Chamber 2017

ANNUAL T W E N T Y- S E V E N T E E N MEETING Thursday, March 9 | 6:30 p.m.

University of Central Arkansas HPER Center

WHAT’S INSIDE Featured Guest: J.K. Symancyk President and CEO Academy® Sports + Outdoors page 5

2017 Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award page 6

2017 Award Winners pages 6-17

Chairman’s Circle page 19

Annual Meeting Sponsors pages 4, 18

1

First Security

2

3

2017 SPONSORS

Speaker

Underwriter

Academy® Sports + Outdoors

Crain Buick GMC/Crain KIA

The 2017 Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting is underwritten by Crain Buick GMC and Crain Kia of Conway. Founded in the early 1950s, the Crain Companies have three generations working in the family business. Conway was first introduced to Crain Automotive in 2002 with the opening of Crain Buick GMC. In 2015, Crain Kia became their second location. In 2016, Crain Buick GMC opened a new, expanded facility. The previous location was developed into a Crain pre-owned lot. In addition, Crain Collision Center was expanded and Motorsports Authority, a vehicle customization company, was added to that location. Crain Buick GMC and Crain Kia are proud to be in Conway and proud to underwrite this year’s Annual Meeting. Learn more about Crain Buick GMC at crainteamconway.com and Crain Kia at crainkiaofconway. com.

AWARDS Northwestern Mutual

At Northwestern Mutual, financial representatives draw from a wide range of resources to offer customized solutions that will help meet their clients’ individual financial needs. With exclusive access to world-class products and services –such as life insurance, disability income insurance, education funding alternatives, retirement solutions, estate analysis, and business needs analysis – representatives can create a personalized and flexible approach that incorporates complementary financial solutions for each client.

Located at 2455 Washington Avenue, the Conway office has an experienced and knowledgeable team of financial representatives. For more information on the Conway office of Northwestern Mutual, visit conway-ar.nm.com.

J.K. Symancyk J.K. Symancyk joined Academy® Sports + Outdoors in November 2015 and currently serves as president and CEO. Prior to joining Academy®, J.K. spent several years serving as president at Meijer Inc. where he led the multibillion-dollar Midwestern superstore’s daily operations. During his time as president of Meijer Inc., he led the organization through a tremendous positive growth phase that resulted in nearly three years of positive comp growth, new market expansion, and the development of a longterm diversification strategy. J.K. also served in executive roles including chief operating officer at Meijer Inc., where he oversaw retail operations, supply chain, manufacturing, merchandising, and marketing. Prior to Meijer Inc., he served in various leadership roles at Sam’s Club, part of Walmart Stores. J.K. is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, and he’s a lifelong Razorback and Dallas Cowboys fan. His wife and two kids enjoy sports and outdoor activities, including basketball, football, baseball, golf, tennis, volleyball, biking, hunting, and fishing.

Log Cabin Democrat/WINC.

The Log Cabin Democrat and WINC Magazine are part of the Morris Publishing Group, based out of Augusta, Georgia.

The Log Cabin has covered Conway and Faulkner County for more than 137 years as a resource for documenting the economic growth and achievements of local businesses and residents.

WINC. is a monthly lifestyle magazine covering people and events in Faulkner County for more than 10 years. Decor, food, local business owners and outstanding youth are featured in every issue.

PRESENTING

4

5

Guy W. Murphy DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Lloyd Westbrook GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD

Tab Townsell Former Mayor — Conway, Arkansas Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award The Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award is the Chamber’s highest form of recognition. Established in 1957, this award is presented annually to an individual or group who has rendered special service for the benefit of the community. Candidates have demonstrated an active leadership role for the betterment of the community through their involvement in business, civic, and social service organizations.

As mayor of Conway for 18 years, Tab Townsell oversaw much of the unprecedented growth his hometown experienced over the past three decades. Mr. Townsell recognized that smart planning is the key to a growing city’s success. Under his leadership, Conway saw improvements in its traffic infrastructure; bigger roads complete with bike lanes were constructed and, most notably, nearly 20 roundabouts have replaced traffic lights and four-way stops at intersections throughout the city.

With “quality of place” as his guiding vision, former Mayor Townsell led the effort to make Conway a place where people are proud to call home. He advocated for Conway’s first Advertising & Promotions tax to help enhance and expand the city’s parks system. He sustainably increased public investment in downtown Conway, which led to tremendous private investment in the city’s core. Finally, Mr. Townsell enhanced the aesthetics of Conway by installing public art and strengthening city ordinances for signage and buildings.

Shelley Mehl Alderwoman, UCA Outreach Lloyd Westbrook Good Neighbor Award Established in 1973, the Lloyd Westbrook Good Neighbor Award is presented annually to an individual who has given of his or her time and talents. Candidates are known for going beyond the call of duty to help others. The nominee exemplifies outstanding public service to the Conway area.

Through her roles as a higher-education professional, alderwoman, and board member for several nonprofits, Shelley Mehl has dedicated her life to making Conway a better place to call home.

Ms. Mehl is associate vice president for Outreach and Community Engagement at the University of Central Arkansas. Under her leadership, the division has executed two high-profile initiatives over the past year: UCA Downtown and the Arkansas Coding Academy. Ms. Mehl has served on the Conway City Council for 10 years in Ward 2, Position 2. As an alderwoman, she works closely with constituents, hosting Ward 2 meetings each year to listen and learn as much as possible to make the best decisions for Conway.

Giving back through service has always been an important part of Shelley Mehl’s life. She was part of the working group to establish Habitat for Humanity of Faulkner County and the Conway Interfaith Clinic.

She also served as the first executive director for the Arkansas Community Foundation affiliate in Faulkner County. Ms. Mehl believes that change and progress occurs when citizens show up and use their talents and resources to impact the community in positive ways.

Because of his contributions to the city of Conway, Mr. Townsell was hired to lead Metroplan, a regional planning entity in Little Rock that aids in long-term transit and planning issues for central Arkansas.

6

7

Business Executive of the Year

Amy Denton Pediatrics Plus Business Executive of the Year The Business Executive of the Year Award recognizes the owner, executive, or president of a business who has displayed outstanding performance in either an individual or collaborative endeavor. The nominee is a driving force behind the company and works to maintain an enriched business climate and an enhanced quality of life in Conway.

Amy Denton and her husband, Todd, have owned Pediatrics Plus for 15 years. Pediatrics Plus offers occupational, physical, and speech therapy to children with special needs as well as a developmental preschool. The company has grown from a home-based therapy business to an industry leader employing more than 400 and serving over 2,700 children and families across central Arkansas.

In addition to her role as CEO of Pediatrics Plus, Ms. Denton serves in a leadership capacity for several organizations that provide early childhood education, early intervention, and other services for children with special needs. She is president and founder of Community Connections, a nonprofit that partners with local organizations to offer integrated extracurricular activities to children with special needs. She is also president of CHMS Providers’ Association of Arkansas, an early intervention health care program for children birth to 21 years with special health care needs.

Ms. Denton’s other community involvement includes serving as a board member for Reach Out & Read, a UCA Foundation board member, a commissioner for the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission, and a member of the Arkansas Physical Therapy Association.

8

9

Young Business Leader of the year

Jamille Rogers

Sandstone Real Estate, Conway Public Schools Young Business Leader of the Year The Young Business Leader Award recognizes a community business leader, age 40 or younger, who has helped create a more vibrant business and social environment for all of Conway’s residents.

Dually as a real-estate professional and educator, Jamille Rogers is committed to transforming lives through homeownership and lifelong learning. As director of marketing and community affairs for Sandstone Real Estate Group, Ms. Rogers oversees the company’s philanthropic efforts that support first-time homebuyers, education initiatives at local schools and area nonprofits, and civic organizations serving minority populations.

Ms. Rogers is also a media specialist for Conway Public Schools. She recently received a national public service award at Carnegie Corporation of New York for two programs she implemented at Marguerite Vann Elementary School – the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club and the Foster Grandparent Program. The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club is an intervention and empowerment program for male students that builds their leadership skills, resulting in improved attitudes toward school and community. Ms. Rogers also organizes a special community day each year that invites local business and community leaders to visit the school to share about the importance of literacy.

Jamille Rogers is an active member of the Black Alumni Chapter of the University of Central Arkansas Alumni Association. She also serves on the board of directors for Conway Public Schools Foundation and Teen Promise Inc.

Outstanding Nonprofit

Deliver Hope Founder, Executive Director Daniel Tyler Business of the Year The Business of the Year Award recognizes businesses for their continued growth, innovation, and community involvement.

It is the premier honor to the best overall business in Conway and is presented in the following categories: Outstanding Nonprofit, Outstanding Hospitality, Outstanding Retailer, Outstanding Large Employer (100 employees or more), and Outstanding Small Business (99 employees or fewer).

As evident by its name, the mission of Deliver Hope is to deliver hope to at-risk and underserved young people, no matter their circumstance. Deliver Hope provides life-skills training and relational ministry to juvenile offenders, teen parents, and others through support groups, housing, mentorship, and a partnership with the juvenile justice system. This innovative relationship allows the organization to take part in almost every aspect of the teens’ lives – from visiting youth in the detention center and attending court dates to allowing Deliver Hope’s programs to serve as community service opportunities for those on probation.

Deliver Hope is the official mentor resource for Conway’s Alternative Learning Education program, which provides an opportunity for youth who have been removed from the regular classrooms to continue their classes through online learning. Additionally, Deliver Hope recently launched their first Hope House, a nontraditional housing program that gives transitional-aged youth opportunities to learn life skills, receive job training, and reside in a safe and independent environment.

Congratulations to all 2017 Award Winners!

10

11

Outstanding Hospitality

Outstanding Retailer

TGI Friday’s

HipSway

Owners Jeremy & Ashley Gardner Owners Jeremy and Ashley Gardner opened Conway TGI Friday’s in June 2009. Since then, the casual chain restaurant has ranked around 60th in sales for the entire TGI Friday’s franchise. Approximately 90 employees work at the Oak Street location, and many have been with the company for five years or longer.

Mr. Gardner says having a talented and loyal management staff is the key to operating a successful restaurant. General manager Dale Filson, assistant general manager Wade Holbrook, and office manager Danielle Meek have been with Conway TGI Friday’s since it opened its doors nearly eight years ago.

Mr. Gardner has been involved in the hospitality industry his entire life. His parents, Jerry and Vonda, owned and operated the Western Sizzlin’ Steak Houses in the Fort Smith area for nearly 40 years. They opened their first TGI Friday’s franchise in 1995. The love of the Friday’s brand attracted Jeremy and Ashley Gardner to the restaurant industry, making them second-generation restaurant owners. The couple plans to grow their restaurant business in the future, either with TGI Friday’s or another concept.

12

Owner Abby King The staff at HipSway aims to create a welcoming and unique customer experience through their store design and merchandising.

Always looking for the next big thing, HipSway was on the forefront of establishing a loyalty program through both sales and social media sharing. Owner Abby King views HipSway as not only a clothing store but also a place to empower women and encourage them to feel confident and beautiful with who they are. HipSway also supports many local charities and organizations.

Employing mostly college students, Ms. King works to be a mentor, boss, and friend to her associates. Her goal is to see employees grow and succeed in life by teaching them customer service and business skills.

13

Outstanding Large Employer

Conway Human Development Center Superintendent Sarah Murphy The Conway Human Development Center (CHDC) welcomed its first resident in 1959 and has served Conway and central Arkansas ever since. CHDC provides 24-hour care and supervision to approximately 500 individuals with intellectual disabilities from around the state. The facility provides comprehensive programs and services ranging from medical care and therapy services to special education, skills development, and work programs.

With 1,200 staff members, CHDC is one of Conway’s largest employers. The facility also enjoys working with and serving the Conway community as a whole. CHDC – along with UCA’s Occupational Therapy department – dedicated its Therapeutic Park this past summer. The integrated, inclusive park provides a sight, sound, and sensory play experience for all. In addition, CHDC has transformed its 1950s Century Flyer train into the Polar Express for the past two years. The organization invites other human development centers, nursing homes, school groups, and the community to enjoy the Christmas festivities at no cost.

14

15

Outstanding Small Business

Preston Palmer Studios Owner Preston Palmer

Preston Palmer Studios seeks to train new musicians and foster their love of music by mentoring them every step of the way. The studio teaches nearly every instrument imaginable to musicians of all ages and skill levels. Preston Palmer Studios provides entertainment for various business and nonprofit events. Owner Preston Palmer’s ability to bring life to an event and give his young students opportunities to play in real-world settings is something unique to his business.

In addition, Mr. Palmer recently acquired Jack’s Music to bring a retail aspect to his business, giving customers the best deals and service for all their musical needs.

Jack’s Music is the only Gold-level warranty center for Taylor Guitars in the Midwest, and people ship instruments from all over the world to be repaired.

16

Outstanding Small Business

Strain Photography Owners Brandy Strain-Dayer & Jackie Strain-Mahar

At Strain Photography, image is everything. Celebrating its 50th year in business, Strain Photography is the most awarded photography studio in Arkansas.

From portraits of newborns, seniors, and families to professional business images, Strain Photography ensures its clients receive great customer service and cutting-edge photography. In addition, owners Brandy Strain-Dayer and Jackie Strain-Mahar believe it is important to build and nurture relationships with their customers and the community.

Ms. Strain-Dayer and Ms. Strain-Mahar serve on numerous photography boards working to advance the profession in the region. They also serve the community through work with nonprofits. The past four years, the sisters and business partners have organized a photo contest. The contest allows the community to vote for their favorite image by donating nonperishable food items. The studio has collected more than 75,000 items to donate to multiple nonprofits in the community. In addition, as the official school portrait studio, Strain Photography gives 40 percent of school picture sales back to the schools.

17

2017 Annual Meeting Sponsors

2016 Chairman’s Circle Members of the Chairman’s Circle underwrite the economic development, education, and government affairs initiatives of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, Conway Development Corporation, and Conway Downtown Partnership.

Each of these 64 members has invested a minimum of $7,500 with the Chamber, CDC, and Downtown Partnership combined.

Platinum

Diamond Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau | City of Conway, Conway Corporation

Platinum Conway Regional Health System, Crain Buick GMC | Crain Kia

Gold

Baptist Health, Centennial Bank, Central Baptist College, Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, Crafton Tull, First Security Bank | Crews & Associates, Nabholz Construction Corporation, Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, Reliance Health Care | Incite Rehab, University of Central Arkansas Foundation, Virco

GOLD

Silver

Silver American Safeguard Insurance, ​ARcare, Arkansas Business Publishing Group, ​Arvest, Bank of the Ozarks, B ​ ear State Bank, Central Baptist College, C ​ intas, Covington Companies, Delta Dental, E ​ dafio Technology Partners, ​Ensono, Eric Rob & Isaac, F ​ lake & Kelley Commercial, F ​ ureigh Electric, Green ​​ Bay Packaging – Arkansas Kraft Division, ​JSI Metal Recycling, Klaasmeyer Construction, Kutak Rock, Mainstream Technologies, Metova, Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects, Regions Bank, S ​ immons Bank, ​Smith Ford, ​Snap-on Equipment, Stephens Inc., ​Thomas & Thomas, TRS Wellness, U ​ S Bank, Virco, Wonder State Box Company Inc.

Speaker Reception

18

Floral

CHAIRS

Acxiom Corporation, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Arkansas Business Publishing Group, Barefoot Athletics, CJRW, Conway Management, Inc., Delta Dental of Arkansas, First Service Bank, Garver, International Paper, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Klaasmeyer Construction, Log Cabin Democrat, McDonald’s, Park Hill Home, Pediatrics Plus, Preferred Medical, Rock-Pond Solutions, Rogers Group , Salter Properties | Salter Construction | Metro Square, Simmons Bank, Smith Ford, Snap-on Equipment, Southwestern Energy Company, Walmart, Whisinvest Realty, LLC

Bronze ARcare, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette –River Valley & Ozark Edition, Arkansas Oral Surgery, Arvest Bank, Bank of the Ozarks, Bear State Bank, Caldwell Toyota, Cintas, Conway OB-GYN, Conway Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic, Corco Construction, Covington Roofing | Covington Properties Covington Construction, Hendrix College, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Kum & Go, Magie Smith Charton Eye Clinic, Metova, Petit Jean Meats, Regions Bank, Sowell Architects, Stoby’s/PattiCakes Bakery, Textbook Brokers, Wonder State Box Co.

19

Conway Area CHamber of Commerce For 125 years, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce has worked to build successful businesses and a vibrant economy. Our commitment remains steadfast to economic development, education, advocacy, and community visioning. Together we are making Conway, Arkansas, a better place to live and own a business.

Upcoming Events March 14 — Lunch and Learn: How to Hire the Right People

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Conway Area Chamber of Commerce 900 Oak Street

Every business depends on great employees. How do you know you are hiring the right person for the job? Where do you find them? What interview questions should you ask? All these questions and more will be discussed at the next Lunch & Learn.

Julie Gillaspy, Director of Human Resources at Acxiom, and Laura Bishop, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Acxiom, will share hiring best practices and discuss lessons learned throughout their careers. Whether you work for a small or large company, you’ll be able to take home great advice for hiring your next superstar!

Registration is free for Conway Area Chamber of Commerce members, but please register so we have a head count for lunch. Admission for guests is $25. Lunch is included with your registration.

March 28 — North Metro Healthcare Awards Luncheon

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Centennial Valley Country Club Events Center 1600 Centennial Club Drive

The North Metro Healthcare Awards Luncheon honors individuals and companies who have made a positive impact on the overall health of our community. Our keynote speaker is Dr. Greg Bledsoe, who was appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson in January of 2015 to be the Surgeon General for the state of Arkansas.

April 6 — Marketing on a Dime

6:30-8:30 p.m.

UCA Downtown 1105 W. Oak Street

The success of your small business comes down to one thing - getting attention from the right people at the right time. So how do you find the right people and in what ways can you set your business apart from the competition? This session will explore how you can use strategic, social media advertising and search engine optimization to reach your ideal customer. Registration is $25 per person. Lunch is included.

Save the date April 11 — Off the Clock April 25 — Administrative Professionals Awards Breakfast May 5 — Leadercast 2017 May 5 — Toad Suck Daze Festival May 8 — Academic Signing Day May 16 — Outlook Conway

June 13 — CEO Luncheon June 16 — Bowling for Business August 8 — Teacher Breakfast & Education Fair October 5 — Business Expo & Taste of Conway October 12 — Conway Downtown Partnership Annual Meeting December 5 — Women in Business Luncheon

Get a full calendar of events, details and register online at 20

conwaychamber.org

21

Conway Area CHamber of Commerce

Board of Directors Executive Committee Andrea Woods, Chair Nabholz Construction Services Jay Myers, Past-Chair Crain Buick GMC | Crain Kia Dr. Melanie Smith, Vice-Chair Magie Smith Charton Eye Clinic Scott Champlin, Treasurer Snap-on Equipment

Brad Lacy, Secretary President & CEO, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Jason Culpepper Simmons Bank Patti Stobaugh PattiCakes Bakery | Stoby’s Board Members Bill Adkisson Position Held, Conway Development Corporation Jim Baker Position Held, Faulkner County Judge’s Office Justin Bennett Position Held, Toad Suck Daze Chris Boudrie Kimberly-Clark Corporation Dr. Thomas Cabantac Tucker Creek Vet Bart Castleberry Position Held, Office of the Mayor Chris Coffman Insight Enterprises Will Cone Green Bay Packaging – Arkansas Kraft Division Korry Garrett Sandstone Real Estate Group

22

Julie Gillaspy Acxiom Lee Harris Harris Plastering & Construction David Hicks Preferred Medical Darren Jones UACCM Alan Kizer Chick-fil-A Cate McConnell Smith Ford Sarah Murphy Conway Human Development Center Joanna Nabholz H+N Architects John Ben Scherrey Centennial Bank Pete Tanguay Rock-Pond Solutions Dr. Brad Teague University of Central Arkansas David Traylor Southwestern Energy Matt Troup Conway Regional Health System Joanie White-Wagoner Baptist Health Shelia Whitmore Position Held, A&P Commission, Conway City Council Lori Windle Quinn Position Held, Conway Downtown Partnership

23

24