Faulkner County Business Journal 06/14

JUNE 2015

The Crain Team’s Got ‘Em Two Conway locations provide new and used vehicles, complete auto care

PAGE 4D

2D — Sunday, June 14, 2015

Faulkner County Business Journal

To subscribe call (501) 329-2927 • Log Cabin Democrat

Log Cabin Media President to Speak at CEO Luncheon

By Taylor Baney Conway chamber of commerce

Zach Ahrens, president and publisher of the Log Cab in Media, will be speaking at Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s CEO Luncheon this summer.

The event will be held at Central Baptist College on Tuesday, July 21, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Ahrens was appointed president and publisher of theLog Cabin Media in January 2014, where he oversees the Log Cabin Democrat, Wom-

en’s Inc. magazine and the Concierge Guide.

Before moving to Conway, Ahrens was the general manager and vice president of sales for GateHouse Ohio, where he was responsible for $64 million in annual advertising revenue.

Being well known in the media industry, he has served as a keynote speaker, nationwide trainer and is a published contributor.

After graduating high school in just three years, Ahrens attended York College in York, Nebraska, where he

graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in communications and minors in English and biblical studies.

He later completed his master’s degree in divinity through Lubbock Christian University.

Here in Conway, Ahrens is a member of many organizations, including University Church of Christ, Conway Noon Kiwanis Club Board of Directors, Conway Downtown Partnership Board of Directors, Conway Noon Rotary Club and a development

volunteer at the Boy Scouts Quapaw area council.

Any employee of a Chamber-member business is welcome to attend the CEO Luncheon. For individual tickets it will be $25, or organizations can reserve a table of eight for $200.

Those interested in attending can make reservations by emailing Therese Pollard at Therese@conwayarkansas. org; or by calling 501- 9325411.

Online registration is also available at ConwayChamber.org.

Zach Ahrens

6D — Sunday, June 14, 2015

Faulkner County Business Journal

To subscribe call (501) 329-2927 • Log Cabin Democrat

Chamber seeks input for “Midtown” district

solving mysteries

Drive

Salem Road

Dave Ward

treet

president and CEO Brad Lacy. “The Chamber recognized the need to remedy this, so we formed a small working group to determine how to best describe the business community located within those boundaries.”

After several meetings, the group of retailers, property owners and restaurateurs chose the word “Midtown” as the moniker for the district. Now that the area has a name and logo, the Chamber is inviting members located within the Midtown community to be part of a broader interest group that will determine collective goals the area would like to accomplish.

Those interested in setting goals for Midtown Conway are invited to attend a meeting at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to employees of Chamber-member businesses.

To RSVP for the meeting, email Cecilia Elliott at Cecilia@ConwayArkansas.org.

Prince S

As Conway’s boundaries continue to expand, the area formerly referred to as “west Conway” can now be described more accurately as “Midtown.”

Bound by Prince Street, Salem Road, Donaghey Avenue and Dave Ward Drive, the 1.5-square-mile community includes the University of Central Arkansas, Conway Regional Health System, Conway Public Schools, Tucker Creek Trail and Laurel Park.

Midtown is located eight to 10 blocks west of historic downtown Conway and two miles west of Interstate 40. The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce estimates that more than 4,000 jobs are in the area.

“Although this part of Conway is anchored by some of city’s largest employers and has a dense residential population, it does not have a true identity like downtown, Hendrix Village, Conway Commons and the future Central Landing,” said Chamber

Donaghey Avenue

Presented By:

in business

2015 BUSINESS EXPO featuring

TASTE OF CONWAY DATE: Thursday, October 15

THE SETTING: Does finding new customers feel like detective work?

Conway Expo Center & Fairgrounds

At Business Expo, promote your business and gain a competitive advantage while developing new relationships with other professionals.

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFO: ConwayChamber.org | 501.327.7788

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

4D — Sunday, June 14, 2015

Faulkner County Business Journal

To subscribe call (501) 329-2927 • Log Cabin Democrat

The Crain Team’s Got ‘Em

Two Conway locations provide new and used vehicles, complete auto care

It has been one year since The Crain Automotive Team opened its newest dealership in Faulkner County. Crain Kia of Conway opened in June 2014 and has quickly rooted itself in the community and continued month-over-month increases in sales and service numbers. “The response has been great,” said general manager Jay Myers.

“People are discovering every day how great the Kia product is.”

Myers is also general manager of the Crain Team’s Buick GMC dealership, located on North Museum Road in Conway.

“We are excited about both facilities,” Myers said. “We have two full-service dealerships. We offer the best domestic product with GMC, and Kia is one of the hottest import brands.

“Both service departments have technicians that are certified not only with the manufacturers’ vehicles but with other makes and models as well.”

The state-of-the-art facility spans 28,000 square feet and carries a full selection of Kia vehicles – from compact cars to full-size SUVs. “Not only does Kia back every vehicle with a 10-year, 100,000mile warranty, they are also some of the safest and most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road,” Myers said. “Most of the vehicles have a five-star safety rating and have been awarded with the IIHS [Insurance Institute for Highway Safety] top safety rating. Seven of their models get over 30 mpg.”

The GMC dealership, also known as the GM Giant, leads the Crain platform in sales. “Our people make the difference,” Myers said. “It’s what has made the GMC dealership successful, and it’s also the reason the Kia store has taken off so quickly.

That’s one thing I love about Faulkner County, our people are hardworking, they know the value of a dollar, and that makes taking care of our customers a lot easier.”

Both the Kia and Buick GMC dealerships offer the Crain Automotive Team Commitment: a 100year, 100,000-mile warranty on every new and used vehicle sold; a 100-hour “love it or leave it” exchange policy; and a 100 percent low price guarantee.

“One of the things we pride ourselves on is that we don’t just work in Conway and Faulkner Coun-

ty,” he said. “This is home. Our kids go to school here and play little league and soccer here. We invest in this community because it’s important to us.

“So come see us! We will give you the absolute best service and buying experience you’ve ever had!”

“Our people make the difference...That’s one thing I love about Faulkner County, our people are hardworking, they know the value of a dollar, and that makes taking care of our customers a lot easier.”

— Jay Myers

About Crain Automotive

The Crain Companies began as “Paul Crain Wholesale” in Searcy, Arkansas, in the early 1950s. Three generations of Crains joined the family business after graduation from the University of Arkansas, including current president Chris Crain in 1994.

“Mr. Paul,” Larry Crain Sr.’s father, started out “peddling” tire repair items, health and beauty aids, fishing tackle, and other general merchandise out of the trunk of his car. His customers were primarily small-town “mom and pop” grocery stores and service stations.

Crain’s business grew first into a van and later to a small “warehouse” (also his garage). He associated with other peddlers, namely Hartsell Capps and Wendal Pettus. The seat-of-the-pants operation grew up to the time Larry Crain Sr. came on scene in 1966. Larry had graduated from the University of Arkansas with an accounting degree, passed the CPA exam, and worked three years for the Peat Marwick Mitchell accounting firm. He then decided he wanted to go into business for himself.

In 1966, the company – then known as Crain Sales Company – built a sprawling, 10,000-squarefeet headquarters on Highway 36 in Searcy, which

in an expanded form (50,000 square feet) served as the company’s headquarters and main distribution facility until July 1992 when the company moved to the new office and warehouse in North Little Rock.

Beginning in the early 1980s, the company saw an industry trend and customer need for freestanding auto stores and opened its first KarPro auto parts store in Searcy. During the 1980s and up until 2000, Crain expanded by acquisition and new locations to more than 16 locations. In September 2000, a majority of the automotive parts distribution facility was merged into the O’Reilly Auto Parts operation.

In 1990, The Crain Companies purchased a Ford Dealership in Benton, Arkansas, and renamed it Freeway Ford Lincoln Mercury. In 1992, a sister dealership in Memphis was purchased and operated as Midway Ford. In 1999, Crain acquired the Landers North Facility from United Auto Group and was awarded the Kia franchise. The Buick GMC dealership in Conway was purchased from Jodie Brown 11 years ago.

Later that year, Crain acquired Service Chevrolet Oldsmobile from Cliff Peck, and Crain sold Midway Ford in Memphis to United Auto Group to focus on growing the central Arkansas market.

Crain began operating all dealerships under the Crain Automotive Team umbrella as Crain dealerships. Throughout the next decade Crain further expanded the dealership operations to include multiple dealership locations and an RV store.

Led by company President Chris Crain, in January of 2013, the Crain Team acquired two Hyundai dealerships in Northwest Arkansas marking their first venture in that part of the state. The company purchased a Buick GMC dealership in Springdale in October 2013. In June of 2014 Crain acquired Crain Ford of Little Rock and opened Crain Kia of Conway. On June 1, of this year Crain acquired a Volkswagen franchise in Northwest Arkansas. Many stores have been recently relocated or renovated to meet the changing needs of its valued customers.

Sunday, June 14, 2015 — 3D

Faulkner County Business Journal

Log Cabin Democrat • Find our online edition at www.thecabin.net

Annual Teacher Breakfast and Education Fair Sponsorships available for 11 annual exhibition

By Taylor Baney Conway chamber of commerce

Although summer has just begun, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its Teacher Breakfast and Education Fair, an event that welcomes teachers back to school and gives local businesses the opportunity to interact with hundreds of potential customers.

Conway Corporation is the presenting sponsor for the 11th annual exhibition, which will take place at the Conway High School cafeteria at 2300 Prince St. on Tuesday, Aug. 11.

The event, scheduled from 7 a.m. until 8:45 a.m., will in-

clude a complimentary breakfast, sponsored by the Log Cabin Democrat and Jill McCollum Catering.

More than 100 local businesses will have booths set up to display their products and services, along with door prizes.

Teachers and staff from Conway Public Schools, Conway Christian Schools and St. Joseph Schools are all welcome to attend the event.

This is a great opportunity for teachers to see what the vendors have to offer and for them to mingle with educators from other schools.

The Teacher Fair also gives participating businesses access to 800 educators who are primarily women, second-income earners, and the main decision makers about health care and household purchases.

Businesses interested in attracting customers that fit

this demographic can register for this event beginning Monday, July 6.

Table space is available for $300.

TOP RESIDENTIAL SALES, JUNE

Address............Beds/Baths........Subdivision.........SQFT.........$/SqFt.......Built 415 Country Club....4/5/1........................none.........................5416.............132.83.............2003 1915 Sanders ..........4/3/1............The Village at Hendrix......2382 ............143.05.............2002 1430 Sunderlin Dr..4/3/1.................Sunderlin Park...............3375.............144.57.............1999 4905 Prestonwood..4/3/1......................Westin Park...............3134..............134.17............2013 3350 Marlsgate Dr...3/3/1....................Falcon Crest...............3269..............114.89............2005

Gold and platinum sponsorships – which include two tables and logo inclusion on select digital and printed materials – are available for $500

and $1,000, respectively.

For additional information contact Therese Pollard at Therese@conwayarkansas.org or by calling 501-932-5411.

Log Cabin Democrat • Find our online edition at www.thecabin.net

Faulkner County Business Journal

Sunday, June 14, 2015 — 7D

EconomyGlance Conway Economy At a Glance Unemployment Rate April 2015 Seasonally Adjusted US ..............................................5.1% Arkansas ...................................5.7% Not Seasonally Adjusted US ..............................................5.4% Arkansas ....................................5.4% Faulkner County .......................5.0% Conway ......................................4.7% Sales Tax Collections Conway* March 2015 ..................................$2,003,158 2014 ..................................$2,122,659 Percent Change ....................... -5.6% Year to Date (March) 2015 ..................................$5,528,901 2014 .................................$5,453,607 Percent Change .........................1.4% Annual 2014 ...............................$23,416,628 2013 ..................................23,235,891 2012 ..................................22,944,163 Percent Change 2013-14 ..........0.8% *Tax Rate 1.75% Faulkner County*

March 2015.....................................$727,284 2014 ......................................791,162 Percent Change ........................-8.1% Year to Date (March) 2015 ..................................$2,028,683 2014 ..................................$2,033,913 Percent Change ........................-0.3% 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* April 2015 ...............................$15,961,516 2014 .................................15,282,481 Percent Change.........................4.4% Year to Date (April) 2015 ...............................$44,857,268 2014 .................................41,685,455 Percent Change.........................7.6% 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 April 2015 ..................................$1,656,193 2014 ....................................1,754,798 Percent Change.........................-5.6% Year to Date (April) 2015 ..................................$5,799,396 2014 ....................................5,952,281 Percent Change........................ -2.6% 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 (May) 2015 .................................73 Permits 2014 .................................50 Permits Percent Change....................... 46.0% Annual 2014 ...............................119 permits 2013 ...............................147 Permits 2012 ...............................186 Permits 2011 ...............................153 Permits Percent Change 2013 – 2014 -19.0% Average Construction Cost* Year to Date (May)

2015 ....................................$258,710 2014 ....................................$221,196 Percent Change .......................17.0% 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 Average Square Footage* Year to date (May) 2015............................................2,899 2014............................................2,832 Percent Change..........................2.4% Annual 2014............................................2,929 2013 ...........................................3,002 2012 ...........................................2,910 2011 ...........................................2,814 Percent Change 2013-2014 ... -2.4% * Total under roof Average Construction Cost Per Square Foot* Year to Date (April) 2015 .........................................$89.41 2014 .........................................$78.11 Percent Change........................14.5% Annual 2014..........................................$75.22 2013 ...........................................76.04 2012 ...........................................71.33 2011 ...........................................72.64 Percent Change 2013 – 2014... -1.1% * Total under roof

Percent Change 2013 - 2014..-16.7% Total State Year to Date (May) 2015 .............................$184,862,533 2014 ...............................181,399,405 Percent Change.........................1.9% Annual 2014 .............................$401,251,365 2013 ...............................432,932,798 2012 ...............................452,245,217 Percent Change 2013 - 2014 ...-7.3% Natural Gas Severance Tax Distribution Conway Year to Date (June) 2015 .....................................$143,297 2014 .......................................175,718 Percent Change.......................-18.5% Annual 2014 .....................................$363,837 2013 .......................................276,523 2012 .......................................162,523 Percent Change 2013 - 2014..31.6% Faulkner County Year to Date-(June) 2015 .....................................$116,717 2014 .......................................143,043 Percent Change.......................-18.4% Annual 2014 .....................................$296,411 2013 .......................................224,455 2012 .......................................131,418 Percent Change 2013 – 2014...32.1%

Lottery Sales Information provided by Pulse Faulkner County of Conway Year to Date (May) 2015 ..................................$6,405,249 2014 ....................................6,494,100 Percent Change ........................-1.4% Annual 2014 ...............................$14,193,204 2013 ..................................17,038,277 2012 ..................................16,943,909