Faulkner County Business Journal

April 2015

Conway festival announces entertainment lineup,

contributions 2015 brings changes to make toad suck daze more “regional and Relevant�

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2D — Sunday, April 12, 2015

Faulkner County Business Journal

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Finalists named for Administrative Professionals Awards luncheon The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s Administrative Professionals Awards luncheon is set for Administrative Professionals Day – Wednesday, April 22 – beginning at 11:30 a.m. The event will take place in Childers Dining Hall at Central Baptist College.

The inaugural luncheon honors administrative support staff, executive assistants, office and facility managers, office clerks, receptionists, and other administrative professionals.

Of the more than 20 area professionals nominated for the Outstanding Administrative Professional award, seven were chosen as finalists. Three of the finalists will receive the Outstanding Administrative Professional award at the luncheon.

of the latest in HP processes and procedures and attend additional training on software. “It’s important that I am able to bring an added value to those I support,” she said.

Michael Armistead, director of inside sales, said Fuller is instrumental to the success of Hewlett-Packard. “Supporting four directors and a combined workforce of 300 managers and employees takes a person who is diligent, organized and highly efficient with time management,” he said.

“With all that is demanded of Colleen, she still manages to find time to add her own personal touch to what she does and those she interacts with.”

Bonnie Holloway, Kimberly-Clark Corporation

community organizations, including the Conway Regional Women’s Council, the Arkansas Diaper Depot, Dazzle Daze, and Habitat for Humanity.

Kevin Ward, mill manager, said Holloway exemplifies loyalty and dedication. “In my 25 years with Kimberly-Clark, I have transferred across six U.S. and European geographies and three distinctly different business divisions,” he said. “Until arriving at the Conway mill, I have never experienced an executive assistant who truly defines the words ‘loyalty’ and ‘dedication’ as Bonnie does day in and day out.”

Jay Myers, general manager at Crain Buick GMC, has worked with Martin for 10 years. “Brenda is the example of what customer service is all about,” he said. “From following up with customers and taking responsibility for Crain-sponsored community events to training our sales and service team, Brenda really does it all.”

Sherry Payne, Acxiom Corporation

Brenda Martin, Crain Buick GMC

Colleen Fuller, Hewlett-Packard

Colleen Fuller has been an executive assistant for Hewlett-Packard for more than five years. She supports four inside sales directors within the HP Enterprise Group. “To ensure their days run as smoothly as possible, I have to be a ‘Jill-of-alltrades,’” she said. “I like that every day is a challenge and no two days are the same.”

Between managing and updating schedules, booking travel arrangements, preparing presentations, and coordinating meetings, Fuller regularly sets aside time to stay abreast

Bonnie Holloway is the executive assistant for Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s Conway site. She began her career at Kimberly-Clark as an operator 32 years ago and has worked in every department in various roles. As executive assistant, Holloway serves as the internal and external point of contact for all inquiries and as a key support position for federal regulatory agencies, including the FDA, EPA and OSHA. Holloway was one of the first graduates of Central Baptist College’s PACE program, a program that enables working adults to earn a college degree. She is involved in a number of

Brenda Martin is the customer relations manager for Crain Buick GMC. She has been a part of Crain Automotive for 13 years and has worked for different aspects of the auto industry – from financing and selling to service – since 1968. “This experience helps bring better understanding to me and also helps me empathize with my co-workers and our customers.”

As part of her role at the dealership, Martin works closely with several community organizations, including Soaring Wings Ranch; The Chase Race & Paws; the athletic departments at UCA, Conway High School and Greenbrier School District; and Toad Suck Daze.

Sherry Payne has worked for Acxiom Corporation for 25 years. As a senior administrative assistant, Payne coordinates calendars for internal meetings and client calls, communicates regularly with company executives, submits reports, and assists with other projects that arise.

“I love to take care of people, and being an administrative assistant is the type of work I’ve always wanted to do,” she said. “I take pride in my work and want to support my leaders and teams to the best of my ability.”

Traci Smith, a director at Acxiom, said Payne is considered the model administrative professional, having supported countless senior leaders for 25 years. “I have known Sherry both professionally and personally for more than 20 years and have witnessed her drive sales opportunities for Acxiom just through the relationships she builds with our clients and

FINALISTS < 3D

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FINALISTS from 2D internally at Acxiom,” she said. “Sherry has supported me and my family, and it is an honor I can now support her with this recognition.”

Faulkner County Business Journal

Chamber Membership Maximizer Scheduled

me would need in an admin and is beyond deserving of this award.”

Angela Russell, Central Baptist College

Employees of Chamber-member businesses are invited to attend a Membership Maximizer on Tuesday, April 21.

During a Membership Maximizer, a Chamber representative provides an overview of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s history and mission as well as an explanation of member benefits.

Shawanna Rodgers, True Holiness Saints Center

Shawanna Rodgers is an executive administrator for True Holiness Saints Center. In this role, Rodgers oversees the daily operations of the church, acts as a liaison between Pastor E.C. Maltbia and local organizations, and plans True Holiness Saints Center’s annual community events, including a luncheon on Good Friday and College Day. “Working as an administrator for True Holiness has afforded me an upclose and personal opportunity to serve my community in a capacity I wouldn’t have dreamed of,” she said. “The relationships I have established here in Conway through my local church and the opportunity to serve in various capacities in the community have provided a sense of family that I wouldn’t trade for the world.”

Pastor Maltbia said Rodgers goes above the call of duty to serve the church and the community. “As if being an administrator wasn’t enough, Shawanna continues her service by volunteering her time to the Pine Street Backpack Program, the Community Action Program for Central Arkansas, and the Faulkner County Leadership Institute,” he said. “She is everything someone like

Angela Russell has worked as an executive administrative assistant at Central Baptist College for 26 years. Her responsibilities in the president’s office include receiving, tracking and reporting on financial gifts made to the college. “Working at CBC gives me an opportunity to share in something that helps shape the future for hundreds of students and their families,” Russell said.

Terry Kimbrow, president of CBC, said the growth of the college led to additional job responsibilities for Russell, all of which she has handled efficiently.

“Angela learned and became the expert on new fundraising software, trained other administrative assistants, and managed human resources and service awards,” he said. “She is everything an outstanding administrative professional should be.”

Elaine Story, Acxiom Corporation

Elaine Story has worked as an executive assistant at Acxiom Corporation for 19 years. She is a member of the American Society of Administrative Professionals and the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

During her nearly 20-year career at Acxiom, Story has established a vast network of internal and external contacts.

She credits these relationships with de-

Sunday, April 12, 2015 — 3D

veloping her skill set. “Over the past 19 years, I have been blessed to work with some of the most amazing associates and leaders,” she said. “Some have been there to simply love and encourage me when I’ve had a rough day, but all have helped instill a drive in me to want to be better, to lead by example, and to stand with dignity and strength.”

Dennis Self, senior vice president of technology operations and chief information officer, said Story knows how to leverage the power of teamwork and is an asset to the IT team at Acxiom. “In my short time working with Elaine, I have come to appreciate her ability to learn and make adjustments quickly, her “can-do” attitude and her desire to accept an increasingly larger scope of responsibility to help contribute to the success of our team,” he said. “She is passionate, professional, tenacious and communicative.”

About the Event

In addition to the awards, the event will feature a keynote speaker. Attendees will hear from Charlotte Strickland, founder and owner of Strickly Speaking and professional development and training coordinator at the University of Central Arkansas. Tickets to the Administrative Professionals Awards luncheon are $50 per person, and tables of eight are available for $400.

For reservations, contact chief operating officer Lindsay Henderson at 501932-5403 or Lindsay@ConwayArkansas.org.

All photos are by Mike Kemp.

“These events are a great way to kickstart a new member’s involvement in the Chamber, and ultimately, the Conway business community.”

— Aaron Throneberry

The informal setting gives attendees an opportunity to network and ask questions over a catered lunch.

Aaron Throneberry, director of sales, said the luncheon is ideal for employees of businesses new to Chamber and new employees who work for current Chamber-member businesses.

“Membership Maximizers give our members a glimpse into the workings of the Chamber and information about how they can get the most out of their membership,” Throneberry said. “These events are a great way to kick-start a new member’s involvement in the Chamber, and ultimately, the Conway business community.”

There is no cost to attend a Membership Maximizer, but reservations are required. Email Aaron Throneberry at Aaron@ConwayArkansas.org or call 501-932-5404 by Friday, April 17, to reserve a place.

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Conway festival announces entertainment lineup, contributions 2015 brings changes to make Toad suck daze more “regional and relevant” CONWAY, Ark. – On May 1, the 34th Annual Toad Suck Daze festival, presented by Crain Buick GMC, will kick off in downtown Conway. This year’s Toad Suck Daze will feature a number of changes designed to make the three-day festival more “regional and relevant,” according to Conway Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Brad Lacy.

“Toad Suck Daze has always been an evolving event. We started at the river, now we’re downtown.

We’ve supported traditional college scholarships, and we’ve grown to support pre-K education. We think this year’s changes are just as positive.”

This year’s entertainment will feature a Friday night slate dedicated to “Legends of Rockabilly.” The free concert will feature Sonny Burgess and the Legendary Pacers at 6:45 p.m., Jason D. Williams at 8 p.m., and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Leon Russell at 9:15 p.m. Toad Suck Daze’s Saturday night concert brings Forrest Williams at 6:30 p.m., Barrett Baber at 8 p.m., and Corey Smith at 9:15 p.m. for a singer-songwriter night of “Americana Soul.”

All entertainment will take place on the McDonald’s/Crain Kia Main Stage in Simon Park and is presented by Acxiom Corporation, Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau, Crafton Tull, and Southwestern Energy. For a full schedule of festival entertainment and other attractions, visit ToadSuck.org or download

made arts and crafts. Close to 200 vendors participate each year.

Check Presentation to Local Nonprofits

The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s Toad Suck Daze Committee presented contributions to two local nonprofits at a special event at Crain Kia on Monday, March 30.

Arkansas Preschool Plus received a $35,000 contribution, and the Conway Downtown Partnership received $20,000.

The committee will also award $25,000 in scholarships to Faulkner County students. Lacy said presenting the awards before the festival is a good reminder of Toad Suck Daze’s ultimate goal.

“This event obviously wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors and volunteers. Because of them, Toad Suck Daze is able to entertain 150,000 visitors while supporting these worthy causes.” Toad Suck Daze will take place May 1-3 in downtown Conway.

Submitted photo

Jay Myers, general manager of Crain Buick GMC, presents Bill Bethea, president of the Conway Downtown Partnership’s board of directors, with a $20,000 check from Toad Suck Daze. Crain Buick GMC is the presenting sponsor for the 2015 festival.

the Toad Suck Daze app for iPhone or Android. The latest information about the festival is posted regularly on the Toad Suck Daze Facebook page.

Submitted Photo

The free “Legends of Rockabilly concert will take place Friday, May 1, and will feature Sonny Burgess and the Legendary Pacers, Jason D. Williams, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Leon Russell.

galleria Oak Street Galleria

Toad Suck Daze is bringing a new open-air shopping event to central Arkansas during this year’s fesSubmitted photo tival. The Oak Street Galleria, sponsored by Smith Representatives from Arkansas Preschool Plus accept a $35,000 Ford, features high-quality merchandise from upcheck from Toad Suck Daze. Pictured, from left: Michelle Ford, program scale boutiques and skilled artisans across the redirector; Jerry Adams, board chair; Amy Routt, board member; Brad gion. The 24 vendors were chosen by a jury and will Lacy, board member and president/CEO of the Conway Area Cham- complement the merchants of downtown Conway.

Submitted Photo ber of Commerce; Croaker the Toad; and Dr. Charlotte Rainey Green, The Toad Market will still be part of the festival The free “Americana Soul” concert on Saturday, May 2, will feature Forfounder and executive director. and features both commercial products and hand- rest Williams, Barrett Baber and Corey Smith.

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Sunday, April 12, 2015 — 5D

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Faulkner County Business Journal

TOP RESIDENTIAL SALES, APRIL

Address.............Beds/Baths.........Subdivision..........SQFT..........$/SqFt.......Built Lollyrock River Estate........4/4/1.................none......................5814.................24.09.............1990 4625 Sawgrass.....................4/4/2...........Centennial Valley......6128 ................122.39...........2000 20 Blankenship...................5/4/0..................none.....................4200.................142.83...........1999 4340 Emerald Garden .......5/4/0............Southerlin Park........3883................100.18............2001 1405 S Salem......................5/4/0...The Village at Hendrix.....2122................173.43............2013

Baney joins Chamber staff as office manager Visitors to the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce will see a new face as they enter the office located at 900 Oak Street.

Melissa Baney began working for the Chamber as office manager on March 30.

In addition to being the first point of contact for Chamber guests, Baney processes membership data, submits maintenance orders, and fulfills requests for information from potential residents, among other duties.

“I’m excited to be part of the Chamber and look forward to interacting with the people who make up Conway’s business community,” Baney said.

“Conway is a great place to live, and I’m pleased to be part of an organization committed to its continued growth.” Baney, a native of North Little Rock, has lived in Conway for 18 years. She and her husband, Rick, a senior vice

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Conway to serve as Leadercast host site for fourth consecutive year Business leaders in the Conway area can access the knowledge and experience of world-renowned leaders by attending Leadercast® at Central Baptist College on May 8, 2015.

This is the fourth consecutive year the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce has hosted a broadcast in Conway.

The Leadercast event, a brand that builds “Leaders Worth Following,” is broadcast live from Atlanta to hundreds of sites around the world, including Conway.

The 2015 simulcast will be co-hosted by award-winning personalities Bill and Giuliana Rancic and will feature the following speakers: Andy Stanley, leadership author and communicator; Peyton Manning, Super Bowl-winning quarterback and five-time NFL MVP; Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Laureate and founder of The Malala Fund;

Ed Catmull, president of Pixar & Disney Animation Studios; Seth Godin, innovative thinker and best-selling author; Rudy Giuliani, 107th mayor of New York City from 1993-2001; Aja Brown, mayor of the city of Compton, California; Bill McDermott, CEO of SAP AG; Commander Rorke Denver, Navy SEAL Commander and author; and Leadercast exists to change positively the way the world thinks about leadership.

This year’s theme – The Brave Ones – will explore what it means to lead in a way that creates bold cultures, builds faithful employees, and produces high achievement.

For more information about Leadercast, visit Leadercast.com.

For local ticketing information, call director of events Therese Pollard at 501-932-5411 or visit ConwayChamber.org.

Submitted Photo

Melissa Baney, Office Manager

president and commercial lender for Eagle Bank in Little Rock, have three children: Taylor is a senior at the University of Central Arkansas, Alexander is a freshman at the University of Arkansas, and Emily is a ninth-grader at Conway Junior High School.

“Melissa is the Chamber’s ‘first impression’ to guests. She is energetic, organized and helpful –

which is essential when working with the countless visitors who pass through our building,” said chief operating officer Lindsay Henderson. “At any given moment, Melissa might welcome a family looking to relocate to Conway or a business hosting trainings in our facility. It is important that each one is welcomed with a smiling face, and I’m thrilled it starts with Melissa.”

Submitted Photo

During the 2014 Leadercast broadcast at Central Baptist College, participants heard from a variety of world-renowned leaders. The 2015 event will take place May 8 at CBC.

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Faulkner County Business Journal

Sunday, April 12, 2015 — 7D

EconomyGlance Conway Economy At a Glance

Unemployment Rate February 2015 Seasonally Adjusted US................................................5.5% Arkansas.....................................5.5% Not Seasonally Adjusted US...............................................5.8% Arkansas....................................6.0% Faulkner County........................5.4%

Conway...................................5.0% Sales Tax Collections Conway*

2014..................................13,282,123 Percent Change..........................8.4%

Percent Change: 2013 – 2014...-19.0%

Year to Date-February 2015................................$28,985,680 2014..................................26,402,994 Percent Change..........................9.8%

Annual 2014.....................................$220,311 2013........................................228,275 2012........................................207,537 2011........................................204,387 Percent Change 2013 – 2014...-3.5% *Not including lat or lot improvements

Annual Sales 2014..............................$176,205,965 2013................................164,519,369 2012................................161,318,563 Percent Change 2013-14............7.1% *Including mixed drink sales

Hotel Sales

January 2015..................................$1,709,744 2014....................................1,617,654 Percent Change..........................5.7%

February 2015..................................$1,314,035 2014....................................1,363,957 Percent Change.........................-3.7%

Annual 2014................................$23,416,628 2013..................................23,235,891 2012..................................22,944,163 Percent Change 2013-14.......... 0.8% *Tax Rate 1.75%

Year to Date-February 2015..................................$2,530,277 2014....................................2,580,200 Percent Change.........................-1.9%

Faulkner County*

January 2015.....................................$641,792 2014.......................................600,465 Percent Change..........................6.9% Annual 2014..................................$8,774,109 2013....................................8,588,835 2012....................................8,465,686 Percent Change 2013-14...........2.2% *Tax Rate 0.5%

Restaurant Sales*

February 2015................................$14,402,004

Annual Sales 2014................................$19,336,169 2013..................................18,559,308 2012..................................18,683,677 Percent Change 2013 – 2014...4.2%

Conway Building Permits Single Family Homes

Year to Date-February 2015..................................30 Permits 2014..................................23 Permits Percent Change........................30.4% Annual 2014................................119 permits 2013................................147 Permits 2012...........................186 Permits 2011...........................153 Permits

Average Construction Cost*

Average Square Footage*

Annual 2014............................................2,929 2013............................................3,002 2012............................................2,910 2011............................................2,814 Percent Change 2013-2014.......-2.4% Average Construction Cost Per Square Foot* Annual 2014..........................................$75.22 2013............................................76.04 2012............................................71.33 2011............................................72.64 Percent Change 2013 – 2014....-1.1% * Total under roof

Lottery Sales

Faulkner County Year to Date-March 2015..................................$4,009,009 2014....................................4,010,133 Percent Change.........................0.0 %

2015..............................$115,256,513 2014................................111,429,811 Percent Change..........................3.4% Annual 2014..............................$401,251,365 2013................................432,932,799 2012 ...............................452,245,215 Percent Change 2013 - 2014.....-7.3%

Natural Gas Severance Tax Distribution

Conway Year to Date-March 2015.......................................$74,611 2014.........................................73,393 Percent Change..........................1.7% Annual 2014.....................................$363,837 2013.......................................276,523 2012.......................................162,523 Percent Change 2013 - 2014....31.6% Faulkner County Year to Date-March 2015.......................................$60,833 2014.........................................59,712 Percent Change..........................1.9% Annual 2014.....................................$296,411 2013.......................................224,455 2012.......................................131,418 Percent Change 2013 – 2014...32.1%

Information provided by Pulse Annual of Conway 2014................................$14,193,204 2013..................................17,038,277 2012..................................16,943,909 Percent Change 2013 - 2014...-16.7%

Total State

Year to Date-March

8D — Sunday, April 12, 2015

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