who commute south into Little Rock, or Little Rock residents seeing the beauty of the area. Most of Conway is flat, whereas south Conway is part of the Ouachitas and has a totally different terrain and geography. It’s a beautiful place to live.
More that 60% of Conway homes built in 2023 are south of Dave Ward Drive. Q: How do you see these developments elevating the city’s image and attracting further investment and growth? A: South Conway is where the growth potential exists. Conway schools are super and Carolyn Lewis Elementary School is only three minutes from Orchard Hill. Our most recent acquisitions will be developed as even larger lot choices. This market will be the 5-acre, 10-acre, up to 50-acre tracks, appropriately priced, for homeowners looking for even more privacy and scenic beauty. South Conway provides a unique opportunity to attract homeowners from across America. Now that online buying is common, I am seeing interest and purchases from people all over the country. Orchard Hill subdivision has lots ranging from $100,000-$140,000.
For more information call Frank Shaw Properties at 501.514.2244
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JAMIE BREEDING Tipton & Hurst ERIK SWARD Bell & Sward
ALEJANDRA CHAPMAN Braswell & Son
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KIMBERLY PALADINO Three Poppies
RETAIL MIRINDA DAVIS Kindred Mercantile
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SHOPPING IN CONWAY The city features four distinct shopping areas, each with unique offerings. The city’s Eastside straddles Interstate 40 and is home to large shopping centers featuring national chains drawing regional shoppers from multiple counties. The Eastside transitions into Downtown Conway along Oak Street offering unique, locally owned retail establishments and a collection of restaurants, bars, bakeries, and coffee shops. As its name would suggest, Midtown Conway sits in the center of the city and features an ever-expanding mix of chain stores and restaurants along with local establishments. Nestled along Hogan Lane, West Conway offers a number of neighborhood-oriented retail developments.
Conway’s Largest Shopping Centers Conway Commons
Conway Market Place
Address: 310 Elsinger Boulevard Size: 701,177 SF Anchors: Target, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Belk, T.J. Maxx/HomeGoods, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Best Buy, Old Navy, Petsmart
Address: 3900 Dave Ward Drive Size: 210,422 SF Anchors: Walmart
Lewis Crossing Address: Interstate 40 and Dave Ward Dr. Size: 441,000 SF Anchors: Sam’s Club, Academy Sports, Ross, Ulta, Petco, BAM, Aldi (opening in 2024)
Conway Towne Center Address: 201 Skyline Drive Size: 323,312 SF Anchors: JCPenney, Office Depot, Cinemark, Bargain Hunt, Urban Air Trampoline Park
Faulkner Plaza Address: 150 E. Oak St. SizeL 121,821 SF Anchors: Hobby Lobby, Big Lots
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RESTAURANTS CHRIS SMITH Rogue Roundabout
AMANDA DENYS Rogue Roundabout
PATTI STOBAUGH Stoby’s & Patticakes Bakery 88 | Conway+
PAUL DEDEN Aramark
ERNESTO CASTRO Don Pepe’s Gourmet Burritos & Tacos
JOSE CASTRO Los Tres Potrillos
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INSURANCE
CAROLINE HOWSE Farris Agency
JAY BERNARD State Farm Insurance
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ALLAN HUDSON Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
ANDY HAWKINS Hawkins Insurance
NICK ROUGEAU NRG Insurance
TORI MARTIN American Safeguard Insurance 2024 Community Profile & Resource Guide | 95
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Between the
METRO and the MOUNTAINS ARKANSAS
While part of the Little Rock MSA and home to 70,000 residents, Conway still represents something of a northern frontier for central Arkansas. A one-hour drive to the north offers accessible Ozark streams and adventure on beautifully preserved public lands at Bluffton Preserve. A one-hour drive to the west places you on the world-class Arkansas Monument Trail mountain bike system at Mount Nebo. In between, there are countless other ways to take advantage of The Natural State’s great outdoors. All while keeping the comforts of Conway conveniently within reach. Presented by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
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#RecreateResponsibly
65
Leslie 65
Clinton
Greer’s Ferry
40
65
Mount Nebo State Park 10
Russellville 7
10
40
Petit Jean State Park
27 28
Conway 167 40 10
40
Little Rock 30
30
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LAKE CONWAY
Restored, Renovated, Reimagined
On Sept. 1, 2023 the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission opened the gates on the south end of Lake Conway and began to slowly drain the 6,700-acre lake. Completely draining the lake is the first step toward renovating the country’s largest lake ever built by a conservation organization. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Director Austin Booth says the project looks forward to a renewed Lake Conway, but also honors the legacy of those who worked to create the lake more than 70 years ago. “The AGFC is not just doubling down on outdoor recreation on Lake Conway and Faulkner County, but also on the conservation ethos that existed here in the 1940s, that we know is alive and well in 2023, and so that future Arkansans can enjoy Lake Conway at its full potential,” Booth said. 102 | Conway+
Restored The first phase of lake restoration is accomplished by mother nature. Since opening more than 70 years ago, silt and sediment have built up on the lake’s bottom. This natural byproduct of aging has taken away as much as 3 feet of depth in portions of the lake and much of the lake’s prime spawning habitat. Engineers and biologists estimate that 40 percent of the lake’s original 40,000-acre-foot volume has been replaced with sediment, leaving many boat houses in the northern quarter of the lake inaccessible. An extended drawdown will let the silt dry and compact, regaining some lost depth. The result is more volume for fish and fisherman. The increased depth could even restore several hundred acres of surface area to a fishable depth. During the drying process, organic matter trapped in the sediment will decompose and be taken up by grass, brush, and trees. Those nutrients will be recycled into the system. When the lake is filled, this new growth will create excellent cover the fishery has not seen in decades. A similar project, conducted at Lower White Oak Lake in 2012, has yielded exceptional results from the new lake effect of flooding such growth and managing from a clean slate. Draining the lake will enable the AGFC to start with a clean slate and focus the lake’s nutrients on desirable species, including crappie, bream, Florida largemouth bass and flathead catfish. These will all be stocked to optimize future fishing. The lake’s restored fertility will allow these fish to grow quickly. Finally, draining the lake will allow seven decades of litter and debris to be removed. Volunteers and area conservation organizations will work to make sure Lake Conway will reopen with a clean and healthy lakebed.
Renovated While mother nature works to restore the natural potential of the lake, the state game and fish commission will take on an ambitious construction program, preparing to welcome tens of thousands of anglers annually. All public access areas and public fishing areas will be improved with three main goals in mind: habitat preservation, bank fishing enhancements, and the addition of amenities. Boat ramp capacity, quality, and parking will be increased where needed. The 23 miles of boat lanes on the lake will be cleared of stumps and clearly marked. And more than 3,000 individual fishing structures will help add new habitat to the lake. Draining the lake also presents an opportunity for private landowners and residents around the lake to improve their permitted structures, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and other local organizations will help facilitate repairing or replacing dilapidated structures on Lake Conway.
The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission began the drawdown of Lake Conway on Sept. 1, 2023.
Finally, Lake Conway’s water management infrastructure will be completely rebuilt. This includes total replacement of the original dam and spillway, which were constructed in 1948. A spillway will be added adjacent to the current dam. This will not only enhance the lake’s water management capabilities but also provide an opportunity for aesthetic improvements. The new dam will also feature a pedestrian bridge and improved bank fishing access.
Reimagined A lot has changed since Lake Conway was opened more than seven decades ago. The city of Conway on the northern shore has added more than 60,000 residents. People recreate and travel differently. While Lake Conway will always remain a destination for fishing and hunting, the renovation project is an opportunity to reimagine how new user groups can also enjoy the lake. The City of Conway, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, and Conway Development Corporation are partnering on a master plan to create an Urban Natural Area on the northwestern portion of the lake adjoining the city. The plan will emphasize connectivity to area bike and pedestrian trails, the creation of water trails and islands for primitive lodging or recreation, as well as improved bank fishing access. The city of Conway’s reimagined lakeshore will further establish Lake Conway as a destination for anyone in central Arkansas who loves the outdoors.
To Follow the Progress of the Lake Conway Renovation Visit www.NewLakeConway.com or www.agfc.com
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Explore the Great
oUTDOORs With its location in the heart of The Natural State, Conway is a great place for an outdoor adventure. Possibilities for fishing, boating, swimming, or other water sports are just a short drive away, as are hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping grounds.
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Fairfield Bay
Greers Ferry Lake
Drive Time: 45 minutes
Drive Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Nestled on Greers Ferry Lake, this community offers swimming, fishing, golf, hiking, tennis, and more. Annual events attract visitors year-round.
40,000-acre lake with camping sites, cliff diving, and public beaches. Buffalo River Drive Time: 2 hours 16 minutes
America’s first “National River.” 500-foot cliffs line this 150-mile waterway that sees tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park Drive Time: 40 minutes
Minutes from Little Rock. Scenic hikes with sweeping views of central Arkansas.
Woolly Hollow State Park Drive Time: 36 minutes
Only 12 miles north of Conway, this park has a 40-acre lake, campsites, and miles of hiking and mountain bike trails.
Petit Jean Mountain State Park Drive Time: 53 minutes
One of Arkansas’s premier state parks. Tons of trails, waterfalls, camping, and lodging options.
Cadron Settlement Park Drive Time: 19 minutes
Scenic overlook of the Arkansas River Valley. Mountain bike trails, pavilions, and historic markers minutes from campus.
Little Red River Drive Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Home to world-record brown trout, full-service resorts, and easily accessible fishing.
Mount Nebo State Park Drive Time: 1 hour 9 minutes
A certified Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Site. Offers 14 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails and panoramic views of the Arkansas River from the Rim Trail.
Mount Magazine State Park Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
The highest point in Arkansas and one of the highest in the central United States. Resort-quality lodge, hiking trails, and climbing.
Hiking
Climbing
Mountain Biking
Fishing
Sightseeing
Swimming
Boating
Canoeing
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The People & Places of
CONWAY CYCLING 106 | Conway+
Conway offers a little bit of everything from the cycling standpoint with a variety of routes and trails that offer riding in gravel, mountain, and road formats.
Places Pompe Park Flow Trail: Located at the corner of Prince Street and Morningside Drive, this approximately one-mile loop offers riders of every skill level a fun place to ride. Berms, rollers, table drops combine with natural features in this conveniently located city park. Tech Park Loop: This 3.1-mile loop trail is a combination of woods and open meadows. Professionally built berms and classic single-track are spread throughout The Meadows Technology Park in south Conway just off Sturgis Road. The Bunny Slope: This is a great beginner trail located directly behind Walmart on Dave Ward Drive. You can access the trail either from Walmart or Tucker Creek Trail. The entrance from the trail is just past the red bridge. The trail has a loop on either side of a creek/ditch that runs right down the middle and is spanned by a single bridge. The total length is one mile, and the trail is entirely flat. There are no roots or rocks. Do not ride, or attempt to ride, this trail if there has been a recent rain. Tucker Creek Trail: Conway’s first greenway trail, measuring 3 miles in total, is also the city’s most popular. Perfect for new cyclists, Tucker Creek Trail offers users an option for a short 3-mile ride beginning at the Salem Road trail head or a 6-mile route beginning at Gatlin Park off Tyler Street. If you’re wanting to build your confidence, this route is the perfect
“Conway is an amazing place to ride because we have access to a little bit of everything including rural paved roads, climbs, flat roads, mountain bike trails, rural gravel roads, greenways and safer alternative transportation routes.” — Terry Coddington, Bike & Pedestrian Coordinator, City of Conway place to do so. Start with a shorter route riding down to Hogan Lane and back, then level up by riding the entire length of the trail. There are also single-track mountain bike trails that run in the pine trees alongside Tucker Creek for much of this route. Cadron Settlement Park: This five-mile MTB trail at Cadron Settlement Park offers a load of fun and a great workout. Cadron consists of an “Outside Loop” that encircles the park and is a little more flowy and faster and an “Inside Loop” that snakes around on the inside and proves to be technical and challenging. Be aware — hikers have beaten a path between trails which can lead to some confusion. Follow the Orange arrows for the full trail. This trail is frequently rated as a difficult blue or blue/black. Model Shared Roadways and Complete Streets: Since passing a Complete Streets ordinance more than a decade ago, Conway has developed more than 60 miles of bike lanes, shared paths, and trails. Conway has been designated a
Bicycle Friendly City for more than ten years. Two recent major street projects have modeled excellence in biking infrastructure. The Markham Street and Donaghey Avenue reconstructions include dedicated bike infrastructure like cycle tracks and a comprehensive marking and signage suite.
People Wes Pruitt – Founding member and coach, Conway Bearcats NICA Team: “I have been heavily involved in cycling in Conway for almost 20 years now. I was on the first ever bicycle advisory board that the city put together to work toward the goal of a bicycle friendly city. During my 9 years on city council, I was a strong advocate for the cycling community and proposed we hire our first part-time cycling and pedestrian coordinator, Terry Coddington. NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) has also been a large part of our family for the past 7 years. I remember when Terry (Coddington) 2024 Community Profile & Resource Guide | 107
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Conway Regional Health System Biketoberfest, held annually in October, provides a great opportunity for the local cycling community to grow and discover new amenities of the local cycling scene.
came to me and Erik (Leamon) and said he wanted to start a high school mountain bike team. We were all for it. We had no idea what to expect. We were thinking that it may just be our 3 kids on the team in the first year. We advertised a little and were very surprised when 12 kids showed up for the first practice. Seven years and four Pruitt NICA athletes later, we are still loving being a part of this (much larger) NICA team and a part of cycling community in Conway.” Fritzie Vammen – President, Conway Advocates for Bicycling: “Conway Advocates for Bicycling is excited to be a part of a growing cycling community making Conway an even greater place to live and work. CAB is in the process of growing its Conway Cycling Project (CCP) headed by Ron King. So far this year CCP has repaired and given away 142 bikes and additionally has repaired 72 bikes for folks who bring them in. CAB sponsors group rides on Monday and Wednesday evening from March through October starting at 5:30 pm at the McGee Center. There are 3 groups to accommodate all levels of riders. 108 | Conway+
We have an annual fundraiser, the Conway Fall Classic ride, with 20-, 40- and 60-mile options and a fun catered pasta lunch following. This occurs in September. We split proceeds this year with the Faulkner County Boys and Girls Club.” Terry Coddington - Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator, City of Conway: “Conway is an amazing place to ride because we have access to a little bit of everything including rural paved roads, climbs, flat roads, mountain bike trails, rural gravel roads, greenways and safer alternative transportation routes. I am working hard as the City of Conway Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator to bring amenities and features of places we love to visit to our great city. When we do this, we attract more jobs and talent to our community while becoming healthier and happier in the process while getting even more people involved in our community.” Erik and Tara Leamon – Owners, The Ride: “We like to think of The Ride as Conway’s hub of the wheel. We exist to provide quality bicycle products and repairs, as well as educating, connecting, and encouraging our customers. We keep
Conway rolling by connecting all of these integral components of the local cycling scene in one hub, The Ride. We encourage and support those who are ready to make healthy choices to be more physically active on two wheels. We do our best to make this world a better place, one bike at a time.”
Out on the Open Road
With its central location in The Natural State, Conway is just a short drive from some of the region’s most popular tourist towns, giving you the perfect excuse for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Roland, OK
Memphis, TN
Drive Time: 2 hours Don’t Miss: Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland
Drive Time: 2 hours 26 min. Don’t Miss: Beale Street
Fayetteville/NW Arkansas
Oklahoma City, OK
Drive Time: 2 hours 28 min. Don’t Miss: Dickson Street Crystal Bridges Museum
Drive Time: 4 hours 37 min. Don’t Miss: Bricktown
Dallas, TX Nashville, TN Drive Time: 5 hours 38 min. Don’t Miss: Live Music
Drive Time: 5 hours 3 min. Don’t Miss: Professional Sports Theme Parks
New Orleans, LA Drive Time: 7 hours 26 min. Don’t Miss: French Quarter
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CONWAY
GUIDE Get the 411 on Conway’s educational institutions, hospitals, parks, and utilities and public services. For the latest on the businesses, nonprofits, houses of worship, and other organizations that make up the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, browse the online directory of member businesses at ConwayChamber.org.
PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM
Conway Junior High (8th–9th) 1815 Prince Street 501-450-4860 cjhs.conwayschools.org
Conway Public Schools 2220 Prince Street 501-450-4800 ConwaySchools.org @ConwaySchools
Education
District Overview: Founded: 1878 Mascot: Wampus Cat School Colors: Blue & White Number of Schools: 16 Pre-K through 12th Enrollment: 10,038
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Conway Public Schools consists of a preschool, nine elementary schools, four middle schools, one junior high school, one high school, and a career center. The district has established a reputation for high performance. Over the last decade, six out of nine elementary schools have spent time at the top of academic rankings – from benchmark exams and stateassigned letter grades to National Blue Ribbon achievement awards.
Conway High School
Marguerite Vann
2845 Carl Stuart Road 501-450-4870 mves.conwayschools.org
Theodore Jones
1800 Freyaldenhoven Lane 501-450-6645 tjes.conwayschools.org
Woodrow Cummins
1400 Padgett Road 501-513-4417 wces.conwayschools.org
Middle Schools (5th–7th)
Bob and Betty Courtway
Preschool
1200 Bob Courtway Drive 501-450-4832 bc.conwayschools.org
1629 South Boulevard 501-450-6693 sallieconepreschool.weebly.com
Carl Stuart
Sallie Cone Preschool Center
Elementary Schools (K–4th)
Carolyn Lewis
1805 Old Military Road 501-450-4835 cles.conwayschools.org
Ellen Smith
1601 South Donaghey Avenue 501-450-4815 eses.conwayschools.org
Preston and Florence Mattison 2001 Florence Mattison Drive 501-450-4820 fmes.conwayschools.org
Ida Burns
1201 Donaghey Avenue 501-450-4825 ibes.conwayschools.org
Jim Stone
4255 College Avenue 501-450-4808 jses.conwayschools.org
Julia Lee Moore
1301 Country Club Road 501-450-4830 jlmes.conwayschools.org
2745 Carl Stuart Road 501-329-2782 cs.conwayschools.org
Raymond and Phyllis Simon 1601 East Siebenmorgan 501-513-6120 si.conwayschools.org
Ruth Doyle
800 Padgett Road 501-450-6675 rdi.conwayschools.org
(10th–12th) 2300 Prince Street 501-450-4880 chs.conwayschools.org
Conway Area Career Center 2300 Prince Street 501-450-4888 cacc.conwayschools.org
The Conway Area Career Center fosters learning through career and technical education. Programs of study include architectural drafting and design, cosmetology, culinary arts, photography, and welding, among others. The Career Center is located on the Conway High School campus but serves students attending high schools throughout Faulkner, Van Buren, Cleburne, Perry, and White counties.
PRIVATE & PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS St. Joseph Catholic School
502 Front Street 501-329-5741 StJosephConway.org @SJSBulldogs
District Overview: Founded: 1879 Mascot: Bulldog School Colors: Purple & Gold Grades: Pre-K through 12th grade Pre-K through 12th Enrollment: 484 St. Joseph School has provided quality, Catholic education to students in Conway since 1879. Its ultimate goal is to integrate faith and learning in order to develop the whole person: soul, mind, and body. St. Joseph Catholic School is accredited by the Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association and is under the direction of the Diocese of Little Rock.
Conway Christian School 500 East German Lane 501-336-9067 ConwayChristianSchool.org @ConwayChristian
District Overview: Founded: 1992 Mascot: Eagles School Colors: Blue, White & Red Grades: Pre-K through 12th grade Pre-K through 12th Enrollment: 534 Conway Christian School, established in 1992, provides a comprehensive educational program for students. The interdenominational, college preparatory school strives to provide an environment where students can grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Conway Christian School is accredited by the Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association and the Association of Christian Schools International.
HIGHER EDUCATION Conway is the proud home of three institutions of higher learning, earning the distinction as the “City of Colleges.” Central Baptist College, Hendrix College, and the University of Central Arkansas consistently produce graduates who stay in the area and enter the workforce. This is part of the reason Conway surpasses the state and national averages when it comes to the educational attainment rate – more than one-third of Conway’s adults age 25 or older have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Central Baptist College
Central Baptist College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college owned and operated by the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas. 1501 College Avenue 501-329-6872 CBC.edu @CentBaptCollege Founded: 1952 (predecessor Central College founded in 1893) Mascot: Mustang School Colors: Blue & Gray Enrollment: 607 (2021) Degrees Offered: 41 bachelor’s degrees, 5 associate degrees, 24 minors, 25 pre-professional programs
Hendrix College
Hendrix College is a four-year, private college of liberal arts affiliated with the United Methodist Church. 1600 Washington Avenue 501-329-6811 Hendrix.edu @HendrixCollege Founded: 1876 (moved to Conway in 1890) Mascot: Warrior School Colors: Orange & Black Enrollment: 1,144 Degrees Offered: 31 undergraduate majors, 33 minors, 15 preprofessional programs
University of Central Arkansas University of Central Arkansas is a four-year, state-run institution granting bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. 201 Donaghey Avenue 501-450-5000 UCA.edu @UCABears Founded: 1907 Mascot: Bear School Colors: Purple and Gray Enrollment: 9,913 Degrees Offered: 89 undergraduate degrees, 34 master’s degrees, 11 post-master’s certificates, 11 graduate certificates, 7 doctoral degrees, 3 associate degrees, 2 certificates of proficiency, 2 technical certificates, 2 specialist programs
Baptist Health–Conway 1555 Exchange Avenue 501-585-2000 baptisthealthconway.com
Health Care
As the largest, not-for-profit health care organization in the state, Baptist Health has delivered quality health care to Arkansans for more than 90 years. Its ninth and newest hospital location, Baptist Health–Conway, is a faith-based, state-of-the-art facility offering an integrated healing environment for the care and comfort of patients and families.
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Located on the west side of Interstate 40, the 260,000-squarefoot facility features 111 beds and eight operating rooms. Baptist Health–Conway offers a full spectrum of comprehensive services, including inpatient and outpatient surgical care, orthopedic care, heart services, women’s health, and MRI and CAT scan services. Since it opened in Conway in September 2016, Baptist Health has worked with various educational institutions and nonprofits to promote health and wellness in Faulkner County and the surrounding communities.
Conway Behavioral Health Hospital
Conway Regional Health System
Conway Behavioral Health Hospital treats adults and adolescents with a variety of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and co-occurring addiction. The 80-bed, 65,000-square-foot mental health treatment center provides acute inpatient care in a secure setting for adults and adolescents.
Conway Regional Health System provides inpatient and outpatient health care services to Faulkner County and the surrounding area. As a not-for-profit health system, Conway Regional is committed to reinvesting in health care services that benefit the communities it serves.
Conway Behavioral Health is part of the Acadia network, a provider of inpatient behavioral health care services. Acadia operates a network of 593 behavioral health care facilities with approximately 18,100 beds in 40 states, the United Kingdom, and Puerto Rico. Acadia provides behavioral health and addiction services to its patients in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, specialty treatment facilities, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics.
The health system works with numerous philanthropic organizations throughout the community to provide programs that benefit people of all ages and income levels. Conway Regional also offers support programs to help families and patients through difficult situations, such as cancer treatment, diabetes management, and the tragic loss of an infant.
2255 Strugis Road 866-868-2716 conwaybh.com
2302 College Avenue 800-245-3314 conwayregional.org
In addition to its 150-bed, acute care medical center, Conway Regional Health System features an all-digital outpatient imaging center, an outpatient surgery center, a freestanding rehabilitation hospital, several primary care clinics, and one of the largest hospital-owned fitness centers in the nation.
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Utilities & Public Services
AT&T Arkansas
101 N. 13th, Room 316 (Fort Smith) 479-785-6610 att.com AT&T offers wireless, internet, and TV services in Conway and the surrounding area.
Conway Corporation 650 Locust Street 501-450-6000 conwaycorp.com
Conway Corp operates the cityowned utility system and provides electric, water, wastewater, video, internet, voice and security services for the Conway community.
City of Conway Department of Sanitation 4550 Highway 64 West 501-450-6155 conwaysanitation.org
The City of Conway’s Department of Sanitation provides trash pickup, yard-waste collection, and free recycling service to Conway homes and businesses
Summit Utilities
817 North Creek Drive 800-992-7552 summitutilities.com Summit Utilities provides natural gas services to residential and business customers in Conway.
Entergy Arkansas
112 Oak Street 800-368-37492 entergy-arkansas.com Entergy Arkansas provides electricity to residences outside of Conway’s city limits.
Arkansas 811
811 or 800-482-8998 arkonecall.com Arkansas 811 is the statewide “call before you dig” center. It allows excavators of all types to notify multiple utilities of their intent to excavate with a single phone call or online submission.
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City of Conway Parks | conwayparks.com
Basketball
Baseball/ Softball
Pavilion/ Picnic Area
Playground
Airport Park 425 6th Street
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Bainbridge Park 80 Kensington Drive
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Facilities
Beaverfork Lake Park 20 Kinley Drive
Restrooms
Tennis/ Racquetball
Volleyball
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Cadron Settlement Park 6200 Highway 319
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Conway Expo Center & Fairgrounds 2505 East Oak Street
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Centennial Soccer Park 5200 John W. Allison Road
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Walking/ Jogging/ Biking
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Curtis Walker Park 1700 Museum Road
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Don Owen Sports Complex (Indoor) 10 Lower Ridge Road
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Fifth Avenue Park 600 5th Avenue
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Gatlin Park 2325 Tyler Street
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Laurel Park Robinson Avenue & Prince Street
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McGee Center (Indoor) 3800 College Avenue
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Pine Street Park 690 Pine Street
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Pompe Park 2550 Prince Street
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Simon Park 805 Front Street
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Tucker Creek Walking/ Bike Trail 275 Salem Road
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118 | Conway+
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Conway Station Park 1501 Robins Street
Martin Luther King Jr. Square 1101 Markham Street
Water Sports/ Splash Pads
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City of Colleges Park 1025 East Siebenmoregen Road
Soccer/ Football
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Index
of
Advertisers
The following businesses and organizations supported the 2024 edition of Conway+ through advertising. For advertising information, call the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce at 501-327-7788.
A
Align Counseling & Wellness........................................ 56 American Safeguard Insurance.....................................94 Aramark.............................................................................. 88 Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield................................. 95 Arkansas Federal Credit Union.....................................38 Arkansas Spine and Pain............................................... 56 Arvest Bank.........................................................................37
B
Banister-Lieblong Clinic...................................................57 Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway......................Facing Inside Front Cover Bell & Sward.......................................................................84 Bledsoe Chiropractic....................................................... 50 Braswell & Son.................................... Inside Front Cover
C
Cadence Bank....................................................................36 Centennial Bank................................................................78 Century 21 Sandstone Real Estate Group...................47 Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland................................ 60 Chris Crain Enterprises................................................... 66 Coldwell Banker RPM Group..........................................45 Collins Oral & Facial Surgery.......................................108 Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau.......................32 Conway Corp.......................................................................51 Conway Regional Health System.................Back Cover Conway Wealth Management........................................39 Covington Companies......................................................71 Cypress Valley Meat Company.................................... 90
D-E
Diamond State Restoration.............................................70 Don Pepe’s Gourmet Burritos & Tacos.........................91 ERA TEAM Real Estate.....................................................43 Engage Management........................................................71
120 | Conway+
F
Farris Agency.....................................................................94 First Arkansas Bank & Trust............................................37 First Community Bank............Facing Letter from Editor First Security Bank.............................. Inside Back Cover Fountaine Bleau................................................................79 FYZICAL...............................................................................57 Frank Shaw Properties....................................................74
H
Halter’s Body Shop...........................................................70 Hawkins Insurance............................................................97 HD Roofing and Construction....................................... 50 Holiday Inn Express & Suites........................................ 117
J-K
Jay Bernard State Farm Insurance.............................. 96 Karen Ferguson, RE/MAX Elite......................................42 Kindred Mercantile........................................................... 82
L
Leah Brown, ERA TEAM Real Estate............................43 Legends Resort & Casino..... Facing Table of Contents Los Tres Potrillos................................................................91 Lumber1................................................................................53
M
Malys.................................................................................... 59 Melvin’s Painting............................................................... 52 Myers Davis........................................................................47
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NRG Insurance...................................................................97
O
P R S
PCSI..................................................................................... 118
Reynolds Performance Hall........................................... 59
Simmons Bank...................................................................36 Smith Ford.......................................................................... 69 Southpaw Land Development......................................110 Steve’s Auto Center......................................................... 68 St. Joseph School............................................................. 96 Stobys/PattiCakes............................................................ 89 Superior Health & Rehab..............................................109
T
The Ride............................................................................106 The Rogue Roundabout................................................. 88 The SPA’AH.........................................................................63 Three Poppies................................................................... 82 Tipton & Hurst....................................................................83 Tommy’s Express Car Wash........................................... 68 Trinity Development.........................................................76
U
UCA Athletics.................................................................... 62 Urban Air Adventure Park...............................................63
V W
Victoria Stender, RE/MAX Elite......................................42
WACO Title..........................................................................44 Westrock Coffee.................................................................. 7
Oak Street Automotive................................................... 69 2024 Community Profile & Resource Guide | 121
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2024 Community Profile & Resource Guide | 122