Issuu

DECEMBER 2025/armoneyandpolitics.com

Laura Landreaux, Entergy fueling economic development

INSIDE: Manufacturing | Power Women | Long-Term Care $10 USD

AT SIGHTLINE RETAIL, OUR PRIMARY GOAL IS TO FORGE STRONG AND HONEST RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN RETAILERS AND SUPPLIERS.

Our business is about sales — for everyone — and we’re here to guide you toward profitability and better business growth for your company. For inquiries, please contact us at or Hello@SightlineRetail.com. | 1.844.ON.SHELF

WE PLAN

UNFORGETTABLE

VACATIONS EVERY DAY.

CONGRATULATIONS

CINDY MINOR

FOR BEING NAMED AN AMP POWER WOMAN 2025

(501) 831-5211 smallworldbigfun.com SmallWorldBIGFUN smallworldbigfun user/smallworldBIGFUN

FEATURES DECEMBER 2025

10 POWERING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Laura Landreaux and her team at Entergy Arkansas are providing the juice to power big projects, such as like Google’s $4 billion data center in West Memphis.

PONDERING PARKING

HOME BASE

One of the biggest problems facing the industry has not grabbed the headlines quite like the others: sufficient parking for big rigs.

In Arkansas and beyond, more seniors than ever are choosing home health care options to help them manage the challenges of growing older.

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

December 2025 PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Heather Baker | hbaker@armoneyandpolitics.com

104 How to help

ENERGY

16 Locked on lithium The second-annual Arkansas Lithium Innovation Summit brought together stakeholders from the realms of industry, government and education.

20 Giving back Summit Cares, a new grant program serving resident nonprofit organizations, has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to worthwhile causes.

MANUFACTURING future of 23 The manufacturing Manufacturing is a large term and an even larger field of industry as 3D printing, automation and AI have made it a hyperspecialized area of study.

26 The new factories

Caregivers, senior home administrators and nonprofit organizations have been racing to meet the needs of an aging populace while bracing for more.

TRAILBLAZING MEN

115 Full speed ahead

In this special sales section, AMP has the distinct pleasure of featuring some of the state’s extraordinary trailblazing men.

SMALL BUSINESS

106 Taking good care Americans are spending more money on wellness than ever before, but it is not all about glamorous facials at resort spas.

130 A winning model

Made in the Shade co-owners Ron Carter and Mike Kirby are no strangers to “blinding out the competition.”

AGRICULTURE

132 Unconventional

approach Robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and more have When Betty and John Ballard made factories safer, greener and founded Live Healthy Farms in more productive than ever. Bonnerdale in 2020, they knew they were not going to do things conventionally. Tech talk

The Smithsonian once declared the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon The Jetsons “the single most important piece of 20th century futurism.”

POWER WOMEN

45 Hear ‘em roar

AMP ’s “Power Women” 2025 features female leaders who are breaking down barriers and bettering their communities with dedication, determination and drive. DEC E M BER 2 02 5

SPORTS

140 All in Catch phrases tend to make Arkansas fans cringle a little, given recent history, but new head Hog Ryan Silverfield is backing up his “all in” mantra.

144 Razor blades

In Arkansas, one can expect to hear random Hog calls almost anywhere, but inside an ice-skating rink? The UA hockey club is busy growing its fan base. 4

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dwain Hebda | dwain@armoneyandpolitics.com SENIOR EDITOR Mark Carter | mcarter@armoneyandpolitics.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mak Millard | mmillard@armoneyandpolitics.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Darlene Hebda | darlene@armoneyandpolitics.com COPY EDITOR Sarah DeClerk | sdeclerk@armoneyandpolitics.com STAFF WRITERS Doug Crise | dcrise@armoneyandpolitics.com Alex Hardgrave | ahardgrave@armoneyandpolitics.com Mary LeSieur | mlesieur@armoneyandpolitics.com MANAGING DIGITAL EDITOR Kellie McAnulty | kmcanulty@armoneyandpolitics.com ONLINE WRITER Kilee Hall | khall@armoneyandpolitics.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Mike Bedgood | mbedgood@armoneyandpolitics.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jerry Cordova | jcordova@armoneyandpolitics.com Lora Puls | lpuls@armoneyandpolitics.com Lee Smith | lsmith@armoneyandpolitics.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Greg Churan | gchuran@armoneyandpolitics.com Michelle Daugherty | michelle@armoneyandpolitics.com Mary Funderburg | mary@armoneyandpolitics.com Karen Holderfield | kholderfield@armoneyandpolitics.com Ryan Parker | ryan@armoneyandpolitics.com Carrie Sublett | carrie@armoneyandpolitics.com EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Jessica Everson | jeverson@armoneyandpolitics.com ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Katie Beth Smith | ksmith@armoneyandpolitics.com PRODUCTION & AD OPERATIONS Jay Danzy | ads@armoneyandpolitics.com Lara Keck | ads@armoneyandpolitics.com CIRCULATION circulation@armoneyandpolitics.com ADMINISTRATION Marissa Porter | ayoffice@armoneyandpolitics.com CEO | Vicki Vowell

TO ADVERTISE call 501-244-9700 email hbaker@armoneyandpolitics.com TO SUBSCRIBE armoneyandpolitics.com/subscribe CONTRIBUTORS

Jane Colclasure, Lori Sparkman, Steve Lewis, Ryan Parker, Todd Shields AMP magazine is published monthly, Volume VIII, Issue 7 AMP magazine (ISSN 2162-7754) is published monthly by AY Media Group, 910 W. Second St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Periodicals postage paid at Little Rock, AR, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to AMP, 910 W. Second St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Subscription Inquiries: Subscription rate is $28 for one year (12 issues). Single issues are available upon request for $10. For subscriptions, inquiries or address changes, call 501-244-9700. The contents of AMP are copyrighted, and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Articles in AMP should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised in the magazine are not necessarily endorsed by AMP. Please recycle this magazine.

ARMON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

BIG DREAMS DESERVE A PLAN

We all have big dreams for our children and we know they’ll have dreams of their own. No matter what type of education those dreams call for, we have a plan. The Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan allows our education savings to grow tax-deferred.

And every little bit helps. Help their dreams become a reality whether they study in the U.S. or abroad. Look into opening an Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan – their dreams deserve it.

BrighterFutureDirect529.com 1.800.587.7301

PLUGGED IN

ON THE COV E R

INSTAGRAM

Entergy Arkansas president and CEO Laura Landreaux was photographed by photographer Steve Lewis. The story starts on page 10.

FEEDBACK JESSICA FORD TO SUCCEED HEATHER LARKIN AS CEO AT ARKANSAS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Congratulations, Jessica! You are an inspiration, and I know you’ll do amazing things as the leader of ACF! Heather Audirsch Haywood

Walmart has announced an impending change in the C suite as John Furner will succeed Doug McMillon as president and CEO of the Bentonville-based global retailer.

CHAD HUDSON TO TRANSITION INTO CEO ROLE AT FNBC Another great decision by FNBC! CONGRATULATIONS Chad! Mike Watson ALICIA PAYSENO NAMED CEO OF ARKANSAS HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION This will be amazing for Arkansas! Megan Scott Selman UCA UNVEILS PLANS TO REPLACE 53-YEAR-OLD FARRIS CENTER WITH NEW MULTIPURPOSE ARENA I’m a close neighbor to the UCA campus and had heard that Bruce Street might be closed. I was absolutely NOT a fan of that decision. However, seeing the renderings and how cool it will be to have the arena next to Estes Stadium makes for a nice tradeoff. This is exciting! Marty Knight FORMER KTHV REPORTER ASHLEY GODWIN JOINS PEACOCK GROUP Thank you for sharing the great news! Ashley Godwin CHRIS KANE PROMOTED TO PRESIDENT OF DELTA SOLAR IN LITTLE ROCK. Congratulations on the new role and wishing you continued success. Matt Olson

Jessica Hughes Ford has been named president and CEO of the Arkansas Community Foundation.

TOP ONLINE ARTICLES Nov. 4 — Dec. 7

1 Willy D’s relocating to North Little Rock as part of $25M project 2 U.S. Steel to build new plant in Osceola 3 Report: Benton planners to address proposed Christian school near Buc-ee’s site 4 2025 Broyles Award nominees revealed 5 Marketing firm to move into old Ken Rash location 6 Baz to UA brass: I’m coming for hardware held in storage

The Arkansas Hospitality Association announced that Alicia Payseno has been named CEO.

7 Tyson Foods heir, entertainment leaders join ACS board 8 Arkansas survivor Lara Blume McGee speaks out about Epstein files 9 Matt Machen named CEO of Arvest Bank 10 Amazon closing distribution center at Port of LR ‘indefinitely’ due to structural issues

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

@AMPPOB ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

By Mark Carter

HAIL TO MARK MAY AND LINUS VAN PELT

hat tip to David Bazzel and all the folks — board members, volunteers and sponsors — whose hard work has helped make the Little Rock Touchdown Club the best organization of its kind anywhere. NFL hall-of-famer Mark May closed out the 2025 speaker season on Nov. 24, and boy did he put a proper capper on a great fall lineup. May is a former Redskin, and as a lifelong REDSKINS fan, I’ve always been a fan of his. In Little Rock, he pulled no punches in his disdain for the franchise’s new moniker but also shared a story about his former teammate, ‘Skins QB Joe Theismann. Theismann is probably more famous for the grotesque compound fracture he suffered in 1985 on Monday Night Football against the Giants — sacked by LT, no less — than he is for leading the ‘Skins to a Super Bowl win in 1982. May can be seen in the footage holding his QB’s shoulders down against the turf. May said he was not just trying to offer emotional support. As soon as the break happened, everyone in the vicinity knew the severity of the injury. Back then, the lime used to line grass fields included chemicals that could have been potentially deadly to anyone who ingested them, and May said he held Theismann’s shoulders to the turf to keep his teammate from rolling over onto the chalk with a literally exposed leg. That’s what I call a teammate. Oh, and the ‘Skins are the real team of the ‘80s.

*** Finally, asking readers’ indulgence, we will leave things in the capable, blanket-wielding hands of Linus Van Pelt, who one evening several decades ago explained the true meaning of Christmas, with help from Luke the Evangelist, for the Peanuts gang: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding In the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, And the glory of the Lord shone round about them: And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, Which shall be to all the people. For unto this day is born in the city of David a Saviour, Which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe Wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, Good will toward men. Luke 2: 8-14 (KJV) All together now: And that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

By Heather Baker

A CHRISTMAS STOCKING On the energy side, we profile Entergy Arkansas boss Laura Landreaux, take a look at the burgeoning lithium industry in Arkansas and explore how one company is tackling the problem of where to park big rigs. We will also check out trends in home-based care for seniors and the rise of recuperative services in senior care. Plus, our “Digs of the Deal” feature will visit the Lum and Abner Jot ‘Em Down Store and Museum in Pine Ridge, and we will take a quick look at the new Head Hog on the Hill. There is lots to digest and enjoy. The only things missing from this stocking are candy canes and Reese’s. As always, thank you for reading and helping make AMP a go-to for positive stories Heather Baker about the people who make Arkansas run. Here is wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Hit me up with story ideas at hbaker@arkansasmoneyandpolitics. com.

he only bad thing about the Christmas season is that it has to end. I suppose its appearance once a year helps us appreciate it more though. If only we could carry the Christmas spirit with us throughout the entire calendar year. We are not done with Christmas just yet, however, and this December issue of Arkansas Money & Politics is like a stocking filled to the brim with goodies. Our industry focuses this month are manufacturing, energy and long-term care, and we will also recognize our “Power Women” for 2025. Inside, our award-winning staff looks at future trends in manufacturing, how factories are evolving to become more innovative, the supply chain postpandemic and even how a local focus on the Sparta Aquifer in south Arkansas has helped Union County keep and attract industry.

ARM O NE YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

VIEWPOINT

REGIONALISM IS NOT A SLOGAN IT IS HOW NORTHEAST ARKANSAS WINS

By Todd Shields The benefits reach beyond training. When a company visits and sees neighbors cooperating instead of competing, it changes the conversation. A shared message and a unified talent pipeline are harder to ignore in Little Rock and Washington, D.C., and far more attractive to site selectors. Families already live regionally — work in one town, worship in another, spend Saturdays at tournaments in a third. Promoting and expanding those connections helps us recruit and retain people who continue to transform the region. By aligning across a full spectrum, we ensure our efforts translate Todd Shields into measurable economic strength. A-State’s activity alone generates a statewide economic impact of $2.5 billion, supports more than 16,000 jobs and yields a return of $7.10 for every $1 the state invests. We will host our next Catalyst Nov. 5, 2026, in Jonesboro to further set priorities, act and report collective wins. A-State will host regular gatherings that bring together business, local government, K-12 and higher ed to champion regional priorities. Possibilities might include: • Infrastructure that unlocks growth, including more than $600 million in planned highway projects. At Arkansas State Highway Commissioner Jerry Halsey’s request, for example, the Arkansas Department of Transportation is studying how to better connect Jonesboro to the steel, agriculture and renewable-energy growth happening in Mississippi County. • Shared quality-of-life projects such as the Northeast Arkansas Childrens Museum in Jonesboro, entertainment districts, or projects such as the 8 Mile Creek Trail and Bridge NEA initiatives in Paragould. • A unified talent and research pipeline focused on workforce talent brand and an employer-led plan for internships and apprenticeships. Additionally, we can focus on upskilling incumbent workers using the research and development talents at A-State to solve complex industry problems. If you lead a city, plant, clinic, business, school district or nonprofit in northeast Arkansas, bring us the complex problems you are trying to solve. We will test new ideas with you, measure the results and, when something works, scale it so the whole region benefits. When you win, we win — and when we win, you win. That is the promise of regionalism, and it is how we keep our momentum going.

illions of dollars are flowing into northeast Arkansas — in steel, precision agriculture, health care, manufacturing, and the infrastructure that makes sustained growth achievable: power, roads and housing. Those investments are reshaping the region’s economy, accelerating workforce demand, and opening doors for suppliers and entrepreneurs. Northeast Arkansas cannot afford to lose its momentum or let opportunities drift to other regions. Acting as one region helps us convert today’s projects into tomorrow’s prosperity. That was the focus on the Arkansas State University campus in Jonesboro in November, when more than 600 education, government, industry and policy leaders gathered for the Catalyst NEA: Economic Development & Leadership Forum. I shared the stage with Graham Cobb, a former chamber executive and expert on regionalism and economic growth. Our conversation centered on the collective regional power of cities, counties, economic development organizations, employers, K-12 education and higher education working together to turn momentum into measurable progress. As a research university, A-State has a specific role in that equation. We convene, we analyze, we test, we build, and, most of all, we educate the people who will power the region over the coming decades. To achieve that, we are adopting a more entrepreneurial mindset throughout the university. If a new approach can improve student experience or career readiness, we will pilot it, measure it and scale what works. Research universities can serve as the research and development arm of any business, combining doctoral-level expertise, student ingenuity, laboratories and workforce pipelines to solve industry problems and provide competitive advantages. We are expanding internships and work experiences across campus so graduates demonstrate evidence of impact to employers on day one. If you are hiring, A-State should be your first call for talent, proven experience and problem solving. Graham underscored a truth we have seen around the country. Granted, we are not comparing apples to apples, but the places that surge share a common denominator: higher ed partners working side by side with industry and policy leaders. Think Silicon Slopes in Utah, the Research Triangle in North Carolina or the Cultivation Corridor partnership with Iowa State University. In each case, higher ed institutions serve as conveners and problem solvers while public and private leaders align around a clear plan. The Career Readiness Education & Skills Training Center is an example of that formula. CREST is a partnership with A-State, ASU-Newport and Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville supported by a $7.5 million Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development, or HIRED, grant with substantial county and industry investments. CREST is adding hands-on capacity in advanced automated manufacturing, industrial controls, robotics, food processing and steel manufacturing. That is regionalism. DEC E M BER 2 02 5

Todd Shields is the chancellor of Arkansas State University’s flagship campus in Jonesboro. 8

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

THANK YOU! Thank you for voting Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners

BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

5100 W JB Hunt Drive, Rogers, AR 72758 | 479 845 3000

2800 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72202 | 501 716 5511

sagepartners.com

READY TO SAVE FOR NEXT YEAR? WE ARE

HERE FOR YOU. OPEN A 2026

CHRISTMAS CLUB

4.00

% APY *

firstcommunity.net | 1-888-780-8391

BATESVILLE 1325 Harrison St. • 3 Eagle Mountain Blvd. • 301 E. Main St. APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rate effective as of November 3, 2025. One withdrawal allowed during the year with no fee. Any additional withdrawals $5.00 each. SOUTHSIDE 1 Allen Chapel CAVE CITY 102ofS.two Main St. Maximum deposit amount in the Christmas Club isRd. $5,000 with a limit accounts per household. NEWPORT 2525 Malcolm Ave. CHEROKEE VILLAGE/HIGHLAND 1 Iroquois Dr.

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

ENERGY

Entergy Arkansas CEO Laura Landreaux (Photo by Steve Lewis)

Powering Economic

DEVELOPMENT Entergy Arkansas CEO working to meet growing demand By Mark Carter

n October, Google announced plans to build a $4 billion data center in West Memphis. The internet giant will do so in partnership with the state and Entergy Arkansas, the latter of which will provide the juice necessary to fuel the operation. And what a massive operation it will be. The West Memphis facility will focus on cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure and run off of the clean energy produced by a 600-megawatt solar project Entergy is building on the 120 acres that will encompass the Google campus. The solar array will be backed by Entergy’s new 350 MW battery storage system in Jefferson County. Google committed to covering all the energy costs associated with powering the data center, which is expected to contribute more than $1.1 billion in net benefits and reduce electricity rates for Entergy Arkansas customers. Entergy Arkansas CEO Laura Landreaux is overseeing the milestone project, one of the biggest in the company’s 110-year history in the Natural State. In her official statement following the Google announcement, Landreaux said the partnership will bring “unprecedented economic opportunity” to Arkansas.

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

Google also announced a $25 million energy impact fund to fund home weatherization, innovative energyefficiency technology and energy workforce development in Crittenden County and the surrounding areas. “Google’s $4 billion investment in its new facility, its $25 million energy impact fund and its investment in the future of our students demonstrates what lasting community impacts a project of this magnitude can have,” she said. “Entergy Arkansas is committed to powering growth and building a stronger, more vibrant future for the next generation and has found a partner in Google, who shares this same vision.” The economic development impact of Google’s investment in northeast Arkansas is expected to be substantial, and it would not have come to fruition without Entergy Arkansas. Landreaux noted that people often do not consider the “huge role” that utilities play in economic development. “Reliable, affordable power isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s often the No. 1 factor that attracts and keeps businesses in a state,” she told Arkansas Money & Politics. “Entergy has some of the lowest rates in the country, and we work hand in hand with state and local partners to make sure Arkansas has everything

D EC E M B E R 2025

ENERGY communities served by the utility with a “competitive advantage and shovel-ready sites.” It helps civic leaders better satisfy site searches by certifying sites through a set of comprehensive and predetermined criteria. Entergy Arkansas serves roughly 735,000 Arkansans in 63 of the state’s 75 counties. Landreaux said such initiatives represent a good example of how the industry has changed since she made it a career. Prior to joining Entergy Arkansas in 2007, she worked for eight years in Phoenix — in private practice, her first job out of school, and as an attorney for the Salt River Project, a water and electric utility. “When I first started, people usually only talked about electricity when the power went out,” she said. “Now it’s part of everyday conversations among customers, businesses and policymakers. The world’s economy is more connected than ever, and electricity is at the heart of that. Demand is growing faster than we’ve ever seen, and suddenly, our industry is right at the center of innovation, investment and national strategy. That’s a big shift from when I first came on board.” When Entergy called in 2007, the Little Rock native was ready to head home, where she had earned both her bachelor’s degree in political science and government and her Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She joined Entergy as senior legal counsel, a role she held for almost five years before beginning to climb the corporate ladder. She was promoted to manager of regulatory affairs in 2014, to vice president of regulatory affairs in 2014, to finance director in 2017, and, finally, to president and CEO in 2018. When she earned her law degree on the Hill in 1999, Entergy was nowhere on her radar — though it would not be too long before she was on the utility’s own radar. Landreaux said she had never envisioned working for a utility company. “They definitely don’t teach the utility business in law school, but practicing law actually introduced me to the industry,” she said. “I represented clients on generation development and transmission projects, and that’s when I really got hooked. Eventually, I left private practice to work for a vertically integrated utility in Phoenix, and that experience set me on the path that led me here.” The hook, it turns out, was simple. “I love that what we do matters to people’s everyday lives,” she said. “The idea that my work helps power homes, schools, hospitals and businesses, that’s incredibly rewarding. I get up every morning knowing that my job is to help others do theirs successfully.”

Entergy Arkansas is committed to powering growth and building a stronger, more vibrant future for the next generation and has found a partner in Google, who shares this same vision. — Laura Landreaux, Entergy Arkansas CEO

businesses need: product, power and people. Beyond providing electricity, we help communities prepare sites for new development. In fact, we just recertified a site in Wynne through our select site initiative so they’ll be ready to answer when opportunity knocks. We also work closely with schools and workforce programs to make sure we have the skilled talent to support growth.” Entergy Arkansas’ select site initiative, relaunched in 2018, is a promotional tool created to provide the Arkansas

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Her work on the 40th floor of the Simmons Bank Tower in downtown Little Rock parallels her own community activism. Outside the office, Landreaux is an active member of the state’s nonprofit community. She serves as vice chair of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce board; serves on the boards of Easterseals Arkansas, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business and the Arkansas Research Alliance; is a founding member of Arkansas Women in Power; and is a graduate of Arkansas Leadership Class XIII and Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXX. In 2020, Landreaux was named the Easterseals Arkansan of the Year, and she was the recipient of the 2019 Women in Business Award from the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. For Landreaux, the nonprofit and civic work she does outside the office complements the work she inside it. “To me, they’re one and the same,” she said. “Entergy’s vision is, ‘We power life,’ and that’s true in every sense. We don’t just power homes and businesses; we’re also deeply invested in the success of the communities we serve. My personal community work and the company’s focus center on improving quality of life and making sure every Arkansan has the opportunity to thrive.” That, in and of itself, might seem challenging enough to most, but Entergy is, after all, in the energy business. Entergy Arkansas represents one component to the Fortune 500 Entergy Corp., based in New Orleans. Across its four-state footprint of Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, Entergy utilities serve roughly 3 million and employ about 12,000. Challenges may come with the industry but also the geography — Entergy utilities call tornado and hurricane country home. Still, Landreaux said Entergy Arkansas’ biggest concern has nothing to do with Mother Nature. “The biggest challenge is keeping up with growth,” she said. “Demand for electricity is increasing rapidly, and we have to build new generation and transmission faster than ever at a time when supply chain issues make that harder. Fortunately, at Entergy, we’re ready. We’ve secured materials, labor and equipment, and construction is already underway to meet the needs of the next generation of Arkansans — and we’re doing it

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

Entergy Arkansas serves roughly

735,000 ARKANSANS in

63 of the

state’s 75 counties.

Landreaux at the site of the planned Google data center in West Memphis. (Photo provided)

while keeping our rates well below the national average, which is key to keeping the state competitive.” Landreaux said Entergy is investing in a “nextgeneration power portfolio” and grid to deliver reliable energy while supporting jobs and strengthening communities, adding that large industrial and technology companies are looking at Arkansas more often because they know the state offers reliable power at affordable rates. “We plan to keep it that way,” she said. “Large customers such as Google help support investments in infrastructure additions that not only help power their facilities but also result in improved grid reliability that benefits all customers.”

D EC E M B E R 2025

MINI-REACTORS

ENERGY

coming to Arkansas?

n October, the Arkansas state legislature’s Joint Energy Committee hired a Maryland firm to study the feasibility of adopting small modular reactors as a potential solution to growing energy needs. SMRs, as they are called, are high-tech, miniature nuclear power plants. SMRs generate up to 300 megawatts, roughly one-third the power of a traditional nuclear power plant. The study is expected to be complete within 10 months. SMRs can be constructed in factories and then transported to and assembled on-site. They also have more advanced cooling systems, making them less of a risk for meltdowns. None have been built in the U.S. yet, though they are now being considered more often as an alternative energy source. Arkansas is home to one traditional nuclear power plant, Entergy’s Arkansas Nuclear One, just outside of Russellville on the shores of Lake Dardanelle. Entergy Arkansas CEO Laura Landreaux said Entergy is on board with more Laura Landreaux, from left, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Entergy safe outlets for the use of officials tour Arkansas Nuclear One near Russellville. (Photos provided) nuclear energy. “You won’t find a company more pro-nuclear than Entergy,” she said. “More than 65 percent of the energy serving our customers “What we’ve asked them to do [is to] study the today comes from nuclear power, and we have some new designs — there’s multiple types of SMRs,” he of the best operators in the business, so we’re excited said. “Tell us which is the optimal design. What sitto see the state take an interest in advancing new ing criteria should we have? What are the safety renuclear technologies. We’re actively supporting the quirements? Give us some financials on is this going study and look forward to contributing our expertise to be profitable? Is it going to be a good thing for the to help move innovation forward in Arkansas.” state financially? We’re closing down two coal plants. State Rep. Jack Ladyman (R-Jonesboro), a memWe have to replace that with something. We need ber of the Joint Energy Committee, told KATV the another base-load fuel, and in my mind, that has to study will give lawmakers all the information needbe nuclear.” — Mark Carter ed to potentially approve an SMR for Arkansas.

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

We’re planning for the next generation And building stronger communities Entergy Arkansas works hard to ensure our communities and our environment will thrive for years to come. We’re diversifying our energy portfolio, as well as upgrading our current facilities to operate more efficiently. We are committed to powering growth for the next generation of Arkansas. entergyarkansas.com

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

ENERGY

LEADING ON

LITHIUM Summit brings together state, industry leaders to discuss burgeoning industry By Sarah DeClerk | Photos by Sarah DeClerk DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Ernest Scheyder, left, senior correspondent at Reuters, moderates a panel discussion with Emma Bishop, vice president of the Battery Materials & Technology Coalition, from left, David Kovatch, president at Mission Strategies, Matthew Godlewski, vice president of international government affairs at Ford, and Samm Gillard, vice president of Strategic Marketing Innovations.

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

he second-annual Arkansas Lithium they can exert power over the United States Innovation Summit, held at Little and other countries, and we’re not going to Rock’s Statehouse Convention Cenlet that happen.” ter in October, brought together stakeholdDuring the summit, leaders from Staners from the realms of industry, government dard Lithium, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Chevand education for a two-day summit that ron, Ford and others discussed not only the explored some of the most pressing issues afdeployment and scalability of direct lithium fecting the burgeoning south extraction, a revolutionary Arkansas industry. technology being used to har“This is a working summit. vest lithium in the Smackover We expect actionable insights Formation, but the imperaand partnerships and relationtive to develop midstream ships to emerge from these battery manufacturing in the rooms,” Arkansas Secretary of United States and specifically Commerce Hugh McDonald in Arkansas. told attendees. “When we met “We’re here to advance a in February 2024, we spoke single, critical mission: buildof promise. Now, in October ing an upstream and mid‘25, we speak of progress. Exstream industry ecosystem in Hugh McDonald traordinary progress has been Arkansas that serves a critimade in Arkansas over the last 18 months cal link to serve the nation’s lithium, battery thanks to the commitment of our partners all and energy-storage supply chain,” McDonald across the state and country.” said. “We want companies, investors and polHe was joined in opening the summit icymakers to know that Arkansas is the first by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Rep. and best place to invest in the upstream and Bruce Westerman. With 5 to 19 million tons midstream sectors of this industry.” of some of the highest-grade lithium in North Sanders echoed the point and emphasized America sitting beneath south Arkansas in the state government’s willingness to facilithe Smackover Formation, Arkansas not tate an environment conducive to the lithium only has abundant natural resources above industry. ground but below ground, as well, Wester“We have leaders ready to pick up the man noted. phone and answer your questions day or “Arkansas’ got rich deposits of oil and gas night because we don’t just want to do lithiand other minerals,” he said, “and now we um extraction. We want to build out the conknow that we’re one of the world’s leaders, version, refining and the manufacturing, all in the Smackover Formation, with lithium, right here where this valuable resource is,” an element that’s extremely important to our she said. “With your help, we know Arkansas future and an element that brings great opwill be a leader and an innovator in the globportunity to our state, to the citizens here, as al lithium market and help put this industry we invest in that and develop it.” on the map for the United States.” Sanders discussed how the lithium brine The state “moved decisively” to provide deposit positions the state to play an imporregulatory certainty and tax exemptions to tant role in President Donald Trump’s work lithium investors, McDonald said. In addito secure the supply of critical minerals in the tion to the Arkansas Oil and Gas CommisU.S. Lithium, a critical component in battery sion establishing a royalty rate and regulaproduction, is overwhelmingly processed in tory framework this year, the state legislature China. passed Act 1012 with an eye for the lithium “China controls more than two-thirds boom. of the global lithium chemical supply, and “This act provides sales and use tax exmake no mistake; the communist Chinese emptions on equipment for nearly all aspects aren’t making so many cheap batteries out of the lithium and grid energy storage chain of the goodness of their hearts,” she said. from extraction all the way to battery recy“They want to control the entire global techcling. It also modernizes our severance tax nology and critical mineral supply so that and ensures that the local counties that are 17

D EC E M B E R 2025

“We’ve always been an energy-rich state, but we’re making the investments, we’re making the commitments and we’ve got the leadership to make sure we are energy rich going forward.” -Rep. Bruce Westerman Simon Moores, CEO of Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, speaks as Jesse Edmondson, director of government affairs at Standard Lithium, looks on.

hosting these operations actually benefit,” he said. “These actions do send a clear message, we believe, that Arkansas is open for lithium and grid energy storage business.” Sanders added that the state has lowered the top income tax rate by 20 percent over the past three years and cut the permitting time for new energy products from 18 months to six months. At the federal level, Westerman said he is working to pass the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act, or SPEED Act, which would streamline and standardize the permitting process for lithium and other industries. Representatives from workforce development programs at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, South Arkansas College in El Dorado, the Venture Center in Little Rock and other organizations were on hand to discuss the future of the lithium workforce in Arkansas. McDonald noted that LiTHIUMLEARNS and LiTHIUMWORKS are creating an end-to-end talent pipeline from K-12 through technical training and four-year degree programs. Furthermore, he said, the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator operated by the Venture Center promises to connect leading lithium producers with the top technology companies in Arkansas. In addition, Sanders noted that Arkansas ACCESS has helped provide more education and job training opportunities for Arkansans across the state, while Arkansas LAUNCH provides a platform to connect workers with in-demand jobs while helping candidates identify the training and certifications required. “I’ve always believed in one resource that Arkansas can count on above all others, and you’ll be surprised. It’s not timber or rice or steel or even lithium,” she said. “While we do love those, and we’re very proud that they are here in our state, it’s the great men and women who call Arkansas home who will be the difference-makers for companies that invest here.” Building an energy infrastructure to support growing industry needs was also a topic of the summit. Westerman said the demand for energy is expected to increase 4.5 percent next year alone. DEC E M BER 2 02 5

“That trend’s going to grow exponentially,” he said. “In order to mine and process lithium and anything else, you have to have energy, so I think Arkansas’ ahead of the game. We’ve always been an energy-rich state, but we’re making the investments, we’re making the commitments and we’ve got the leadership to make sure we are energy rich going forward.” The state’s efforts to lay the groundwork for lithium extraction are paying off in investment. McDonald noted that the joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor is targeting 22,500 tons of annual battery-grade lithium carbonate production in its first phase. ExxonMobil is working toward producing enough lithium to meet the manufacturing needs of about 1 million electric vehicles during the first half of the 2030s, he said, and Chevron entered the game earlier this year, acquiring 25,000 net acres. “We believe Arkansas can and will become a national leader in the lithium and grid energy storage value chain and will play a special role in closing the gap to secure the battery supply chain for the nation,” he added. “It’s not a hope, but it’s a declaration of our intent, backed by billions of investment and the full weight of the Natural State’s economic, regulatory and workforce development policies and actions.”

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Network Services Group, WE ARE IT! We don’t just care about technology. We care about you and your results.

DON’T RISK DOWNTIME AND LOST REVENUE Managed IT  Phone Systems  Cyber Security Internet Provider Consulting  Cloud  AI You deserve a stress-free IT experience.

STOP STRESSING ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND GAIN SOME MOMENTUM!

501-758-6058 ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

5105 McClanahan Drive Suite J-3, North Little Rock / nsgdv.com 19

D EC E M B E R 2025

ENERGY

Cooking with Gas Summit Utilities sees both opportunities and challenges in the new year By Dwain Hebda | Photos provided by Summit Utilities

S Vernon McNully

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ummit Utilities, which has served Arkansas since acquiring the gas distribution assets of CenterPoint Energy in January 2022, is a natural gas provider to 525,000 families and businesses throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma and the Texarkana, Texas, area. The company has taken its share of lumps since entering the market, including system transition issues that resulted in billing problems ultimately resulting in a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit was dismissed in March 2023, and the company’s costs and billing practices cleared Arkansas Public Service Commission scrutiny that September. In January 2024, the company sought approval of a rate hike, a muchdebated motion approved by the PSC in November. The 23.4 percent increase, which added about $15.43 per month to customers’ gas bills, was necessary due to inflation, economic conditions and the need to invest in the company’s aging infrastructure, company officials said in a letter at the time. Collectively, the company operates more than 23,400 miles of pipeline in six states, 17,000 miles of it in its three-state service area. Conversely, the company has been a strong economic driver, having claimed creation of 300 jobs in Arkansas since 2022. It has also shown a readiness to support worthwhile local causes both financially and by

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

mobilizing its employees as volunteers. Summit Utilities has received commendation for support of hunger relief efforts and received industry recognition for its mobilization efforts following the Little Rock tornadoes. Since entering the Arkansas market, the company also launched Summit Cares, a community giving grant program serving resident nonprofit organizations, and has directly contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to worthwhile causes. That contributed to the company being named a “Best Place to Work” in 2023 by Forbes and recognized by Arkansas Money & Politics readers as a “Most Admired Company” in 2022. As the weather turns colder and furnaces click on throughout Arkansas, Summit Utilities enters its busiest time of year. AMP sat down with the company’s vice president of operations, Arkansas native Vernon McNully, a 30-year veteran of the gas utility in Arkansas, to learn more about the company’s efforts to continue delivering clean-burning natural gas while holding the line on costs.

Something we seem to hear in the electrical arena all the time is about usage loads. Being that we’re in the South, where temperatures are more moderate, does gas experience the larger swings in seasonal usage compared to other forms of energy?

There are certainly loads that are more levelized across the year. For natural gas, we do experience a higher consumption during cold weather because, very commonly, our product is used for heating in residential and even in commercial environments. That’s one of the larger loads that we have, and that is strictly seasonal and dependent on outside temperatures.

It is probably fair to say most people do not think about utilities until they turn on the stove or furnace and it does not work. What are the challenges of maintaining the system needed to bring that resource to the home?

How has the equipment and technology that your people are using in their daily jobs evolved? How does that make workers more efficient or better able to do their jobs?

Let me first go ahead and say that what you just described is the way we prefer it; a good utility is one that the customer doesn’t have to think about very often. That’s certainly the goal of all utilities is to be there when you need us and not to come up when you don’t. For us, the modernization of our infrastructure is one of the key things that you probably hear from all utilities at this point. I’ve been on the Arkansas system for 30 years, and the Arkansas system has existed in some form for 100 years, so there’s a constant need to improve and modernize. That’s really a focus for Summit is how do we identify those areas? How do we make sure that we are staying a safe and reliable utility that delivers the energy needs of the customer? Some of the technologies that we take advantage of now would be our integrity management programs, which use predictive analysis to determine what areas might need to be modernized. We also have tools such as our advanced leak detection vehicles. These vehicles are driven along the street, and they analyze the atmosphere for any traces of methane or for gas leaks. They not only tell us that a gas leak might be happening, but they also tell us where that might be happening. We also have expanded our pressure monitoring systems, and we use those systems to help us spot any problems that may be occurring in the system before they become a disruption for the customer. These tools are more of a forward-thinking approach, and they help us maintain smooth operations. It helps us to proactively manage maintenance, and it minimizes disruptions that people might experience.

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

The company operates more than 23,400 miles of pipeline in six states, 17,000 miles of it in its three-state service area.

A lot of that is around our customer care. We have better tools that allow the employee to see what’s going on at a customer’s residence when they visit. That connectivity gives them more individual information about the customer they’re dealing with, and that certainly is a benefit to them. A lot of the tools that are used are still performing the same procedures that have been in place for years. Yet while they are very similar, they have updated technology, such as some of the gas detection equipment, which is more sensitive than what you would’ve seen 20 years ago.

Of course, these tools are only as good as the people using them. You have to function in the same labor market as every other business. How have you attracted and, perhaps more importantly, retained the labor you need?

Like other utilities, certainly during COVID-19, we had to start dealing with labor shortages, even supply chain shortages, that were different than we’d experienced in the past. I really think that it gave us a good view of the future and how we attract talent. For new employees, there’s a lot of work that goes on through our HR department on what are the markets that we need to be attracting talent, and how do we get the employees into the company that represent our values? It’s not just a matter of the skill sets that they might have, but it’s also a matter of do they

D EC E M B E R 2025

ENERGY represent the values for the company and do the things that we need them to do in order to best support our customers? Our retention strategy revolves around trying to make sure that we’re showing our employees a path for a meaningful career. As a company, part of our DNA is around communicating one on one. We visit with each employee to talk to them about the things that they want to do and where they want to go in their careers. What’s important to their life, and what’s important to their family? Knowing that, we can better understand how to make this a place to work that not only supports our customers but also supports our employees.

What opportunities are there going forward? What can customers look forward to over the next few years?

Some of the things that we have coming up in the near future are around our smart metering, what we refer to as advanced metering. What that does is give us more real-time information about the customer, gives us more options on ways that we can be efficient. That helps us control costs, but it also gives more information to the customer to help them determine what’s best for their lifestyle as far as controlling their energy costs. Then, like probably all companies out there, one of the things that we’re looking at right now is how to utilize artificial intelligence in improving our reporting, improving our efficiencies, in providing a better product to our customers. That’s something I think you’ve probably seen or will be hearing from any utility. I’m very excited about where we’ll be going with that in 2026, and we have projects that’ll be going on for the next several years around how to bring AI into the company and how to utilize it.

What about on the challenges side? Obviously, regulation is a fact of life, but what else exists that might further complicate getting gas out of the ground and into the home?

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

As the weather turns colder and furnaces click on throughout Arkansas, Summit Utilities enters its busiest time of year.

There’s no doubt there’s been a lot of regulatory challenges and I would even say shifting dynamics in regard to energy in general, certainly natural gas in particular. At the moment, we’re at a place where we don’t have supply chain issues, and we don’t see issues with the supply of the product. We have good transportation available in Arkansas for entities to bring gas into the state, and so that really puts us in a strong place to be able to react, even with some of the growth dynamic changes that have occurred or are occurring inside the state, whether that’s data centers or lithium mining. From that perspective, we’re in a good spot. I think one of the opportunities that we have — and we’ve talked a lot about it today — is the aging infrastructure. That certainly isn’t just inside Summit Utilities. That affects a lot of different utilities that are out there. I think one of the opportunities and challenges that we see is how do we better coordinate that modernization. There’s a lot of work going on inside the state, whether that’s broadband expansion or modernization efforts by utilities, so how do we better coordinate with the state and city entities that are there to minimize the impact on

the communities that we serve? I think that’s something that we see a lot of interest in and certainly an opportunity that we have to improve as a broader utility group how we minimize that impact on our communities.

Overall, what’s the level of optimism you have for the coming year, and how much momentum does the company have to meet the challenges in front of it?

I would emphasize that we are in a really good place. As far as from a natural gas utility, we’re in a spot where we are seeing more and more need not just in Arkansas but really in the South and probably across the nation. There are more energy demands coming up. Data centers are a key part of it, but there are other drivers to it, as well. I think that we are in a place where we have the ability to have that strong commitment to supplying those energy demands, even though energy needs are pretty dynamic right now. There’s a lot of changes that are occurring, but from a broad standpoint, we really are in an optimistic place as far as being able to supply those energy demands.

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

MANUFACTURING

Full Speed Ahead

Opportunities in the manufacturing sector merge with cutting-edge training By Doug Crise

eijun Shen loves engineering, but he believes in people. Shen sat in his unadorned office on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on a crisp fall morning. There is a composition notebook sitting on his desk, the kind that can be found for a couple of bucks at any grocery store. The notebook clashes with the thick engineering textbooks and technical manuals on his bookshelf; they cannot be found for a couple of bucks, and they cannot be found at the grocery store. Yet Shen, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering, has given the humble notebook all it can handle. Mathematical formulations and an engineer’s quick shorthand dot the pages, most of it likely to fly past the comprehension of a garden-variety human. The book is open, but it may as well be double padlocked as far as accessibility goes. But Shen is not inaccessible. He is less than a year removed from getting his Ph.D at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the enthusiasm of a young academic comes off him in waves. He smiles as he speaks, with a voice that matches his smile. He clearly loves this Weijun Shen stuff, and he loves presenting it to people. ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

“My work is focusing on additive manufacturing,” Shen said. “It’s actually a very broad group of things. Additive manufacturing can be new techniques, new materials and working on different kinds of applications.” “Manufacturing” is a large term and even larger field. On one hand, the concept of manufacturing predates Henry Ford. On the other hand, 3D printing, automation and artificial intelligence have made manufacturing a hyperspecialized area of study for fields as far flung as engineering, mathematics, computer programming and business administration. How things get made — and made quickly — impacts everyone from the workers on a factory floor all the way to the CEO. It affects how businesses promote themselves, how innovators create new products and, perhaps most importantly, how workforce education changes from year to year. “Those are big-dollar investments, big employment opportunities, cutting-edge stuff,” said Randy Zook, president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas. Part of Shen’s job is to stay abreast of the art 23

D EC E M B E R 2025

ENERGY

Robotic assembly tools await students at Pulaski Tech. (Photo by Jane Colclasure)

While jitters about AI replacing human workers seem to apply

to just about every professional sector under the sun, they cast

Summer DeProw (Photo by Jane Colclasure)

an especially long shadow over

of manufacturing, keeping one foot in the present and another in the future. He realizes that when people discuss automation and robotics, both prime tools for manufacturing, the conversation can quickly swing to AI. And that can be a problem. While jitters about AI replacing human workers seem to apply to just about every professional sector under the sun, they cast an especially long shadow over manufacturing. Plenty of products can already be made and assembled by machines, after all, and it is easy to foresee what might happen when the machines themselves can learn the tricks of the trade. Shen is not so sure. He believes technical creativity, very much a human trait, is just as vital as machine learning, and he does not see that changing anytime soon. “You cannot consider every situation and pretrain a model to do that,” Shen said. “You always need a guide to do that. AI cannot replace a person in a very short time. It can be a very good tool to assist a person. You can have assistance from AI, but AI is not that creative. You need to focus on some creative things and look outside the textbook because textbooks are old, and if those things can be written down in a textbook, they can be learned by AI.” Summer DeProw chucked the textbooks a long time ago. As chancellor at the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock, she oversees a booming industrial manufacturing department that links students with up-to-the-minute tools and technologies. DeProw’s doctorate is in higher education, not engineering, but a person can be forgiven for thinking otherwise. On a late weekday afternoon, she guides a visitor through UAPTC’s sprawling manufacturing and robotics facilities, chatting with faculty members and looking absolutely at home among 3D printers, massive automated lathe machines and robotic assembly DEC E M BER 2 02 5

manufacturing. Plenty of products

can already be made and assembled by machines, after all, and it is easy

to foresee what might happen when the machines themselves can learn the tricks of the trade.

Arkansas manufacturers are doing their part to equip schools like Pulaski Tech and ensure a pipeline of future workers. (Photos by Jane Colclasure) 24

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

“The fundamental asset that the state can provide is a trainable, prepared, capable, motivated workforce. It’s an absolutely essential ingredient in the formula.”

3D printers, lathe machines and more help prepare students for the future of manufacturing. (Photo by Jane Colclasure)

— Randy Zook

Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas

(Photo by Sarah Oden)

tools. 3D printing, a cornerstone of the additive manufacturing that Shen studies, is an especially valuable asset allowing for the creation of complex parts that not only power machines but also give students a tangible real-time model of what they may be studying. That can be important because, as DeProw pointed out, most modern manufacturing technology requires both precision and know-how. “I don’t know about you,” DeProw said, “but when I was in high school, we learned two axes, X and Y. These machines have five.” Administrators at two- and four-year colleges all know how to make a lot out of limited resources, but still, it is hard to outhorse-trade DeProw. Much of UA-PTC’s manufacturing lab is taken up by modern, complex machines from computerizedmanufacturing leader Haas Automation, made possible through a grant from the Gene Haas Foundation. When not going after grants, DeProw is roping in experts to ensure UA-PTC manufacturing students stay ahead of the times. “Companies such as Georg Fischer, L’Oréal, Dassault Falcon Jet and RemingARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

ton are on our advisory councils,” DeProw said, “and we’d love to have more. They come in and look at the curriculum, and we get down into the nitty-gritty. You’ve got competent faculty that know how to teach combined with a lab plus those advisory councils giving us that expertise and sharing what they’re planning to make in the future.” Yet Arkansas’ leading manufacturing companies are not simply sharing suggestions out of the goodness of their own hearts. Their involvement ensures there will be a pipeline from UA-PTC straight to their own offices and production floors. “Those companies in the advisory council meetings will come to a consensus on items that are just nonnegotiable to learn,” DeProw said. “We know from feedback that having both textbook learning plus going and actually working on the machines really builds a great employee.” Having workforce education programs such as the ones found at UA-PTC is a vital and much-needed catalyst for growth. Both U.S. Steel and rebar-manufacturer Hybar have opened plants in northeast 25

Arkansas, investing billions. Big investment is also on the way for south Arkansas, home to one of the world’s largest deposits of lithium. Businesses continue to sprout in northwest Arkansas as the population continues to grow, and Little Rock remains a hub for industry and commerce. “We’ve got a lot of opportunities from one end of the state to the other,” Zook said. “We need young people to get prepared to take advantage of the opportunities. The fundamental asset that the state can provide is a trainable, prepared, capable, motivated workforce. It’s an absolutely essential ingredient in the formula.” Of all those necessary attributes for a work force, “prepared” may be the most important. As manufacturing technology continues to advance, the onus will fall on institutions capable of training future employees who can handle precision tools, manage equipment automation and, yes, optimize AI. “We have a lot of companies and a lot of supportive institutions here,” Shen said. “Our university is preparing students for that, and our faculty is aware of the challenges. We are moving our focus from traditional education on mechanical engineering to put more emphasis on automation and robotics.” D EC E M B E R 2025

MANUFACTURING

the

World of

Tomorrow

Factories evolving with new technologies, forward-thinking approaches By Sarah DeClerk

ver since Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing with his Model T, factories have become more and more efficient. Today, robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning have made factories safer, greener and more productive than ever. Bryan Day, executive director of the Port of Little Rock, said companies at the port are investing in new technologies to help overcome challenges. “Everyone’s trying to look for ways to be more innovative, more advanced, more proactive,” he said. “As supply chains become more complicated, as workforce becomes more challenged, these companies are investing in ways to increase production and reduce cost.” He added that companies are increasingly locating in midsized cities such as Little Rock, where costs are low and it is easy to do business. “We’re friendly. We’re easy to navigate. Our permitting process is simple,” he said. “Our state is small enough that we can have a call with the mayor or the governor. We can get contractors and utility people here. We approach it as a team, and all of that makes a difference.” As domestic manufacturing becomes a priority, he said he expects to see more factories — factories that will likely be energy efficient, sustainable and packed with cutting-edge technology. “In five years, there’s no telling what the technology and the AI and the adBryan Day vanced machinery’s going to mean for

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

American manufacturing,” he said, “but it’s going to really make a huge difference and allow America to reclaim its spot as one of the greatest manufacturing countries in the world.” He added that he expects companies to prioritize employee happiness as they seek to recruit and retain workers and said manufactures will probably look to address global supply chain issues by sourcing materials locally or stocking up well in advance. “I think the factories of tomorrow, you’ll still have the big megaprojects, the million square foot,” he said, “but I think the smaller factories, the 150,000-square-foot factories, are going to be more common, where you increase output and efficiency in a smaller space to keep those costs down.” HYBAR When it comes to maximum productivity with a minimal footprint, look no further than Hybar in Osceola. “There was an old saying: ‘You need 1,000 people to produce a million tons of steel,’” said David Stickler, CEO. “Well, I’ve proven my whole career you really don’t need that many people. At Hybar, we’ve got 157 people producing 700,000 tons of steel, and then we’ve got another 30 people running one of the busiest ports between St. Louis and Memphis.” There was a time when the majority of flat-rolled steel was produced at integrated steel mills that used iron ore and coal, he added. Then a new process David Stickler

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

WESTROCK COFFEE CO. The brand behind the brand for various coffee, tea, extract and readyto-drink products, Westrock Coffee Co. started in 2009 with a single roasting facility and a mission of providing equitable market access to coffee farmers in Rwanda. Now with manufacturing facilities in Little Rock, North Little Rock and Conway plus additional operations in North Carolina and Malaysia, the company’s Will Ford highly trained coffee specialists utilize the latest technology to provide end-to-end beverage solutions to clients around the world. “This growth has impacted our business in numerous ways, from expanding and upskilling our workforce to making significant investments in infrastructure and technology to strengthening our global supply chain,” said Will Ford, chief operating officer. “Yet every step of that evolution ties back to the same mis-

Hybar’s mill under construction in Osceola (photo provided)

emerged using recycled scrap metal and an electric arc furnace that made steelmaking less labor intensive. “Prior to that time, steelmaking was 80 percent brawn, 20 percent brains,” Stickler said. “You needed big high school linebackers, football linemen, literally moving steel around with big tongs. Now, 30 years later, at a company like Hybar, where everything is automated, everything is run from air-conditioned pulpits, steelmaking is 90 percent brains, 10 percent brawn.” Predictive maintenance technology uses machine learning to gather operational data and provide suggestions to keep the plant running smoothly, while robotics make production safer and more efficient, he said. Certified in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Hybar also reduces emissions through a sophisticated fume emission baghouse; minimizes water consumption through an advanced system; and promotes energy efficiency with a direct current furnace, the world’s first AURA Electrical Control System and the nation’s largest behind-the-meter solar field. The revolution at Hybar is not just about technology, however; it is also about leadership. “One of the ways that I’m able to have the highest-paid steel workers in the world yet still have the lowest labor cost per ton of steel is by keeping bureaucracy and management out of the way,” Stickler said. “I push decision-making down to the shop floor, I don’t penalize people for making mistakes, and we pay weekly production bonuses. The more steel you make, the more money you make.” Having celebrated the mill’s grand opening in November, Stickler said he is already making plans for Hybar 2. He said he intends for it to be the first zero liquid discharge steel mill in North America and is considering designing the plant to be operated remotely.

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

Westrock’s North Little Rock plant (photo provided)

sion we started with — delivering transparency, traceability and responsible sourcing while creating meaningful value for our customers and for the smallholder farmers who grow our products.” Just how much science is in a can of coffee? At Westrock, the answer is: A lot. Research and development is imperative at the company, which analyzes consumer trends, category intelligence and customer goals before developing products at state-of-the-art labs staffed by food scientists and Q graders, who are specially trained to evaluate coffee. After the products are tested for quality, functionality and scalability, they move through pilot trials and into full-scale production.

D EC E M B E R 2025

MANUFACTURING ogy that monitors the motors and alerts customers about any maintenance issues. “This is revolutionary because before this, it was not available on a drum motor, so we’re bringing that technology to bear,” he said. “We’re just launching that, and that’s going to be one of the big innovations in this industry.” When it came to his own factory, Justin Carmody Carmody sought out the best in both tech and talent, employing state-ofthe-art equipment and industry experts. He said he has attracted top talent by ensuring a clean, safe work environment and promoting a positive company culture with strong core values. Energy efficiency was also a priority; the factory utilizes as much solar power as possible. “I’m very concerned about the electrical grid, which is one of the reasons that I went solar,” Carmody said. “That is probably one of the United States of America’s greatest concerns as far as I’m concerned, with AI and all the data centers coming in. I think there’s a voracious need for energy.” He said he takes pride in producing products made in the USA and added that domestically produced goods contribute to a healthier supply chain. “The [COVID-19] pandemic, I think, taught the industry a lesson on how risky it is to rely on foreign manufacturers,” he said, “so that’s what we’re all about is making this product in the United States of America — not in Canada, not in Mexico but in the USA.”

From state-of-the-art sensory labs and AI-powered software that offers real-time analytics to advanced roasting and extraction systems, technology plays a key role in Westrock’s operations. End-to-end automation takes green coffee beans to the finished can, and the entire process, from sourcing to in-house R&D to shipping, is just as seamless. “Every step, from green coffee sourcing from 35 countries, roasting, grinding, extraction, beverage formulation, packaging and distribution, is vertically integrated, allowing us to maintain quality, consistency and traceability from farm to finished product,” Ford said. In addition to expanding its extract and ready-to-drink capabilities, Ford said the company plans to continue integrating artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, advancing digital traceability, and investing in sustainable technologies. “Today’s factories offer significantly greater efficiency, scalability and product innovation thanks to automation, integrated extract and RTD capabilities, advanced analytics, and more sophisticated R&D,” he said. “These enhancements also support stronger sustainability practices and faster speed to market for customers. The tradeoff is the need for higher up-front capital investment and the increased complexity that comes with managing a global, technology-rich operation.”

CONVEYOR TECHNOLOGY Conveyor Technology may be one of the newest factories in North Little Rock, but the company has been a part of many factories for decades. Conveyor sold and serviced drum motors for conveyor belts for more than 30 years before manufacturing its own drum motors beginning in June. Justin Carmody, founder of Conveyor, said drum motors are cleaner, safer and more reliable than traditional conveying systems, which use a gearbox and motor. That is important for his customers, who he said are most concerned about worker safety, bacterial harborage and return on investment. “Our model is to sell, service and report,” he said. “We begin by correctly engineering the motor for the application. Then, when it needs repair, we report the cause of the failure, why it failed, how the customer can prevent future failures, and compare the performance to conventional motors and gearboxes in the form of a returnon-investment report.” Conveyor recently developed Conveyor Technology’s headquarters in North Little Rock (photo provided). predictive failure analysis technol-

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

WE CREATE INSPIRING, HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS FOR DIVERSE CLIENTS TO ENHANCE THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY. RANKED TOP 25 NATIONALLY IN INDUSTRIAL ARCHITECTURE DESIGN*

*Building Design + Construction Giants 400 Report

ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION ENERGY SERVICES INTERIORS PLANNING SUSTAINABLE DESIGN 501.372.2900

Central Arkansas

NW Arkansas

Mid-Atlantic

Europe

cromwell.com

MANUFACTURING

THE

FUTURE IS NOW commercial robots From Myers Supply

s t r e tc h t h e i m a g i n at i o n

By Dwain Hebda | Photos courtesy of Myers Supply

ver just three full seasons on the air, animated series The Jetsons so influenced America’s vision of the future of professional and domestic life that the Smithsonian once declared the cartoon “the single most important piece of 20th century futurism.” It is not hard to see the evidence to back up that claim. Unlike other predictions that still exist only as scientific fancy, Hanna-Barbera creators imagined a world of flat-screen televisions, video telephone calls and tanning beds, all of which have come to pass. Many of the advancements were represented in the home with appliances that resembled the Roomba vacuum and microwave ovens of today. Sadly, two of the most coveted items from 2062 — flying cars and self-aware robot domestics — have yet to come to fruition, but one Little Rock company, Myers Supply, is doing a brisk business in the next best thing. Ryan Myers is the third-generation owner of the company, DEC E M BER 2 02 5

which set its roots in the late 1940s as a mop and broom factory in Hot Springs, expanded to janitorial supplies in 1955 and added a Little Rock location in 1977. With a track record that long, the company has watched robotic cleaners evolve from the early days, when they were closer in sophistication to Edsels than HAL 9000, the supercomputer from 2001: A Space Odyssey. “It was a very long, really not successful story for many, many years,” Myers said. “The first commercial robotic cleaners from the early 1990s were very limited as far as what they could do and very expensive. It was just a handful of hospitals across the country that were utilizing them because it was really impossible to get a return on investment just because of the technology at that time. I would say up until almost five or six years ago, that that was still the case.” The machines might still represent an extremely narrow niche market were it not for the rapid development of light detection and ranging, or LiDAR, which have turned the clunky, meander30

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Myers said his robots process all information onboard, allowing them to run 100 percent offline.

200,000 points. That enables it to read everything from mats and cords and little things on the floor that have traditionally been a huge challenge in buildings that constantly change every day.” A second landmark advancement has been the onboard chips that process all that incoming information. Powered by artificial intelligence, the machines recognize and react to their surroundings. “The integration of AI cameras allows it to point at a surface, and they don’t have to send the information out to, like, a cloud and back,” Myers said. “They’re actually able to process everything onboard, so all the robots that we have can run 100 percent offline.” That adds up to robots that operate in ways that likely would have made previous generations of Myers Supply ownership dizzy, especially on the cleaning side. The machine’s AI camera can identify more than 50 common soil types found on carpet and floors. When the robot encounters a spill, it reads the floor, determining a heat map of the soil level, and then determines its cleaning capability based upon that soil level. Robots even work in tandem if one recognizes a situation it is not specifically equipped to handle. “They are now integrated to a swarm technology,” he said. “We can send a dry robot out that’s mainly dust mopping and collecting large debris, cans, bottles — that kind of stuff — and while it’s doing that area, it is doing the spill map and sending back to the auto scrubber to come after the dry clean is done for wet cleaning. That auto scrubber already knows from the map what area it is going to and what setting it’s automatically going

ing hulks into one of the fastest-growing robotic devices in the commercial and institutional space. LiDAR is the latest cutting-edge scanning technology for capturing spatial data, the information a robot needs to avoid impediments in its path, which it gathers by sending out laser light beams that bounce off objects that the robot “sees” up ahead. “Everything’s gone from a 2D LiDAR over the last five years to a 3D LiDAR. The 3D LiDAR has gone from a 32-beam system that shoots 32 laser points to a 100 beam,” Myers said. “The difference in that is it’s gone from 2D getting back 2,000 images per second to 3D getting back close to ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

MANUFACTURING

“The integration of AI cameras allows it to point at a surface, and they don’t have to send the information out to, like, a cloud and back. They’re actually able to process everything onboard, so all the robots that we have can run 100 percent offline.”

The latter point might be the best explanation for the machines’ popularity; large facilities have difficulty keeping janitorial teams staffed, particularly in school settings, where the situation has reached crisis proportions. “Right now in the U.S., you’ve got about 48 percent of school districts that can’t fill their custodial staff,” Myers said. “On top of that, you’ve got 58 percent of existing staff over 50 years old, so you’ve got an aging workforce, and they can’t bring younger generations into this field. It’s not uncommon for K-12 schools to be running anywhere from five to 30 custodians short, just depending upon the district.” The machines not only allow janitorial personnel to get more done but alleviate the repetitive and mundane tasks that eat up the day and cause excessive wear and tear on humans. “We have custodians that walk 13 miles a day, and they’re doing nothing but pushing a scrubber around,” Myers said. “That leads to burnout and fatigue, especially with the aging workforce, whereas this technology allows them to reclaim those hours and focus more in the classrooms and touchpoints that affect the health of the facility more than just having someone walk eight hours a day and hold a vacuum or push a scrubber.” Myers Supply also deals in a similarly impressive line of automated mowers currently at work at schools and state parks, as well as delivery robots that target the restaurant and hospitality industries. “On the delivery side, some of the newer robots are fully integrating with lodging and hotels,” Myers said. “They actually have vending machines that are integrated with the robot, so you might have a QR code or a link or something in the room where if you wanted something at midnight, you scan it, it pulls up the app, the robot gets the vending order, takes it to your room and then texts you when it’s at the door.” Maybe most surprising of all about the units is how the price continues to drop even as intelligence and capabilities multiply. Back in the early days, companies would cough up $70,000 to $90,000 for the old clunkers. Today, base models start at about $20,000, which means the future is very bright for the technology, Myers said. “We’re no longer at a point where people are worried about machines replacing jobs,” he said. “We’re at a point where people can’t get people to fill their jobs, and our customers are in a situation where they have to do something.”

– Ryan Meyers, Meyers Supply to change to.” The machines also run quality checks on their own work through app-based or regularly scheduled AI inspection. “After it’s done its routine cleaning, you can tell it to go back up to three times to spot clean. What it does is it’ll see any areas that were possibly missed on the scrubbers, that left a residue, or if you get hair or trash in it,” Myers said. “It’ll go back to its workstation, and it’ll clean that squeegee blade automatically, and it has a brush cleaner that cleans the brush, and then it’ll send it back out to that area and fix any debris that might have been left behind.” Human interaction is very limited in the life of a normally functioning cleaning robot because docking stations are hard-plumbed to allow the unit to self-empty and get its fresh water and cleaning chemicals reservoirs filled automatically. Myers said about all an employee has to do is wipe down sensors and change parts such as a squeegee blade, in all about 60 hours of human labor a year in maintenance. DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

MANUFACTURING

THE CHAIN KEEPS US

TOGETHE NWA looking like ‘Silicon Valley’ of logistics

arte

kC Mar

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

he term “Silicon Valley” is often credited to a writer who used the term in a January 1971 article published in the former trade newspaper, Electronic News. The writer, Don Hoefler, had heard the term used in a meeting with marketing professionals while preparing to write the story, which he eventually headlined “Silicon Valley USA.” The internet further reveals the term was used by a Palo Alto company in a May 1970 ad that ran in the old Peninsula Times Tribune. The term then gained national traction in the early ‘80s, when Silicon Valley-based IBM introduced the PC and related products to the consumer market. These days, the term is freely applied to almost any global tech hub of one form or another. Take the Silicon Prairie, for example, which describes the slew of tech hubs that sprung up across a swath 34

of the heartland from Dallas to Chicago in the 2000s. Northwest Arkansas is home to a strong tech startup ecosystem that serves the region’s Fortune 100 corporate big boys, including Walmart, Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt. Much of it is centered around logistics and the supply chain — moving products and services across the globe — and the region has been recognized as a supply chain hub. The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, through its Sam M. Walton College of Business, has emerged as a global leader in logistics and supply chain education. Dare it be considered the “you know what” of logistics? “There is no doubt in my mind that NWA is the ‘Silicon Valley’ of supply chain,” said David Dobrzykowski, professor in supply chain management and director of health care business initiatives at the college. “We are home to not only the Fortune 1 company, Walmart, but also, major transportation providers like J.B. Hunt and ArcBest are headquartered here, along with about 2,000 consumer packaged goods firms, one of whom is also headquartered here — Tyson Foods. “When you consider key industry partners, like the faculty and students at the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Supply Chain Management at the Walton College and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Hall of Fame, also located here, it’s pretty tough to beat for supply chain,” he said. Dobrzykowski, a regular contributor on supply chain issues at national news organizations such as NBC News and NPR, is not just blowing smoke. UA’s supply chain management program has been ranked No. 5 in the world for empirical supply chain research by the SCM Journal List for six consecutive years, and its undergraduate supply chain program has been ranked the best in North America for three consecutive ratings cycles — 2020, 2022 and 2024 — by Gartner, a leading global research firm. In its latest ranking analysis, Gartner stated that the UA’s top spot was reflective of “inclusion of global content, great popularity within the industry, robust program size, strong internship, and/or co-op participation and starting salary.” The UA supply chain program attracts students from across the nation and globe, and its degrees represent feathers in the cap of graduates looking for internships and jobs. Many of the new ideas and much of the new tech being infused into the industry is coming “straight outta CenterARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

ton,” to borrow and modify a phrase from another NWA. Students in the Walton College supply chain tracts are granted a front-row seat to the industry’s inner workings. They are able to witness for themselves just how “the sausage is made.” “We are actively engaged with many industry partners through our production of research insights and educating over 1,400 supply chain students in preparation for successful meaningful careers for Arkansas supply-chain employers,” Dobrzykowski said. “In terms of research, all of my Ph.D. students have completed industry-engaged dissertations that inform industry practice and also [are published] in top-level publications.” Shannon Bedore started this fall as a

professor of practice/supply chain in the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management. She is tasked with using her real-world experience to develop retail-focused curricula and research programs. Logistics, one might say, is her jam. She founded the Bentonville retail analytics firm, Sightline Retail, in 2015 and served as CEO until transitioning to chairman of the board earlier this year. She previously served as CEO at Blue Elephant Food Group USA and worked in logistics for Walmart for more than 11 years in various roles, including senior director of wellness over-the-counter merchandising and senior director for category space. In the latter role, she managed a team

We are actively engaged with many industry partners through our production of research insights and educating over 1,400 supply chain students in preparation for successful meaningful careers for Arkansas supply-chain employers. — David Dobrzykowski, UA

D EC E M B E R 2025

MANUFACTURING

There are so many layers to the supply chain on the delivery side of this expertise, and our area excels with very narrow and deep expertise on all major delivery fronts, making this region especially unique with supply chain expertise. — Shannon Bedore UA/Sightline Retail

of 140-plus Walmart associates that developed $200 billion worth of space management, category reallocation and remodel practices, leading to improved sales per square foot of 10 percent. Bedore said northwest Arkansas is ideally suited as a logistics/supply chain hub for several reasons: It is the home base for global giants Walmart, Tyson and J.B. Hunt; it is the home of more than 1,300 Walmart vendors with boots on the ground in Bentonville; and it is home to the UA’s prestigious supply chain programs. “What is very unique about this area is the deep level of expertise in company-owned, midrange trucking — think Walmart distribution centers to stores; intermodal — rails and trucks with J.B. Hunt; and fresh/frozen shipping by Tyson,” she said. “There are so many layers to the supply chain on the delivery side DEC E M BER 2 02 5

of this expertise, and our area excels with very narrow and deep expertise on all major delivery fronts, making this region especially unique with supply chain expertise.” The supply chain industry is just now recovering from the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said. “The supply chain industry has fluctuated greatly since then,” she said. “We saw massive swings in consumer spending, leading to shortages in certain sectors — warehouse, [less than truckload], intermodal —and overcapacity in other supply chain sectors — service, [business to business]. Now that we have overcome these massive swings, there has been a leveling out, which has once again ‘normalized’ supply chain operations to lessen the massive shortages and overages once rampant in the sector.” Dobrzykowski added that the COVID-19 disruption made the supply chain more resilient. “While the specific challenges are different today from those of the pandemic, the general idea that disruptions are a part of life in supply chain has persisted,” he said. “Supply chains [now] have been very intently focused on strategies to address inflationary pressures, tariff concerns and other geopolitical risks.” Bedore noted how the federal government shutdown that lasted most of the fall created supply-chain bottlenecks at U.S. ports, and coupled with Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers on furlough, containers did not move nearly as efficiently as possible. “Fraud is another issue causing massive delays at ports,” she added. “Think of it as paperwork fraud to avoid costly tariffs imposed by the new administration. Things are moving much more slowly to import due to both of these issues.” Bedore said she also sees consumermarket red flags that make her “anxious,” especially regarding a rise in consumerloan foreclosures. Car loan delinquencies are on track to set a U.S. record in 2025. “We have a softening of new car sales and a rapid increase in consumer-loan 36

foreclosures in the auto industry underway as we speak,” she said. “We have softened home sales, but you read that consumer spending is stable.” She noted data reported by The Wall Street Journal and Marketplace revealing that the top 10 percent of U.S. earners constitute 50 percent of consumer spending and the top 20 percent constitute almost 70 percent. “This is a worrisome trend, and it has many anxious about what the next year will look like for the remaining 80 percent,” she said. How that could impact the supply chain is unknown, but Bedore said a cottage industry within the broader supply chain field has been spawned for companies such as Sightline, which can provide the expertise and assets for “innovative, young companies” to deliver on time to customers across the country despite consumer trends. Watch for the impact of artificial intelligence on the industry, Dobrzykowski said. “I give frequent industry keynotes and workshops, and everyone wants to talk about AI and data analytics,” he said. “AI is a key technology that is enabling supply chains to be agile while building in resiliency through improved visibility in our supply chains.” As consumer prices rise and supply chains become more integrated into business operations, the priority in supply chain management has shifted more to cost reduction, Bedore told AY About You earlier this year. “Decades ago, a supply chain was really just talked about as the movement of goods through warehouses and trucks, and while that is still an important component, the supply chain has really increased in its strategic significance to many different industries and many different job types,” she said. “Moving widgets from Point A to Point B doesn’t have to be physical anymore. It can also be about the virtual movement of goods and how it’s tracked and how it’s managed. There really isn’t an industry that doesn’t rely on competencies from the supply chain in order to be successful.” ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Holiday Spirit with a Mixed Bag of Sentiment

he holiday season has always carried an interesting mix of sparkle and soul-searching, and this year is no different. Festive markets, neighborhood lights and longstanding traditions still offer the warmth and familiarity people look forward to each December. Yet behind the glow, there is a more complicated emotional tone taking shape — one molded by the reality of how the world is moving in this moment. As celebrations build, the logistics and supply chain networks that quietly power the holidays are being pushed to their limits. Crowded ports, driver shortages and unpredictable delivery schedules have become part of the seasonal backdrop. Many shoppers have learned to plan ahead, stay flexible, and sometimes accept delays or substitutions. It is a small reminder that even holiday cheer depends on systems working overtime, and this year, it is no question those systems are feeling the weight.

The economy adds another layer to the picture. U.S. consumer spending grew just 0.3 percent in September after several stronger months, according to a recent Bureau of Economic Analysis report. The slowdown hints that households may be tapping the brakes as higher prices and financial pressures linger, influencing how people approach their holiday budgets, per Reuters via StreetInsider. Still, these challenges have inspired a renewed appreciation for the people who keep everything moving. Warehouse crews, transportation workers, planners and coordinators are managing extraordinary pressures behind the scenes. Their effort mirrors what many are feeling personally: a season full of joy, yes, but also fatigue, caution and a desire to simplify. More people seem to be leaning into meaning rather than perfection this year. Instead of chasing flawless celebrations, they are focused on moments that actually matter, such as time with family, ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

connection with friends and space to rest. The holidays are becoming less about executing every detail and more about embracing whatever form “cheer” might take. In that way, this year’s mixed bag feels appropriate. It reflects where we are now — a place where we are capable of celebrating even as we navigate uncertainty and find comfort in small, steady

acts of resilience. Challenges may shape the season, but they do not define it. The holiday spirit remains, carried unceasingly by people who show up for one another time and again. Shannon Bedore is the founder and board chairman at Sightline Retail in Bentonville, having previously served as CEO of Sightline Retail and Blue Elephant Food Group USA. Bedore recently joined the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville as a professor of practice in the Sam M. Walton College of Business J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Shannon Bedore Management. D EC E M B E R 2025

MANUFACTURING

By Dwain Hebda

Truck Park Management offers solutions to nagging trucking problem

across 47 participating states, an average of 662 per state, and just 19 parking spaces per rest stop. Industry estimates, meanwhile, put the number of big rigs in service at more than a million trucks. Put another way, an oft-cited survey by the Federal Highway Administration pegged the problem at one space in the U.S. for every 11 trucks in 2019, and as data such as that from ATRI has shown, the situation has not changed for the better since. The problem has given rise to a flurry of entrepreneurism as companies from coast to coast have come in to provide a solution to the problem. That land rush has extended to the Natural State, where one startup, Truck Park Management, has waded into the fray. The Little Rockbased company secured $15 million in growth and development capital last year to commence its nationwide rollout. CEO Danny Loe said the company is looking Danny Loe to improve the driver experience by providing ample parking across a broad swath of the country, easily reserved by an app and providing more than just a patch of ground to spend the night or the mandatory down time. “The biggest thing about this is unless it’s reservable parking, you can’t rely on it,” he said. “We can add all the free parking

he trucking industry is one that is rife with challenges, from driver shortages and suffocating environmental regulations to a maelstrom of skyrocketing lawsuits. One of the biggest problems facing the industry, however, has not grabbed the headlines quite like the others: sufficient parking for big rigs. Compared to the dramatic video of a smashup or the emotional wallop of a multimilliondollar judgement, finding a place to park seems a rather pedestrian problem, one faced by millions of auto motorists every day in America. For the trucking industry, however, it is more than just an inconvenience. Truck drivers are required by law to take a certain number of hours off after driving for a specified period of time, and when that driving clock hits all zeros, it is pull over or face hefty penalties, not to mention compromising safety due to fatigue. That amounts to a lot of rigs looking to put it in park in any given hour of any given day, far more than there are safe designated parking spaces to handle them. The American Transportation Research Institute, which has regularly sounded the alarm about the issue, recently released data that showed there were just more than 30,400 truck parking spaces at rest areas DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

we want to on the interstate, but if the drivers can’t depend on it when they get there, it’s the same issue as not having it there. Companies like ours have to not only provide a network across the country but provide something that drivers can rely on. “We’re trying to really create this experience for the drivers that is much better than a dirt lot that is not maintained, that has no security, that has no reservations, that’s just out there.” A major differentiator for Truck Park Management is its Trucklots software

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

and app, a dedicated technology platform designed exclusively for real-time parking reservations by drivers and fleets, as well as lot management capabilities for property owners. The app streamlines the process of finding secure, reservable parking, ensuring ease of access and convenience, as a means of building loyalty among drivers. “We had researched that there were some truck parking things going on, and it kind of fell into the IOS, industrial outdoor storage, space,” Loe said. “It was a lot of people focused on real estate, but

they really weren’t focused on what the true problem was. They weren’t focused on the driver and solving issues for the driver. We thought with our group, who have a background in transportation, that that’s something we could address. “We want to bring a level of sophistication so that the drivers can, through our software and technology platform, make a reservation and rely on that reservation being there. Then, when the driver shows up, he can even use our app to open the gate.” Loe, who spent 26 years with Fort Smith-based ArcBest prior to his current gig, cited Department of Transportation research that showed drivers waste an average of 45 to 60 minutes looking for parking on their own, often having to settle for interstate off-ramps if rest areas are full. Trucklots, by contrast, provides an easy way to find and reserve spaces, not unlike booking a hotel or motel room. In addition to its innovative approach and focus on technology, Loe said the respective backgrounds of company leadership, including his own, give the company an advantage over most of its competitors. “Our company was formed with some investors that had a lot of transportation experience and who were really focused on how to solve this need,” he said. States have long tried to provide public parking solutions, but the scope of the issue is just too large for states to handle. It is also more expensive than many people think: Krystyna Shchedrina at Truck News reported this spring that the average construction cost per public truck parking space was reportedly $113,395 and had a median of $93,500.

D EC E M B E R 2025

That is where ventures such as Truck Park Management and companies like it come in. “We have added 35 locations in the middle of the year, and since that point, we’re over 70 now,” Loe said. “We’re very excited to be on a significant growth rate that we don’t see slowing down. The need for parking is not going away.” Loe said the company is expanding rapidly and expects to be at 100 locations by the end of the year, a combination of affiliated parking sites under private ownership and corporately owned or leased lots. He is quick to add, however, that expansion will not happen at the expense of the company’s extensive vetting process for partnering properties in order to preserve a quality driver experience. “We think that there’s got to be a focus on the driver in this,” Loe said. “Drivers are the force behind anything with regard to transportation, so we’re trying to take care of them and set standards for our lots. We want a gated lot. We want a fenced lot. The lot has to be lighted. It has to have security cameras. We think of that as the base level of things that we want to provide.”

“Funding remains challenging,” she wrote. “Forty-one percent of states rely on a mix of federal and state dollars for projects, and 40 percent have applied for U.S. Department of Transportation grants. Between 2022 and 2026, nearly $752 million has been awarded through federal programs. However, dedicated state funding for truck parking is uncommon.” Arkansas has experienced that firsthand, with the Arkansas Department of Transportation recently spending $6 million to expand an existing lot on Interstate 40 in West Memphis, an effort that only paid for 84 spaces, two years ago. Major funding, such as Rep. Steve Womack’s efforts last year to get $200 million included in the House transportation appropriations subcommittee funding bill to expand the availability of truck parking, have yet to come to fruition.

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

We advocate for the business matters that matter most

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

MANUFACTURING

How Union County Protected its Aquifer

By Alex Hardgrave | Photos by Alex Hardgrave

The chamber, along with stakeholders such as the Arkansas Farm Bureau, the Poultry Federation, the Arkansas Rural Water Association, elected officials and private citizens came together to write legislation that allowed the state’s first county water conservation board to be created. “It kind of felt like being on the Dream Team,” said Robert Reynolds, the Union County Water Conservation Board’s first president, comparing the group to the 1992 U.S. Men’s Olympic basketball team that went by the nickname. What became the Ouachita River Alternative Water Supply Project was backed by a large group of stakeholders from the start, including people from every district in the county and members of each of the large industries. “[The companies] had known for years,” Johnson said. “They all came on board.” The board created a list of ideas to decrease Sparta aquifer water usage and ultimately identified that the quickest way was by finding a different source of water for the biggest consumers, which were the factories and plants in the county. The nearby Ouachita River was deemed a reliable source to replace some of Sparta’s usage. “It is a dependable, year-round flow,” Reynolds said. Johnson believed the project was ultimately successful because the Union County Water Board and its partners were transparent about the project and its funding, holding forums around town to answer citizens’ questions. “They really trusted us,” she said. The board’s work led to a 1 cent temporary sales tax being passed to fund the project with more than 60 percent voter support, Johnson said. In addition to that tax, the board also implemented a conservation fee of 24 cents per 1,000 gallons. Both taxes amounted to a good start toward funding the project. Though a lot of the future success of the project can be chalked up to the hard work of Reynolds, Johnson and the UC-

nion County has a deep history rooted in oil and other large industries, which remain a main economic driver for the region more than 100 years later. However, in the mid-1990s, it became clear that one resource was not keeping up with the region’s growth — groundwater. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approximately half of the 335 million people living in the U.S. rely on groundwater for drinking, and it also plays a large role in the country’s agriculture. Crop irrigation continues to represent the largest use of groundwater, totaling about 57 billion gallons of water daily, the Ground Water Protection Council states. A lot of the water comes from aquifers deep in the ground, and one of the most important aquifers in the Natural State is called the Sparta Aquifer. Beyond Arkansas, the aquifer extends into parts of Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. In 1996, a report from the U.S. Geological Survey identified Union County, along with four other southern Arkansas counties, as meeting the criteria to be called a “critical groundwater area.” The Sparta groundwater levels for the area were declining as much as 7 feet per year in some areas. The USGS Arkansas Water Science Center determined in 1998 that the county needed to reduce Sparta groundwater consumption by 72 percent, from 21 million gallons per day to around 7 mgd. If the community did not do something and continued to draw water from the aquifer at the current rate, it would cause irreversible damage in five years, the research showed. It was both a health and economic issue. Local leaders knew something needed to be done quickly to limit the aquifer’s usage. The Sparta Aquifer not only supplied the drinking water to the county’s roughly 39,000 citizens, but it was also critical for the large industries operating nearby — including the thennamed Lion Oil Refinery and El Dorado Chemical. Sherrel Johnson, who was president and CEO of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce at the time, took on the job. “The chamber was the vehicle,” Johnson said, “but it wasn’t just me who got involved.” DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

El Dorado Chamber of Commerce CEO Steven Jones takes a tour of the water intake facility in Union County.

WCB, there was also a bit of “right place, right time” involved. In 1999, right as the board was beginning its work, the power companies Panda Energy International and TECO Energy came to Union County, looking to build a large power plant. Johnson said if the county had not already been working to find a solution for water use, they would not have been able to take the economic opportunity that the power plant would bring. The UCWCB promised reliable water to the plant, and, in tandem, the plant’s developers helped fund the project, allowing it to be completed quicker than it may have otherwise. With the help of the soon-to-be Union Power Station, the tax and the conservation fee, as well as some federal and state funding, the board was able to break ground on the $65 million dollar Ouachita

Robert Reynolds looks at the Ouachita River while giving a tour of the water intake facility in Union County.

The project was ultimately successful because the Union County Water Board and its partners were transparent about the project and its funding, holding forums around town to answer citizens’ questions.

Machinery at the water intake area.

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

River Alternative Supply Project. The plan was to build an intake from the Ouachita River, as well as a clarification plant and around 20 miles of pipes to distribute the water. All of the $56 million for the project came locally. In 2002, the first phase of the alternative water supply project brought water to its first customer, Union Power Station, which is now owned by Entergy. By December 2004, the Lion Oil refinery, now owned by Delek Oil, had fully converted from using the Sparta Aquifer, and El Dorado Chemical, now the LSB Industries’ El Dorado facility, quickly followed suit in February 2005. A third site, Chemtura Central Plant, now owned by Lanxess, partially converted to using the water in October 2005. Even the Mystic Creek Golf Club, Mystic Creek residential area and El Dorado Water sits in pools as part of the treatment process at the treatment plant.

D EC E M B E R 2025

Once the water comes out of the nearby Ouachita River, it goes via pipeline to a water clarification facility, where it is lightly treated.

High School were tapped into the water source for irrigation. The next few years would be the real moment of truth though. Would the monitoring wells show the Sparta’s water levels rising, or had it sustained too much damage from overuse? More recently, in April 2025, one well measured 4.8 feet above the top of the aquifer, the depth from the land’s surface to water being 223.2 feet. That means the water level has risen a total of 126.3 feet since October 2004, where the depth from the surface to the water was 349.5 feet, or 121. 5 feet below the top of the aquifer. Despite that, Johnson remains cautiously optimistic all these years later. “I would say it’s recovering, but it hasn’t recovered,” she said. On top of the water level recovery, the board also had unusual financial success with the project. They were able to pay back the debt on the project by 2005, which got the 1 cent tax removed three years earlier than the deadline for the tax to end. Reynolds has had a long career and worked on many multifaceted projects. He said that usually projects have three goals — to be done well, to be done fast and to be done cheaply — but that most projects only meet two of those goals. For example, something can be done fast and cheap but not well or well and cheap but not fast. Reynolds said the Sparta project managed to do all three. The project continues to work well, requiring only some minor upgrades and repairs over the more than 20 years since it started operating, and the project even planned for the future along the way. The clarification plant can clean a max of about DEC E M BER 2 02 5

50 mgd, the current usage only equates to roughly 20 mgd to 25 mgd. That is by design to make sure there is capacity to easily provide more water as industries expand. The forward thinking has been especially important as companies have set their sights on Union County for the lithium-rich brine housed in the Smackover formation. Reynolds, who is now a volunteer advisor for the UCWCB, said that it’s still early in the lithium industry process in Union County, so the board is not sure yet how much water usage to expect from it. He said the board’s “long-range” planning has prepared them to be ready to support the lithium industry and other industries that come to Union County. Even with the UCWCB’s work, the Sparta Aquifer is not in the clear, as other parts of it in other states and counties are still being used quicker than it can replenish itself. About 39 percent of the water pumped from the Sparta Aquifer still cannot be replaced as quickly as it is removed, according to the Natural Resource Commission. “Water resources are still declining dramatically,” Johnson said. Two similar water projects in the state working to protect the Alluvial Aquifer and Sparta Aquifer are the Grand Prairie Area Demonstration Project and the Bayou Meto Water Project. Ed Swain, executive director of the Bayou Meto Water Management District, is optimistic that the first phase of that project will be completed in about three years. The project was planned decades earlier but received stimulus money after the 2008 recession, which jumpstarted its construction. Once that money was used, there was another “slump,” in its progress, Swain said, until 2024, when Sen. 44

John Boozman tapped critical federal funding to help complete the project. While the Bayou Meto project is diverting irrigation from the Alluvial Aquifer by using Arkansas River water, it will also help protect the Sparta Aquifer. As the Alluvial Aquifer’s levels decrease, farmers have had to drill deeper irrigation wells, meaning they are accessing the Sparta Aquifer, which sits deeper in the ground below the Alluvial. Sparta is where many central and eastern Arkansas counties get drinking water, as well. If the cities cannot use drinking water from Sparta, then they may have to rely on surface water, which needs a lot more treatment to become potable and ultimately costs more money, Swain said. “It’s great, clean water,” he said. “We need to protect the Sparta Aquifer for the future.” Swain said Bayou Meto has taken a few pages out of the Union County project’s playbook along the way, including relying on data that has been developed, such as groundwater measurements. He also said he has seen how important it is to measure the aquifer’s recovery with monitoring wells once the project has been completed. “[The rising water levels in Union County] surprised everybody,” he said. “It makes us very optimistic.” The Ouachita River Water Alternative Supply Project continues to stand out as a positive pillar in Arkansas’ economic and environmental history. Johnson was even inducted into the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame earlier this year for her work with it. She said she was honored but that she could not have done it alone. “There were lots of people who were key and involved,” she said. ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Women 2025

Power

cross the United States, women are proving themselves to be powerhouses as they step over broken rungs and smash through glass ceilings on the path to success. In an article last year titled “Is This the Age of Women in Leadership?” Forbes reported that while only three large public companies in the U.S. were led by women in 1999, there were 10.1 million firms owned by women in 2008. When women come into power at the office, companies gain power, as well. As Forbes reported, companies with female executives are 30 percent more likely to perform better than other companies; the most profitable Fortune 500 companies had the highest proportion of female directors; and promoting and retaining women increases a company’s chances of tapping into women’s consumer spending power — which Forbes reported is estimated to be $20 trillion globally. Girl Power Marketing estimates that figure to be even higher at more than $31.8 trillion. The organization states that the purchasing power of U.S. women ranges between $5 trillion and $15 trillion each year. More than 60 percent of all personal wealth in the county is controlled by women, and although women make up a little more than half the population, they control or influence 85 percent of consumer spending. More than the dollar impact of women in society, however, it is important to recognize the power women have to drive innovation through entrepreneurship, mend lives through philanthropic work and carve a path forward through public service. It is important to recognize the power women have in the home, where they are parents, caregivers and role models. Where there are women, their power is truly a force to be reckoned with. We at Arkansas Money & Politics are proud to highlight some of the most incredible women leaving their stamp on the state of Arkansas. Congratulations to this year’s “Power Women.”

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

Laura Abbott

VICTIMS’ RIGHTS ARKANSAS WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

WHAT MOMENT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

A defining moment was the creation of Laura’s Card, Arkansas’ victims’ rights card, and the webpage laurascard.ar.gov. Victims of crime need not only compassion but also strong, enforceable rights. Watching families navigate trauma without clear protections and seeing the inconsistencies in the implementation of victims’ rights changed my perspective. It became clear that victims deserve the same constitutional stability afforded to others in the system.

Guided by midcareer mentorship, we developed a comprehensive violence-prevention program addressing suicide prevention, child abuse, healthy relationships, cybersafety, human trafficking, trauma and resiliency. The mission grew into partnerships with 15plus local and state agencies. Collaboration led to the creation of the Teach Safe Relationships Act of 2015 to strengthen prevention efforts for students while raising awareness on available resources. During this time, I survived a near-fatal violent crime which only strengthened my commitment to this work.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Seeing results. When victims get the clarity and support needed the system works, accountability arises, outcomes improve, trust grows, and public safety strengthens.

WHAT GOALS OR MILESTONES DO YOU WANT TO REACH BEFORE YOU RETIRE?

Faith calls me to serve, and victims deserve our best. As Arkansas continues to strengthen its legal and constitutional framework for victims’ rights, my goal is to contribute to protections that are clear, enforceable and balanced within the justice system. If our state creates an office for victims of crime/ombudsman/ advocate, I am prepared to serve where I am needed — focused on accountability, clarity and the strength survivors deserve.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY?

Victims deserve the same protections and support no matter where they live in Arkansas. Strong statutory and constitutional frameworks create predictability and provide protections to safeguard victims from experiencing unintentional trauma caused by participating in the judicial process. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN EARLY IN HER CAREER?

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I’m inspired by women from Queen Esther to Elizabeth Eckford and by countless quiet leaders across our state who lead with conviction, integrity and lasting impact — often outside the spotlight. Moms who press on after losing a child have a special place in my heart.

Mentors and mentorship matters. Integrity and a good reputation are valuable commodities. WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED EITHER PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY?

Advocating for systemic improvement always brings resistance. There have been periods when standing for victims meant standing alone, but those obstacles sharpened my focus. They taught me to stay centered on outcomes, not opposition, and to keep moving toward solutions that provide durability and clarity for families and communities.

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?

Identity Crisis: Returning to the Core of Who God Created You to Be by Roger Tonnessen is my current read, alongside materials on victims’ rights, constitutional frameworks and best practices in justice policy nationwide.

D EC E M B E R 2025

POWER WOMEN 2025

LAURA ABBOTT

accounting. She relishes the opportunity to create positive experiences for visitors in North Little Rock and improve the local economy. Alexander not only advocates for tourism in the Natural State but enjoys all the outdoor activities Arkansas has to offer. In her free time, she and her family can be found camping, boating and jet skiing.

Founder Victims’ Rights Arkansas

Laura Abbott became a grassroots victims’ rights ambassador after surviving a nearfatal violent crime. She helped develop Laura’s Card, Arkansas’ victims’ rights card, and founded Victims’ Rights Arkansas, a grassroots organization educating the public on the need for enforceable victims’ rights at the state and federal level. Since 2015, she has partnered with survivors and lawmakers to advance policy and serves on gubernatorial-appointed boards, including the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence, the Arkansas Suicide Prevention Council, and the Arkansas Crime Victims’ Reparation Board. She has also served on the boards of National Organization for Victim Advocacy and the National Crime Victim Law Institute. Recognized for her impact, Abbott has received awards, including Arkansas Health Educator of the Year in 2014, the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime National Crime Victims’ Service Volunteer Award in 2019 and the John W. Gillis Award from Parents of Murdered Children in 2024. She enjoys gentle exercise and spending time with her “fur nephews.”

EMMA BAIRD

Compliance Officer, Director of Artificial Intelligence Crews & Associates

Compliance is one of the most complicated areas to navigate in business — and Emma Baird helps Crews & Associates do it well. She stays informed on ever-changing compliance guidelines and ensures the team remains up to date on all regulatory and licensing requirements in accordance with company, state and federal regulations. As a mentor to young professionals at Crews, Baird prioritizes being available to support and encourage those around her to ask questions rather than be intimidated by the complexity of compliance. Baird is originally from Cabot. She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway with a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing with an emphasis in supply chain management. Outside of work, Baird is a passionate supporter of Court Appointed Special Advocates, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of foster children.

VANESSA CASH ADAMS

Owner Vanessa Cash Adams Consumer & Business Bankruptcy Attorney

SHANNON BEDORE

With 18 years of experience in consumer and business bankruptcy litigation, Vanessa Cash Adams is playing a key role in helping Arkansas families and small businesses navigate the complexities involved in debt reorganization and asset protection. Alongside various speaking roles addressing the nuances and evolving issues in bankruptcy law to other lawyers in the state, Adams served as past president of the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers and the debtor-creditor division of the Arkansas Bar Association, where she was recognized by the Arkansas Bar for her work in organizing and implementing the bankruptcy conference during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking a step back from leadership roles to focus on her three children, ages 16, 13 and 8, Adams continues to remain an active member of several bar organizations and serves as a volunteer and member of the 20th Century Club and Hope Away from Home, a nonprofit organization that provides no-cost housing to cancer patients in Arkansas who are in financial distress.

Founder, Board Chairman Sightline Retail

Shannon Bedore is the founder and board chairman of Sightline Retail in Bentonville, having previously served as CEO of Sightline Retail and Blue Elephant Food Group USA. She founded Sightline Retail in 2015 to provide sales, management, strategy, operations, replenishment, warehousing and administrative support for brands to have a lower cost option than directly hiring an internal retail team. Prior to starting Sightline, she worked at Walmart and Kohl’s. Bedore completed her bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University and master’s degree at Pennsylvania State University. Most recently, she obtained her doctorate from the University of Florida, after which she joined the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville as a professor of practice in the Sam M. Walton College of Business J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management.

JANIS ALEXANDER

SIDNEY BENNETT

As chief operating officer, Janis Alexander maintains the day-to-day operation and mission of North Little Rock Tourism. She also oversees the operations of Downtown Riverside RV Park and Argenta Plaza. A graduate of Arkansas State UniversityBeebe, Alexander has more than 15 years experience in the hospitality industry and 10 years experience in

Sidney Bennett, registered nurse and seasoned aesthetic injector at Beyond Wellness in Little Rock, embodies a growth-oriented mindset that has propelled her career forward. Her journey into aesthetics began during her time at a dermatologist’s office, where she discovered a passion for enhancing natural beauty. As a dedicated aesthetic nurse injector with more than seven years of extensive experience in Little Rock, she

Registered Nurse, Aesthetic Injector Beyond Wellness

Chief Operating Officer North Little Rock Tourism

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Vanessa Cash Adams Consumer & Business Bankruptcy Attorney

Navigating Bankruptcy Law and Finding Solutions for Your Family or Business

CONGRATULATIONS

VANESSA CASH ADAMS FOR BEING NAMED AN AMP POWER WOMAN 2025

Law Office of Vanessa Cash Adams, P.A. 111 Center Street, Suite 1200, Little Rock (501) 400-7395 vanessacash.org vanessacashadams vanessacashadams vanessa-cash-adams-0623621a @VanessaCashAdams @vanessacashadams

Empowering her team. Empowering her community. We’re honored to congratulate our own Emma Baird as one of AMP’s 2025 Power Women. She brings profound knowledge and regulatory expertise to our team. Emma shines as a compliance officer, a mentor in the office and a fierce advocate for her community. Congratulations, Emma.

Emma Baird

Compliance Officer and Director of Artificial Intelligence Member FINRA & SIPC ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

Burnetta Chaney

SIGNATURE BANK OF ARKANSAS

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

One of the defining moments of my career came during the COVID-19 period, when I worked with several families who were heirs to properties at risk of foreclosure. Most didn’t realize they had legal protections available to them. I took it upon myself to research the applicable laws and worked closely with my previous litigation team to develop an assumption process that allowed these families to keep their homes. It reminded me why I fell in love with this profession in the first place — to advocate for people and their homes, especially when they don’t know how to advocate for themselves.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love being part of people’s biggest life transitions, whether they’re buying their first home, stepping into a new chapter or reaching a long-term financial goal. After 21 years in this industry, I’ve had the privilege of helping multiple generations of the same families, which is heartwarming. I also love welcoming new families to the Ozarks and hearing what made them fall in love with our area. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY?

I would change the number of complex regulations. While clear rules and consumer protection are essential, there’s a lot of unnecessary complexity that makes the process harder than it needs to be. A more common-sense approach would benefit everyone while still allowing us to serve borrowers efficiently.

WHAT PRECAREER MOMENT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

I was nervous when I was offered a promotion to be a mortgage lender because I was young. A mentor encouraged me by saying, “It’s a job you’ll grow into.” Her confidence gave me the courage to embrace the challenge, keep learning and grow with each opportunity.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED EITHER PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY?

When my community bank merged into a larger bank, I eventually faced burnout because I couldn’t help my customers the way I was accustomed to. The experience propelled me as a banker and taught me how to adapt to change, but I longed for a more personal approach. Moving to Signature Bank of Arkansas, with its community focus and modern technology, gave me that balance and rekindled my passion for mortgage lending.

WHAT IS LEFT ON YOUR “CAREER CHECKLIST”?

I hope to continue growing Signature Bank of Arkansas in our Harrison community, a place that truly feels like home. I want more people to experience our welcoming atmosphere, and I hope to expand our loan and retail departments while strengthening our local impact.

Congratulations!

Janis Alexander at North Little Rock Tourism for recognition as an Arkansas Money & Politics

Power Woman!

Get away without missing out in North Little Rock, Arkansas; your perfect destination for outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. With a vibrant culture, exciting experience, unique meeting spaces, and convenient sports fields; North Little Rock is the perfect destination for leisure travel, meetings, conferences, and sports tournaments.

NorthLittleRock.org

POWER WOMEN 2025 is passionate about helping her patients achieve their personal beauty goals. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep expertise in advanced cosmetic procedures, including dermal fillers, neurotoxins and regenerative therapies, always prioritizing safety and natural-looking results. Her approach is centered on building lasting relationships with her patients, providing personalized treatment plans that enhance and rejuvenate their unique features. She stays up to date with the latest industry advancements, ensuring her clients receive the highest level of care. Whether they are looking for subtle enhancements or a complete transformation, her goal is to make patients feel confident, empowered and refreshed. Bennett has honed a style she describes as “natural but noticeable,” reflecting her commitment to subtle enhancements that empower her clients to feel confident in their skin. Her dedication to delivering exceptional results combined with her passion for lifelong learning ensures that she remains a leader in the field of aesthetics.

graduate of the Delta Regional Authority Leadership Institute. She is the past chair of the Arkansas’ Higher Education Coordinating Board and serves on the Arkansas Good Roads Foundation, North Delta Community Foundation and Arkansas Pie Festival boards.

KASSI BISSELL

Vice President of Human Resources Lexicon

With more than 20 years of human resources leadership, Kassi Bissell brings a peoplefirst, results-driven approach to her role at Lexicon. Her background spans manufacturing, construction and global corporate environments, giving her a broad perspective on aligning workforce strategy with organizational performance. Bissell previously served as regional human resources director at American Trailer World, where she oversaw HR operations across Texas, Oklahoma and Mexico. Her career also includes leadership roles at Hydro Aluminum Metals North America, L3 Technologies, Newell Rubbermaid and Kelly Services. Bissell has a Bachelor of Applied Science in business technology and a Master of Science in management from East Texas A&M University, where she also completed an executive residency in career coaching. At Lexicon, she focuses on strengthening workforce development, supporting leaders and driving organizational excellence.

ALICIA BERKEMEYER

Executive Vice President, Chief Health Management Officer Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Alicia Berkemeyer, executive vice president and chief health management officer at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, brings diverse experience to the Arkansas health care system. She has contributed to various initiatives, including patient-centered medical homes, employer clinics, accountable care organizations and pharmacy programs. Berkemeyer was key in Arkansas’s selection for multiple partnerships with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. Arkansas was one of four states chosen as a State Transformation Collaborative. In 2024, Berkemeyer helped host a CMMI/CMS tour of rural Arkansas and advised CMMI/ CMS in Texas and North Carolina on rural health care issues. She has advised Medicaid on maternal health issues and its CMMI/ CMS maternal health grant application. She is a certified health consultant, a managed health care professional and a professional in the Academy of Healthcare Management.

DR. SARA BLAIR

Physician Autumn Road Family Practice

ALLISON BOND

Founder, Manager Kindness Through Letters Mission

KAREN BRADFORD Owner BoBrook Farms

ALLIE BROWN

Commercial Project Coordinator, Director of Marketing Arkansas Air Flow

JAMA BEST

Executive Director Arkansas Humanities Council

Allie Brown is known as the “Swiss Army Knife” at Arkansas Air Flow, where she oversees service, information technology, marketing, community relations, commercial projects and company-wide operations for her family’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning and plumbing business. A former Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning television producer, she later transitioned into public relations, marketing and project management before moving into leadership within the trades. Brown is deeply involved in community and professional organizations, including the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, the National Association of Women in Construction, Associated General Contractors of America and Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XL. She is passionate about workforce development, empowering women in male-dominated industries and building strong partnerships that move central Arkansas forward.

GRAYCEN COLBERT BIGGER

Executive Director Northeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority

Graycen Colbert Bigger is a certified economic and community developer advancing northeast Arkansas through her leadership with the NEA Regional Intermodal Authority. Over the past four years, she and the Intermodal have attracted more than $70 million in private investment and 700 new jobs while securing $43 million in grants for infrastructure, higher education and job creation. With 20 years of communications and public affairs experience, Bigger has been named one of Arkansas’ 250 Most Influential Leaders and Top 100 Women of Impact. She received the 2024 Community Development Achievement Award and is a D EC E M B ER 2 02 5

ARMON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Throughout her career at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Alicia Berkemeyer has diligently sought ways to enhance the healthcare experience for our members. She is passionate about helping people. As the EVP and Chief Health Management Officer, Alicia has been instrumental on both state and national levels in bringing innovative models to the healthcare system in the Natural State to take good care of our members and communities.

We congratulate Alicia on being named a 2025 AMP Power Woman!

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

POWER WOMEN 2025

JENNIFER OWENS BUIE

she can be found working at the spa or a number of other projects that she continually has going on. Her hobbies include traveling, crafts, do-it-yourself projects, and mentoring young women with interest in science, medicine and women with chronic illness.

Director of Development Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance

JONIE BURKS

PENNY CHOATE

Executive Broker The Charlotte John Co.

Founder Choate Law Firm

KRISTY BURTON

KARI CLAY

Owner, Director Arkansas Counseling and Wellness Services

Agent Mid South Realty

BURNETTA CHANEY

Kari Clay is passionate about real estate because she helps people navigate one of the biggest financial and emotional moments of their lives. She takes seriously the responsibility to protect their interests, advocate for their needs and guide them through what can feel overwhelming. She works deeply in both residential and investment real estate, balancing compassion with strategy. The numbers, negotiations and long-term planning energize her, while the human side keeps her grounded. As Conrad Hilton said, “Use your heart for the people and strategy for the property.” Her philosophy is simple: Honor the emotions, execute the strategy, and treat every transaction with the weight it deserves. Clay and her husband live full time at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs.

Vice President, Residential Lender Signature Bank of Arkansas

Burnetta Chaney is a vice president and residential lender at Signature Bank of Arkansas with more than 21 years in mortgage banking. Her career began in 2004 at Community First Bank. She later excelled as a top producer at Equity Bank from 2017 through 2023. In 2024, Chaney joined Signature Bank to help grow its Harrison market. Active in her community, Chaney served Court Appointed Special Advocates for 10 years as a children’s advocate, later joining the board and holding positions such as secretary and treasurer. She has also led numerous local fundraisers supporting families facing hardships. Passionate about serving families, she takes an honest, customerfirst approach to lending. Known for her integrity and dedication, Chaney is committed to guiding clients through the complexities of home financing, transforming transactions into interactions and lasting relationships.

ANGELA CONNELL

Senior Vice President, Communications Director First Community Bank

Angela Connell serves as senior vice president and communications director at First Community Bank, where she leads the institution’s external communications, media relations and brand messaging across multiple markets. With nearly two decades of experience in strategic communications and public relations, she specializes in public relations strategy, media buying, content development and reputation management. A Batesville native, Connell graduated from Batesville High School and later earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, where she majored in journalism with an emphasis in public relations. She joined First Community Bank in 2019, bringing with her a strong background in public relations and community-focused communication. Committed to service, Connell has previously served on various nonprofit organization boards throughout her community. She resides in Batesville with her husband, James, and their two children, Jackson and Madi Claire.

DR. SUZANNA CHATTERJEE-MORRIS Owner River Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vitality Medical Spa

Dr. Suzanna Chatterjee-Morris is a dualboard-certified obstetrician gynecologist and obesity medicine physician who maintains a full time career of delivering babies and caring for the needs of women from adolescence through menopause as owner of River Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology and Vitality Medical Spa, both in Russellville. She is a surgeon that performs minimally invasive surgery, is certified and proficient at both vNOTES and da Vinci robotic surgery, and prides herself on using techniques that minimize surgical scar formation. She is originally from Nashville, Tennessee, and attended Vanderbilt University. She has made Russellville her home for the last nine years and is passionate about women’s health, nutrition and helping members of the community find both happiness and health. She is certified with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and believes strongly in the roles that nutrition and lifestyle play in health and wellness. Chatterjee-Morris is pursuing dual board certification with the American Board of Obesity medicine and has spoken at the Arkansas Legislature in support of better coverage for obesity medications. She has vast experience in all procedures offered at the spa, performs the procedures regularly, and stays up to date on the latest aesthetic research and recommendations. When not busy delivering babies, DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Allie Brown ARKANSAS AIR FLOW

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? Stepping into operations at Arkansas Air Flow. It pushed me out of every comfort zone I had and forced me to grow as a leader. It’s where everything I’ve done — journalism, marketing, project management, community work — finally came together in a way that made sense. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I love being the person who makes things run smoothly for our customers, our team and our community partners. Every day is different, and every challenge requires a new kind of problem-solving. I also love working in a family-owned business where you can see the real impact of your decisions. There’s something meaningful about building something that lasts and supporting the people who make it possible. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY? I would love to see more young people, especially young women, consider skilled trades as a real, fulfilling career path. Our industry is full of opportunity, but it still carries old misconceptions. I want to see more innovation in recruiting, training and mentorship so the next generation feels welcomed, prepared and valued. WHAT IS LEFT ON YOUR CAREER CHECKLIST? I want to continue growing Arkansas Air Flow into a company that leads with integrity and innovation. Long-term, I hope to build stronger pathways for workforce development in our area, especially for young women. I’d love to eventually create something of my own, whether that’s a business, a leadership program or a platform that empowers others to grow.

Lexicon proudly recognizes Kassi Bissell, Vice President of Human Resources, for her well-deserved place on the 2025 AMP Power Women list. With more than 20 years of HR leadership, Kassi brings a people-first approach that strengthens our culture and aligns talent strategy with business performance. Thank you, Kassi, for the leadership you bring to Lexicon every day. 800-925-4565 / Lexicon-Inc.com

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

POWER WOMEN 2025

The Freedom to Care

or those with a true calling to help others, a career in medicine is one of the most rewarding paths a person can pursue. The challenges of the field can go far beyond the demands of medical school and residency, however, and it was just such an obstacle — namely the hoops and barriers to care posed by corporate governance — that pushed Dr. Suzanna Chatterjee-Morris into private practice. “I had worked for a corporation since graduating residency and became increasingly frustrated with the inability to practice medicine in the way that I felt was appropriate for patients and their health,” she said. “The simplest things, such as adding pain relief for procedures, would have to go through a process of approval through corporate, and I was unable to perform procedures in-office by bringing anesthesia in when I was employed.” Many people opined to ChatterjeeMorris that private practice was a “dying breed” and that it would be nearly impossible to run a solo practice. Luckily for her and her patients, the advice proved misin-

Dr. Suzanna

By Mak Millard

Photo by Monica McGhee

private practice.” The future looks promising for both River Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology and Vitality Medical Spa. In the near term, Chatterjee-Morris said she would like to offer expanded services such as certified nurse midwifery so patients can have lower-intervention births that can still occur within a hospital for increased safety. “As far as the med spa, I am constantly staying up to date with the latest advancements, and Vitality Medical Spa follows along with that,” she said. Independent practice has not solved every challenge Chatterjee-Morris faces, of course, and many of them simply come with the territory. From managing

CHATTERJEE-MORRIS

staff and building a team that shares her vision to navigating the often-tricky world of insurance and pharmaceutical companies, hers is an industry with more than its fair share of possible pitfalls. Thankfully, Chatterjee-Morris has put together a dedicated staff with the goal — the same goal Chatterjee-Morris has had since she first stepped out on her own — of providing a welcoming and calming environment where patient care is the priority. “Our health care system is severely fractured, and there are so many issues that need to be addressed,” she said. “First and foremost is access to care and resources for patients.” At the heart of that care is a servant leadership style imparted on Chatterjee-Morris from the beginning of her career. In residency, she said, the chief of her department made residents clean up their delivery tables, instruments and patients. Fifteen years later, Chatterjee-Morris still does that. It goes a long way in both showing respect to the patient and assisting nurses who are already being pulled in so many different directions, she said. “This same physician taught me to remember that I am the ‘captain of the ship’ and that my demeanor sets the tone for those in the room working with me,” Chatterjee-Morris said. “This causes me to stay calm and level-headed in the face of complications or emergencies, and it has made a huge difference in the care I’m able to provide even in the midst of chaos.”

formed. After selecting a location and undertaking several months’ worth of renovations, River Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology opened in Russellville in December 2021. The clinic has also since expanded into Dardanelle. “I don’t have any regrets. I’m very happy with the course and journey my practice has taken, and I wouldn’t change anything,” Chatterjee said. “I am a firm believer that things happen the way they are meant to, and I believe that is true for my private practice as well.” Chatterjee-Morris first arrived in Russellville in 2015 and met her husband there. While she was still an employed physician, the couple had a growing interest in laser therapy and aesthetics, and, in 2018, they had the opportunity to act on those ambitions. Opening Vitality Medical Spa also gave Chatterjee-Morris experience with the logistics of running a business, traits that would come in handy as she looked to build her OB-GYN practice. One of the most important characteristics useful for both the operating room and the front office is perseverance, Chatterjee-Morris said. “You may hear ‘no’ a lot, and it’s important to follow your dream and stick to your guns and find a way. Also, long hours and problem solving are both large parts of being both a physician and a business owner,” she said. “Customer service and handling issues that may arise does apply to patients, as well, particularly when in DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

CONGR ATULATIONS

DR. SUZANNA CHATTERJEE-MORRIS FOR BEING NAMED AN AMP POWER WOMAN 2025

Suzanna Chatterjee-Morris, MD, FACOG, DABOM

NEW LOCATION 2500 W Main Street Suite B Russellville (479) 890-6773 vitalitymedspaar.com

2500 W Main Street, Suite A Russellville (479) 219-9913 rivervalleyobgyn.com

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

Carla Faulkner Covington WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU ADMIRE MOST IN OTHER WOMEN?

Their confidence, strength and ability to treat others with compassion — those of great faith and who share their light with the world.

Labor Day 2012 began like any other. I woke up determined to get a little sun and crossed the street to a tanning salon. I opened the bed, shut it and turned it on. The second the light hit me, something felt terribly wrong. I shut it off and scrambled to get out — and went blind. Clothes groped in total darkness, I found the door and stepped into a hallway that seemed impossibly long. Dizzy and disoriented, I called for help. A high school kid who worked there rushed over. I told her I felt nauseous and needed a bucket. She handed it to me just in time; I began vomiting violently. My family drove me to the hospital. That night they told me I’d had a stroke. I almost didn’t survive. Incredible doctors pulled me through, and a few days later, I went home to begin the long recovery. I have always been strong, and I was determined to get my brain and body back. I relearned how to read — a slow, frustrating task. Walking and working out felt foreign. I tried to return to work the following week and found I could no longer understand things the way I used to. In an instant, my life and career had changed forever.

WHAT IS A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT MOTIVATES YOU?

I have been reading from the book of Esther and the words spoken by Esther’s cousin Mordecai encouraging her to act. He reminds her that God may have placed her in this royal position for this very moment to save the Jewish people from destruction and that remaining silent would have dire consequences for both her and her family. Thus my favorite quote is, “For such a time as this.” In conclusion: Life is fragile, so make every moment count. Trust in God, love your family with all your heart and cherish each day. WHAT ADVICE FROM THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE — MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS, FRIENDS OR MENTORS — HAS TURNED OUT TO BE TRUER THAN YOU FIRST THOUGHT?

My mother always told me to travel the world while I can because one day, I won’t be able to anymore. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

My children and all their children after that. They bring a beautiful light into this world, and I will always be very proud of them. I was also proud to be named to the board of the Hot Springs chapter of the Christian Women in Media Association, which can be found at cwima.org.

WHAT IS A PROFESSION YOU ADMIRE BUT COULD NEVER BE A PART OF?

I’ve always admired architecture. I worked at AMR Architects as a young woman and always took note of how interesting the designers’ thought processes were.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE CARED MORE ABOUT?

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN EARLY IN HER CAREER?

Being more inclusive of all kinds of people. One of my grandsons is autistic, and it is my hope and prayer that people will be accepting of him and others like him throughout his lifetime.

Give everything you do your best, go the extra mile, and — most importantly — enjoy it. Don’t work just to get by. Find passion in your job, and value the people you work with. That passion and those relationships will carry you further than a paycheck alone.

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

POWER WOMEN 2025

CARLA FAULKNER COVINGTON

Now, at 62, she has proven that experience is one of the industry’s greatest assets. As she looks toward the next chapter, she remains committed to leaving a legacy of strong relationships, well-executed projects and a more inclusive construction community for the generation that follows.

Socialite, Philanthropist

For Carla Faulkner Covington of North Little Rock, Labor Day 2012 began like any other. Waking up determined to get some sun, Covington went to a tanning salon. There, she suddenly became ill and was rushed to the hospital, where she was told she had had a stroke. The recovery process that followed was long and arduous — Covington had to relearn how to read, among other things — but she was determined to get her brain and body back. Although her life changed tremendously, the incident inspired her focus on what really matters — kindness, adventure and spending time with her grandchildren. Covington was recently named to the board of the Hot Springs chapter of the Christian Women in Media Association, which can be found at cwima.org.

AMY EDEN

Real Estate Salesperson Coldwell Banker RPM Group

KATHERINE ELDRIDGE Owner Doe’s Eat Place

FAITH ELLIOTT Vice President Amfuel

JESSICA K. ELLIS

REYNA CRAIN

Vice President, Chief Operating Officer LifeTouch Health Owner Sille Educational Consulting; B.E.L.L. Program

Mortgage Loan Officer Bank OZK

DEBI DAVIS

Jessica K. Ellis is a seasoned health care operations leader with more than 20 years of experience enhancing patient care, organizational performance and financial outcomes. Her expertise spans finance, clinical operations, practice management and health care communications. She serves as vice president and chief operating officer at LifeTouch Health and owns Sille Educational Consulting and the B.E.L.L. Program, a 501(c)(3). An expert in revenue generation and clinical quality improvement, she is also an entrepreneur, investor and dedicated educator. Ellis has taught as adjunct faculty and serves on several boards, including as vice chair of the board of trustees at Philander Smith University in Little Rock and treasurer of the National Technical Association. A first-generation graduate, she is committed to empowering young adults — especially young women — to pursue excellence and achieve their goals.

Owner Debi Davis Interior Design

Debi Davis, owner of Debi Davis Interior Design in Little Rock, has gained renown for creating beautiful, functional spaces. She and her company work within a broad range of design styles to bring out the clients’ individuality in each project. Working with families with children, pets and grandchildren, the team designs for every chapter of one’s life. What sets Debi Davis Interior Design apart is that the team puts its own spin on projects without getting too deep into trends or fads. Davis originally pursued a career in broadcast journalism and then worked in the fashion industry before entering the interior design field about 30 years ago. Her many accomplishments include being chosen to help design, build and furnish a Southern Living tour home in 2007, the largest tour home that had been done at the time. Her talents are in high demand across the Natural State and the country, and her design capabilities reach just as far and wide.

LAURA FERNER

Partner Crouch, Harwell, Fryar & Ferner

JODY DILDAY

EVE STARR GEIGGAR

Vice President, Northwest Operations Arkansas Community Foundation

Founder Made to Manifest

ANNETTE DOVE

Eve Starr Geiggar is a doctoral student at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway pursuing a Ph.D. in change leadership with a focus on community leadership. She is the founder and CEO of Made to Manifest, a certified minority- and womenowned business enterprise dedicated to helping women confidently walk in their manifested purpose. As a certified drug and alcohol counselor and empowerment life coach for women, Geiggar helps clients shift their mindsets, embrace authenticity and align their faith with their goals. Through programs such as EmpowerHER, BecomeHER and ElevateHER, she offers transformative coaching experiences to help women

Founder, CEO Targeting Our People’s Priorities With Service

PAT DRY

Project Coordinator James A. Rogers Excavating

For more than four decades, Pat Dry has built her career on a foundation of resilience, expertise and unwavering dedication to the construction industry. Throughout her career, she has become known for her organizational strength and leadership. D EC E M B ER 2 02 5

ARMON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Kari Clay

MID SOUTH REALTY

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? The best part about real estate is turning a complicated process into a confident experience for my clients. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN EARLY IN HER CAREER? Take yourself seriously first. Show up prepared, know your craft, and learn the details others ignore. Confidence comes from competence. WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? If I had to choose a defining moment, it wouldn’t be one closing or deal. It would be the realization that I had become the person my clients could rely on during one of the most important financial and emotional decisions of their lives. That shift — from simply helping people buy and sell houses to truly guiding, protecting and advocating for them — is what defined the path I’m on now. WHAT GOALS OR MILESTONES DO YOU WANT TO REACH BEFORE YOU RETIRE? One major goal I have is to build my own investment portfolio, something substantial and long term. I’ve helped countless clients build wealth through real estate, and I want to do the same on a larger scale for myself. IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” WHO INSPIRES YOU? Sara Blakely inspires me. She started Spanx with $5,000 in savings and zero experience in fashion, yet she became the youngest self-made female billionaire. Her determination, creativity and refusal to give up remind me that bold ideas paired with hard work can change the entire trajectory of your life. She and I also share a fear of flying, but that is another story.

Congratulations

Debi Davis

on being named Arkansas Money & Politics

Power Women 2025

2222 Cantrell Rd. | Little Rock 501-221-2032 debidavisinteriordesign.com ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

Pat Dry

JAMES A. ROGERS EXCAVATING WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

The defining moment of my career came when I successfully coordinated my first major project from preconstruction through final handover. It wasn’t the size of the project that made it significant; it was the moment when every trade, every team member and every timeline depended on my leadership that I realized this was the career meant for me. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love being the one wearing many hats and the go-to person. My position keeps me always moving — never a boring moment. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY?

I believe this industry needs to educate more young women that having a trade in this industry can land them a great career. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN EARLY IN HER CAREER?

My advice to a young woman starting out in this industry is this: Learn relentlessly, know your craft, set boundaries early, don’t shrink yourself to fit in, find allies and mentors, and speak up even when your voice shakes. WHAT PRECAREER MOMENT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

I had a very tough mentor in my previous job. There were days I wanted to walk out, but as time went on, I realized that what he was teaching me was to grow a backbone and stop allowing others to define me. Now I work with confidence. I am thankful for that. WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED EITHER PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY?

As a mother and a wife juggling a career and a family, there were times I questioned myself as to whether I made the right decision to stay in the workforce. It’s tough, but I have now learned how to leave work at work when I’m with my family. WHAT IS LEFT ON YOUR “CAREER CHECKLIST”?

Being part of a hiring, training or development initiative that brings more women into this industry. I want to help make this industry more inclusive and accessible for women. IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I am inspired by all women who get up every day, put their boots on and spend eight hours of their day working in this industry despite the obstacles. WHAT IS A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT MOTIVATES YOU?

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do,” by Steve Jobs.

Jessica K. Ellis

LIFETOUCH HEALTH; SILLE EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING; B.E.L.L PROGRAM

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I believe that all Arkansans deserve equal access to quality health care regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, religion or county/city of residence. I have been fortunate to work for organizations that endeavor to reach Arkansas citizens where they are regardless of these factors. WHAT PRECAREER MOMENT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK? One of my most outstanding mentors, the late Dr. Ann Bynum, taught me to move with intentionality. You can be kind hearted and still command a room and facilitate change. WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED EITHER PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY? As a young Black woman, I have encountered glass ceilings on numerous occasions. Personally, I have experienced the loss of two children. I am a woman of great tenacity and even greater faith. Because of that tenacity and faith, I have overcome obstacles that I have seen discourage many women, even leading to a dear friend ending her life. WHAT IS LEFT ON YOUR “CAREER CHECKLIST”? I am the owner of SILLE Educational Consulting and B.E.L.L. Program, a 501(c)(3). The purpose of these organizations is to motivate students to set goals, inspire them to achieve those goals, and empower them with the tools necessary to realize the success they want and deserve. I have seen students in the Success Academy become completely different students, and the trajectory of some of their lives has changed dramatically. Before I retire, I would like to see Success Academies in every Arkansas school and after-school program. WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems and Meditations for Staying Human by Cole Arthur Riley. WHAT IS A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT MOTIVATES YOU? “To whom much is given, much is required.”

Thanks for supporting all the Power Women at Ronald McDonald House.

Triple your gift through December 31 to help even more families. Scan here or go to ronaldmcdonaldhousearnla.org ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

POWER WOMEN 2025 become who they are truly called to be. Geiggar has more than a decade of leadership experience in behavioral health and human services and currently works as an operations monitoring specialist at Behavioral Health Group. Her leadership, empowerment and mentorship efforts have established her as an emerging voice in faith-driven leadership and personal growth. Outside of her professional pursuits, Geiggar is actively involved in her community as a member of several civic and professional organizations, including the Junior League of North Little Rock, the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Vanguard Committee, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Beta Pi Omega Chapter.

KIARA GILMORE

Associate, Director of Emerging Professionals Modus Studio

SARAH GOFORTH

Section Head, Regional Innovation National Science Foundation

ERIN GRAY

Owner Healing Hemp of Arkansas

Erin Gray is the owner of Healing Hemp of Arkansas in Little Rock, which specializes in offering healthy, natural alternatives for pain, anxiety and sleep. The store opened in 2018 as one of the first brick-and-mortar CBD businesses in the state. As a certified CBD advisor, Gray’s mission is to assist customers and guide them in making better choices, empowering them to feel better, function better and thrive.

SUZANNE GROBMYER

Chief of Staff Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism

JENNIFER HALL

Chief Operating Officer Twin City Transportation

Jennifer Hall is chief operating officer at Twin City Transportation in Little Rock. With more than 30 years of diverse experience across publicly traded and privately owned organizations, Hall is instrumental in steering her company through the freight recession by providing strategic direction, fostering efficiency and demonstrating exceptional leadership. Dedicated to creating an exceptional work environment for all employees, she champions initiatives that make quality health care affordable and accessible to every member of the Twin City team. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and is presently pursuing her legal education at Vanderbilt Law School in Tennessee.

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

STACY HAMILTON Owner The Baker

A native Texan, Stacy Hamilton arrived in Little Rock in 2005 and worked in then-Gov. Mike Huckabee’s administration. What was supposed to be a short-term assignment turned into a love affair with the city. After a short career in politics, she entered the local real estate industry, which would eventually lead to her membership in and leadership of the Little Rock REALTORS® Association. Undeterred in the face of crisis, Hamilton entered the real estate industry in 2008 during one of the most challenging markets in recent history; opened The Baker hotel in North Little Rock just before the COVID-19 pandemic; and stepped up as CEO of the LRRA during the industry-transforming buyer representation settlement. Today, Hamilton is the director of operations and a sales broker at Hathaway Group, a commercial real estate firm. In each case, Hamilton proved that with determination, adaptability and hard work, one can not only survive but thrive in the most difficult circumstances.

TRACI HAMPTON

Director of Marketing and Administrative Services Highlands Oncology

TAMMY HARVEY-STAUBER Chief Ambassador ATA International

MARY BETH HATCH

Education Chief Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

LAURIE HENDERSON Managing Broker McGraw Realtors

Laurie Henderson is a second-generation REALTOR® and a widely respected leader in Arkansas’s real estate and public-service communities. In 2009, Henderson was named Arkansas REALTOR® of the Year, one of the state’s highest industry honors. Her dedication to the profession has also earned her the prestigious Omega Tau Rho Medal of Service from the National Association of REALTORS®. She is a graduate of the NAR Leadership Academy, the Arkansas REALTORS® Leadership Program, Leadership Hot Springs and Leadership Arkansas. She has served as president of the Hot Springs Board of REALTORS®, president of the Hot Springs Village Board of REALTORS® and as district vice president for the Arkansas REALTORS® Association. In addition, she represented Arkansas REALTORS® on the national stage as federal political coordinator to both Rep. Bruce Westerman and Sen. Tom Cotton. From 2015 to 2020, Henderson served in the Arkansas House of Representatives, where she focused on legislation that protected homeownership, strengthened private property rights, and championed family values. Henderson is especially proud of her work advancing grandparent rights. She and her husband, Ken, founded a family-owned real estate company in 2020 and merged with McGraw Realtors in March of 2025, enhanc64

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

Eve Geiggar MADE TO MANIFEST

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

The defining moment of my career was the day I realized that I am my business and my business is me — that God didn’t just call me to lead; he called me to help women and organizations transform. When I can see the impact of what I do, helping women find their voice, leaders gain clarity and lives shift from the inside out, I know everything in my life has been preparation. My behavioral health experience, my leadership roles, my faith journey and even my personal valleys were shaping me for this one assignment. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love inspiring, motivating and encouraging women, organizations and individuals to become who they are called to be. I am passionate about helping people shift their mindset while creating an atmosphere grounded in psychological safety. Whether I’m coaching, speaking at a conference, writing a book or developing a new workbook, I have the privilege of witnessing transformation in real time. I don’t just empower women; I watch them become. WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED EITHER PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY?

I’ve navigated imposter syndrome, battled seasons of low self-esteem, experienced rejection and learned how to balance purpose with responsibility. There were moments when I had to lead while healing, times when I didn’t feel seen and seasons where I had to rebuild myself from the inside out, but every obstacle became oil, producing endurance, strengthening my faith and giving me a deeper understanding of what women truly need to thrive. Each challenge refined me and equipped me to pour into others with empathy, authenticity and purpose. IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I’m inspired by women who lead with grace and grit, women who have survived, stood tall and kept walking with purpose. I’m inspired by the everyday power women who don’t always get the spotlight: mothers, ministry leaders, women building businesses after work and women who heal others while healing themselves. These are the women who embody the kind of strength I aspire to. WHAT IS A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT MOTIVATES YOU?

“You were made to manifest.” These words remind me that my purpose is bigger than any role and that everything I do should leave people better, stronger and more empowered.

POWER WOMEN 2025

AMANDA IRBY

ing opportunities for both agents and clients across the region.

Chief Nursing Officer Conway Regional

SHERAYE HENDERSON Owner EZ Financial Solution

Amanda Irby brings 26 years of nursing experience, including 24 years at Conway Regional. She has served as a clinical nurse in the emergency department and as director of emergency and critical care services, the outpatient interventional unit, and the progressive care unit. Irby helped establish the trauma and stroke program, supported the development of critical care units, and held several interim leadership roles before becoming chief nursing officer in June 2024. As CNO, she oversees all nursing divisions, guiding directors and managers while also managing financial matters, improving quality outcomes and enhancing patient care.

LINDA HINTON

General Manager, Marketing Director Tanger

For more than 35 years, Linda Hinton has been a driving force in property management and the real estate industry. For more than a decade, she’s brought her expertise and energy to The Promenade at Chenal, a premier shopping destination in the heart of west Little Rock. Hinton’s passion goes far beyond managing a shopping center; she is committed to creating a lively, welcoming space where neighbors connect, businesses flourish, and the community spirit shines bright. Her advice for young women starting their careers is to “work hard, listen well, ask questions without fear, and build friendships along the way.” “Those connections turn challenges into shared victories,” she said. Inspired daily by her mother — who she called “the ultimate power woman” — Hinton leads with heart and purpose both professionally and personally. Whether she is creating memorable experiences at The Promenade or volunteering alongside her husband, a marriage pastor, to strengthen marriages across Arkansas, Hinton’s mission is simple: to make a difference and be a positive influence.

TANYA JAMES

Director of Talent Management, Senior Vice President Arvest Bank

CINDY JONES

Estimator, Project Manager Garrett Excavating

With more than 40 years of experience in the construction industry, Cindy Jones is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to the northwest Arkansas landscape. Her impressive career began with designing for local civil engineering and architectural firms, where she honed her skills and developed a keen eye for detail. In 1995, Jones founded her own residential design and build firm, CJ’s Designs, where she successfully designed more than 700 homes throughout NWA, earning a reputation for quality and innovation. For the past 9 1/2 years, she has served as a senior estimator at Garrett Excavating, where her extensive knowledge and expertise in construction have been invaluable to the team. Outside of work, she enjoys life on her small farm near Beaver Lake, where she finds joy in camping, fishing, kayaking and tending to her garden. She recently completed an exhilarating 188-mile float on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, and she continues to plan and embark on new adventures that fuel her passion for the great outdoors.

DR. DAWN HUGHES

Physician Conway Regional Health System

Dr. Dawn Hughes is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist providing advanced obstetric and gynecological care at the Conway Regional Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center of Arkansas. She completed her residency and fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Hughes helped launch the Conway Regional Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center of Arkansas, bringing highly specialized care to Conway for women experiencing complications before or during pregnancy. Through strong partnerships with local OB-GYNs, she ensures high-risk mothers can seamlessly transition into the care they need. Hughes is committed to thoughtful, evidence-based care supported by multidisciplinary planning to help every mother and baby achieve the safest possible outcome.

JENNIFER JONES Founder Stilo

SARA HUGHES

CHERISSE JONES-BRANCH

Associate Director of Business Operations University of Arkansas

D EC E M B ER 2 02 5

Dean of Liberal Arts and Communication Arkansas State University

ARMON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

Erin Gray

HEALING HEMP OF ARKANSAS WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

What I love most is seeing people find real relief and balance through natural options. Every day, we get to educate customers and watch their lives improve, whether it’s better sleep, less pain or simply less anxiety. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of someone’s wellness journey and to help remove some of the stigma around hemp and plant-based health. I also love that this work allows us to build genuine relationships in our community. Healing Hemp of Arkansas has never just been a store. It’s a space for healing, learning and connection. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY?

I wish there was more clarity and consistency in regulations. The hemp industry has enormous potential, but frequent legislative changes and misinformation make it difficult for both businesses and consumers to navigate. I’d love to see policymakers work more closely with responsible business owners to develop balanced, science-driven regulations that protect consumers without stifling innovation or access to beneficial products. WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE A DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?

The defining moment was opening Healing Hemp of Arkansas and realizing how deeply our community needed this kind of business. When customers started coming back to share how our products helped them get their quality of life back, that was it. It validated every risk and late night that went into starting this. Another powerful moment was adapting and standing strong through shifting laws and perceptions; it proved that our mission was about people, not profit. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN EARLY IN HER CAREER?

Believe that you belong in any room you walk into — and then back that belief with knowledge and consistency. Don’t wait for perfect timing; start where you are with what you have. Learn from mentors, but trust your own instincts too. Most importantly, lead with integrity and empathy. When your work is grounded in purpose, success will follow in its own time.

POWER WOMEN 2025

aving only taken over as chief of education for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission a little more than 18 months ago, Mary Beth Hatch is still one of the newer faces at the agency. One might never know that, however, given how she has embraced her role with gusto, advancing AGFC’s various programs. “One of our key results as an agency is to create a longterm support for conservation with our citizens, and I think one of the best ways we can do that is start as early and as young as possible,” she said. “Of course, we still have our traditional programs, but one of the things we created when I came on board was really trying to organize what our programming was. That’s really what’s led us into some of our larger initiatives that we’re currently working on.” One of the primary reasons Hatch got off to such a fast start is a personal and professional background rooted in the outdoors. A native of Bergman, her childhood was spent enjoying wild spaces. After graduating from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Hatch embarked on 18 award-winning years in the state’s education system. She would eventually work in the elementary through postsecondary levels and even serve a stint with the Department of Education, much of which led her outside. “As an educator, I wanted students to have those [outdoor] experiences, as well, so I was a big user and proponent of project-based learning,” she said. “I did a ton of instruction where students were focused on creating projects and materials and presentations and models and designs. It was truly applied learning. “One year, I did almost all project-based learning as a third grade teacher. I could teach the science, the math, the engineering, the design, the writing, the speaking. All of that could happen through a lens that was really engaging. We had the highest math scores in the state and the third-highest literacy scores. It proved that when you’re able to apply that learning, you really do understand it.” Hatch was recognized at the national level for her work, including as National Science Teaching Association Environmental Educator of the Year and a Public Broadcasting Service Digital Innovator All-Star, among other awards. She also worked closely with AGFC in developing her classroom work such that when the opportunity came for her to apply for her current job, she already had considerable name recognition within the agency’s education department.

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

Teach the Children Well By Dwain Hebda

Mary Beth

HATCH

One primary new initiative under Hatch’s purview has been the new AGFC School of Conservation Leadership, a designation process that complements a school’s existing curriculum, allowing students to see various academic concepts applied outdoors. It also allows students to participate in various AGFC-supported programs, such as archery and shooting, as well as Stream Team activities, all of which encourages them to participate in the outdoors with a conservation mindset. “Teachers don’t need one more thing on their plate,” she said. “Our goal was to make this kind of learning accessible and attainable for teachers, as well as engaging for students. Our team, in conjunction with the Department of Education, has created over 270 lessons that are aligned to the Arkansas state standards in grades K-8 that integrate this conservation/outdoor recreation focus into what those classroom teachers are already teaching. “We’ve created these lessons that take that exact same standard, that learning standard that they all have to teach, and get them outside to focus on what’s happening in and around their schools — what habitats exist there, what species exist there, what type of outdoor recreation opportunities are available on or near their campuses or in their communities.” For Hatch, having the ability to impact daily the lives of hundreds if not thousands of students statewide is a personal and professional dream come true. “When this position became available, I was thinking about how awesome it would be to work here, where all the things I loved would come together,” she said. “Leading such an incredible division in such a well-known, established agency in our state and really trying to continue to bring these experiences and these opportunities to students in the state is really, really important to me.”

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

Stacy Hamilton THE BAKER BOUTIQUE INN, HATHAWAY GROUP

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I love the dual nature of my work — the strategic challenge of matching properties with the right opportunities and the human element of building lasting relationships. Whether I’m marketing a commercial property or welcoming guests at The Baker, I’m passionate about creating value and memorable experiences. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY?

I’d love to see greater emphasis on mentorship and knowledge sharing, particularly for women and emerging professionals. The real estate industry can sometimes feel competitive in ways that discourage collaboration, but I’ve found that the most meaningful growth comes from lifting others up and sharing expertise. Creating more structured pathways for the next generation to learn from experienced professionals would strengthen our entire industry. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN EARLY IN HER CAREER?

Don’t wait for permission to lead. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that opportunities often come to those who demonstrate initiative and a willingness to step up. Also, invest in relationships as much as you invest in skills. The connections you build through professional associations, community involvement and genuine networking will sustain and elevate your career in ways you can’t predict. Finally, embrace the challenges rather than waiting for perfect timing. I entered real estate during the 2008 crash, opened a hotel right before COVID-19 and led an association through historic industry changes. Perfect conditions rarely exist, but your response to adversity will define your career more than any success during easy times. WHAT PRECAREER MOMENT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

My early involvement with professional associations taught me the importance of giving back to your industry. Serving in various leadership roles showed me that true leadership isn’t about individual achievement; it’s about strengthening the entire profession. Those experiences shaped my commitment to ethics, education and elevating industry standards, which I carry into everything I do today. WHAT IS A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT MOTIVATES YOU?

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” by Eleanor Roosevelt. I’ve built my career on believing in possibilities. Dreams require both vision and action, and I’ve tried to embody both throughout my journey.

POWER WOMEN 2025

Ethical Leadership By Dwain Hebda do you need to improve on? “I think everybody learns some of the most valuable lessons in life from their failures, not their accomplishments. It makes a big difference when you’ve been in a situation, and you have to reassess the way you’re doing something and how you handle that.” Henderson also accentuated the critical importance of mentors as part of one’s developmental journey. For that, she did not have to look far. Her mother, Lorna Nobles, set an early example for the work and determination it took to succeed, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She also found others willing to pour into her coming up, and she was wise enough to take heed of their teaching. “My mom has been one of those inspirational people for me because I know where she came from and how she was able to build and grow,” Henderson said. “I watched her leadership style, which I kind of adapted as my own, and then also took other pieces from other people in my industry. “Another big one is Chris Polychron, who is from Hot Springs, and was very big in the real estate industry. He was a very good influencer for me, you know, because where Mom would always say, ‘Oh, you’re doing great,’ Chris was one of those people that would say, ‘Well, you didn’t do that right.’ You might not like hearing what he had to say, but he was going to say it anyway. I think those two were probably the biggest influences in my life.” Henderson opened Trademark Real Estate in Hot Springs with her mother and served as managing broker. The company later expanded into a branch office in Hot Springs Village. After her time in politics, she came home and, with her husband, bought the Hot Springs Village branch from her mother. The company merged with McGraw Realty in 2019. Today, Henderson continues to refine her leadership process and said the impact she has had on employees over the years is the thing she has enjoyed most in her career. “When I talk to people about what I’m most proud of, it’s when I have people come to me and tell me how I’ve influenced their life as a leader,” she said. “I think that that’s probably what sticks with me the most. You get so driven going forward, you don’t sometimes stop to think of who might be watching you from the back. What I’m most proud of is when someone comes and says, ‘I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.’”

Laurie

HENDERSON

uring her time in the Arkansas legislature, real estate professional Laurie Henderson learned a valuable lesson about leadership, one that has magnified her influence and her understanding of what it means to set an example. Running on a platform that pulled no punches about the ills of the state’s private option to Medicaid, Henderson found herself in a quandary of personal ethics once she was in office and dug deeper into the fine print of the program. In other words, once she learned more about the issue and viewed it through the lens of its potential impact on the rank-andfile citizens of her district, she changed her mind. “Well, at that particular time, a lot of stuff was going on with the private option and health care in the state of Arkansas and everything,” she said. “I ran against the private option, but when I got there, I became educated on what it was going to do for the people in my district and how much they needed it. “I guess you could say I was a flip-flopper, and some people did say that. It was a hard one because I did run pretty hard against it, and I had to come back and say I was wrong.” The experience taught her something important about leadership and about how to follow the more difficult right over the easier wrong, even if it meant humbling oneself by changing direction to better serve the goals and needs of those who follow. She said she sees it every day in the residential real estate business, where she works with employees looking to break into one of the most competitive and demanding professions there is. “I try to tell people in my industry and in my business, especially brand-new agents, you’re probably not going to be knock-out successful your first year,” she said. “You’ve got to know how to pick up the pieces and go forward with the mistakes you’ve made on why you can’t get a sale, why you can’t hold a customer, why somebody else got the listing and you didn’t. Well, what did you do, and what DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Congratulations

JENNIFER HALL

PRESTIGIOUS 100 ARKANSAS POWER WOMEN OF 2025

We are all so proud of you!

CONGRATULATIONS

LAURIE HENDERSON

FOR BEING NAMED AN AMP POWER WOMAN 2025

1060 DeSoto Blvd, Hot Springs Village | 501-922-0707 | hotspringsvillage.mcgrawrealtors.com ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

POWER WOMEN 2025

Grace and Grit

or Amanda Irby, chief nursing officer at Conway Regional Health System, the emergency room has always called out to her since the beginning of her career. “The ER is who I am as a human,” she said. “It’s fast paced, unpredictable, and you have to think quickly on your feet. “You see immediate results. I love the chaos and the thinking outside the box. You have to move and go. It’s an adrenaline rush.” A native of Helena, Irby attended a very small school system and was one of just 27 in her graduating class at Marvell Academy. She began at Conway Regional in 2001 as a bedside nurse in the emergency department shortly after earning her nursing degree from Harding University in Searcy. In 2009, she was promoted to director of the emergency room, a role that would expand to manage critical care in 2018 before taking on her current role in February 2024. Even in an administrative role, she still finds moments to connect with patients as she did at bedside. “I’ll still start an IV or do a dressing change when I need to get away from the office grind,” she said. “It’s a perk of the role I’m in.” While moving into leadership roles was never part of her original career plan, she realized her decision-making skills and unconventional problem solving could benefit the entire hospital. She said her only apprehension was if she was ready to step away from the bedside. “It wasn’t on my to-do list, but I’m happy with where the path has taken me,” she said. “Leadership was never on my agenda, but thinking through it, I realized I could impact all the nursing units at once instead of a few patients at a time. “My plan was to be a hardcore ER nurse — which I still am — but through that, the opportunity presented itself, and I realized my decision-making skills and getting things done in unconventional ways would be beneficial.” While Irby loves her role, it does not come without its own set of challenges, the biggest of those being many patients’ limited access to health care. That situation either drives them to their local emergency department when it is not warranted, or they live with conditions that could have been addressed earlier that have advanced to a more critical stage. “People not knowing their medical resources — like after-hours clinics or primary care physicians — and going to the ER for everything makes it difficult,” she said, adding that much of the issue could be addressed simply by people taking advantage of routine physicals, often covered by insurance. Another concern is the continuing struggle among small hospi-

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

By Justina Parker

Amanda

IRBY CONWAY REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

tals just to survive. She noted how many such facilities have shut down through the years due to low reimbursement fees. “If some of these small critical access hospitals close, people will be two or more hours from the closest medical care,” she said. “That’s a scary thought.” Irby said one of her leadership priorities is to educate nurses and introduce new protocols and different ways of doing things. She emphasized anyone, be they in administration or bedside care, has to be ready for anything in health care. If a code blue happens or joint commission shows up, her ability to quickly shift gears relies on team members being equipped to help fill in the gaps in the moment. “One of my favorite things about my job is helping lead people and watching new leaders emerge and grow,” she said. “You have to have flexibility to be successful.” For anyone starting their nursing career, Irby defined success as being flexible and knowing there is always something to learn. No matter how long one has been doing the job, “being open to doing new things is the difference in being a good nurse and a great nurse,” she said. Irby works with many women in her role and easily defined what being a powerful woman means to her. “Someone that has grit. They can think quickly on their feet and look at the whole picture,” she said. “They make decisions for the group. They’re always learning and seeking new growth opportunities to develop professionally and personally, as well as be able to admit when they’re wrong. “Power and influence are so reliant upon each other. To be a good leader, you must have relationships and the ability to influence people. Then the power follows.”

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Crystal Kemp CONWAY CORP.

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY? One thing I’d love to see is even more agility. Because our work requires planning 20, 30 or 40 years into the future, big decisions naturally take time — and for good reason — but I sometimes wish the industry as a whole could move more quickly on the things that impact customers right now. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN EARLY IN HER CAREER? Shirley Chisholm famously said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” I believe that wholeheartedly. Seek mentors, stay curious, and remember that you don’t have to have every answer to show up with confidence and contribute in a powerful way. WHAT PRECAREER MOMENT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK? My grandfather repeatedly encouraged me to take psychology courses even though it wasn’t my field of study. He believed that truly understanding people was essential to being successful in any field. That advice has stayed with me throughout my career. It’s influenced not just how I lead but how I connect with customers, coworkers and the community. IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” WHO INSPIRES YOU? The girls in my Girl Scout troops inspire me the most. Watching them grow in confidence, kindness and leadership reminds me what the future can look like when young women are encouraged to use their voices and support one another. Their curiosity, courage and determination motivate me every day to be a better leader and a better role model. WHAT IS A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT MOTIVATES YOU? “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind,” by Brené Brown. It’s a reminder that honesty delivered with empathy is one of the most meaningful forms of kindness.

CONGRATULATIONS

CINDY JONES

FOR BEING NAMED AN AMP POWER WOMAN 2025 WE BUILD INSPIRING PROJECTS THAT CREATE COMMUNITY VALUE AND SOCIAL PROSPERITY.

(501) 520-5200 | 5500 US-67 Benton | garrettx.com (479) 636-5516 | 805 McClain Rd. Bentonville GarrettExcavating garrettexcavating garrett-excavating-inc ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

POWER WOMEN 2025

DANA KELLERMAN

the Forrest City and Conway area chambers of commerce before joining Conway Corp. She has been recognized in her local community for her work mentoring youth, especially young women, serving as a Girl Scout troop leader for 20 years and more than 20 years as a volunteer with the Conway Area Youth Leadership Institute. In 2023, she was named the Friend of the District by the Conway Public School Foundation in recognition of her work with the youth of the community and support of the Conway band program. Professionally, she also serves as the chair of the MidAmerica Cable Telecommunications Association and as the 2025 president of Arkansas Women in Power. She has received multiple awards from Cablefax.

REALTOR® Coldwell Banker RPM Group

Multimillion-dollar producer Dana Kellerman has been in real estate for more than 20 years, first as a builder, building over a 100 homes in Maumelle. She also flipped homes and invested in property, developing a subdivision and establishing her own rental properties. She can help and assist sellers and buyers using her knowledge, experience and expertise. Kellerman has a wide range of experience in financing and helping buyers find the right lender or loan program. For sellers, she brings her knowledge and expertise about how to analyze the market conditions to best price a home to sell, along with marketing skills she has crafted and kept current year to year. Kellerman is well oriented with the social media aspects and web presence, since 95 percent of buyers use the internet for shopping for their dream homes. Personable and very easy to talk to, Kellerman is an educator at heart. She helps customers understand the steps of the process by explaining in detail how to get from A to B, giving them an overall better understanding of their situation and the ability to make informed decisions. A native Arkansan, Kellerman is married to Barry Kellerman Sr. and has four adult children and two grandchildren.

DIANNE LAMBERTH Board Member First Community Bank

Dianne Lamberth is a dedicated community leader, serving as a member of First Community Bank’s board of directors for 28 years. Known for her tireless advocacy for children, she played a key role in establishing the Child Advocacy Center in Independence County. Lamberth’s active involvement extends to various organizations, including the board of White River Medical Center in Batesville, where she served as chairman and contributed significantly to the hospital’s rebuilding in Stone County. Her commitment to health care is evident in her support for the development of White River Health System’s affiliation with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, which led to the creation of the internal medicine residency program. Lamberth’s impact earned her the prestigious Arkansas Hospital Association Distinguished Service Award. In addition to her healthcare endeavors, Lamberth has chaired the board of visitors of the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, served as secretary for the board of trustees at Lyon College in Batesville and held roles in the White River Medical System’s board of directors. Active in education, she contributes to the Independence County Education Foundation Board. Lamberth, a graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a master’s degree in education, has diverse professional experiences, including being a former Lyon College instructor and owner at Atlas Asphalt/White River Materials and The Course at Eagle Mountain. Past leadership roles include serving as president of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Batesville Parks & Recreation Commission.

KARA KELLERMAN

REALTOR® Coldwell Banker RPM Group

Kara Kellerman is a central Arkansas native and powerhouse REALTOR® with more than a decade of experience helping clients buy, sell and invest with confidence. A Certified Global Luxury Agent and multimillion-dollar producer, Kellerman was voted one of AY About You’s “Best Realtors” in 2024 and 2025. Known for her strong market knowledge, eye for design and hands-on approach, she empowers clients to make smart, confident real estate decisions. Beyond traditional sales, Kellerman flips homes, invests locally and co-owns a short-term rental while managing three others. Her passion for real estate and dedication to excellence have made her one of central Arkansas’s most trusted and dynamic agents. When she is not working with clients, Kellerman enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and exploring the beauty of the Natural State. Whether fishing, hiking, camping, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk outdoors, she finds inspiration and balance in nature and family.

JENNIFER LANCASTER Owner Cornerstone Law Firm

CRYSTAL KEMP

Chief Marketing Officer Conway Corp.

SANDRA LEITERMAN

Director of Cybersecurity Outreach and Education University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Crystal Kemp currently serves as chief marketing officer at Conway Corp, a role she has had for seven years. She began her career with Conway Corp. in 2000 as marketing/communications coordinator and was promoted to manager, marketing and public relations, and then to CMO. She graduated from Arkansas College, now Lyon College in Batesville, with a degree in media arts. Following graduation, she worked for DEC E M BER 2 02 5

Sandra Leiterman is a cybersecurity education research professor and serves as director of cybersecurity outreach and education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she leads state and national initiatives advancing cybersecurity, 74

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Congratulations to Dana Kellerman on being named one of AMP’s Power Women

2025

501-851-8282 105 Country Club Parkway, Suite 200 Maumelle cbrpm.com/Agent/Detail/Dana-Kellerman/16545 ColdwellBankerRpmGroup

Congratulations to Kara Kellerman on being named one of AMP’s Power Women

2025

501-804-5272 105 Country Club Parkway, Suite 200 Maumelle cbrpm.com/Agent/Detail/Kara-Kellerman/18582 ColdwellBankerRpmGroup

Nichole Lewis-Freeman CRYE-LEIKE REALTORS

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I love guiding families toward homeownership and showing them that wealth building is possible even if they didn’t grow up seeing it. Watching a client receive their keys, sometimes becoming the first homeowner in their family, is deeply meaningful. Real estate allows me to change lives while planting seeds that will grow for generations. WHAT PRECAREER MOMENT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK? Navigating motherhood while building my career shaped my work ethic, resilience and compassion. Balancing multiple roles taught me discipline, adaptability and the importance of creating opportunities for others who are also juggling life and ambition. WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY? Throughout my journey, I’ve often been the first or the only woman — and woman of color — in many rooms. While challenging, these moments taught me to lead confidently, use my voice and break barriers so others can walk into those spaces with confidence and representation. WHAT GOALS OR MILESTONES ARE LEFT ON YOUR CAREER CHECKLIST? My goals include becoming a real estate broker and establishing myself as a philanthropist focused on supporting young professionals. I want to create access, mentorship and pathways for others the same way people once created opportunities for me. IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” WHO INSPIRES YOU? My mother inspires me the most. She worked as a janitor and led with dignity, humility and unwavering strength. Her resilience and work ethic shaped my values and my belief that you can rise from anywhere and still make an impact.

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

Veronica Love

HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCY OF ARKANSAS, SOUTHERN CARRIER SERVICES WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

I was helping grow other people’s businesses before starting Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas. I finally asked myself, ‘What if I used those same skills to build something of my own — something with purpose?’ HOW HAS YOUR BUSINESS GROWN SINCE ITS INCEPTION?

We opened the doors to Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas in December 2019. Since then, we’ve grown from a few clients around Little Rock into a statewide operation. We serve more than 100 clients from Stuttgart and West Memphis to Fayetteville, providing personal care, companionship and transportation. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I made great money in the car industry, but now I’m doing something that makes a difference for people who can’t give anything back in return, and that feels right. WHAT PRECAREER MOMENT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

My father had multiple sclerosis. We took care of him — my sister and I as a child — and we watched him deteriorate with health issues right before our eyes. I learned early that how you treat people matters — especially people who can’t do for themselves. I wanted to create a company that reflected that. WHAT GOALS OR MILESTONES DO YOU WANT TO REACH BEFORE YOU RETIRE?

If we can help one more person stay in their home, stay safe and feel seen, we’ve done our job. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ETHOS OF YOUR COMPANY?

This is a faith-based business. Everything I have, God gave me. I want that to be reflected in how we treat people — clients and staff. WHAT KIND OF TEAM CULTURE HAVE YOU BUILT?

Faith is a central part of my leadership style. Every workweek begins with prayer and a group discussion rooted in John Maxwell’s leadership books. In every hire, I screen for individuals who are not only trained but emotionally equipped with the compassion needed to do this work.

POWER WOMEN 2025 artificial intelligence and robotics education. Years in the making, the Center for Cybersecurity Operations, Research and Education now stands as a statewide hub connecting research, education and community service. Through CORE, Leiterman and her team translate cutting-edge AI and cybersecurity research into practical, real-world impact for schools, small businesses and public infrastructure. A former middle school math, science, and engineering teacher and state math specialist, Leiterman brings more than a decade of experience in teacher development, workforce preparation and educational equity. Passionate about expanding opportunities for underrepresented and rural populations, she has united institutions across Arkansas to establish transferable computer science and cybersecurity pathways and develop a strong teacher pipeline.

LeARner Collective, a first-of-its-kind professional development experience. She recently oversaw the launch of the first-ever statebased, outcomes-based contracting cohort. She previously spent 14 years working on Capitol Hill, including as deputy chief of staff to a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Lincoln has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma.

VERONICA LOVE

Director Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas

Veronica Love is the founder and CEO of Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas and the president of Southern Carrier Services, a nonemergency medical transportation company. Love previously found incredible success in the automotive world, moving from sales and finance management to directing and managing a multimillion-dollar business. After several years in the industry, Love became the first African American woman in Arkansas to serve as general manager for a franchise dealership while at Crain Mazda. Taking all that she learned in that career, along with her servant leadership style and entrepreneurial spirit, Love has now cultivated her own business into a million-dollar empire. Love’s caring heart motivates her not only in supporting those in need but in creating generational wealth for her loved ones. She leads her teams with integrity, demanding their best and empowering them to serve their communities with dignity, equality and respect.

JENNIFER LESTER

Principal, Chief Operating Officer Moses Tucker Partners

ANDREA HOGAN LEWIS

Vice President of Business Development, Community Reinvestment Act Officer First Security Bank

NICHOLE LEWIS-FREEMAN REALTOR® Crye-Leike Real Estate Services Founder 88Move

DR. ANDREA MABRY

Nichole Lewis-Freeman is a multiindustry leader whose work spans real estate, human resources and entrepreneurship. As a fulltime REALTOR®, she has quickly emerged as a trusted advocate for families seeking to build generational wealth, closing more than $1.5 million in volume within her first year. Her background in HR — including roles supporting talent development, culture and workforce equity — strengthens her commitment to fair, people-centered leadership. Lewis-Freeman is also the founder of 88Move, a central Arkansas men’s clothing store known for its culture-driven streetwear and community-centered brand identity. She is an emerging philanthropist dedicated to empowering young professionals and expanding access to opportunity. Known for her resilience, faith and ability to excel in spaces where she is often the first or only, Lewis-Freeman leads with purpose and a deep belief that her work creates lasting impact.

Dermatologist Pinnacle Dermatology

BRITTANY MARSH

Owner, Pharmacist Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding

Brittany Marsh owns and operates Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding in Little Rock. She began her career at Cornerstone Pharmacy in 2008 during pharmacy school. After earning her degree, Marsh worked as a pharmacist before successfully acquiring the business in 2018. Since then, she has grown the enterprise, which now includes multiple locations, offering a personalized approach to compounding, hormone replacement therapy, and wellness services In addition to her pharmacy work, Marsh co-founded Miller Marsh Cosmetics with Rachel Miller. Together, they developed a line of clean, medicalgrade skincare products — including serum, eye cream, night cream and retinol — produced in-house at Cornerstone Pharmacy. Their products were born from a shared vision of efficacy, affordability and transparency. Marsh’s leadership and impact on health care and entrepreneurship were further recognized in 2025 when she was appointed by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to serve on its Health Care Industry Council — a testament to her influence and commitment to her field.

COURTNEY LINCOLN Vice President of Impact Forward Arkansas

Courtney Lincoln is the vice president of impact at Forward Arkansas, a nonprofit committed to supporting great teachers and leaders in developing and scaling innovative practices that reimagine learning to improve student outcomes. Since joining Forward in 2017 as chief of staff, Lincoln has helped build trusted partnerships among the nonprofit, private and public sectors to implement innovative programs such as the Educator Preparation Program Design Collaborative and the D EC E M B ER 2 02 5

JANET MARSHALL

Chief Development Officer Baptist Health Foundation 78

ARMON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Lesley Nalley NALLEY & ASSOCIATES

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? Learning to lead from a place of authenticity and aligning with my God-given purpose transformed how I show up every day. It’s empowering to know that when we lead with sincerity and purpose, we create the greatest and most meaningful impact. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I love helping individuals and families achieve financial prosperity, build generational wealth and preserve their legacy. There’s incredible satisfaction in knowing that the work I do strengthens not only homes and families but also the communities and organizations they support. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN EARLY IN HER CAREER? Your values, your voice and your vision are your greatest strengths. Seek mentors who challenge and support you, stay curious, and remember that your career is a journey of growth, not perfection. Walk boldly in your purpose, and let integrity be the compass that guides every decision. WHAT IS A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT MOTIVATES YOU? Luke 12:48 inspires me daily: “To whom much is given, much is required.” It’s a reminder that true success means giving back and serving others with purpose.

Lesley Nalley is a financial adviser offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies, a registered investment adviser and a New York Life Company. Nalley & Associates is not owned or operated by Eagle Strategies or its affiliates.

IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” WHO INSPIRES YOU? I’ve had many remarkable women encourage me throughout my life, and I’m deeply grateful for their wisdom and guidance — but the one who inspires me most is my granddaughter, Collins Nalley. Her confidence, curiosity and fearless outlook on the world remind me why it’s so important to create spaces where every little girl feels she belongs and can dream without limits.

Congratulations

Brittany Marsh

for being named an AMP POWER WOMAN 2025 Brittany Marsh, Owner, Pharmacist ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

501-223-2224 | 4220 N. Rodney Parham Road, Suite 101 compoundingatcornerstone.com CornerstoneCompounding compoundingatcornerstone 79

D EC E M B E R 2025

POWER WOMEN 2025

JANELL MASON

CEO Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana

Janell Mason has served as the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana since 2015. She is responsible for developing the chapter’s comprehensive, long-term strategy for growth, as well as creating depth in its infrastructure to ensure enrichment of care for families and additional capacity for mission expansion. Prior to her current role, Mason was an avid volunteer and served on several nonprofit boards in central Arkansas, including serving on the Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana board for eight years before becoming CEO.

HAYDEN MEDLOCK Founder, Owner Synergetic Social

ARIEL NICHOLS MERRELL Controller CFS Technologies

CINDY MINOR

Owner Small World BIG FUN

Cindy Minor is the owner of Small World BIG FUN travel agency, where she has been making travel dreams a reality for almost 25 years. Minor has seen it all, from wide-eyed children meeting Mickey Mouse to couples honeymooning in paradise and empty nesters rediscovering their love of travel. For Minor, planning a trip is not just about booking flights and hotels; it is about creating experiences that center in on joy. Her journey in the travel industry began with planning Disney vacations, which led to founding Small World BIG FUN in 2008. Over time, her passion has evolved to focus on river cruises and international adventures. Whether it is sipping wine along the Seine or exploring castles on the Rhine, she believes travel is best enjoyed when folks get out there before their knees give out. She has also mastered the art of packing light, believing a carry-on is all one needs for a stress-free trip. Her approach to life and travel is to expect the curveballs, pack a sense of humor, and always have a backup plan — preferably one that includes champagne. Beyond travel, Minor is deeply committed to mentoring and leadership. As the alumna advisor for the Tri Delta chapter at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, she works alongside an incredible group of women, helping develop and empower the next generation of leaders.

ASHLEY MOSLEY Co-Owner Chenal Pet Palace

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

LESLEY NALLEY

President, Financial Advisor Nalley & Associates

Lesley Nalley partners with individuals, families and business owners to build financial prosperity through a holistic approach to wealth. By blending protection, growth and legacy planning, she creates strategies that provide stability today, opportunity for tomorrow and a legacy that endures for generations. With a professional foundation in accounting and human resources, Nalley brings both technical precision and people-centered insight to wealth planning. Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in accounting; a Master of Business Administration in human resource management; insurance licenses in Arkansas, California, and Washington; and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority registration. That combination of expertise allows her to simplify complex financial decisions so clients can move forward with clarity and confidence. Nalley is a financial adviser offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies, a registered investment adviser and a New York Life company. Nalley & Associates is not owned or operated by Eagle Strategies or its affiliates.

KIM LASCOLA NEEDY

Dean of the College of Engineering University of Arkansas

JAMIE NEWTON

Infantry Officer, Company Commander Arkansas Army National Guard K-12 Senior Commodity Director Pilgrim’s Pride

In addition to serving as K-12 senior commodity director at Pilgrim’s Pride, Jamie Newton serves her country in the Arkansas Army National Guard, where she is an infantry officer and company commander of the Bravo Company 2-153rd Battalion 39th Infantry Brigade. She was the first female infantry officer in Arkansas. Whether she is preparing school meals for children across the United States or ensuring the security of the nation, serving people is what Newton likes best. She has a master’s degree in dietetics and nutrition and is licensed as a nutrition and dietetics technician, registered; a certified dietary manager; and a certified food protection professional. She enjoys running, CrossFit and spending time with her two children.

DESIREE O’ROURKE

Director of Implementation and Training Greyfinch

HOLLIE ODOM

Chief Operating Officer Professional Computer Services

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

Jamie R. Newton

ARKANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PILGRIM’S PRIDE WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

In my military career: becoming the first female infantry officer for the state of Arkansas. In my civilian career: being named K-12 senior commodity director at Pilgrim’s Pride. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Serving people, whether it is serving the people of Arkansas and the United States in the National Guard or helping feed and provide quality school meals for kiddos across the United States. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY?

The stigma around females in leadership roles.

WHAT PRECAREER MOMENT HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

I had a very good mentor take me aside in one of the hardest moments of my life and tell me it is OK to struggle in what we want to achieve or accomplish. That means you are doing something right. It is how you respond and react to that struggle and adversity that makes you who you are. I have never forgotten those words and apply them in my life daily. WHAT GOALS OR MILESTONES DO YOU WANT TO REACH BEFORE YOU RETIRE?

For the military, I would like to make the rank of colonel and command an engineer brigade — the dream — and attend Airborne School and Mountain Warfare School. For my civilian career, I would like to become the director or head of USDA/K-12 sales and strategy and continue working in the K-12 realm. WHAT ARE YOU READING, WATCHING OR LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

I’m reading Pete Hegseth’s book, The War on Warriors, watching The Shawn Ryan Show and Real Housewives of Orange County — no judgement — and I am always listening to Christian, county and ‘90s music while running. WHAT IS A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT MOTIVATES YOU?

There are two quotes that truly motivate me. The first is, “Success isn’t how far you got but the distance you traveled from where you started. To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift,” by Steve Prefontaine. The second is, “Let me be perfectly clear and emphatic with the following: I have full confidence in the abilities, skills, attributes and potential of 1st Lt. Newton to be a successful infantry officer. After 28 years of service, command in combat and commanding infantry formations at every echelon through brigade, I can assure you she will be successful and serve our Army with distinction as an infantry officer,” from Lt. Gen. Jonathan M. Stubbs.

POWER WOMEN 2025

JAMIE PAFFORD-GRESHAM

DR. KELLI SCHLESINGER

Jamie Pafford-Gresham is a second-generation emergency medical services leader and CEO of Pafford Medical Services, one of the largest privately owned ambulance services in the United States. Having worked in every department of her family’s 58-yearold business, she now owns and operates Pafford across five states and more than 100 service areas, guiding growth while championing those who care for the local communities. A national advocate for rural EMS, she leads efforts on reimbursement reform and policy change to protect access to emergency medical care. She also serves as president of the American Ambulance Association, sits on several state ambulance boards and holds a governor-appointed seat on the Arkansas 911 Board. Recently honored as Citizen of the Year with her husband, Ben, and playing a key role in the revitalization of Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center, Pafford-Gresham remains deeply rooted in her hometown of Hope.

BRANDI SCHULZ

CEO Pafford Medical Services

Neurologist Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists Executive Director Cave City Area Chamber of Commerce Founder Heart of Cave City

Brandi Schulz is the executive director of the Cave City Area Chamber of Commerce and the founding director of the Heart of Cave City, the community’s Main Street Arkansas program. A passionate champion for rural revitalization, she leads efforts to strengthen downtown entrepreneurship, enhance public spaces and build a more connected, vibrant community. Her work blends strategic vision with storytelling, shaped by more than a decade as a professional photographer. Schulz is known for her creativity, her relationshipdriven leadership style and her ability to turn big ideas into local momentum. She is driven by a deep belief that small towns deserve beauty, opportunity and pride and that community transformation begins with belonging.

STELLA PRATHER

Director of Communications and Community Engagement Empower Healthcare Solutions

DEBBIE SHAMLIN Co-Owner C&C Tree Service

Stella Prather is a strategic communications leader with more than 30 years of experience in public relations, media relations and digital strategy. She currently serves as director of communications and community engagement at Empower Healthcare Solutions, where she assists with brand messaging, public relations, communication, media engagement and digital content strategy. A native of Panama City, Florida, Prather has built her career telling impactful stories that strengthen organizational reputation and inspire engagement. She has had senior communications roles with Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes, Arkansas Baptist News and the Florida Baptist Convention, earning multiple national awards for writing, photography, design and public relations campaigns. An accredited public relations professional, Prather is deeply involved in the Public Relations Society of America. She currently serves as president of the PRSA Arkansas Chapter and has chaired the chapter’s PRISM Awards program. She will be the 2026 treasurer for the PRSA Southwest District. She is also a past president of the Baptist Communicators Association. Prather and her husband of 26 years are the proud parents of two adult sons, Braxton and Branton. She is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in public relations, and she continues to mentor and champion the next generation of communicators.

DR. SUSANNA SHERMER Physician CHI St. Vincent

CHARLENE SIMON

Owner Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium, Villainess Alchemy

Charlene Simon is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, master soapmaker, and founder of Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium and Villainess Alchemy, two bath and beauty brands based in Arkansas and started from her kitchen table. With 25 years of expertise, she has become one of the most influential voices in the handmade soap and cosmetic making movement — blending retail design, a passion for crafting and industry spokesmanship. A former president of the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild, Simon is sought after for her ability to educate, entertain and inspire makers and consumers.

AUDREY SMITH

Owner Wrapped Gift Boutique; Aqua Gift Boutique; Un-Wrapped Event and Gift Boutique

SAMMIE CRIBBS ROBERSON

Audrey Smith is the visionary owner of Wrapped Gift Boutique, Aqua Gift Boutique, and Un-Wrapped Event and Gift Boutique, all in Hot Springs. With more than 30 years of retail experience, Smith brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the world of curated gifts and retail store ownership. She has a

President, CEO North Arkansas Regional Medical Center

LEAUNDRA SANDERS

Development Director American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas D EC E M B ER 2 02 5

ARMON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Food, fashion & fun Discover events, markets, pop-ups, and your favorite brands all in one place!

1 771 1 CHEN AL PK W Y, L I T TL E RO CK , AR

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D EC E M B E R 2025

Brandi Schulz

CAVE CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HEART OF CAVE CITY

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? The defining moment came in the days after the EF3 tornado hit Cave City this spring. Standing in the middle of devastation, I realized how deeply I loved this community and how much I wanted to help lead its renewal. Guiding recovery efforts while launching the newly formed chamber’s membership drive and simultaneously rebuilding momentum through the Heart of Cave City Main Street program became the turning point that clarified my purpose. WHAT PRECAREER MOMENT HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK? My photography business taught me to see people deeply. That skill shapes everything I do now. Community development isn’t just about infrastructure or policy; it’s about people and the stories that bind them together. Years behind the camera taught me how to tell the heart of a story and shape it into a narrative that can rally people, build momentum and breathe life into community ideas. IS THERE ANOTHER “POWER WOMAN” WHO INSPIRES YOU? Brené Brown inspires me with the way she blends vulnerability with leadership. She proves that strength and softness can coexist, something I try to embody in my work and life. WHAT IS A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT MOTIVATES YOU? One phrase I come back to again and again is, “Overload isn’t failure; it’s feedback.” It helps me pause, recalibrate and lead from presence instead of pressure. It keeps me grounded in seasons when the work is big, the pace is heavy, and the expectation is to keep going without stopping.

CONGRATULATIONS, BRANDI SCHULZ! HONORED AS AN AMP POWER WOMAN 2025 Your leadership and dedication make Cave City stronger every day. We’re proud to celebrate your impact and commitment to our hometown!

870-283-5301 | 137 S. Main, Cave City bankofcavecity.com @BankofCaveCity DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

CONGR ATULATIONS

CHARLENE SIMON FOR BEING NAMED AN AMP POWER WOMAN

2025

366 Central Ave., Hot Springs (501) 525-7627 bathhousesoap.com bathhousesoap bathhousesoap

POWER WOMEN 2025

Boutique Builder By Justina Parker

ince arriving in Hot Springs in 2020, Audrey Smith has become a familiar name along Central Avenue as an entrepreneur whose boutiques have reached the community in a variety of ways. As the owner of Wrapped Gift Boutique in the historic downtown district, Smith has created a retail space for gifts, quality customer experiences and giving back to the community. Her success led to more opportunities; she now runs Aqua Gift Boutique, adjacent to The Waters Hotel, and soon, she will open her newest venture, Unwrapped Event and Gift Boutique, at the corner of the Hamp Williams Building. This latest venture will blend retail with pop-up experiences and events, further giving Smith the ability to help the community. Smith’s journey to becoming a small-business owner began long before she knew Hot Springs would be home. A Connecticut native, she made her way south with a degree in marketing and fashion merchandising from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island and a professional background that stretches back to her early teens. “I started in retail at 14,” she said. “Customer service has always been important in my career.” From selling shoes to working at Gap at just 16 years old, she later moved into positions at Ann Taylor and ultimately ran a flagship store for Bath & Body Works. Her work took her through Missouri, New York and Chicago, eventually bringing her to Hot Springs with her husband, Wayne Smith, as he joined Oaklawn Hot Springs. Upon arriving in Spa City, she noticed the community lacked a strong selection of gift items. That became the foundation of Wrapped Boutique. She said building a business one is passionate about comes with challenges. “The best part of running a business is also the hardest,” Smith said. “I love my staff and giving people great job experience and watching them grow. I have amazing employees, but finding new people who are reliable and want to work is also my biggest challenge.” Smith’s impact extends far beyond her storefronts. Her dedication to mentoring young women on her team comes from her own early days in retail as she looks to provide them experience and confidence. Since moving to Hot Springs, she has also become a committed supporter of local charities and community initiatives. She has previously served as auction chair for the Hot Springs Heart Ball benDEC E M BER 2 02 5

Audrey

SMITH

efiting the American Heart Association and contributes her time to organizations that include The Call, Ali’s All Created Equal food pantry and the Hot Springs Women’s Leadership Alliance. Her boutiques often host giveback days, during which they donate a portion of sales to local causes, something Smith wants to be a vital part of the mission behind her businesses. The whole operation looks like the natural outcome of welllaid plans, but Smith said nothing could be further from the truth. She recalled those early days on Central Avenue, learning to let the store guide her. “I never saw this coming,” she said. “I haven’t intended to have the growth I have, but I stay open for things to evolve and have new experiences. I love creating things and watching them come to life. “I had to listen to the store for it to tell me what it was going to be. People would come in looking for magnets and coffee cups, so I found magnets and coffee cups that I would want to buy myself.” For those dreaming of opening a business, Smith offers both encouragement and life lessons. “It’s the most fun you can have. Stay strong and focused. Nothing replaces hard work,” she said. “Some owners open things on a whim, whereas I’m always here. If I’m here working hard, it makes others want to, as well. Our customer service experience cannot be beat; we’re open the earliest and latest on the avenue, and while it’s not always easy, we’re consistent. We don’t close for a rainy day.” This consistency and her dedication to the community are the pillars of the Wrapped Boutique mindset. As Smith prepares to open her newest boutique, she continues to shape Hot Springs’ retail scene and hopes others will continue to attend the pop-up shops and Friday-night Gallery Walks to see all the city has to offer. 86

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

CONGRATULATIONS

AUDREY SMITH

FOR BEING NAMED AN AMP POWER WOMAN 2025

Perfect gifts for every occasion. Aqua — 340 Central Avenue, Hot Springs Wrapped — 404 Central Avenue, Hot Springs Un-Wrapped — 500 Ouachita Avenue, Hot Springs 501-359-3142

wrappedarkansas.com aquagiftboutique.com

CONGRATULATIONS

DR. MICHELLE SPANGLER FOR BEING NAMED AN AMP POWER WOMAN 2025

300 E. Davis Street | Suite 206 McKinney, TX (855)-747-7267 sisscorp.com linkedin.com/company/sisscorp ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

Specializing in Workday® Marketplace Compliance Applications to Enhance, Enable and Excite Your Workday Experience! 87

D EC E M B E R 2025

Tonya Villines

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF ARKANSAS

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? The defining moment of my career so far was reaching over 34,000 students last year — a 16.5 percent increase from the previous year. This achievement wasn’t just about numbers; it was a testament to the power of collaboration. By working together with our dedicated staff, engaged board members, committed school partners and generous donors, we were able to expand our impact and create more opportunities for young people to succeed. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY? I would love to see a stronger focus on volunteerism. There are so many incredible nonprofits doing meaningful work in our communities, but our impact is often limited by a lack of volunteers. Everyone has the ability to lend a hand and spread joy. As Proverbs 17:22 reminds us, “A joyful heart is good medicine.” Serving at your church, helping at a food bank or mentoring a child are all simple yet powerful ways to make a difference. WHAT IS LEFT ON YOUR CAREER CHECKLIST? I absolutely love the mission of Junior Achievement and the opportunity to work alongside our students, staff, board and donors. My purpose is to continue expanding our reach across Arkansas and preparing young people for the workforce of the future. One of my biggest goals is for our organization to impact over 50,000 students statewide per year, connecting them to their first jobs and helping them love the experience. As long as there is a need, I don’t see myself slowing down. I’ll keep passionately advocating for our youth and working to ensure they have the tools to succeed. WHAT IS A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT MOTIVATES YOU? “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,” by Winston Churchill.

CONGRATULATIONS

RONIE SPARKMAN In 2024, only 11% of U.S. construction workers were female.

Nabholz strives to provide equal opportunities for our employees to reduce that industry gap. With our extensive training and development programs — from Youth Apprentice to Leadership Exploration and Development — we work hard to change the landscape of construction.

We are thrilled to congratulate Ronie on being named one of AMP’s 2025 Power Women. Nabholz is proud of all you’ve contributed to our people, clients, and communities.

nabholz.com

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Not mass-produced health care. Curated care. At Conway Regional, our team brings together key service lines, providers, and technologies to create patient experiences that are highly intentional and refreshingly personal. At Conway Regional Ear, Nose, & Throat Clinic, we advocate for our patients to make informed choices about their healthcare. From ear infections, balance disorders, pediatric ENT issues, and allergies, Dr. Scott Ballinger blends access with excellence to provide high quality, compassionate care.

Visit our website at ConwayRegional.org/ENT to learn more.

POWER WOMEN 2025 dual degree in marketing and fashion merchandising from Johnson & Wales University, which has fueled her innovative approach to retail. Smith’s journey has seen her gaining district and store management expertise in both private and public retail sectors. Smith is a dedicated community advocate, having volunteered for numerous school and nonprofit organizations across four states for more than 20 years. Her commitment to giving back is a cornerstone of her values. At home, Smith shares her life with her husband, Wayne, and their two sons, Riley and Dylan. Her family and community are at the heart of everything she does.

SHANA SMITH Co-Owner Smith’s Ready Mix

MICHELLE SPANGLER Founder, CEO SISSCORP

Michelle Spangler is the founder of SISSCORP, a consulting company dedicated to serving higher education institutions with a specialty in Built on Workday applications. Raised in White Hall, Spangler began her professional journey in higher education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. During her tenure at UA Little Rock, she benefited from the mentorship of Sandra Dannaway, which played a significant role in her career development. Following her time at UA Little Rock, Spangler expanded her expertise by working with colleges and universities around the world. She was actively involved in the implementation of various enterprise resource planning systems across diverse educational settings. Her experience includes nearly a decade at Workday, where she deepened her knowledge of ERP platforms and their impact on higher education operations. Spangler founded SISSCORP to address the specific and often complex needs that institutions face regarding compliance while utilizing software as a service ERP systems. SISSCORP leverages a unique understanding of the business of higher education combined with a profound expertise in Workday applications to help institutions meet their compliance requirements and optimize their use of SaaS ERP solutions.

RONIE SPARKMAN Creative Director Nabholz

Ronie Sparkman joined Nabholz in 2015 as a graphic designer. There, she has unified and strengthened Nabholz’s visual brand across the company’s seven-state footprint. With her expertise, she has elevated the brand to showcase the professional, highquality work Nabholz performs. Sparkman is a powerhouse when it comes to translating the visions of Nabholz leaders into a visual medium that boosts brand recognition and employee retention. She is directly involved with designing strategic ad campaigns, educational materials, safety guidelines, internal communications, branded swag and more that follow a single Nabholz-branded guideline. In 2025, she was named Nabholz’s creative director — a testament to her design talents.

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

HEIDI STEPHENS Chief Financial Officer Williams & Dean

DR. TACY SUNDELL Dentist Woodard & Sundell

ANGIE TAYLOR

Counselor NewHaven Counseling & Health Services

TONYA VILLINES

President, CEO Junior Achievement of Arkansas

Tonya Villines is the president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Arkansas, where she leads efforts to empower young people with financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurial skills. A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Villines is also a graduate of Leadership Arkansas Class XIV. With more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has expanded JA programming to new markets across the state, annually reaching over 34,000 students. Her work has earned her recognition as one of Arkansas Money & Politics’ 2019 and 2024 “Power Women,” one of AY About You’s 2020 “Intriguing Women,” and a 2024 UA Little Rock Leader honoree. Villines and her family enjoy cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks, traveling and boating at Lake Ouachita.

LYNN WALLS

Executive Director Heaven Sent Adult Daycare

JOANNA WHITE Executive Broker Bailey & Co.

AMBER WOOD Owner Mid South Realty

Amber Wood is redefining what real estate leadership looks like in Arkansas. As the powerhouse behind Mid South Realty, she has built a client-focused, innovation-driven brokerage known for exceptional service and strong investment insight. Wood is admired for her strategic approach, clear communication and unwavering dedication to helping clients make confident, wealth-building decisions. Her ability to blend market expertise with genuine care has set a new standard for professionalism in the industry. Driven, forward thinking and deeply committed to her community, Wood continues to raise the bar for real estate across central Arkansas.

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

AMP POWER 2025 WOMEN

Amber Wood MID SOUTH REALTY

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

I’d hope I haven’t had that defining moment yet; without one, the best is yet to come. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I thoroughly enjoy the process of negotiation.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY?

Our industry is full of inexperienced “professional” agents. I wish my colleagues cared less about being friends and more about representing their clients. Inexperience isn’t a fundamental problem, but when it could negatively affect a client’s experience, I wish they would ask for help rather than let pride get in the way. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG WOMAN EARLY IN HER CAREER?

Stay fresh, continue to learn as much as you can, continue to raise the bar, and never buy into the “glass ceiling” theory. The glass ceiling isn’t real; it is a made-up theory by people who want to limit you and your success. WHAT PRACTICE HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON THE WAY YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?

My husband is my biggest fan and my most excellent motivator. As far as industry partners, I have had so many people teach me and spend time with me to help me become better at my job. When I am in the room with people I consider industry giants, I ask questions and listen to every word they have to say. Comprehensively understanding how all of the moving parts fit together is priceless. It helps me have the ability to see problems coming and correct them before they derail a deal. WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED EITHER PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY?

I am my own worst enemy and my biggest critic.

WHAT IS LEFT ON YOUR “CAREER CHECKLIST”?

I struggle with the question, “When is enough, enough?” When I started this journey seven years ago, I had no idea that it would be a “career.” I had no idea I would own my own real estate company. I had no idea I would work with the real estate gurus I have had the privilege of working with. I had no idea that I would be a real estate investor. My checklist is a living, breathing document. Maybe one day I will wake up and say something like, “Well, that was fun. See y’all later.” WHAT IS A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT MOTIVATES YOU?

“Don’t try — do!”

LONG TERM CARE

Safe & Secure Arkansas senior living offers myriad options while focusing on fundamentals

By Dwain Hebda

39 properties in Arkansas for NSG Consultants, most of them offering full-time skilled nursing, said people looking for a living option for an aging loved one have multiple priorities when touring properties. “People are living longer, and their grown children are helping them find placement when they can no longer live on their own,” she said. “Probably one of the top things family is looking at is the location of the facility; they want it to be near their job or their home so they can check on Mom or Dad frequently. Families look for companies with high ratings or a good reputation. They talk to their friends to find out where they had a good experience. “I always recommend people come and take a tour; you can look at a brochure, but you’re not going to get a feel

cross Arkansas, as with the rest of the nation, senior living communities are popping up — and filling up — rapidly. The new communities neither look nor function like those of the past, trading institutional aesthetics for modern, stylish accommodations and cafeteria-style service for white-linen dining. Each community, be it independent living, full-time skilled nursing, the popular assisted living hybrid or some combination thereof, lends its own atmosphere and philosophy, yet every successful community also adheres to a time-proven set of fundamentals. Cleanliness, safety and a caring staff are all as foundational as they ever were and go a long way toward families choosing one community over another. Tara Jacobs, who oversees DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

of the facility unless you actually come and take a tour and let us show you exactly what your loved one is going to get, if a place feels good to them and how their loved one would be cared for.” Jacobs added that while cleanliness and safety are also important to potential residents, they often have more immediate priorities when it comes to choosing a new place to live. “The residents themselves are often looking at different things,” she said. “Residents have lived on their own all their life, and so they’re concerned about things like the size of the room or the food. Food is an important one; we do a standard meal, and if they don’t like that, there’s two or three other options they can have, or they can have a salad or soup. It’s more like dining in a nice restaurant.” Activities are another important perk of living in a senior community, and there again, facilities are a far cry from what they used to be, Jacobs said. “There’s still a lot of misconception about nursing homes,” she said. “It used to be a place where you go there to die when you’re old. Well, it’s not like that anymore. Nursing homes don’t look like nursing homes. They look like hotels. They look like resorts. They’re not there to die; they’re there to live. They want to play bingo. They want to go outside.”

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

Chris Marsh, executive director at Presbyterian Village in Little Rock, said one of the main challenges the industry faces is how to bring senior living options within reach of more people. Marsh just returned from a national conference where the main topic of discussion was how to address the issue of access. “One of the big things that everybody was talking about was being able to meet all income and savings levels,” she said. “What we’re seeing is the baby boomers and the Gen Xers didn’t do as well saving

as the past generations. We offer a group of independent living units, cottages, and they’re below the going market rate. Most recently, we’ve been approved to accept Section 8 vouchers in a few of our units. That’s how we’re trying to meet people’s needs.” Marsh said something she frequently hears from residents is, “I wish I had moved here sooner,” but that sentiment has not yet lowered the average age at which people actually make the leap to senior living these days. Health issues, both physical and mental, are still a more powerful draw than the chance to ditch yard work and home maintenance. “We’re seeing more people that are aging solo. They’re alone, and they feel isolated and lonely,” she said. “We’re also seeing an increased need for more advanced dementia care. In the last two years, we’ve added two secured areas to our skilled nursing. They’re their own secured areas, they have their own activities, and those two areas stay full. “At the same time, we have the 90-yearold who comes and tours, and they want the amenities, they want the opportunity to enjoy our place, and yet they still say, ‘I’m just not ready yet.’ One of the things we’re looking at there, and we’re in the very early stages of it, is offering memberships of some kind where they could attend exercise classes or maybe enjoy four to six meals a month. We also have D EC E M B E R 2025

LONG TERM CARE an app where we can remotely check on people, or they could check in with us. That’s another service we could offer. We’re hoping to go that way very soon.” Such creative thinking has been a top priority for senior living facilities as they have faced unprecedented demand for their services of late. Today’s seniors not only look for different things out of their golden years than previous generations, but there is a much larger population due to the graying of the baby boom generation. Dubbed the “silver tsunami,” the massive demographic shift has taxed nearly every aspect of American society, from health care and workforce to buying power and political clout. According to Consumer Reports, there were 59 million Americans older than 65 in 2023, a 33 percent increase over a decade and nearly a 10 percent bump since 2020. Forecasters say the demographic will continue to grow in the near term, some predicting as many as 1 in 5 U.S. residents will be 65-plus by 2030. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Florida is senior central at 5 million residents 65 and older, second only to California at 6 million; and third in the percentage of its population in the age group at 22 percent, behind Maine (23 percent) and Vermont (22.2 percent). Moreover, the Sunshine State is home to 8.3 percent of the country’s entire 65 and older population, again trailing only California at 11 percent. In Arkansas, a little more than 550,000 residents fall into the age category, 18 percent of the state’s population. While that is less than 1 percent of the nation’s total senior demographic, it is enough to keep the senior housing industry hopping, as evidenced by new properties that are springing up statewide to meet demand. Grand Village at Clear Creek in Fayetteville is one of the newer properties dotting the landscape. Opened in 2019, the property experienced a slower start due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has rebounded with gusto and today enjoys full occupancy for its 125 rentable units and 18 cottages. In fact, the property is already looking to double its cottages to satisfy demand. The luxury living community embodies everything the modern senior community aspires to, offering stylish spaces inside and DEC E M BER 2 02 5

out, luxe accommodations of one to three bedrooms in the main lodge, and amenities that include a gym, sauna, indoor swimming pool, 100-seat theater and a dizzying array of activities. “When people are moving from their house into retirement, they always want to go for the cottages first,” said Rochelle Johnson, chief operating officer, “but I’ll be honest with you — I’ve had quite a few people, even just this year, who have moved into the cottages and now want a two or three bedroom in the lodge because they like all the activity going on. They like being a part of the action.” As with other senior communities, Clear Creek’s overall population trends older at an average age of 85, but Johnson said that number is skewed by some very healthy and active 90-year-olds. She pointed to those moving in before age 70 as a possible shift in clientele, something she attributes to the upscale surroundings. “I feel like people are looking to retire sooner, and therefore, they’re looking to get into a community sooner,” she said. “What I call our look or our ambiance really appeals to most people. We’ve got a lot of healthy activities and a wonderful food

service program. People want to enjoy that longer, and so they’re moving in earlier.” Technology is a must-have for senior living communities both of the residentfacing variety and of the kind that helps the facility market themselves and operate more smoothly, Johnson said. “Technology is playing a part in this whole process. [Artificial intelligence] is changing things, certainly in the marketing world and the way the industry networks from a sales perspective,” she said. “We also provide a system called Care Predict that is almost like a little Apple Watch they wear on their wrist, and if they have a fall and they can’t get up, they can press it, and it alerts our concierge desk 24/7. Things like that are becoming imperative. “Also, as people are aging, they’re also becoming more and more tech savvy, which is something that I honestly wasn’t thinking about when I came to work in senior living. You almost need a full-time [information technology] department in these places because there’s so much need for residents wanting to know about this or needing help with that. That’s something you need to provide if you’re going to capture the next audience that’s coming up.”

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Hot Springs’ newest, premier skilled nursing and long term care facility.

features all private rooms for our long term s well as, private short term rehab rooms with screen televisions and telephones for family onvenience. We have a dedicated secure unit Our facility features all private rooms for our long term residents, as well as, private short term rehab rooms with private rooms andandan enclosed courtyard. 42-inch flat screen televisions telephones for family We are a skilled nursing facility with a state-of-the-art rehab

We are a skilled nursing facility with state-of-the-art center offering person-centered care in aa quiet and serene rehab setting. center offering care in quiet and serene Awarded Bronze person-centered National Quality Award by athe American Health setting. Association.

and friend convenience. We have a dedicated secure unit with 23 private rooms and an enclosed courtyard.

Awarded Bronze National Quality Award by the American Health Association.

1092 West Stultz Road, Springdale | 479.750.3800 | ShilohHR.com 1092 West Stultz Road, Springdale | 479.750.3800 | ShilohHR.com

Park Ave | Hot Springs, ARAR 71901 |71901 501.321.4276 | 501.321.4276 Ave |2600 Hot Springs,

Colonel Glenn Health & Rehab is central Arkansas’ newest premier-skilled nursing and long-term care facility. Our skilled team is focused on serving you and your family with excellence.

Located in beautiful and bustling Rogers, Arkansas, our residential facility offers LONG-TERM CARE AND SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION in an upscale setting. Every component of our healthcare experience has been designed with healing and empowerment in mind, which is why we only employ the most qualified staff. As we created the blueprint of the facility, we made sure our resident’s privacy, independence, and comfort were the central focus and highest priority.

LONG-TERM CARE

RESPITE CARE

13700 David O Dodd Rd, Little Rock, AR 72210 501.907.8200 • colonelglennhr.com

2029 S Hampton Place | Rogers | 479-364-5889 ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

REHABILITATION

D EC E M B E R 2025

FORT SMITH

SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

Best of

2018

A place for FAMILY. A place for COMMUNITY. A Premier Skilled Nursing And Long Term Care Facility. Boasting Private Rooms With On-Site Therapy Services, Licensed Nurse, CNA’s And MAC Staff On-Site 24/7. Accepting Medicare, Medicaid, And Private Pay.

Brooken Hill Health & Rehab • Offers Private Rooms • Bariatric Rehab Rooms • High End Furnishings and Modern Amenities • 24 hr Nursing Services When you you walk walk into into the the Robinson Nursing Nursing Rehabilitation Center Center you you will will feel feel aa comfortable comfortable atmosphere atmosphere different different When Robinson && Rehabilitation • Superior Dining Experience from any any other other facility facility you you•have have visited. WeCare feature tall tall ceilings ceilings and and an an open open floor floor plan. plan. We We have have aa lovely lovely dining dining room room and and from visited. We feature Short Term To schedule a tour, call our Referral Line at 479.986.9945 covered outdoor outdoor patio patio area. area. aa covered • Long Term Care We specialize in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. The short-term rehabilitation area has its own We specialize in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care short-term rehabilitation area has its own or take a virtual tour at www.JamestownNR.com dining • Rehabilitation Specializing inservices. PT, OTThe and ST area and day room. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our facility has

dining area and day room. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our facility has Est. 2024 to offer. offer. From From our our light-filled light-filled day day areas areas to to our our beautiful beautiful outdoor outdoor areas, areas, we we want want you you and and your your loved loved one one to to feel feel comfortable comfortable to and safe safe when when staying staying with with us. us. You You will will also also notice notice the the pride pride we we take take in in our our facility facility by by keeping keeping our our building building sparkling sparkling clean clean and 479-586-9707 from the inside out. from the inside out. Conveniently located off of New Hope Road near Mercy Medical Center.Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and 9000 Highway 71 South, Smith, AR comfortable environment. RobinsonFort Nursing and Rehab Rehab offers modern modern Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment. Robinson Nursing and offers conveniencesin inaagracious gracioussetting. setting.We Weprovide providedaily dailyplanned plannedactivities activitiesled ledbybyCertified certifiedActivity activityDirectors, directors, like like social social events events conveniences and outings outings and and pastoral pastoral services services with with spiritual spiritual care care for for all all religions. religions. We We strongly strongly encourage encourage family family participation participation in in group group and activities, meals meals and and celebrating celebrating family family birthdays birthdays and and special special days. days. activities, To help help you you plan plan your your visits, visits, we we provide provide aa monthly monthly event event calendar calendar and and aa monthly monthly meal meal planner. planner. Robinson Robinson Nursing Nursing and and To Rehab does does not not have have set set visiting visiting hours. hours. We We view view this this facility facility as as the the “home” “home” of of each each resident. resident. Rehab We try try our our best best to to communicate communicate with with patients patients and and families families to to help help alleviate alleviate the the anxiety anxiety that that accompanies accompanies this this journey. journey. We Our team team of of nurses, nurses, therapists therapists and and support support staff staff work work closely closely together together to to develop develop aa plan plan based based on on the the individual individual needs needs of of Our each person. person. We We recognize recognize that that rehabilitation rehabilitation involves involves not not only only the the patient, patient but the entire family. each

2001 Hampton Place | Rogers, AR

LONG-TERM AND SKILLED CARE AVAILABLE

Best

501.753.9003 •• 519 519 Donovan Donovan Briley Briley Boulevard, Boulevard, NLR NLR •• www.robinsonnr.com www.robinsonnr.com 501.753.9003

PRIVATE ROOMS ARE AVAILABLE NOW WITH MEDICAID, PRIVATE PAY AND MOST INSURANCE

2018

When you you walk walk into into the the Robinson Robinson Nursing Nursing && Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Center Center you you will will feel feel aa comfortable comfortable atmosphere atmosphere different different When from any any other other facility facility you you have have visited. visited. We We feature feature tall tall ceilings ceilings and and an an open open floor floor plan. plan. We We have have aa lovely lovely dining dining room room and and from covered outdoor outdoor patio patio area. area. aa covered We specialize specialize in in short-term short-term rehabilitation rehabilitation and and long-term long-term care care services. services. The The short-term short-term rehabilitation rehabilitation area area has has its its own own We diningarea areaand andday dayroom. room.From Fromthe themoment momentyou youenter enterour ourfacility, facility,we wewant wantyou youto toexperience experiencethe thedifference differenceour ourfacility facilityhas has dining to offer. offer. From From our our light-filled light-filled day day areas areas to to our our beautiful beautiful outdoor outdoor areas, areas, we we want want you you and and your your loved loved one one to to feel feel comfortable comfortable to and safe safe when when staying staying with with us. us. You You will will also also notice notice the the pride pride we we take take in in our our facility facility by by keeping keeping our our building building sparkling sparkling clean clean and from the the inside inside out. out. from Our team team isis dedicated dedicated to to providing providing aa safe safe and and comfortable comfortable environment. environment. Robinson Robinson Nursing Nursing and and Rehab Rehab offers offers modern modern Our conveniencesin inaagracious gracioussetting. setting.We Weprovide providedaily dailyplanned plannedactivities activitiesled ledbybyCertified certifiedActivity activityDirectors, directors, like like social social events events conveniences and outings outings and and pastoral pastoral services services with with spiritual spiritual care care for for all all religions. religions. We We strongly strongly encourage encourage family family participation participation in in group group and activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days. activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days. To help help you you plan plan your your visits, visits, we we provide provide aa monthly monthly event event calendar calendar and and aa monthly monthly meal meal planner. planner. Robinson Robinson Nursing Nursing and and To Rehab does does not not have have set set visiting visiting hours. hours. We We view view this this facility facility as as the the “home” “home” of of each each resident. resident. Rehab We try try our our best best to to communicate communicate with with patients patients and and families families to to help help alleviate alleviate the the anxiety anxiety that that accompanies accompanies this this journey. journey. We Our team team of of nurses, nurses, therapists therapists and and support support staff staff work work closely closely together together to to develop develop aa plan plan based based on on the the individual individual needs needs of of Our each person. person. We We recognize recognize that that rehabilitation rehabilitation involves involves not not only only the the patient, patient but the entire family. each

625 Tommy Lewis Drive • Conway, AR• 501-585-6800 • superiorhrc.com DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM 501.753.9003 •• 519 519 Donovan Donovan Briley Briley Boulevard, Boulevard, NLR NLR www.robinsonnr.com 501.753.9003 •• www.robinsonnr.com

Jurist Law Group, PLLC Elder Law • Estate Planning

any families look forward to conversations about elder care and estate planning with dread rather than confidence, but those concerns can be allayed with the help of an expert in elder law such as D. Kimbro Stephens, managing attorney at Jurist Law Group in Little Rock. With the right preparation, families can ensure their aging loved ones qualify for Medicaid without having to exhaust all of their assets beforehand. “A person should never sell their home to pay for care when Medicaid exempts the home as a resource,” Stephens said. “However, it is best to place the home in a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust in the event it is sold to protect the proceeds from Medicaid spend down.” A Medicaid Trust should be established at least five years before care is needed. The trust allows the recipient to maintain control over assets, including the family home, and keeps the home from being

Long-Term Care

subject to estate recovery. Even if the home does need to be sold during the recipient’s lifetime, the trust ensures proceeds from the sale do not count as a resource that would disqualify the individual from Medicaid. “I recommend the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust for most people over the age of 65 as the best practice to protect assets from creditors, lawsuits and counting as a resource for Medicaid eligibility,” Stephens said. Jurist Law Group provides expertise in the field of elder law, specializing in helping seniors and their families find workable solutions for protecting family assets from the high costs of long-term care. With the help of an experienced elder law attorney such as Stephens, families can take advantage of the strategies that best fit their unique needs and circumstances while securing the quality care their loved ones deserve.

Sponsored Content

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

D. Kimbro Stephens, Esq.

Jurist Law Group 10809 Executive Center Drive Plaza 9, Little Rock 501-400-8250 juristlawgroup.com

D EC E M B E R 2025

HEALTH

By Dwain Hebda

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Home health care remains a popular option for seniors

n old adage reads, “Home is where the heart is,” but on the senior living front, the saying could just as easily be, “Home is where the health care is,” since more seniors than ever are choosing home health care options to help them manage the challenges of growing older. “We continue to see an influx of people needing our services, whether it’s the baby boomers or just the fact that there’s more of a desire to receive care at home,” said Quincy Hurst, chief operating officer at Superior Senior Care. “People aren’t waiting until they’re losing a great deal of their independence to hire home health care. I think we’ve done a good job of educating clients not to delay so much on receiving care at home, as they can maintain their independence a lot longer if they start receiving care earlier. As a result, people are starting earlier, even if it’s just in small increments — you know, a little bit of care each week.” Medical mobility goods manufacturer Meyland-Smith cited in September several statistics that underscore the growing need for home health care in America. It reported there were 57.8 million Americans ages 65 and older in 2022, a number expected to surge to 73 million by 2030, or 21 percent of the population, and reach approximately 78.3 million by 2040, according to the National Council on Aging. Of those, Premier Health Care estimated 70 percent will require care at some point in their lives. Increasingly, home health is the preferred option for receiving that care for a variety of reasons. “The evolution of care models continues with new options such as continuing care at home programs, co-housing and flexible housing solutions tailored for social connection, autonomy and financial diversity, supporting the trend of aging in place,” wrote

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

Tom Bradford for Meyland-Smith’s website. “This shift has significant implications for culturally competent care, especially among the ‘forgotten middle,’ a demographic that falls between qualification for subsidized care and the affordability of luxury options.” Hurst said the industry in general and his family-owned company in particular have experienced the growth without appreciably expanding the range of services offered, further illustrating just how many more people there are looking to tap into home health care. How those fundamental services are delivered, however, is always advancing and evolving. “The core services, for the most part, have remained unchanged. We’re matching caregivers with clients, and they’re delivering oneon-one care. That hasn’t changed a whole lot over the years,” he said. “Things around that have changed, such as technology which has changed a lot in 10 years. “We use technology for tracking visits and for the benefit of family members who don’t live locally but want a lot more insight into what’s happening with their loved one. We have a portal they can access that provides a lot more insight into services for those who want to keep track of it.” Market size alone does not fully explain the growth and popularity of home-based health care services. Data also shows there are physical and mental health advantages to receiving such care in familiar surroundings. A USA Today article this summer reported findings of a University of Oxford study that older adults who received care at home had better outcomes than those admitted to hospitals. While acknowledging that hospitals play an important role in some areas of seniors’ health care, author Malana VanTyler said home options are playing a larger role in such situations.

Quincy Hurst

Rianna Rowland

Feather Parrish

D EC E M B E R 2025

HEALTH “Besides the risk of hospital-acquired care procedures. Nonmedical home around-the-clock on-call nursing supinfections, there’s the issue of disconnechealth care, sometimes called companion port. tion … [of] patients who feel removed care, is utilized to support seniors who do Parrish said the company opened its from their communities, routines and selfnot need medical care but may require first residential care home in Little Rock control,” she wrote. “This is why many assistance with tasks of daily living such last year and plans on opening more in people, especially older adults, are turnas personal care or bathing. Caregivers 2026. She added that the model works ing to alternatives that allow them to stay also typically perform light housekeepbecause it combines several client beneat home, avoid unnecessary hospital ading, provide transportation and serve as fits and services in a manner that is more missions and retain a sense of normalcy.” companionship. Nonmedical caregivers affordable and less institutional than If that sounds like something straight are not licensed to dispense medications, other senior living options. out of the home health care industry’s but they can provide reminders to their “The residential care home provides marketing campaign, consider that no clients to take their prescriptions. a real difference in the market,” she said. less than the Ameri“If they lived in an can Medical Assoindependent living ciation agrees with community, there’s “We also provide resources not just for the the sentiment that no certified nursing person that we’re caring for but also for the the hospital does assistant or anything not always represent family, especially those family members who like that in that buildthe best option as it ing. If they lived in are caregivers. We’re there to support them, as once did. assisted living, there well as care for their loved one.” “Ever since Benare CNAs, but the rajamin Franklin tio may be one CNA — Feather Parrish, Elder Independence Home Care founded the Philato 15 residents. Even delphia Hospital though we’re not proin 1751, the nation’s Regardless of the form the care takes, viding one-on-one care, it’s never more health care focus has been on inpatient home health care done right forms than 3 to 1, and at certain times of the day, settings. That is, up until now,” wrote Anstrong affinity and care bonds as caregivwe provide two caregivers to work with dis Robeznieks, senior news writer for ers often walk patients through some of three residents, as well as having a [regthe AMA website, noting the familiarity the more difficult aspects of getting older. istered nurse] on call 24/7. That ratio is a of setting combined with innovations, “I think a lot of people believe that, big deal to families.” solutions and technologies were the ‘It’s just companion care,’ because we’re The company is also always on the primary underpinnings of better health nonmedical when, in fact, we can really lookout for innovative ways to better outcomes. As one doctor put it for the arbe there from the beginning of the jourserve its clientele and fill in gaps, Parrish ticle, “The hospital is expensive, and no ney all the way through to end of life,” said. Elder Independence also sees beone wants to be there.” said Feather Parrish, operations coordiyond its current reach and is looking for All of that probably helps explain why nator at Elder Independence Home Care ways to bring care to as many families as there are more insurance products on the in Bryant, “wherever the journey leads possible. market than there used to be. — from companion care and running “Transportation is a huge need, so we “One thing that’s different now is errands to taking people to doctor’s aphave purchased a transportation van, and there’s many more options for people,” pointments to serving patients who are we’re looking to expand on that service,” said Rianna Rowland, compliance officer bed bound or even when hospice is in she said. “Another big goal is to form at Superior Senior Care. “There’s some the home. some sort of nonprofit to be a sister orMedicare Advantage plans that cover our “We also provide resources not just for ganization to Elder Independence so that services, and that’s a relatively new thing. the person that we’re caring for but also we can reach some of the families that for The fact there are a lot more programs for the family, especially those family financial reasons are not able to utilize out there now that do cover these sermembers who are caregivers. We’re there our services. vices, to me, shows that there’s increased to support them, as well as care for their “We do have some resources through need for these services.” loved one.” Alzheimer’s Arkansas for some limited It should be noted that not all home Elder Independence further distingrants and things like that, but there’s a health entities provide the same suite of guishes itself in the local market by operlot of need out there among people that care. Medical home health care is just ating a residential care home, a designatjust financially can’t afford it. We would that, providing skilled medical care that ed full-time residence for three patients, love to have a nonprofit where we could can dispense medications and perform offering an on-site certified nursing asprovide services to some of those people other therapeutic and skilled nursing sistant caregiver, a homelike setting and who need it.” DEC E M BER 2 02 5

100

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

akewood Health and Rehab offers skilled professional care in a supportive and compassionate atmosphere. akewood Health and Rehab

Oak ManOr

offers skilled professional care in a supportive and compassionate atmosphere.

NursiNg & rehabilitatioN CeNter, We invite you to experience the differenceiNC.

Oak ManOr

NursiNg & rehabilitatioN CeNter, iNC.

Nurs

our facility has to offer from the moment you walk through our door.

We invite you to experience the difference our facility has to offer from the moment you walk through our door.

Call us to today to schedule your tour!

CallSPECIALTY us to today toSERVICES schedule your tour! IN-HOUSE Lakewood Health and Rehab, LLC. offers an inhouse team of professionals providing specialty services to better serve the specific needs of our residents. Lakewood Health & Rehab Lakewood Health

2323 McCain Blvd, North Little Rock • 501.791.2323 and Rehab, LLC. • Rehabilitative Services providing Physical, provides exceptional Speech and Occupational Therapy. skilled care in a compassionate Our team is passionate about bringing the and luxurious latest programs and techniques to our patients. environment They utilize therapy modalities combined with a comprehensive therapy program for strengthening, balance training, pain reduction, wound healing, and increasing range of motion.

Lakewood Health & Rehab • IV Therapy • Wound Care provided by our Wound Care specialists

2323 McCainakewood Blvd,Health North Little Rock • 501.791.2323 and Rehab

“

offers skilled professional care in

FACILITY AMENITIES a supportive and compassionate

“ ”

We offer a warm, home-like environment, encouraging each resident to achieve the our facility has to offer from the moment • 24-hour Nursing Services • Daily Housekeeping and Laundry Services you walk through our door.level of activity and independence. maximum atmosphere.

• State of the art Rehabilitation Gym

• Wonderful Activity Program We invite24/7 you by to experience difference • Physician Services Specializedthe Staff • Beauty Salon Services

Call us to today to schedule your tour!

“ ”

We offer a warm, home-like environment, encouraging each resident to achieve the maximum level of activity and independence.

W en max

Oak Manor is a licensed healthcare facility inspected and federally regulated by the Arkansas Office of Long Term Care. 24 hour skilled nursing care, inpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are Health Rehab available to the residents ofLakewood Oak Manor. This& 120 bed facility provides Blvd.semi-private rooms. Medicare/Medicaid certified care2323 with McCain private and

Oak Manor is a licensed healthcare facility inspected and federally regulated by the Arkansas Office of Long Term Care. 24 hour skilled nursing care, inpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are available to the residents of Oak Manor. This 120 bed facility provides Medicare/Medicaid certified care with private and semi-private rooms.

Oak Manor by the Ark inpatient p available t Medicare/M

150 Morton Avenue, Booneville, AR501.791.2323 72927 479.675.2689 oakmanornr.com

150 Morton Avenue, Booneville, AR 72927 479.675.2689 oakmanornr.com

150 Morton

North Little Rock

Lakewood Health & Rehab

Voted one of AY’s Best Long Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes.

23 McCain Blvd, North Little Rock • 501.791.2323 Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

At Good Shepherd Nursing and Rehabilitation we are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care. Our qualified staff is here giving support for the tasks of day-to-day living, allowing for the enjoyment of more pleasant and carefree activities.

• SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION • LONG-TERM CARE • RESPITE SERVICES Our physicians, nurses and staff all believe strong relationships with residents and their families is essential to the healing process. The entire staff is devoted to providing quality care, which celebrates the dignity and grace of every single resident.

215 S. PORTLAND AVE. RUSSELLVILLE, AR ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER at

GOOD SHEPHERD Jennifer Siems, Administrator 3001 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock AR 72205 • Phone 501-217-9774 • Fax 501-217-9781 www.goodshepherdnr.com

479-968-5256 • russellvillenr.com 101

D EC E M B E R 2025

you live matters! The Care You Need in the Home You Love Where you live matters! Where

We specialize in providing a full range of nonmedical services to help you or your loved one maintain independence and quality of life at home.

• Long Term Care • Rehabilitation • Hospice Care Services

We are here for you! Call today for a quote. (479) 876-1847

Call Elder Independence at (501) 847-6102 today for a complimentary consultation. info@elderindependence.com ElderIndependence.com

670 Rogers Road • Bella Vista

SHERWOOD

N U R S I N G & R E H A B I L I TAT I O N L I V I N G P R O F I L E

NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC

BRIARWOOD NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER

We are devoted to providing high quality care which celebrates the dignity and grace of every person who enters our facility. At Sherwood Nursing and Rehab we are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care. Our qualified staff is here giving support for the tasks of day-to-day living, allowing for the enjoyment of more pleasant and carefree activities.

Briarwood Nursing and Rehab is a 120-bed skilled facility located in an urban setting within the heart of Little Rock, in the neighborhood of Briarwood. We are located just minutes from downtown Little Rock and are only one block off interstate 630. We provide long-term care and short-term rehab care. All residents are monitored throughout the day with assistance in providing daily care as is needed: bathing, dressing, feeding and providing medications. Briarwood staff also work at ensuring the best care for residents through individual care plans of residents' needs, as well as daily activities, which allow for a variety of interests and abilities. Nearly all - 98 percent - of our rehab residents return to the community as a result of positive, caring therapists. Briarwood's approach has provided healing to many people in the community. At Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, we are committed to ensuring that the best possible care is given to you or your loved one in an atmosphere that is calm, quiet and focused on healing. We endeavor to ensure that all aspects of your well-being — mental, physical and spiritual — are cared for in a peaceful and safe environment. Our staff strive to promote dignity, respect, and independence as much as possible, in a beautiful, soothing enviornment that was designed with our residents' comfort in mind. Briarwood's service-rich environment is made possible by its dedicated staff, from our nursing staff and therapists, to our operations and administrative employees. At Briarwood, our residents enjoy three generations of staff and families. That is over 30 years of service to the community!

We specialize in Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care services.

SHERWOOD

NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC

245 Indian Bay Drive Sherwood, AR 72120

501.224.9000 • 516 S. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock • briarwoodnursingandrehab.com

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

Phone: 501.834.9960 Fax: 501.834.5644

102

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Limited Time Only! Up To

15% OFF

PRE-PLANNING Use Code: AY Mag

Leslie & Jeff Smith

Recognized as “Best Of” by AY Magazine for the past 6 years! 8801 KNOEDL COURT / LITTLE ROCK

501-224-2200

www.smithfamilycares.com ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

103

D EC E M B E R 2025

LONG TERM CARE

Golden Years, Better Years Senior care homes, organizations and legislators unite for Arkansas elders

ep. Matt Duffield pauses a moment to catch his train of thought. Pauses can be a little out of character for Duffield. The Republican state representative from Pope County is typically a hail-fellow-well-met kind of person, equal parts amiable and gregarious, but now he chooses his words carefully lest he be seen as just another bloviating politician. One of the ironies of having a gift of gab is that sometimes expressions of heartache and concern can sound like just another clever turn of phrase. Duffield, deadly serious and speaking softly, does not want that. “We’ve got to get back,” Duffield said. “We’ve got to get back to the basics of just general human care and humanity and taking care of each other.” Duffield certainly is not the only one at the Capitol who feels that way, but in the daily barrage of agenda items that come with each legislative session, it can be easy to forget the larger calling to DEC E M BER 2 02 5

By Doug Crise

make lives better. That is why Duffield treasures his status as chairman of the House subcommittee on aging and legislative affairs. It is a refreshment from the in-the-weeds demands of legislative rules and minutiae. There is not much in the way of partisan bickering and political gamesmanship. The daily question for Duffield and the subcommittee is refreshingly pure: “How can we help as many Arkansas seniors as we can?” “Finances are a huge part of it,” Duffield said, “but then again, just general relationships and taking care of each other. Have patience with these people. If you’re in traffic and you see a handicap tag on the car and the light turns green and they take a one-Mississippi count to turn, don’t lay on your horn.” It is not just lawmakers. Across the state, caregivers, senior home administrators and nonprofit organizations have been racing to meet the needs of Arkansas’ aging populace while, at the same time, girding themselves for a predicted population explosion in the senior sector. 104

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

With that work has come a renewed focus on improving the experience for seniors who are in care homes while also expanding and reimagining the role care facilities play in recovery. “There is a greater emphasis on return to community, with advancements in therapy programs that allow for better preparation to return to home safely,” said Rachel Bunch, executive director of the Arkansas Healthcare Association. Increasingly, modern senior care homes are acting as a bridge to returning to a functional, independent life. Recuperative care such as physical and occupational therapy is now regularly offered at senior homes. What that has led to is a three-phase approach to recovery for seniors, who can often transition from hospital care to senior home therapy before returning home to live independently or with loved ones. “Most of our facilities have an on-site therapist, and they’re assigned just to our facilities,” said Tiffany Epps, nursing consultant at Hampton Place in Rogers and Oak Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation in Booneville. “It’s physical therapy, occupational and speech therapy, so they’ll go from the hospital after any type of joint surgery or stroke, come to our facility and get the shortterm rehab. Then we return them back to the community.” The good that comes from that is immeasurable and not just for the patients themselves. In-home care is typically the first choice of not just seniors, but their family members, as well. Yet, even with the best of intentions, family members often get run down both physically and emotionally from the mountain of demands that can come with caring for an aging relative. By adding recuperative specialists, nursing homes are easing the transition for both seniors and family caregivers, tackling complex rehabilitative tasks outside of a hospital setting. Once they return home, family caregivers are not without resources. “We want to make sure we’re helping them remain in the home,” said Veronica Love, founder of Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas, “but we want them to remain in the home at their best ability to live with a good quality of life, not to be just existing.” To help zero in on just what a senior may need to remain at home, Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas does a fullscale evaluation of a client’s living situation and resources, then aims to fill in the blanks with services such as in-home assistance, meal delivery and errand-running. “Once our caregivers report back to us, they notify us about the conditions of the living experiences, what the client needs and how we’re going to meet the needs of the client,” Love said. “You take all that information and you put it together, and you rectify what you can to help clients living in that home capacity.” It is not merely a one-on-one approach with the senior, either. “We try to build relationships not just with the client but with the family,” Love said. “The family has to be involved. When you have a senior in the home, you try to get them involved in their senior’s life.” That includes medical and therapy equipment, a part of the equation family caregivers do not always consider when deciding to care for a senior loved one but one that is vital to continue the healing that began in the hospital and care home. “As we get to that transition process, we will be offering them medical equipment,” Love said, “because when we go ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

into their home, we also see there’s a need for that. Their hospital beds may be worn out, right, or their walker may be out of shape, and they need to get a new one, so we’ll be able to assist them with their medical equipment to keep them safer in their home as they go about their day to day.” It is a multilevel approach in which care home administrators work to make their facilities as comfortable and welcoming as possible while providing access to therapeutic specialists. Meanwhile, organizations such as Home Health Care Agency of Arkansas and CareLink continuously evolve to provide help and resources to family caregivers or seniors living independently. Meanwhile, on the legislaRep. Matt Duffield tive end, lawmakers are tackling ways to improve quality of life for the state’s elders. Duffield and others helped push through House Bill 1467 during the last legislative session, cracking down on digital currency scams that often target seniors. “There are these kiosks popping up that are one of the fastest-growing scams that involve digital currency,” Duffield said. “It really can put seniors in a bad place if they go up there and Tiffany Epps think it’s just a normal ATM. These things have really, really been taking a toll on seniors.” Duffield also lauds House Bill 1503, or the Accessory Dwelling Units Bill. The law allows homeowners to build small, secondary ‘inlaw suites,’ or self-contained living spaces, on their properties with fewer restrictions, enabling family caregivers to provide an independent living space for senior loved ones while still keepVeronica Love ing them safely close by. It is, by all accounts, an evolution in senior care and one that does not come a moment too soon as large swaths of the population begin to age. “I think that most state legislators would echo my thoughts that seniors in their respective districts are a top priority,” Duffield said. “I’m not the only one with this mindset. There’s a lot of really good-hearted people who feel the same way. [Seniors] are people who have literally laid the roads and laid the groundwork for what we have in Arkansas today. I think we need to take care of them in their golden years until they’re no longer with us” 105

D EC E M B E R 2025

HEALTH

CARE THE CORE AT

COPPER WELL RETREAT FOLLOWS OWN PATH THROUGH BOOMING WELLNESS INDUSTRY By Alex Hardgrave | Photos courtesy of Copper Well Retreat

mericans are spending more money on wellness than ever before, but it is not all about glamorous facials at resort spas. It is about taking time to become a healthier person on the inside and out. The global wellness economy reached a new height at $6.3 trillion in 2023 and is projected to hit nearly $9 trillion by 2028, the Global Wellness Institute states. Wellness tourism specifically accounted for $830 billion. Though wellness is more trendy than ever, Copper Well Retreat in west Little Rock has never been a company that blindly follows what is popular. Instead, owner Dawn Eick and her team have spent years curating a sanctuary rooted in care and intentionally. The retreat, hidden among trees and anchored by two yurts, grew through Eick’s years navigating motherhood, community and a career in massage therapy. At Copper Well, Eick and her team invite clients to do something unusual in a culture built on speed: slow down. From tea rituals to yoga and massages, all of the business’s offerings are meant to “engage, educate, inspire and empower” the clients, Eick said. “When someone comes in for a service or an experience, we want them to understand what’s happening to them, and we want to verbalize this to enhance that appreciation,” she said. DEC E M BER 2 02 5

“We also want them to be educated so that they can go home and make better assessments, like, ‘Oh, that was good for me,’ or ‘That wasn’t good for me,’ or ‘I should do more of this,’ because we really think that’s the key to wellness.” Long before she started Copper Well, Eick was serving others. Her parents worked in hospitality, and her first jobs were in that field, as well. “It’s kind of in our blood,” she said. “I built up a deep compassion for talking to people with problems and seeing what resources we had to help support them.” While in college, she was looking for a break from the academic grind when some friends suggested she check out massage therapy school. She ended up at a program in Florida that was a blend of holistic care and business knowledge. “Through beautiful serendipity, I ended up at an incredible massage school,” she said. “I was able to graduate with this really robust, full education for our industry.” A few years later, she ended up back in Arkansas through her husband’s job in the military and she picked up work as a massage therapist. Then life started to throw her some curveballs. Eick was a new mother, her husband was deployed, and her father became ill. Also, during that time, she lost three clients to suicide. “That was just a really intense time,” she said. 106

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

“When someone comes in for a service or an experience, we want them to understand what’s happening to them, and we want to verbalize this to enhance that appreciation. We also want them to be educated so that they can go home and make better assessments, like, ‘Oh, that was good for me,’ or ‘That wasn’t good for me,’ or ‘I should do more of this,’ because we really think that’s the key to wellness.” – Dawn Eick Owner, Copper Well Retreat Being both a new mother and a caregiver for her father during his cancer battle taught her a lot. She watched how communities responded to hardship and “who stepped forward and who stepped back,” she said. She experienced firsthand how lonely caregiving could feel. “My heart broke for how common and how difficult that is for people,” she said. Through that need for community connection, she came up with the idea to host a retreat. The first one, in 2013, was not high budget. Instead, everyone contributed what they could. The retreat gave her a front-row seat to watching people reconnect with themselves and others. “The mission is to get people more connected in all the ways that help our vitality,” she said, “with our food, with our personal spirituality, with our families, with our jobs, with our bodies, with our culture.”

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

107

D EC E M B E R 2025

HEALTH

“I saw how one person can make a tremendous difference, and I saw how no one can do it alone. It was all those lessons wrapped into one.” – Eick After the retreat’s success, she continued to host retreats for the next couple years, and the number of people attending grew. “Those retreats really sparked a genuine deeper purpose to try to bring to our community this sense of belonging,” Eick said. “I thought, ‘I want to do this every day.’” Then one leap day changed everything. She had had her eye on a spot in west Little Rock that she thought would work for her dream spa. A post she saw on Facebook encouraged her to do something big with the extra day of the year, so she decided to give the owner of the property a call. With that call, Copper Well began. The spa opened in 2017 to humble beginnings. It did not even have a proper sign for the first four months, but Eick’s community of loyal clients followed her, and the space began to grow and evolve. DEC E M BER 2 02 5

She worked hard to create a healthy and holistic experience for anyone who walked through the spa’s door. “When you host people, you have to host all of them,” Eick said, “all five senses.” When someone comes into the spa for an appointment, the waiting area is made to feel calming with airy colors, comfortable furniture of different natural textures, herbal scents filling the air, a fountain art piece and water infused with chlorophyll. Eick is a lifelong learner and even attended a local interior design school to learn how to better create spaces that give clients what they need emotionally. Along with the intentional design choices, the spa is particular about the products it uses. Everything is as organic, natural, eco-friendly, locally sourced and fairly traded as possible. No products are tested on animals, plastic items are scarce, and staff members grow and har108

vest as many of their own botanicals as possible to use in treatments. Then there is the intentionality of the people working there. Eick said she has chosen the team carefully not just based on who has the most impressive credentials but on who has the best mindset and a “big helping of hustle and heart,” she said. “You can’t really teach mindset,” she added. Just as the business was beginning to really pick up speed, COVID-19 hit. The pandemic was hard for spas because of the constantly changing regulations and fear that clients had, Eick said. She thought about closing Copper Well for good many times during the pandemic, but the importance of the work there was to be done there kept her going. Copper Well adapted, survived and even began to see an increase in business once the pandemic regulations eased. Many global surveys show that wellness ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

matters more to people after the pandemic, the Global Wellness Institute states. Along with her work in the wellness space, Eick has jumped into championing for the wellness industry at a government level. Eick believes Arkansas is uniquely positioned to embrace the booming wellness-tourism industry and needs to put a larger emphasis on it. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the United States spent nearly $300 billion in the sector in 2024, and people are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences, not just services. Eick said she believes the state’s extensive waterways and forests in tandem with natural springs and businesses such as Copper Well make Arkansas a great option for wellness tourists. “People are looking for peace and quiet,” she said. “They’re not liking what’s happening on the news. They’re not liking what’s happening in politics. They’re looking for something that reminds them why they’re working so hard.” She said that wellness tourists are not just wealthy people but instead a diverse group with many different motivations for their wellness travel. “It’s less about consume, consume, consume and more about be, be, be,” she said. Alongside her work to advocate for wellness tourism in Arkansas, Eick worked with lawmakers to write and fight for House Bill 1215. The bill, signed into law in 2017, allowed licensed massage therapists to add cupping therapy to their scope of practice. The timing could not have been better, since it was just a few days before Eick opened Copper Well that thenGov. Asa Hutchinson signed the bill. Eick said it felt meant to be and that she was glad for all she learned during the process. “I understand the big job that our government has juggling all of this and why it’s so difficult to evolve,” she said. “I also saw how one person can make a tremendous difference, and I saw how no one can do it alone. It was all those lessons wrapped into one.” Through constant learning, as well as traveling and visiting similar businesses, ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

Eick continues to refine and add services and experiences to Copper Well. One cornerstone of the business that Eick created is called the four paths of wellness, which helps clients to decide what services offered would be best for them based on which path they feel they need help in. A report opened her eyes to the fact that there are four main reasons people were coming to the spa; to find stillness, to honor themselves and others, to purify their body and mind, and to find attunement. The path of stillness is one of the most popular ones, she said. Clients come in to get away from stress. “It’s too much. It’s too stressful. It’s too painful. It’s too lonely. It’s too scary. It’s too sad. It’s too busy,” she said. “It’s just

than the stillness services. Purification services include deep tissue massages, cupping and deep, athletic stretching. They are meant to get the body circulating to release built up toxins. The last path is attune, and while Eick said there is no particular order for the paths, she thinks that attune usually has to happen later because a client has to find stillness and be rid of pain before they can really tune into themselves and the larger universe. “You have to be out of pain to a certain degree,” she said. “Attunement is that really big, beautiful connection. It’s how you feel looking at a pretty sunset.” Starting next year, Copper Well is also going to offer a year-long program in which each different quarter of the year

“People are looking for peace and quiet, they’re not liking what’s happening on the news. They’re not liking what’s happening in politics. They’re looking for something that reminds them why they’re working so hard.” – Eick too much, and they need to turn off and set everything down. That is stillness.” Honor is all about celebrating life. That encompassed booking services for a birthday, holiday or anniversary. It is the idea of pausing to honor the good times in life. Next is purify. “Purify really stands for what I call certain kinds of ‘owies,’” she said. “‘ I’m in acute, distinct pain.’” Purify is similar to stillness, except it may keep the client more “heightened” 109

focuses on one of the four paths, digging into applying practices to people’s lives that will make them healthier overall. Eick’s long-term vision is to continue to grow Copper Well from a day spa into a retreat destination, a place where people travel from all around the country and world to reset and reconnect. Even as it expands with the wellness industry, though, Copper Well Retreat will stay at the intersection of a spa and a clinic, creating a space that puts individuals and their unique health journeys first. D EC E M B E R 2025

HEADER

ARKANSAS VISIONARY

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE After a lifetime of stories, Steve Eddington calls it a career By Dwain Hebda / Photo by Karen E. Segrave

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

110

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

any people go through life searching for lations work, and then I entered the corporate comtheir one true love, defined either profesmunications field. While I am not registered as a lobsionally, personally or both. Some never byist, the role of Arkansas Farm Bureau is certainly find it, while others find it in the most random and one of an advocacy organization.” obscure ways possible. Steve Eddington, vice presiSpending much of his formative years in Warren, dent of public relations at Arkansas Farm Bureau, is Eddington was smack in the middle of a brood of five one of the lucky ones who knew from an early age boys. He was a do-everything athlete growing up and where his path in life would lead. in high school, participating in a trifecta of football, Eddington, who will retire at the end of the year, track and American Legion Baseball. His passion for found that path laden with many things one hopes competition was often summed up by his mother, for in life and few things one does not. His deparEdith, to her girlfriends as, “If it has a ball in it, Stevie ture brings to a close a distinguished career in comwants to play it.” munications that has wound through newsrooms He also showed signs of being a natural comand broadcast booths to polished boardrooms and municator. His father was among the first to catch a sprawling farms, a lifetime of telling stories and deglimpse of his son’s potential as a newspaper writer. livering news in seasons fat and fiscal quarters lean. “I wrote my first article when I was 8 or 9 years “I can remember as a child — or at least a old,” Eddington said. “We were driving back teen — telling my friends what my dad from Louisiana to Hot Springs, where did, that he was involved in pubwe lived at the time, and we were lic relations,” he said. “They listening to the LSU football STEVE EDDINGTON may have heard of it, but I game, whomever they were ON RESILIENCY could just read it in their playing. I really don’t “Successful people bet on faces that nobody knew remember anything themselves. They need to be realistic what that meant, and I about that game, but I about what is happening, but they also found myself having do remember using need to be optimistic and believe in themselves to repeatedly explain a legal notepad to and their ability to move beyond wherever the it. write a story after I downslope might be. Every company, every career, “When we had got home. I turned every marriage, every life has highs and lows. As my children, I endeavit in to my dad, and personal poet laureate Jimmy Buffett said, ‘Some of ored to arm them he came to me afterit’s magic, some of it’s tragic, but I had a good life all with something that ward, and he said, the way.’ Your work is going to be that way too; there gave a better expla‘Stevie, that’s pretty are ebbs and flows, highs and lows, but in the end, nation of what their good.’ you have to believe that the work you’re doing dad did, and so I told “Then, when I was is meaningful, that you can help somebody them I was a storyteller in the sixth grade, I was and that things are going to turn out because at the heart of it, playing on a sixth-grade all right. When you work hard that’s what good communibasketball team, and the enough, they generally cation is. It’s being an effective high school newspaper asked do.” storyteller, conveying something the coach to ask me if I would write that’s meaningful and memorable and a story about the sixth-grade team, and believable. I didn’t always understand it as part I did. It got published in the Tall Timber Times, of my DNA, but in hindsight, I can see I’ve just been a which was the high school newspaper at Warren. storyteller all my life.” Man, I thought that was a big deal.” One of the things that makes Eddington’s career so Despite those early experiences, Eddington atmeaningful to him is the way it unfolded in a mantended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia ner that emulated one of his earliest heroes, his late with the idea of pursuing a career as a football coach. father, Charlie. He soon decided his future lay elsewhere than on the “I followed in my dad’s career footsteps in an eerily sidelines, and he went to work for the school’s sports unintentional way. I get a catch in my voice there, just information department, performing public relations thinking about that,” he said. “My dad was a sportsfor the athletic program. He was soon hooked. writer at a statewide newspaper in Baton Rouge. He By the time he was a senior, Eddington had made then went into university PR work. He then went into two of the most impactful connections of his life. One corporate communications and ended his career as a was his future wife, Vanna, whom he first saw in the lobbyist in the timber industry. Henderson cafeteria and married shortly after the “I started my career as a sportswriter at a statewide two started dating in their senior year. newspaper. I then went on to do university public re“I remember the first time I saw her. I was a fresh-

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

111

D EC E M B E R 2025

ARKANSAS VISIONARIES

man,” he said. “She was on her way STEVE EDDINGTON ON AUTHENTIC MESSAGING toward the cafeteria as I was leaving. I “The easiest things to believe are the things that are true. saw her, and I spun around to look at her as she walked by. I guess I’ve been Everybody’s got a perspective on something, but that doesn’t chasing her ever since.” mean one perspective is right and one perspective is wrong. You His second love affair, that with need to understand the perspective from which your employer or writing, also matured his senior year, your situation needs to be explained, and you need to tell that to a match ironically made thanks to one people in an interesting and memorable sort of way, but it has to be of rival Ouachita Baptist University’s grounded in truth. It has to be grounded in reality, or the greatest most luminary alums Rex Nelson, who PR people in the world can’t make it work.” would become one of Arkansas’ giants of journalism. sports information stints with his alma mater and Ar“Rex Nelson was the editor of the Arkadelphia Daikansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Eddington landed ly Siftings Herald at the time,” Eddington said. “Rex with Alltel, serving both on the wireless side and the had taught an advanced reporting class at Ouachita information services side. There, he had a decadethat I had taken, and he recruited me to join the newslong ringside seat to the technological revolution that paper my senior year. would not only redefine how communicators such as “Then I went to work at the Arkansas Democrat afhimself would operate but how the various audiences ter that and spent almost five years there at the height he was seeking to address would receive, process and of the newspaper war with the Arkansas Gazette. It interpret information. was a wonderful time to be involved, chasing every “The primary tools we’re using now were not even subscriber and every story and every advertiser in a an idea in somebody’s head when I started in the comway that, you know, was critical.” munications game,” he said. “I remember when I first Nevertheless, Eddington said he felt a firm tug back went to work at Alltel, I went to work for the mobile to public relations and corporate communications side of that business. They were just getting into the work, something the hardcore journalists around him retail store concept for cellular phones. Before I got described as “going to the dark side.” Eddington did there, [customers] almost made an appointment, like not see it that way for reasons that were probably, in a doctor’s appointment, for a one-on-one consultation part at least, genetic. with somebody who explained to you what a cellular “I found it pretty natural to move over into corphone was and how the technology worked and how porate communications,” he said. “When you’re in it might benefit you. the newspaper business, you are writing things you “It was just starting to become more accepted from believe people will find interesting, and you want to a consumer level to the point that they were moving educate them about somebody or something or some into the retail market situation. I brought where they’re opening that same approach STEVE EDDINGTON ON PRIORITIES their own stores and to my jobs in cor“People who understand when you’re up or selling that way, but porate communiwhen you’re down and can help modulate that it was still very much cations because at are important. They’re what makes your work a Dick Tracy or Star the end of the day, meaningful — in fact, they’re the reason you work Trek kind of technolthat’s exactly what’s at all, from my perspective. Your family and your ogy, something that had needed in that field friends are the things that bring you to reality. been just wild concepts too. You need to tell a My parents provided my brothers and me with in somebody’s mind a story that is interestgreat opportunities, and the most meaningful few years ago.” ing and believable thing I’ve done is be able to provide for my In time, Alltel would and memorable.” family, which I’m happy to say gave my children sell off the informaAfter relatively a springboard to do great things with their lives, tion services side of the short corporate comand they have. Perpetuating those opportunities business, which led munications and for my family is probably the most meaningful Eddington to the Arthing that I’ve been involved with in my life.” DEC E M BER 2 02 5

112

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

STEVE EDDINGTON ON THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS

“The ability to listen and to share thoughts kansas Farm Bureau as Eddington looks to and ideas in a way that makes everybody better, post that would make wade into a whole difthere’s really an art to that. Soft skills are hard up the last block of ferent form of storyto explain, they can be harder to grasp, and the his long career. For telling than what has hardest thing about them is acquiring them if nearly 23 years, he adbeen his decades-long you don’t have them. You first have to recognize vanced the message stock and trade, dethat they are important, and you have to be and mission of AFB, livering bedtime tales intentional about improving your skill set. To do telling the stories of and nursery rhymes that, you have to first be aware of where you stand the member men with the same honesty in communicating with people. You may not be and women, 180,000 and flair as his lifetime a good listener. You may talk too much. You may Arkansas families of reporting corporate not be empathetic. You may not be caring. Those strong, who keep the earnings, winning seaare things you can get better at, just like learning state stocked in food sons and farm families. to spell or learning a different language, if you and fiber. Not everything came work at it. I didn’t teach any executive anything During his career, to fruition exactly as to make them a better communicator; they got Eddington beat the planned — few things better because they realized they needed to get drum for Natural in life do — but at the better at it.” State agriculture and end, he sees his time its producers from and talents were spent the heart of the Delta honorably. to audiences around the country and several foreign “I haven’t achieved a level of success from a career ports of call, riding along on international trade misstandpoint where I can say I was elected governor or sions to Panama, China, Japan and South Korea — made president or CFO or whatever that might be. I not bad for a guy who initially did not anticipate bedon’t have an achievement like that to reach to,” he ing in the role in the first place. said. “I will say I have tried to be very fair with those “I’ll be very honest — I thought another opportuI’ve worked for and who I have managed when I made nity in the IT space or telecom space would have been decisions that affected them. I’ve tried to provide my next likely step after Alltel,” he said. “What I dispeople with the opportunity to learn how to handle covered was Farm Bureau and I were a natural fit. Dad things in their jobs, and that is an important thing. I had been in the timber industry, and growing up in tried to lead people to sort through all of the things Warren, I had picked tomatoes, like almost everyone that worked and that did not work, to accentuate the did, as a summer job, and I had planted trees in the positive and eliminate the negative. I think I’d call that winter as a way to make extra money, so telling the my biggest achievement.” stories of Arkansas agriculture and the people who are involved with it just felt very comfortable.” STEVE EDDINGTON ON THE SECRET Along the way, the Eddingtons welcomed three OF SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE children and, in time, several cherished grandchil“The ability to listen is one of the most dren, who were the center of their lives and who ultiunderappreciated qualities of many successful mately formed the basis for Steve’s decision to retire. people I’ve known. You have to pay attention to He and Vanna lost their eldest daughter, Hannah, what’s going on around you and to what other two and a half years ago and an infant granddaughpeople are saying both as an individual listener and ter earlier this summer, deaths that have underscored then as kind of a holistic corporate listener to what’s the fragility of life and the uncertainty of time. He is happening around you. It’s interesting — I wouldn’t resolved to make the most of every remaining second consider myself an especially good listener, although by doing what is most important. other people have told me I am, and that probably “I had a recalibration,” he said. “I realized at this means more in the work I have been able to do. As time in our lives that I needed to be available for my a communicator, you really don’t know what to tell family.” somebody until you understand what they don’t That simple dictate will soon hold full-time sway know and what information gap they have.”

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

113

D EC E M B E R 2025

Thank You, Steve. For more than 20 years, Steve Eddington’s steady leadership, thoughtful communication, and genuine love for Arkansas agriculture have shaped the voice and vision of Farm Bureau. As Vice President of Public Relations, Steve has dedicated his career to telling the Farm Bureau story, promoting agriculture, and representing our members with integrity and heart. From local fields to international trade missions, his work has reflected professionalism, passion, and a deep commitment to Arkansas farmers and ranchers. With deep appreciation, we thank you, Steve, for your decades of service and lasting impact on our organization. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement. May this next chapter be filled with family, joy, and the satisfaction of a career well spent.

2025

TRAILBLAZING MEN W

hether he is working on the front lines or behind the scenes, whether he is leading a team of hundreds or a group of ten, whether he is changing the face of his industry or handling the thankless work it takes to keep the lights on — a man with a purpose is a hard man to beat. The Natural State is full of just such figures, and here at Arkansas Money & Politics, we have the distinct pleasure of featuring an extraordinary selection of them once again. This group comprises standout talents across a variety of industries. Each remarkable in his own right, these truly “Trailblazing Men” have proven themselves capable time and again of tackling whatever life throws at them. Though it may not seem so at first, there is something an international recording artist, a construction executive, an orthopedic surgeon and the rest of our 2025 “Trailblazing Men” have in common. They are motivated not by accolades or titles, not by income or fame, but by the desire to give back to their families, their communities and the great state they call home.

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

115

D EC E M B E R 2025

TRAILBLAZING MEN

he jump from the intensive care unit to holistic wellness medicine might not be the most obvious, but for Dr. Julius Balogh, it was the clear next step in his career. Balogh’s professional journey began as a registered nurse, where he spent 15 years learning the ins and outs of operating room care. He then found himself called to a different kind of healing. After attending the Trinity School of Medicine, Balogh returned to Houston to begin a surgical residency. Four and a half years into that training, he transitioned to anesthesia, where he completed both his residency and a fellowship in critical care medicine. “Those years gave me deep respect for teamwork, precision and patient advocacy,” he said. “[Anesthesia and critical care training] allowed me to care for patients at their most vulnerable moments.” Balogh also became familiar with the medical field from the patient’s perspective as he navigated thyroid and cholesterol issues and underwent hormone replacement therapy. Unsatisfied by the status quo of care in the industry, Balogh founded Recover Restore Revive, a Saline County medical clinic that specializes in everything from cryotherapy to peptides. “That experience reshaped my philosophy as a physician,”

“

It’s watching patients reclaim their energy, vitality and confidence. That’s when I know we’re doing more than treating illness. We’re restoring life. Balogh said. “I approach every patient with the mindset that optimization is not vanity — it’s vitality. When you experience firsthand how your energy, focus and mood can transform through balanced, evidence-based care, you naturally want to deliver that same transformation to others.” Balogh and his wife, Holly, who is a a nurse practitioner, have set out to redefine wellness. By using his clinic as a hotspot for restorative medicine and inner healing guided by the pair’s expertise and insights, Recover Restore Revive is able to offer services based in science, safety and, most importantly, results. “Recover Restore Revive isn’t just a clinic. It’s a movement to bring empathy and excellence back into medicine,” Balogh said. “My goal is simple: to lead a generation of physicians and patients alike toward a future where health isn’t just managed but mastered.” The clinic integrates regenerative therapies, peptide protocols and advanced technologies with the same precision the couple once brought to the ICU. The real differentiator, Balogh said, is authenticity. Everything the clinic recommends has been personally tried and refined by the Baloghs. DEC E M BER 2 02 5

Julius Balogh, M.D. Co-owner, Medical Director, Recover Restore Revive

“Professionally, building Recover Restore Revive with my wife has been the pinnacle — creating a clinic that truly changes how people experience medicine,” Balogh said. “Personally, it’s watching patients reclaim their energy, vitality and confidence. That’s when I know we’re doing more than treating illness. We’re restoring life.” His success as both a business owner and physician was not instantaneous, and Balogh said a relentless work ethic is a quality that was instilled in him by his mother and father. For young professionals looking down a similar path, Balogh pointed to discipline as an indispensable key to success. Discipline, he said, beats talent every time. “Be willing to do the hard things. Show up early, stay late, and outwork your own excuses,” he said. “Find mentors who challenge your ego, not just your skills, and never let comfort become your goal; it’s the enemy of growth.” 116

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

TRAILBLAZING MEN

fter decades in commercial real estate, Eric Boen and Jeff Kemp knew there had to be a way to streamline the cumbersome development process. Setting out to take more control of their projects, the developer pair founded Boen Kemp Construction in Fayetteville in 2017. What began as a necessity to improve efficiency, Boen said, quickly grew into a passion for creating a company that could deliver high-quality projects from start to finish under one roof. “At Boen Kemp Construction and our related companies, we pride ourselves on being straightforward and proactive,” he said. “Because our real estate and construction teams operate under one roof, we eliminate a lot of the confusion that comes from dealing with multiple groups. We take our work seriously but keep a culture that values teamwork, respect and enjoying what we do every day.” Boen did not plan to get into the construction industry originally. All else being equal, he might even have continued on the brokerage and real estate path, content to focus on his work at Commercial Realty in Fayetteville. Once he had gotten a taste for building, however, he

“

The most rewarding part is watching our clients’ businesses thrive as a result of what we build. said he realized how much he enjoyed the challenge and the reward that comes from bringing something tangible to life. “The most rewarding part is watching our clients’ businesses thrive as a result of what we build,” Boen said. “The financial success is great, but seeing our projects contribute to other people’s success is what drives me.” Boen Kemp has been fortunate to win a lot of work, Boen said, and with projects ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

Eric Boen Developer, Founder, Boen Kemp Construction, Commercial Realty

spanning a four-state region and several clients, there is never a dull moment. He described his own leadership style as “lead by example,” adding that success often comes down to effort rather than talent. He expects his employees to bring the heart, drive and accountability it takes to do great work. Based on the company’s growth thus far, the team seems to be more than meeting expectations. “Over the last few years, we’ve brought in a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, not all from construction, who have gelled into a strong leadership team that’s helping us move closer to our original vision,” he said. “What makes them special is that they’re not ego driven, and everyone is aligned toward our collective goals.” Boen’s own success has been a tale of learning by doing. What shaped him 117

most was not formal education but sports, life lessons and failures — each mistake teaching him resilience and perspective. That hard-won knowledge now informs the very DNA of Boen Kemp. Just as crucial have been relationships both professional and personal. In addition to parents, Leonard and Laurie Boen, and wife, Judith, Boen pointed to one crucial link that has shaped the trajectory of his life. “My proudest achievement is the partnership that Jeff Kemp and I have built. We set out to create one of the most vertically integrated development and construction companies in Arkansas, and I believe we’ve done that,” Boen said. “The fact that we’ve split everything 50/50 since day one and have never argued about money says a lot about our partnership and mutual respect.” D EC E M B E R 2025

TRAILBLAZING MEN

t may only be Dr. Austin Not unlike the athletes Cole’s second year in prache serves, Cole’s success as a tice, but his roots in medicine medical professional has been go back — way back — through a team effort. Working under a five generations of physicians. multitude of specialists, he has Cole felt a natural pull towards gained experience in a variety the medical professions but of situations, each of which also found himself fascinated served to prepare him for the by architecture and engineerchallenges of his chosen field. ing growing up. While he was Cole continues to hone his considering how to blend his skills with the help of fellow interests and strengths into a surgeon Dr. Thomas Roberts, career plan, he had the chance who has more than 30 years of to shadow an orthopedic sports experience. Through the exmedicine physician. ample of other talented physi“I discovered a specialty cians — including his father, that combined the creativity Dr. Andrew Cole, an OB-GYN and precision of engineering — Cole has developed a strong with the meaning and connecsense of his philosophy as a tion of medicine,” Cole said. provider. “From then on, I knew the path “Each patient is an individI wanted to pursue.” ual made in God’s image with Fast-forward 15 years, and a life, family, career and pasCole is back home fulfilling sions that matter deeply,” he his calling as an orthopedic said. “I often tell my staff that surgeon and sports medicine I strive to treat every patient specialist at the Conway Oras if they were my own child, thopedic & Sports Medicine father or grandmother. I don’t Center. He counts it a joy and take it lightly when a patient a privilege to make a difference places trust in me to choose me in the lives of young athletes as their physician and put their Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine Specialist, and active individuals in the future in my hands.” very community in which he Cole is also eager for what Conway Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center was raised, he said. Though as the future holds when it comes a surgeon, one might assume to sports medicine at Conway Cole’s role was limited to the Regional. His aim is to expand operating room, in reality, he is deeply involved access to care and advance sports medicine localon the field and in the training room and fully ly, he said, and Conway Regional currently housengaged with the athletes under his care. es the only multidisciplinary sports medicine I discovered a “As an orthopedic team, we immerse ourteam in the state. Outside of central Arkansas, he specialty that selves in sports medicine in its entirety by coversaid he will continue to go on surgical medical combined the ing high school and college games, standing on missions in Belize, serving those with less access creativity and the sidelines with athletes, and traveling out of to modern health care. Success, for Cole, comes state with teams for major events,” he said. “We down to the impact he can make on his commuprecision of also spend time in training rooms at universinity, on his specialty and in the lives of others. engineering with ties and schools each week to help expedite care “I’ve been here just over a year, and there are the meaning and and recovery. I personally communicate with tremendous things we have already accomplished connection of over 20 athletic trainers in the community daily with the sports medicine program at Conway Remedicine. regarding medical plans for their athletes.” gional,” he said. “We are just getting started.”

Austin Cole, M.D.

“

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

118

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

TRAILBLAZING MEN

ven if one has gone down a different path than originally planned, a true calling has a funny way of “calling back” after all. As long as he We take each job as they could remember, Jeff Hatfield come, and when we loved being outside and workcan help someone and ing with his hands, whether he was building tree houses and then see and feel their forts or walking to worksites gratitude when the job is to see homes and businesses completed, that’s the most being built. He even took draftrewarding part for me — ing and design classes in high making a difference when school to learn how to make plans of his own. others didn’t. “I ventured off into a completely different life path after high school that had nothing owners, especially those not in to do with construction,” he a position to help themselves, said. “I went into the alcohol makes the hurdles worth it. field, started bar backing, then “Not everyone is in the same bartending, which led me to boat financially, and undera role as a sales rep for a local standing that is very impordistributor, which then led me tant,” he said. “We take each to a position with an internajob as they come, and when we tional distributor based out of can help someone and then see Houston.” and feel their gratitude when Once he left the alcohol inthe job is completed, that’s the dustry, Hatfield ended up landmost rewarding part for me — Photo by DeWaine Duncan ing a sales position at a resimaking a difference when othdential solar company. That ers didn’t.” business happened to have Hatfield said he wants his a dedicated roofing division, company to be known as one and Hatfield was increasingly that stands behind its words, Owner, Central Arkansas Solar Solutions, drawn towards the installation making a positive impact in Northwest Arkansas Solar Solutions process. Fast-forward to today, communities around the state and Hatfield is the owner of with authenticity and quality Central Arkansas Solar Soluwork. While he does not necestions and its northwest Arkancorporate business from a COO in slacks sarily consider himself a mensas counterpart. Backed by a licensed, and a button up,” he said. “We enjoy the tor as he continues to learn and grow, bonded and insured team, Hatfield has variety of people we get to interact with.” he does make a point to try and pass on found himself back where he always There is little margin for error in his what he has learned through the twists wanted to be — bringing projects to life line of work, since a single slip-up could and turns of his career. One of the key with the sweat of his brow. be costly at best and career ending at lessons? Extensive background is not a “We might be in south Arkansas, inworst. From designing efficient systems prerequisite to success. stalling a ground-mount solar system for to getting utility company approval and “You need to have a willingness to a farmer one day, learning about chicken from triple-checking measurements and learn and to work,” Hatfield said. “Don’t farming, and the next day, we could be orders to managing contracts and cusbe lazy, and don’t be deterred by people in Fayetteville or Rogers, installing a detomer expectations, it can all be daunttelling you can’t do something because signer shingle on a multimillion-dollar ing for the underprepared. For Hatfield, you haven’t been doing it your whole home and learning the ins and outs of big though, the reward of helping homelife.”

“

Jeff Hatfield

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

119

D EC E M B E R 2025

TRAILBLAZING MEN

ichard Neal “Dick” Holbert and a devastating plane crash in spent more than 50 years 2014, Holbert was there for the not just guiding Arkansas’ budtough decisions required to proding aviation industry but shaptect the company, its employees ing it. As the longtime CEO of and its customers. In 2002, he Central Flying Service, Holbert executed the landmark purhelped build one of the nation’s chase of Mid-Coast Aviation’s most respected full-service Little Rock operation, making aviation operations through Central the largest full-service decades of growth, turbulence fixed-base operator in the world and transformation. by square footage. Holbert’s father, Claud HolCentral Flying Service made bert, founded Central Flying great strides under the leaderService in 1939. By age 16, Dick ship of Holbert and his brothwas already flying, and by 18, er, Donald, expanding charter he was the nation’s youngest liservices, introducing Arkansas’ censed private and commercial first turbine aircraft operations pilot. From fueling aircraft on and growing maintenance and the line crew in the late ’50s to refurbishment capabilities. taking the reins as president in CFS also operated the state’s 1981 and CEO in 1983, Holbert’s only four-year collegiate avialife has been a study in what it tion flight program for more means to grow up in a business than a decade. and carry it forward with honor. The company has been honHowever, being born into ored repeatedly by the Federal aviation did not guarantee Aviation Administration, Nasuccess in the field or the air, tional Business Aviation Assoand Holbert put in the work ciation and other industry orto build his own career. After ganizations. Among Holbert’s graduating from Central High most enduring impacts is the School in Little Rock and the Arkansas Aviation Historical University of Arkansas in FaySociety and the Arkansas Aviaetteville — where he served tion Hall of Fame, which he coCEO (retired), Central Flying Services as student body president and founded in 1979. For more than pushed for racial integration 40 years, the hall of fame has in Razorback athletics — he honored the pilots, engineers, earned a law degree from Georgetown Univerinnovators and visionaries who have built Arsity in Washington, D.C. He then served as an kansas’ aviation heritage. Fittingly, Holbert was Army military police officer in Europe, where inducted alongside his brother in 2006. he was promoted to captain and awarded the Holbert retired in 2022, having ensured the My style was to Meritorious Service Medal. The combination of company was well positioned for a successtry to be humble legal training, leadership, discipline and entreful sale and a strong future. He said his proudand respectful. preneurial instinct became the backbone of his est achievement was guiding a family business I never told approach at CFS. through five volatile decades and ensuring its “My style was to try to be humble and relegacy endures. anybody to do spectful,” Holbert said. “I never told anybody to “There’s more to it than just flying airanything. do anything.” planes,” Holbert said. “You’ve got to keep Through the 1973 oil crisis, the 2008 recession them flying.”

Richard Neal “Dick” Holbert

“

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

120

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

TRAILBLAZING MEN

can be incredibly fulfilling. uincy Hurst grew up im“I find it important to remersed in the Superior Sespect tradition but approach nior Care family business, where decisions with enough flexhe discovered early on that his ibility that improvements true passion was serving others. and innovations can still be What began as a clear career path implemented to adapt to what soon revealed itself as a deeper clients and caregivers truly calling. Since becoming chief opneed,” he said. erating officer in 2020, Hurst has For Hurst, success is all led with compassion and kindabout finding balance. ness — principles that continue “Professionally, it’s runto guide his journey and shape ning a company that provides the care provided to every client stability and dignity to cliand caregiver. ents and caregivers,” he said. “My mom started Superior Se“Personally, it’s having time, nior Care when I was just 2 years health and relationships that old, so I’ve sort of always been allow me to enjoy life. Finanaround it,” Hurst said. “I started cial security matters, but life working in our Rogers location is richer when you can spend as a billing clerk and gradually it meaningfully with friends worked my way up. Eventually, and family.” I opened and managed our FayOne of Hurst’s deepest etteville location, which became commitments is advocating the largest of any of our offices. for seniors and people with From there, I was asked to take disabilities, especially those on a bigger role at our corporate who live alone with little or no office, and now I oversee operaoutside support. He interacts tions across the company.” Photo by Jane Colclasure with individuals in those situSince opening its doors in ations regularly, he said, and 1985, Superior Senior Care has has seen firsthand that access become a trusted provider of into food, comfort and safety is home care in Arkansas and has crucial for their survival. grown from one office to 28 across Chief Operating Officer, Superior Senior Care “Supporting these vulnerthe state. Hurst wears many hats able populations, helping as COO and strives to remain them maintain dignity and hands-on yet collaborative with stability, and ensuring they aren’t forgotten is his team. Managing more than 100 employees something that drives me every day in both my daily, Hurst believes staying calm under prespersonal life and my work at Superior Senior sure is essential to delivering excellent care. Care,” Hurst said. “I like to be approachable and involved but I like to be Looking back on his career thus far, he also trust my team to take ownership and make approachable urged other professionals to follow the guiddecisions,” he said. “Early on, I thought leaderand involved ing principles that not only opened doors for ship was having all the answers, but I’ve learned but also trust him but have made him a better father, son it’s really about asking the right questions, lismy team to and leader. tening and supporting the people around you.” “Focus on learning and building skills, not tiWorking in a family business comes with potake ownership tles,” Hurst said. “Be inquisitive, work hard, and tential pitfalls of its own. Hurst knows he is not and make take on the tasks others avoid. Your supervisors only responsible for achievement as far as the decisions. will notice, and you will be afforded opportunibottom line is concerned but also has a legacy ties for real growth.” to carry forward. If successful, he said, the result

Quincy Hurst

“

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

121

D EC E M B E R 2025

TRAILBLAZING MEN

ity and vision. Being from ack Kifer has always been NWA gives me a unique perdrawn to building things, spective. I grew up here, and whether it be businesses, teams now I get to help build what or communities. Had life shaken it is becoming.” out differently for the northwest That is not to say that KiArkansas native, he might have fer’s work prior to real estate ended up on the path to entreprehad no role to play in his curneurship or a career in economic rent trajectory. Running condevelopment. Instead, during his currently with his broader junior year at the University of ambitions had been the work Arkansas in Fayetteville, Kifer of carrying on The Sod Store, found commercial real estate — a second-generation landor, one could say, it found him. scaping supply and services “Once I got into real estate, I business started by Kifer’s knew I was home,” he said. “The parents in 1994. Kifer bought blend of people, negotiation, vithe store in 2018 and has since sion and problem-solving fits exgrown it by about five times its actly how I’m wired.” original size. He has also built Kifer did not come from any a talented leadership team to kind of real estate background, handle day-to-day operations. but what he lacked then in ex“Owning a service-based perience, he more than made up business gives you a comfor with curiosity, a strong work pletely different appreciation ethic and the desire to underfor operations, staffing, logisstand how the communities he tics and strategy,” Kifer said. had grown up in came to be. As “It grounded me as an entrehe hustled his way around the inpreneur and made me a better dustry, he made a habit of asking adviser to clients.” smart people good questions. His work is not without its “Relationships matter more share of challenges, as anythan anything,” Kifer said. “I one in the northwest Arkanlearned early on that grit wins, Co-Founder, Partner, Genesis Commercial; sas real estate industry can curiosity beats ego, and long-term likely attest. Complexity is the thinking compounds.” Owner, The Sod Store key word for the moment as At every turn, Kifer felt more Kifer balances market shifts, confident that real estate was the financing, tenant demands, development timeideal platform to realize his dream of a career lines and the constant rate of growth all over the spent strengthening community ties, thinking region. The fruits of that labor are that much strategically and having a long-term impact. He Relationships sweeter for his trouble. could hardly have picked a better place to chase “The most rewarding part is simple: seeing matter more than that vision than within the ever-growing boundsomething you worked on become a place people aries of northwest Arkansas. anything. I learned use, enjoy and build their lives around,” he said. “It’s been energizing and humbling. You feel early on that grit “My goal — whether through Genesis Commerthe momentum every day with new residents, wins, curiosity beats cial or The Sod Store — is to help build opporexpanding companies and major national ego, and long-term tunities and environments that make northwest groups wanting to plant a flag here,” Kifer said. Arkansas better for the next generation.” thinking compounds “At the same time, the pace requires adaptabil-

Zack Kifer

“

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

122

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

TRAILBLAZING MEN

hris Meyer purchased James A. Rogers Excavating from his grandfather in 2016 and has worked to build upon the foundations laid by James A. Rogers Sr. back in 1962. Over the course of 63 years, the family-run operation has grown into an established industry name, and Meyer’s goal is to uphold the company’s reputation for excellence as president and CEO. “We combine old-school work ethic with modern technology to deliver precise, reliable results,” Meyer said. “From residential site prep to large-scale municipal and highway projects, our skilled team is known for quality work, safety and doing the job right the first time.” Meyer’s transition into leadership was not entirely smooth sailing. When he initially bought the company from his grandfather, Meyer was better versed in field work than office work, and he said he had “no idea how to run a business.” “Long story short, I was two months from running the family company into the ground,” he said. “I buckled down and bought us more time by getting about a million dollars’ worth of small jobs, and that gave me a little bit of time to change some things internally to where I would never let that happen again. A lot of praying went on during this time of my life.”

“

We combine old-school work ethic with modern technology to deliver precise, reliable results. Emerging on the other side of that trial with a clearer vision for the company and his role as a leader, Meyer has led James A. Rogers through a period of growth and success. Since 2016, the company has expanded its operations to include locations in Hot Springs and Springdale and grown the staff from 24 to more than 100. In addition, James A. Rogers Excavating acquired McHenry Companies in Hot Springs, allowing Meyer to realize his longtime dream of broadening services to include a quarry operation. “This is a new adventure for me and my family. We have the family business in James A. Rogers Excavating, but I’ve always wanted a quarry in our back pocket,” Meyer said. “The opportunity to grow our brand and move into Hot Springs really made sense to us.” Nowadays, the business is not without its hurdles — not the least of which is explaining to customers just how much it costs to transport a load of dirt — but Meyer has only grown stronger under pressure. Failure is not an option, he said, especially with the families, employees and contractors depending on him and his team to show up every time. James A. Rogers and McHenry

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

Photo by Jane Colclasure

Chris Meyer President, CEO, James A. Rogers Excavating, McHenry Meyer Companies

Meyer Companies have become a complement to his personal evolution, offering a solid, dedicated team focused on doing good work and supporting the local community. One can even find JAR dump trucks wrapped with nonprofit logos to help spread awareness. Still, there is one accomplishment that sticks out above the rest. “Being able to retire my wife,” Meyer said. “We don’t live in a big fancy house, and that’s OK. We have three very active and involved boys. Knowing that my wife gets to be at every sporting event, volunteer at two schools, pick up the kids from school, etc., is peace of mind that is priceless. The good Lord has blessed us.”

123

D EC E M B E R 2025

TRAILBLAZING MEN

hen Roger Louis O’Quin entered the investment business on the advice of his father, he viewed it as just another job. Little did he know that four decades later, not only would the financial industry turn into a lifelong career; it would give him the opportunity to work side by side with his daughter, Sydney Gilbert, in what has become the family business. O’Quin brought Gilbert on as his partner 20 years ago, and in 2022, the duo founded Sagebridge Wealth Management in Little Rock. “It was the best decision of my business life,” O’Quin said. “She offers great perspective and keeps me engaged and young at heart.” O’Quin started his professional journey as an account executive focused primarily on the buying and selling of stocks and bonds. Suffice it to say the industry has changed quite a bit in the last 40 years, and O’Quin’s approach has evolved along with it. Wealth management has become less transactional and increasingly centered on comprehensive, holistic financial planning, he said. By managing all financial aspects of a client’s life through market volatility, milestones and more, O’Quin has become a trusted partner to families as they enjoy the fruits of careful planning and a consistent financial strategy. “What truly captured my passion was witnessing the positive impact I could have on clients’ lives. That realization transformed my career into a deeply rewarding calling,” he said. “The most rewarding aspect has been the ability to work alongside clients over the long term and help them achieve significant life milestones, such as funding a child’s education, retiring on their own terms and planning for the next chapter of their lives.”

“

I am most passionate about missions that focus on educating young people and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in the future. them and their families, not just their portfolios,” he said. “By truly understanding a client’s fears and hopes, I can provide more meaningful advice.” Among those mentors have been O’Quin’s parents and grandparents, who he cited as the most significant influences on his life and career. One skill that has given him a leg up, however, is a willingness — and, in fact, an eagerness — to ask successful people for advice. O’Quin said he has learned that most people are willing to help if asked. He has strived to pay that help forward by mentoring several new financial advisors over the years, as well. “I am most passionate about missions that focus on educating young people and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in the future,” he said. “My goalposts for success have evolved. Early on, they were primarily business related. Now they are about legacy. I hope we can help twice as many clients in the next 10 years as we do today.”

Roger Louis O’Quin

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

Managing Director, Sagebridge Wealth Management

About half of the firm’s clients are families who joined O’Quin at the beginning of his career, he said, and the Sagebridge team now works with their children and grandchildren. That level of retention reflects the client-first, team-based approach that O’Quin has refined over time. Though formal education provided a foundation, he said the most critical skills he has learned are those intangible, “on the job” traits that come with time. “I was fortunate to have several great mentors who guided me. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that clients want to know you genuinely care about 1 24

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

TRAILBLAZING MEN

gineering. Experience has fter nearly 20 years under taught him how to read a stage lights and perfecting room, connect with a crowd the edgy twang of fiddle meloand bridge differences dies, the co-founder of Big Red through song. Working as Dog Productions, Cliff Prowse, part of a husband-and-wife has made a career of traveling duo has also shaped his the United States and beyond sound. The couple’s workwith his gift. flow and, indeed, their musiProwse said growing up cal identity is an outpouring around music inspired his proof that partnership. fessional ambitions from the “Both sides are necessary, very beginning thanks in large and we make them work repart to the support of his father ally well together,” Prowse and grandfather. He played his said. “Our workflow is very first gig in a grade school theater yin and yang.” production. The only advice he is glad “My dad was a kind of perhe ignored came early in his fectionist who wouldn’t let me career when someone told play anything wrong, which him to focus on one instruwas an excellent foundation for ment. Had he listened, he my motto, ‘Don’t practice until would not have the multiyou get it right; practice until instrumental ability that now you can’t get it wrong,’” Prowse defines much of his work. As said. “My grandfather always for success, he believes he taught me to be humble and is already living it. He and that there’s always someone Susan support themselves better than you.” solely through their music Meeting his future wife and career. They travel the world, fellow musician, Susan, helped perform for audiences who Prowse realize that a full-time become like family and invest music career was possible. In International Performing Artist, Co-Founder, in both their own growth and 2017, they began building the life Big Red Dog Productions that of the next generation of of their dreams as Cliff & Susan. Arkansas musicians through Countless stages and a multitude their craft. of accolades later, the work is still Through it all, Prowse remains rooted demanding. The physical labor behind in a simple truth: He loves the music. hundreds of shows each year is part of it, My dad was a kind He loves the hours, the practice and the but the greater challenge is finding space chance to grow. He believes music can to remain creative. of perfectionist who make someone’s day better, even if only Making time to be creative, write and wouldn’t let me play for a moment. practice is essential, he said. anything wrong, “The heart of what we do is connection. “Some may be naturally inclined,” he which was an excellent We’re grateful for every stage we step on and added, “but that doesn’t replace the thoufoundation for my motto, every person who lets our music be part of sands of hours of practice it takes to reach their life,” Prowse said. “Continuing to grow a professional level.” ‘Don’t practice until you in our field and reaching even more people Although he never studied music in get it right; practice until beyond what we’ve already experienced school, Prowse has taken numerous onyou can’t get it wrong.’ would truly be the greatest gift ever.” line courses about music and sound en-

Cliff Prowse

“

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

125

D EC E M B E R 2025

TRAILBLAZING MEN

t the age of 12, James D. “Jim” Shamburger Jr. was mowing lawns and filling soda machines at his family’s motel, simple tasks that would lead to a five-decade career reshaping Arkansas’ hospitality industry as an owner of various hotel brands around the state. Thanks to his natural knack for numbers and customer service, a young Shamburger was promoted from grass cutting to payroll in his second year of high school. “I’m still partners with one of my brothers, my sister and their spouses,” Shamburger said. “Our niche was to purchase properties that were underperforming and that had future potential. We have worked at, owned and operated 12 different properties over my career.” Studies in economics and business prepared Shamburger to manage numbers, but he found that success in hospitality required other talents, as well. His parents taught him early on the importance of guest service, and Shamburger honed that skill until it became second nature. Similar direction from others has been a guiding principle of his success. “I’ve been very fortunate to have many mentors in my life, and not all of them have been men,” Shamburger said. “Be the leader’s shadow. Make yourself as indispensable as possible.” Learning the ropes from an early age has its advantages, but it also meant that Shamburger was often the youngest in a room of employees. Lacking that kind of authority only age can bestow, Shamburger was forced to lead differently. Instead of giving orders, he said he learned to build consensus through conversation. Needless to say, his voice is now among the most respected

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

in Arkansas hospitality, and it has remained so even as the tourism industry evolves. “Everything changes. It either gets better or it gets worse, but it doesn’t stay the same,” Shamburger said. “The business has changed. It’s changing every day, and it’s changing at an accelerating rate. You have to be able as well as be willing to innovate and adapt instantly to survive.” Shamburger’s influence extends well beyond his properties. An inductee in the Arkansas Hospitality Association Hall of Fame, he has served in leadership roles for a variety of hospitality, tourism and regional development organizations. Still, he measures success by a different standard — legacy and service — which are goalposts he shared with his father. James Shamburger Sr. served on the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission for 18 years. In 2002, Jim was appointed to complete his father’s remainHotelier, Best Western Winners Circle ing term and has since been reappointed by every governor since then. “Together, my father and I have voluntarily served the state for 41 years to date,” he The business has said. What keeps Shamburger passionate after changed. It’s changfive decades in hospitality is people. He said ing every day, and it’s that the guest experience has always been a top changing at an accelpriority and that though it may be challenging, erating rate. You have it is also the most rewarding part of the job. to be able as well as “I meet people from all over the world, and I get to help them have a wonderful be willing to innovate time while they are visiting our great state,” and adapt instantly to Shamburger said. “I get to help people have a survive. great time. How much fun is that?”

James D. “Jim” Shamburger Jr.

“ 1 26

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

TRAILBLAZING MEN

or Matt Usery, president of NOEC Construction in Little Rock, utility work was never merely a job. His father owned a utility and powerline construction company that worked across Arkansas and in surrounding states, and from the time Usery was old enough to hold a tool, he was tagging along to job sites. “From a young age, I was right there, working on some of the top-producing crews, learning the trade,” Usery said. “The men I grew up around were hardworking, dependable and carried themselves with a sense of pride that shaped me.” Leaning into the hard but necessary work from which others might shy away was a trait that served Usery well when he joined the Arkansas Army National Guard. A military career opened plenty of other doors for Usery, from network engineering to communications leadership — yet with a wealth of paths to choose from, he ultimately felt pulled back to the industry that raised him. He returned to build NOEC Construction, a company working towards being one of the state’s most respected utility construction operations. “My three deployments and years of service in the Arkansas Army National Guard taught me leadership, discipline, adaptability and technical communications management,” he said. “Those experiences shaped the way I lead teams, solve problems and run complex operations today.” Usery’s challenge at NOEC is to balance his responsibilities not only to his teams and customers but also to entire communities impacted by the company’s infrastructure projects. Success means providing for his own family while likewise giving employees the opportunity to provide for theirs. Being

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

able to offer Arkansas linemen a company they can belong to, Usery said, and not just be another number for investors with no ties to the state creates for him a whole different level of purpose. “Many don’t realize how much planning, engineering, logistics and responsibility goes into building electrical and fiber networks,” he added. “It’s not just physical labor; it’s creating the backbone that communities depend on. Seeing our team proud to work at NOEC makes it all worthwhile.” Beyond work ethic, the men in Usery’s life have instilled in him an unshakeable sense of loyalty, discipline and responsibility, from those he served alongside in the military to his uncles and father. He said he is blessed to have a business partner now who continues in that mold, sharing Usery’s foundation of faith and a vision for improving the construction industry in Arkansas. President, NOEC Construction “My partner has shown me a level of trust and support outside the military that I’m truly grateful for. In today’s business world, those qualities feel rare, and I don’t take them for granted,” he said. My three deployments and As he continues to make NOEC’s impact felt in the Natural State and beyond, years of service in the Arkansas Usery remains crystal clear about the true Army National Guard taught measure of his achievements. Marrying me leadership, discipline, his wife, Alicia, and raising children Codi, adaptability and technical Charlee and Cutter has shown Usery the communications management. true importance of being a husband and father, he said. Those experiences shaped “There is nothing more rewarding,” he the way I lead teams, solve said, “than feeling the love of my children problems and run complex and knowing I’m building a life and legacy operations today. with my family at the center of it.”

Matt Usery

“ 1 27

D EC E M B E R 2025

TRAILBLAZING MEN

n the heart of Garland County lies a town of just fewer than 600 people once dominated by the Dierks Lumber and Coal Co. mill for which it was founded. When then-mill-owner Weyerhaeuser closed the lumber operation in 2006, it looked like the community of Mountain Pine would go the way of many other company towns dating back to the 1920s. Instead, residents might soon find themselves celebrating Mountain Pine’s centennial thanks in no small part to the dedication of native son Morgan Wiles. His motivation was disarmingly simple but one that has moved countless men to similarly unlikely success through the ages. “No one else was going to,” Wiles said. Returning home from the Army to a community in distress following the closure of the sawmill, Wiles set out on a mission to see his Garland County hometown not only survive but thrive. Whether growing window installation business WinChoice USA into a multistate industry force, creating jobs and opportunity through sister manufacturing company Morfe Windows, or investing in the resurgence of Mountain Pine through investments numbering in the millions, Wiles is success minded and people centered. “I have always wanted to change lives and support my family, and our industry allows me to do this,” he said. Wiles displayed his business savvy in a major way by growing WinChoice from a startup to standout, employing more than 250 people across nine states. The company entered a new chapter in 2025, launching a new brand identity under the WinChoice name and announcing a $3 million expansion project for its manufacturing facility

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

in Mountain Pine. The move is expected to create more than 50 jobs in Garland County. “This expansion is more than just an investment in our facility. It’s an investment in people and in our community,” Wiles told the Arkansas Economic Development Commission at the announcement celebration. “We’re proud to be growing in the same place where [cofounder] Shaun [Keefe] and I started, and we’re excited to continue creating opportunities for our hometown.” Community revitalization is not for the faint of heart. In taking on such a challenge for the long term, Wiles leans constantly on the lessons instilled in him by his father, uncle and mentors. Those pillars of patience, hard work, authenticity and belief are Photo by Chris Davis central to Wiles’ leadership. One cannot lead from fear and emotion, he said, but must create a motivating and disciplined environment from Owner, CEO, WinChoice which to succeed. For Wiles, that success is measured one bettered life at a time. From his first job as a cook at Lake Ouachita State Park to his military service and entrepreneurial journey, a through line emerges at every stage of Wiles’ career. He is a leader, a builder and a rebuilder We’re proud to be — of places and of people. growing in the same “Our local community’s needs are what matplace where [co-foundter to me; we support everything we can here in er] Shaun [Keefe] and Mountain Pine,” Wiles said. “In Garland County we are heavily involved with Make-A-Wish, I started, and we’re Habitat for Humanity, Abilities Unlimited and excited to continue the Jackson House. I love all of our partnerships, creating opportunities but Mountain Pine will always be the dearest in for our hometown. my heart.”

Morgan Wiles

“ 128

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

Transform Your Office with Commercial Shade Solutions

Call Today

501-672-0023 | madeintheshadelr.com MadeintheShadeLR madeintheshadelr

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

Proudly Serving

We serve Little Rock, Sherwood, Maumelle, Benton, Bryant, Little Rock Air Force Base, North Little Rock, Cammack Village! We will bring the showroom to you for a free in-home consultation.

129

D EC E M B E R 2025

SMALL BUSINESS

MADE IN THE

SHADE

By Mary LeSieur | Photos provided by Made in the Shade

ade in the Shade co-owners Ron Carter and Mike Kirby are no strangers to “blinding out the competition” with their at-home approach to sales. Made in the Shade offers everything from custom window treatments to blinds, shades and shutters, and its in-home sales model brings the showroom to a client’s front door. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Kirby sought a company that was both military friendly and an extension of his career in home improvement. He spent more than 20 years flipping homes as a side hustle, and after being introduced to energetic businesswoman Cathy Morse, owner of Made in the Shade, it was a done deal. “I was looking for a franchise a couple of years before I retired,” Kirby said. “I came across Made in the Shade. It was very military friendly, and it fit the kind of model I was looking for.” Made in the Shade has more than 200 franchisees, and the Little Rock location has been one of the franchise’s top five since 2017. Carter brings more than 25 years of experience in design to the outfit, and with an extensive portfolio of house renovations and remodels, the high-end clientele expects perfection in every project. With both installation and design expertise, the dynamic duo and their small team of seven cater to the entire central Arkansas area. “What sets us apart from other companies in Arkansas is we combine installation expertise and design expertise into one package,” Kirby said. “We found that some companies did one of those and some companies did the other, but no one was doing both at the same time. That kind of expertise in installation and inspired design has let us build the business since 2017.” Kirby said the brand is one of the only groups in the state that offer new technologies and that bringing new technologies such as efficient lithium batteries and automatic systems that do not include full-house wiring is one of its many selling points. “One of the things that I found when we started in 2017 was that a lot of people had been doing it for 10 or 20 years, and they were reluctant to embrace the new technologies that have come out since we started,” Kirby said. “For modern homes, the motorization upgrade options have exponentially increased. “Twenty years ago, you had to prewire your house to even have motorized shades, and that was very expensive. It was hard to do, and you couldn’t even do it unless you thought about it in the construction phase. Now we can go into any home and put in these lithium batteries, which you only have to recharge once a year. It has just been a technological advancement that we embraced, while others were scared of that.” Also unique to Made in the Shade is its in-home sales model in which the showroom is brought directly to the client’s home, making the business one of the last few to incorporate this sales method. “We don’t go in and sell; we go in and advise,” Kirby said. “That’s what’s different about our model. It’s really the last bastion of in-home sales. How you treat that person in their home is everything. We don’t pressure

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

13 0

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Made in the Shade’s work covers both inside and outside spaces.

folks. We’re here to help them make the right decision and fulfill our promise in the end. “Our clients are often at the end of a stressful build process. We help them finish strong and feel good about their home. You don’t have to take our word for it; read our reviews. When I say we fulfill our promises, I mean it. This business is really about people. Understanding who you’re talking to and how they make decisions can make all the difference.” Carter said while the installation process is extremely important, the design process is equally important. By carefully listening to the clients and allowing them to guide him through their wants and ideas, he can create a masterpiece. ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

“Usually, when I meet a customer, I just kind of feel them out — how they want to design their home,” Carter said. “I let them guide me on what they’re wanting, but then I’ll tell them what I think would look best.” As Made in the Shade approaches nearly a decade of serving central Arkansas, Kirby and Carter remain dedicated to pairing craftsmanship with care. Their combination of technical precision, creative design and customer connection continues to set them apart in a competitive market. What began as one veteran’s search for a new chapter has grown into a trusted, top-performing franchise built on innovation and genuine care. 13 1

D EC E M B E R 2025

AGRICULTURE

CUTLINE:

Photo by Ryan Parker

Photo provided by Live Healthy Farms

Photo by Ryan Parker

Photo provided by Live Healthy Farms

A Place of

abundance W Couple’s journey to create Live Healthy Farms brings together wellness-focused community

By Sarah DeClerk

When Betty and John Ballard founded Live Healthy Farms in Bonnerdale in 2020, they knew they were not going to do things conventionally. “We wanted to raise our children in a farm setting on land where we don’t have to worry about them going outside to play. They’re just within our gates,” Betty said. “When the livestock came and everything came, we made a decision based on God-given instinct to say we’re not going to do any synthetic inputs and put anything God didn’t design on this land to feed them. They’re thriving, and the ecosystem’s better, and the honeybees came back. It’s just such an encouragement.” The couple’s journey began seven years before purchasing the property in Arkansas, when they decided to buy land on which to raise their future children, Jack, 4, and Sue, 18 months. “Our intention was to go to southern California, buy a yacht in Redondo Beach, live in Texas and kind of rent that California lifestyle, hanging out on the beach, and God’s like, ‘No, you’re going to buy the land,’” John said. “We went on a seven-year journey, and we went all across the country, not knowing exactly what we were looking for.” John stumbled across the idea of regenerative farming while watching The Biggest Little Farm on a flight

13 3

Betty and John Ballard started Live Healthy Farms in Bonnerdale to provide a wholesome life to their children, Jack, 4, and Sue, 18 months. (Photo provided by Live Healthy Farms)

D EC E M B E R 2025

AGRICULTURE

The farm produces beef, milk, eggs, honey and fresh produce while providing a community hub.

Photo by Ryan Parker

Photo provided by Live Healthy Farms

back from a board meeting in California. Although the couple had no agricultural experience, the film gave them an idea of what they did not want — herbicides, pesticides and fungicides — and what they did want — land that became more biodiverse and more rich in nutrients each year. “We had learned enough and studied enough to understand that soil quality, the biodiversity and microorganisms that exist in soil, are critical for soil health and that anything that you grow or anything that eats the forage and any vegetables and fruits that you grow require nutrient-dense soil and quality soil in order to be able to eat it and not have any adverse effects,” John said. “It started with the idea that we’re going to raise a family, and we want to put everything in our bodies that’s as healthy as possible.”

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

Central to that, he added, is avoiding any synthetic products that are potentially disruptive to human health but also rob the soil of beneficial microorganisms and animals such as earthworms. Most importantly to John and Betty, regenerative farming provides them with peace of mind knowing their children are being raised in a healthy environment. “Our children can put their feet in the grass, you know, grounding, without us having to worry about if there’s poison going into their bodies,” Betty said. “Our cows are eating organic forages and a variety of forages that, in turn, are just reflecting in their nutrient density in their meat.” The farm has now grown large enough that the family is able to share the abundance of the land with the community. Healthy Living Farms boasts 100 Angus cows, 10 dairy cows and 100 laying hens, along with bee boxes, an orchard, and a paddock and greenhouse for growing herbs and vegetables. In addition to the 115-acre farm, the couple utilizes 80 acres of neighboring land for cattle rotation. The couple rotates the cattle using techniques designed to mimic the migratory patterns of wild herd animals such as bison. John said he encourages the cattle to “mob, mow and migrate” by moving them between paddocks every day, ensuring a sufficient amount of high-quality forage and cutting down on the risk of parasites and disease. John and Betty recently started moving chickens behind the herd to eat insects that may be attracted to the manure left by the cattle, he said, and the Ballards are also experimenting with raising goats, which eat the plants left behind by the cows. They currently have two Boer goats. “What we find is we’ve really started to change our definition of a weed,” John said. “Most of the time, we think about cattle eat this particular grass or that particular forage, and if they don’t eat it, we call it a weed, but sheep and goats actually thrive on those woody-stemmed and thorny-type weeds, so is it a weed, or is it a forage for animal diversity?” It is all a part of the couple’s overarching philosophy of working in harmony with the world as God designed it. “I think what got put on our heart is to steward this land the way that [God] intended it to be and, every year, to restore and enhance the soil naturally based on the ecosystem he designed without any synthetic inputs,” Betty said. “We’ve not sprayed this land with anything since we’ve owned it.” The land, which John said once looked like a golf course, is becoming more abundant thanks to the couple’s regimen of notill drilling and other regenerative practices. “I don’t remember a honeybee being on the property,” John said. “I couldn’t find an earthworm if I dug into the soil, and now you can go just about anywhere on the property, and there’s honeybees and earthworms and dragonflies and butterflies and so much diversity that really demonstrates the ecosystem is healing.” He said the couple is actively trying to increase all but its Angus herd to maximize the impact the animals can have on the

13 4

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

I think what got put on our heart is to steward this land the way that [God] intended it to be and, every year, to restore and enhance the soil naturally based on the ecosystem he designed without any synthetic inputs. — Betty Ballard, Live Healthy Farms

Photo provided by Live Healthy Farms

Photo by Ryan Parker

The Ballards are committed to operating a regenerative farm with no pesticides, herbicides or fungicides while working to provide the land with more nutrients Photo provided by Live Healthy Farms year after year.

land. In turn, the farm is providing higher quality produce, beef, milk and eggs every year. “Betty asked me, she said, ‘Honey, who eats better than us?’” John said. “This was about a year ago, and I said, ‘Us a year from now.’ That’s going to be true next year because we’re going to get better. We’re going to pivot. We’re going to tweak it. We’re going to do the things necessary to make it the most nutrient-dense, quality food that we can possibly produce. Every year, the land gets better, and, by extension, the food gets better.” For the Ballards, the farm is essential to achieving their wellness goals not only for their children but for John, who, at 56, is keenly interested in longevity. Nutritious meals sourced from the farm or locally coupled with the activity that goes into maintaining the property helps him achieve that. “To waking up with the sun rising over the mountain, shining in our eyes, to working in the sunshine every day to evening walks after dinner as the sun sets, it’s absolutely an incredible blessing for us,” he said. “Being stewards of this land and the abundance that we’ve been given, by extension, we wanted to provide that to the community with whoever wanted to participate.” The couple has partnered with other local growers and artisans to offer goods from Live Healthy Farms and elsewhere at the farm shop, creating a community of like-minded members who are multiplying as more people become aware of the farm. “We’ve really created a little microeconomy at our little tiny, small part of the world that blesses some of the producers and blesses any of the people that come to shop and buy and consume the food,” John said. “It’s a really special thing to think about being able to nourish, we think, not only with food but

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

spiritually and viscerally and just everything that happens on this farm, that it’s a place of healing, a place of wellness, a place of abundance.” The couple also opened an Airbnb on the property, as well as a spa with services provided by Jeanie Zachary, who worked as John’s massage therapist in Texas and followed the couple to Arkansas upon retirement. Whether they are women with hormone imbalances, parents caring for children with autism or adult children caring for elderly parents, most everyone who visits Live Healthy Farms is on some kind of wellness journey, Betty said, and having deep conversations with visitors has become part of the rhythm of farm life. “They come here, and they feel like it’s a safe place and we’re kind of walking the walk, and so they want to confide, and in some cases, we’re really able to help them,” Betty said. “It’s super rewarding for John and I, so we do see this as a ministry.” It is a stark change from the corporate life the couple once had, John said, and somehow, those California vacations do not seem to hold the same appeal they once had — not compared to life on the farm. “Every week, I’m on a plane. I’m flying around the country. Betty’s with me. We’re staying the weekend in L.A. or Miami or New York or Seattle. We are corporate life, conference calls, computers, constantly on the go, and we would go on vacations, and we would go to the beach, and we’d hang out,” John said. “We went this summer. We went to Hermosa back there in California and hung out with some friends. It was fun. It was good, but it doesn’t have that draw anymore. It’s different.”

1 35

D EC E M B E R 2025

AGRICULTURE

CHALLENGES and

Opportunities

AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock lays out a bold agenda By Dwain Hebda

hen Doug Schoenrock talks about the issues facing Arkansas’ outdoors, wild spaces and game, he is not exactly plowing virgin soil. Schoenrock is the 20th director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and much of what he faces in the role he has held since April mirrors that of the other 19 directors who have come before him. What does set him apart from the field is a heretofore corporate career history, which gives him a strong sense of managing outdoor assets as a marketable commodity, and a non-Arkansas lineage, which allows the Tennessee native to assess opportunities and challenges with a fresh set of eyes. In the conclusion of Arkansas Money & Politics’ sit-down with the new director, Schoenrock delves deeper into the specifics of preserving and protecting the woods, water and wildlife that give the Natural State its name.

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

13 6

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Lake Conway

You have credited your work at Ducks Unlimited,from the front lines through the national board, as instrumental in preparing you for this role. How so? A

My formative time spent at DU helped me understand the nexus of conservation, money, animals and people. I learned very quickly that in order to put work on the ground, we had to put money in the bank. Leading that organization, which is about a million members strong, taught me that. Interestingly, the CEO and the whole organization reports to a volunteer president, and I had a volunteer cabinet that was much like our commissioners here at AGFC. I’m now on the staff side, leading a paid staff, and I report to a group of volunteers who are much like I was when I was at DU, so it’s a very unique perspective that gives me a background of understanding both the staff side and the volunteer side of conservation work. I think that is probably what most prepared me for this job. Q

You have talked about rehabbing greentree reservoirs as a priority, which has been a headliner issue for some

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

time. What lesser-known or less-publicized projects are also demanding immediate attention? A

We have some lakes requiring similar attention, old lakes. I’ll bring up one that’s close to everybody’s heart right here in central Arkansas, and that’s Lake Conway. It’s one of the first lakes that Arkansas Game and Fish had. It’s a shallow lake famous for cypress trees and a lot of stumps and structures. If you’ve driven up there, however, it’s nothing but dead trees right now, so we’ve drained it. It’s been drained for the last couple years, and we got a little water in it this spring. We have cut 28 miles of boat lanes on that lake now that are 60 feet wide, where we’ve ground the stumps down to the dirt. We will have telephone poles that will mark all these boat lanes with reflectors on them. We’ve built 90 degree turns so that bass boats don’t get up to 100 to miles an hour and try to make a curve. We started the construction work on the dam where we are replacing the old water control structure, which is basically a spillway. It’ll just be a gravity flow. It won’t have gates that we open or close. We are improving the water control structure middam where we’ll have

1 37

D EC E M B E R 2025

more control over water levels, if needed. This is a five-year project. It’s supposed to be done in 2028, and I think we’ll be done before then. Here again, we have an aging infrastructure that’s probably 80 to 100 years old, and we’re working to restore it to producing the bream and crappie and bass fishing it was once famous for.

with the funding mechanism for the AGFC, and what challenges do you face maximizing the dollars you have?

Regarding the culture of the agency, what do you believe is a more effective operational model: a government agency that works with businesslike efficiency and stewardship of dollars or thinking more entrepreneurially in providing the best water, best woods and best hunting that is closer to how a for-profit company would operate?

A Obviously, we are a government entity, and yet we’re a bit unique in that we’re constitutionally independent. We have the sales tax from Amendment 75 that provides some funding for our organization, a big chunk of it actually. The rest of it is through license sales that we get plus some state and federal grants that we’re able to qualify for, as well. A lot of it is matching money that unleashes federal dollars and state dollars if we can raise the match. I’ve never seen a foundation that is as dedicated to their constituents as the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. It’s phenomenal. Deke [Whitbeck, president] does a wonderful job of running that, and it’s allowed me to engage donors in much the same way I did at DU. As blessed as we are to have that foundation, however, it’s not the catchall for the future that’s going to spin us into continued financial success and more conservation work. We’re trying to determine other ways to raise money so that we can do more work. We are engaging our chiefs and directors right now on additional fundraising ideas that won’t impact the public. We don’t want to take license fees up. We don’t want to create a tax on the citizens of Arkansas to be able to hunt and fish in their homeland. That pearl’s not worth the dive, in my opinion.

Q What feedback have you received from the public while this has been going on? A

Historically, I’m told there has been a lot of consternation among the people about their fishing lake, but the understanding from the folks that fish that lake while this has been going on has been remarkable. AGFC is going to take a science-based approach to management, and that science is sometimes not well understood by the public. I think the key is educating people without being too heavy handed about it. We need to work with the people who are sometimes just frustrated when remediation work thwarts their ability to do what they love. Q

I think it’s a combination of those. What I’ve tried to do here is create a culture of get your work done, be responsible, be accountable. I trust you, and I’ll collaborate with you, but I expect results. If I don’t get those, then we may have to change things. Because we are constitutionally independent, we’re not part of a state payroll system, and so our people are not paid the best compared to other government agencies. That presents challenges to where I’m trying to go with the organization. We’re looking at ways to get more done with what we have, creating processes that keep things from being on a list for 10 years by using project-management-type software to maximize workflow. We’re engaging some of those tools now. At the same time, I’ve encouraged our people here that if you have time [off] to take your time. A person who has a better home and private life will be a better employee. They’ll come to work with a pep in their step, and they’ll be able to encounter challenges with patience and with sound reasoning as opposed to knee-jerk reactions. That’s how I’ve tried to lead. Q

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

Of course, all of this requires money. Are you satisfied

How has the mission changed insofar as appealing to audiences that did not grow up in the outdoors the way previous generations did? How do you not only provide the outdoor amenities but sell a generation on using them? A I call it the Lost Generation, which I believe is the parents, not necessarily the kids. The kids are doing what their parents teach them to do or allow them to do. Because parents are not engaged, it means their kids may not be engaged. We’re trying to reach those kids. Back on June 6, the governor unveiled a conservation education outreach program that we’re piloting in the state of Arkansas. Quite frankly, the goal is to make Arkansas the No. 1 state in the nation in conservation education. Our goal was 30 schools in this program, and we had 64 signed up for it this fall. This is a K-12 curriculum that’s both indoor and outdoor training on conservation topics. We feel this is going to put Arkansas on the map in conservation and help us address that lost generation. We’re doing our best to put Arkansas at the forefront of outdoor recreation and outdoor leadership and outdoor education.

13 8

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

SUBSCRIBE TO AMP Our mission is to provide the most relevant information in the world of business and politics. Go to armoneyandpolitics.com and click on the subscribe tab.

Only $30 a year! DECEMB

eyandpo

4/armon

ER 202

litics.com

SEPTEMB

ER 2025

/armoney andpolitic

s.com

Congratulations Scott W. Daniel

on being recognized again!

AMP Top Advisor in 2023, 2024 & 2025

e h t Me

eEtCTThe T I H C R A New Boss

x ATING 10

YEARS

amp

CELEBR

Arkansas

Money

& Politics

Your financial path deserves professional navigation

guiding Horn on atus Dave Vaneball to elite st JAY BRO Hogs bas G REINS AT DON TAKES THE SIMMON S BANK Energy turing |

nufac INSIDE: Bank $10 USD ing | Finan omen | Ma ce | Achie vers in Th eir

rW TOPINSIDE: Powe TEN

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

“Its What We Do”

wealthpath.net

Forties $10 USD

501-671-6690 2228 Cottondale Lane, Little Rock

Advisory services offered by World Investment Advisors, LLC. Securities offered by St. Bernard Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA & SIPC. World Investment Advisors, LLC is affiliated through common ownership with World Investments, LLC. St. Bernard Financial Services, Inc. is not an affiliated entity of World Investment Advisors, LLC or World Investments, LLC. A comprehensive list is then compiled, consisting of influential individuals who have significantly impacted their respective fields. That list is then presented to a board of past influencers chosen to determine the new class. It is a rigorous and thorough process that ensures that only the most deserving individuals receive this esteemed recognition. 1 39

D EC E M B E R 2025

SPORTS

Can’t Always Get What You Want But Hogs may have gotten that which they need in Silverfield

By Mark Carter / Photos and images provided by Arkansas Athletics

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

140

ARMON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

he wave of Battered Hog Syndrome that began to crest over the state on the morning of Nov. 30 once Memphis’ Ryan Silverfield was reported to be “the guy” quickly gave way to its dangerous cousin, Hog Derangement Syndrome. After months of speculation that all but teased Nick Saban and Brink’s trucks full of cash backing up to the Fred Smith Center — or at least a Matt Campbell and a wink and a nod from a Walton — Hog fans on that Sunday morning were blindsided by national reports of Silverfield to Fayetteville. After a leaked report a few days earlier had indicated the job was South Florida coach Alex Golesh’s to turn down, Silverfield was not what Hog fans were expecting. No “home run” hire. No Saban. No Campbell. No Dilly, Gruden, Morris or Sumrall. And no Russian boar. As Trey Biddy so aptly put it, Hog fans needed what felt like a win with this coaching search. But to borrow a line from a certain English octogenarian, you can’t always get what you want. Sometimes, however, you get what you need. Even Hog fans. Silverfield was not yet 24 hours into the job before the university announced the flipping of a few in-state four-stars to the Hogs. Suddenly — somehow — the program seemed to be back in Uncle Mo’s good graces, even as Hog Derangement Syndrome was beginning to set in. A dangerous affliction, HDS manifests itself in unrealistic expectations followed by declarations of title runs — ultimately, of course, leading to fits of rage and bemusement. (HDS and BHS do share some similarities, after all.) Full-on HDS may represent a premature diagnosis, but given the initial online reaction to Silverfield’s hire, aligned more with frustration over AD Hunter Yurachek than Silverfield himself, the new head Hog made a good first impression. Closing those flips his first day on the job was a significant start. Given the temperature of the room, Yurachek was smart to push Silverfield’s intro presser to the following Thursday. It gave the energetic new head Hog time ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

Ryan Silverfield and Hunter Yurachek at the December intro presser. (YouTube)

to finish off the first round of the recruiting class (the portal window representing Round 2) and let Hog fans absorb the hire. Two months is a long time in the life of a coaching search, and Yurachek kept this one close to the vest. The only drawback was that many Hog fans took the silence to mean there was a Gruden on the line. Silverfield, of course, is likely a much better long-term investment. He was 50-25

over almost seven full seasons at Memphis, after all, and his name had been included among the cadre of hot G5 coaching names. Following Indiana’s model of taking a chance on a successful G5 coach seems to be catching on: Silverfield to Arkansas, Tulane’s Jon Sumrall to Florida, James Madison’s Bob Chesney to UCLA, Eric Morris of North Texas to Oklahoma State and, of course, USF’s Golesh to the Plains.

2026 ARKANSAS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

— FBSschedules.com

1 41

D EC E M B E R 2025

SPORTS Investment was a theme of the Silverfield presser. Yurachek revealed that increased commitments specifically to the football program were coming from the University of Arkansas System board, from the university itself, the athletics department (which will adopt some money-saving processes) and top donors. For obvious reasons, he could not divulge a monetary figure, but he did say outright that what was on its way for football would place Arkansas in the top half of the SEC. (He also said Arkansas did not have to beat the very top financially to compete. We’ll see.) There may not be a “Chicken Man,” aka John Tyson, for football, but there may be a group of Chicken Littles in this case. Yurachek noted at the presser that he received a seven-figure commitment from a donor after Silverfield spent a few minutes with him in his box at Bud Walton Arena during the Arkansas-Louisville basketball game. Asked about tangible evidence of that commitment to pump more money into the program, Silverfield said his staff hires and portal haul would represent the proof in the pudding. Silverfield was known to oversee one of G5’s top NIL budgets at Memphis (FedEx), so one can assume he would not have accepted the job if there were any doubts the money would be there. Silverfield pulled another gem out of his hat, announcing at the intro presser that Hog stalwarts Quincy Rhodes Jr. and

KJ Jackson would be returning. Rhodes is the disruptive defensive end who climbed NFL draft boards this year, and Jackson is the sophomore QB who ended up starting ahead of veteran Taylen Green by the end of the year. Both were among the players Hog fans most wanted to see run it back in cardinal red next season. The takeaways? There are several worth noting. It seems apparent that Silverfield has essentially been “on the job” for a while. You don’t flip recruits so effectively in a single day, do you? (And it might help par-

tially explain why 8-4 Memphis lost four of its last six and its final three regularseason games.) Throughout his initial interview tour the Monday and Tuesday after he was hired (The Hog Pod, The Razorback Daily, Chuck & Bo Show, The Buzz’s Morning Mayhem and Jim Rome, among others), Silverfield stressed that he always had his eye on the Arkansas job and had turned down other head coaching offers this cycle. I believe his long tenure in Memphis helped him not only develop good relationships with Arkansas high school coaches but

The Hogs got a taste of their future coach this fall in Memphis.

THE SILVERFIELD FILE

2000 Hampden-Sydney (OA)

1999 Bolles School, Jacksonville (assistant)

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

2001-02 Hampden-Sydney (student assistant)

2003 Hampden-Sydney (TE coach)

2005 Jacksonville U. (QB coach)

2004 Memorial Day HS, Savannah (HC)

142

2008 Minnesota Vikings (OQC)

2006-07 UCF (GA)

ARMON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Silverfield is the 35th head football coach at Arkansas.

recognize the potential brewing under the surface in Fayetteville. Yurachek graduated from Guilford College in North Carolina, where he played basketball. An NCAA Division III school, Guilford is a member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Know what other school is a member? None other than Silverfield’s alma mater, Hampden-Sydney. I think this helped form a connection, and Yurachek admitted as much at the press conference. Cal gave his seal of approval after checking in with his old Memphis peeps, and the

2011–13 Minnesota Vikings (assistant OL)

2009-10 Minnesota Vikings (DL staff assistant)

ARM O NE YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

importance likely cannot be understated. Silverfield promises a quick fix, and, in this day and age, they are possible. It is still a long road to the 2026 opener on Sept. 5 in Fayetteville against North Alabama, and a typical SEC gauntlet awaits beyond that, but the new Boss Hog is off to a good start. He genuinely seems to want the job. Even with a quasi-reboot, Arkansas football will still be playing catch-up to the Alabamas and Georgias of the world. Unless Tom and Steuart Walton decide to equate Hog football with mountain

2015 Arizona State (offensive assistant)

2014 Toledo (offensive consultant)

2016 Memphis (OL coach)

2015 Detroit Lions (assistant OL)

bike trails in Bentonville, Arkansas likely will never be able to outspend the current bluebloods. Perhaps now, though, Arkansas is in the neighborhood, and once you get in striking distance, all bets are off. Arkansas has an experienced, young coach (45 is young to some of us) whose teams were known for playing hard and who apparently can fundraise with the best of ‘em. Followers of Arkansas football these days don’t get what they want very often, but sometimes — someway, somehow — even Hog fans get what they need.

2019 Memphis (AHC/RGC/OL)

2017–18 Memphis (RGC/OL)

2026–? Arkansas (HC)

2020–25 Memphis (HC)

Overall college head coaching record 50–25 (all at Memphis), 4-1 in bowls 143

D EC E M B E R 2025

SPORTS

the

Real

UA hockey player J.D. Duenwald

Thing

Arkansas Razorbacks hockey club is your favorite team you’ve never heard of

By Doug Crise | Photos by Gabby Woodie

he members of the Arkansas Razorbacks club hockey team all fear the same opponent. Missouri? Ole Miss? Oklahoma State? Not them. Tooth-loosening checks from hulking defenders? Not a problem. No, the Fayetteville team’s most fearsome foe comes in disguise. It comes in the form of dark bedrooms, fluffy pillows and warm blankets. Its voice is the sound of alarms set for feloniously early hours with the sun still a good four hours away. It whispers gently: “Just close your eyes. Curl up. Stay warm. Give yourself a couple more hours. Everyone else gets to.” “My sophomore year, I had practice and had to be there at 4:30 a.m.,” said Brian Romero, a fifth-year senior defenseman from Frisco, Texas. “I’d get out of practice at 8 in the morning, and I’d have a lecture at 8:50.” Romero’s major, incidentally, is biomedical engineering. “Yeah,” Romero said, “and the urge to sleep through that is so high. We’ve had players drop because they fall asleep during the day.” The Razorbacks stretch the word “club” to its absolute limits — for all involved, it is deadly serious. There are red-eye practices while most sane people are asleep (more on that in a bit). There are 10-hour bus trips to such stunning locales as Hammond, Indiana. There is fierce recruiting done by coaches making part-time stipends. None of it is for dilettantes. These are not glorified intramurals. A student with no background thinking, “Hockey — that sounds like fun,” is in for an icycold shock. While Texas is the Hogs’ recruiting base, the Razorbacks’ roster is dotted with players from far-off hockey strongholds such as Illinois, Michigan and Maine. Every player has previously played for high-level youth and junior teams, and some are transfers from other college hockey programs.

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

There are no players from Arkansas, and there likely will not be. The youth-tocollege infrastructure does not exist, and places to skate are few and far between. Yet Razorbacks hockey matters. On a Saturday afternoon at Springdale’s Jones Center, Arkansas’ home rink, the Hogs are dismantling rival Ole Miss 8-3 before a full house. Fans are sporting either Razorback red or NHL hockey jerseys, and they remain loud and active for a game that is essentially over by the second period. Because the Jones Center’s bleachers are only on one side of the ice, others stand along the boards, peering through the protective plexiglass. Others still camp out on the Jones Center’s second floor, looking through windows. It matters, maybe more than ever. As college sports get turned inside-out by unlimited transfers, player payments and revenue sharing, a word like “purity” can induce eye-rolls. Even nonscholarship

athletic programs such as those at Hendrix College in Conway, Lyon College in Batesville and the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville compete with full NCAA membership and operate under the umbrella — and funding — of an athletic department. Arkansas hockey is college athletics pushed through the looking glass. Scholarships? Razorbacks players pay for club membership. Facilities? It is about a halfhour drive from the UA campus to the Jones Center, and due to class schedules and ice-skating Jones Center patrons, practices are often held after midnight. Strength training? The Hogs are still searching for a permanent place to lift weights. Yet the Razorbacks win. Boy, do they win. During a particular stretch from 2019 to 2023, Arkansas went 108-14 as a member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association, collegiate club hockey’s governing body. Nine times since 2009,

Nine times since 2009, the Hogs have appeared in the ACHA national tournament, advancing to the semifinals twice.

1 45

D EC E M B E R 2025

SPORTS

“It’s important to me to make sure with what we do we’re not burning guys out on hockey. I don’t want anyone else to fall out of love with this game.” — Coach Keller Sims

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

the Hogs have appeared in the ACHA national tournament, advancing to the semifinals twice. The man responsible for much of this is Keller Sims, the club’s director of hockey operations and head coach of Arkansas’ Division II team. (Club hockey teams are classified as Division I, Division II or Division III, and a club can field multiple teams.) Much like his players, Sims is understandably bleary eyed, working full time as a doctor of physical therapy when he is not running witching-hour practices at the Jones Center or riding the team bus to locations across the country. “I’m doing something for hockey every day,” said Sims, who also has a wife and three children at home, “and if we don’t have anything going on, I’m watching our film or our opponent’s film or recruiting or doing any of the league stuff that I’ve been required to do. It’s 12 months out of the year donating time to the program.” Sims maintains his full-throttle schedule for one reason — his heart beats for hockey and for the University of Arkansas. Sims grew up in the Dallas area and attended Arkansas from 2009 to 2013, but a nagging hip injury limited his time on the ice. By his own admission, the experience left him “bitter,” and he returned to Texas after graduating. When hockey season rolled around, Sims’ television stayed off, and he passed on the numerous men’s leagues in his area. He was done. “My former teammates pulled me in,” Sims said. “I kind of fell in love with the sport again. It’s important to me to make sure with what we do we’re not burning guys out on hockey. I don’t want anyone else to fall out of love with this game.” Sims does his best, but the schedule is what it is and the demands are what they are. The Razorbacks get started in September and can play through March if they reach the ACHA postseason, which tends to happen more often than not. Once that is over, Sims hits the road, scoping out junior prospects at hockey showcases across the country. Sims, understandably, has to be up

146

front in his recruiting pitch: “We don’t have scholarships.” “The travel is intense.” “We practice when we can.” Instead, Sims pushes the idea of relationships between teammates. The Razorbacks are not exactly insular — they function as regular college students. Yet the team shares an almost magnetic bond, the way groups in unfamiliar situations tend to do. Nobody else on the Fayetteville campus is likely to be driving to Springdale for a postmidnight skate, after all. Nobody else knows how it feels to pull into the Jones Center at 3 a.m. after a road trip and lug hockey equipment off the bus. Fan interest in the club has grown over the years, a result of Sims’ relentless promotion and the players’ down-to-earth personalities, but the Razorbacks practice together, travel together, watch hockey together and party together — though given their schedule, the partying tends to be fairly tame. “My network here, it starts with just the hockey team,” said forward Sabre Koleber, a Clarkston, Michigan, product classified as a 21-year-old freshman due to his post-high school run with the Philadelphia Little Flyers of the junior-

Arkansas’ recruiting base is Texas, but the Hogs pull in players from all over.

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

With growing fan support and postseason runs, the Razorback hockey club has grown into one of the best of its kind in the country.

focused Eastern Hockey League. “That’s all I had coming here. I didn’t know a single person outside of that.” For the uninitiated, the life of a young hockey player can seem bizarre, since it is not uncommon for players to start in junior leagues that will trade and cut players just like their professional counterparts. When they arrive on campus, many of the Razorbacks are already well versed in making friends in an unfamiliar locker room. “Hockey guys always get along just fine,” Koleber said. Hockey guys also seem to like nonhockey places just fine. Koleber and other Razorbacks have had opportunities to play at the NCAA level, but the idea of living the life of a student at a large university with mild winters has

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

its pull, and both Sims and his players know how to sell it. “We want to have kids who come here and experience the SEC way of life,” Romero said. “You can be in a frat, you can experience really big SEC football games.” And you can win. “A lot of people go, ‘We have a hockey team?’” Romero said. “It’s like, yeah, we’ve had a hockey team for a long time. They ask, ‘Are we any good?’ and it’s funny because the last six years, we’ve been really good. We’re always trying to market our stuff, whether that’s helping out the community, being gentlemen of the sport or also just winning games.” Nothing lasts forever. Romero only has months left in his collegiate hockey career. Sims can see the end — “I am going to have to step out of a coaching role

147

at some point,” he said — but he still plans to stay in an operational role for as long as possible. The club is set to remain — not as a novelty or a quirk or a recreational pursuit but as a highly competitive, bloodand-sweat experience that starts in the predawn hours and ends in the latest of nights. More players will come from all over the country, and they will work and bond and toil and win. They will find their way to class and prop their eyes open if they have to. Authenticity in college sports still exists, and it wears an Arkansas hockey jersey. “You’re coming here to get a degree, and you’re coming here to try to win as a Razorback,” Sims said. “I think that helps us a lot, for guys to know we’re becoming part of something.”

D EC E M B E R 2025

DIGS OF THE DEAL

the Grandpappy of

Corn Coms

Lum and Abner Museum and Jot ‘Em Down Store commemorate radio history in Pine Ridge By Sarah DeClerk Photos provided by the National Lum and Abner Society DEC E M BER 2 02 5

148

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

The Jot ‘Em Down Store and Lum and Abner Museum in Pine Ridge.

efore there were The Beverly Hillbillies, The Andy Griffith Show and Green Acres, there was Lum and Abner. Set in the then-fictional town of Pine Ridge, Arkansas, the radio sitcom chronicled the adventures of two friends who ran a rural general store and served as the blueprint for the so-called “corn coms” of the 1960s. During its run from the 1930s to the 1950s, Lum and Abner entertained fans across the United States and abroad throughout the Great Depression and World War II while introducing audiences to the characters and dialects of rural Arkansas. “It would have conflict. It would have mystery.

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

It would have drama. It would have comedy,” said Donnie Pitchford, president of the National Lum and Abner Society. Chet Lauck an d Tuffy Goff, ak a “It was just a Lum and Abn er blend of human emotions and human characters that were exaggerated. They were exaggerated, but they were also very downhome, human characters and very easy to love.”

149

D EC E M B E R 2025

DIGS OF THE DEAL

The announcer said, ‘How do I introduce you? What’s the name of your act?’ and they just came up with the names Lum and Abner and went on the air. —Donnie Pitchford

National Lum and Abner Society

The voice actors behind Lum and Abner, Chester “Chet” Lauck and Findley Norris “Tuffy” Goff, were childhood friends growing up in Mena. The two made deliveries for Goff’s father’s wholesale business, a pastime that put them in touch with a number of general stores. One such store, owned by Dick Huddleston in Waters, became the inspiration for the Jot ‘Em Down General Store featured in the radio program. “The way I hear the story is that’s where they started getting ideas,” Pitchford said. “They were storing up ideas about the people they met and the way they spoke and the expressions they used, and they would hang around these stores and listen to the older guys tell stories and jokes.” The two began performing comedy routines at the local Lions Club and elsewhere. During a performance at a flood relief benefit, Pitchford said, Huddleston suggested to a local radio station owner that they perform on air. The duo ended up trying out their act at KTHS in Hot Springs. “The announcer said, ‘How do I introduce you?

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

150

What’s the name of your act?’ and they just came up with the names Lum and Abner and went on the air,” Pitchford said. “Everybody liked it, and they said, ‘Why don’t you guys come back next week?’” After occupying a weekly spot at KTHS, Lauck and Goff auditioned in Chicago, and Lum and Abner became a nationally syndicated program. The show was incredibly popular, and, in 1936, Huddleston spearheaded an effort to change the name of Waters to Pine Ridge. Pitchford said the town celebrated the renaming with a parade at the state Capitol in Little Rock highlighted by Lauck, Goff and Huddleston. “Chet Lauck always said it took an act of Congress,” Pitchford added. “I don’t know what that meant, but I’m sure it had to go through the state government somehow to get the name of the post office changed.” As television became more popular, Lum and Abner shot multiple pilots that never gained traction. Goff’s health began to decline, and the radio program went off the air for a brief period in the early 1950s before ending for good in 1954. The boys went for one last hurrah though. They traveled to Yugoslavia to shoot three pilots for a television series about Lum and Abner winning a trip to Europe. The production was rough on the actors. “They told the story one time that they were shooting in this historic old castle, and the drawbridge wouldn’t go back down. They were trapped in there overnight. It was freezing cold, and they were having to sleep there,” Pitchford said. “They finished shooting for the night, and Tuffy Goff said to Chet, ‘Why don’t we quit this business?’ and Chet said, ‘Let me think about it.’ The next morning, he said OK.” That pilot never sold, either, but the footage was made into a feature film called Lum and Abner Abroad. Another pilot was later shot with different actors, and there was also an attempt to create a Lum and Abner cartoon. Today, Pitchford writes a Lum and Abner comic strip, and he also provides an audio version of every comic strip, which he said has a large audience among people who are blind. “I keep it going because I have an audience,” he said. “I’m not getting wealthy off it, obviously, but I have a lot of people, and a lot of them are far younger than I am. You know, I’ve had readers in their 20s and 30s

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

even, and I’ve tried to involve young people in the production of it.” Huddleston eventually acquired a neighboring property originally owned by the McKinzie family. His daughter, Ethel Huddleston Graham, kept the store open after his death in 1963. “There was a postcard they used to sell that has Chet Lauck with one foot on one step, and he’s waving, and I think it still says ‘Dick Huddleston General Store,’ but Dick would always say ‘Dick Huddleston of Lum and Abner,’” Pitchford said. “He had that on his sign on top of the store, so he was quite proud of that and promoted that quite a bit.” Ralph and Dorothy McClure bought the store in 1969. According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, Graham gave the McKinzie building to the couple as a Christmas gift, and the new owners joined the building to the shop and christened it the Lum & Abner Museum. Inside was an assortment of Lum and Abner memorabilia and souvenirs, along with relics of early 20th century country life. Lon and Kathy Stucker bought the buildings in 1979, and the Lum & Abner Jot ‘Em Down Store and Museum were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Lum and Abner is also remembered at the yearly Lum and Abner Festival in Mena. In addition, the National Lum and Abner Society, which Pitchford co-founded in 1984, hosted a convention in Mena from 1985 to 2005. “Anybody we could find that was still living that was connected to Lum and Abner who could travel and who was willing, we brought them into Mena, and they would be our guest that particular year,” Pitchford said. “We would do a tribute to them, and sometimes we would do radio script recreations, or we would write our own scripts and perform for the people.” He added that he visited the store and museum often to chat with Graham and the Stuckers. He invited long-time curator Kathy Stucker to record an interview during the 90th anniversary celebration of Lum and Abner in 2021. In 2023, the Stuckers posted on Facebook that the store and museum were closed due to the owners’ age and failing health. The buildings were put up for sale, but they were pulled off the market after Kathy’s death earlier this year. Lon could not be reached for this article. Arkansas Money & Politics could not find any plans for the future of the buildings at this time. “The Huddleston and McKinzie stores represent

ARM O N E YA ND P O L I T I C S .COM

The Jot ‘Em Down Store brought national attention to Arkansas; Hauck and Goff in character.

not only typical country trade centers but also the great impact of the radio antics of Chet [Lauck] and Norris Goff — known throughout the country as ‘Lum and Abner,’” the NRHP nomination reads. “The stories and anticondes the two regaled radio listeners and moviegoers with throughout the 1930s were collected from friends they had grown up with in the Polk and Montgomery county area.”

151

D EC E M B E R 2025

LAST WORD

I AM BOBBY PETRINO, AND CHANCES ARE YOU ARE TOO

By Doug Crise

here are plenty of days when I don’t like myself. Days where my tongue is too sharp, my judgment too keen and my patience running three quarters low. Days where I fume at others for having the gall to slow me down with their own issues and peculiarities. Days when I push my selfishness on those I love particularly because they’re the people I love. I’m probably a lot like you. This isn’t the stuff we talk about. Especially not today, not here in 2025, when we can perfectly curate the image we show the world. We can be good spouses and good parents, we can be killing it at work, and we can always hit the gym with regularity. All it takes is a few pictures and a few clicks, and if the demands of crafting the perfect image leads to a few sleepless nights, why, we can just airbrush those bags right out from under our eyes. Fourteen years ago, as head coach of the Arkansas football program, Bobby Petrino committed sins that couldn’t be airbrushed away. And, as his unlikely redemption arc as interim head coach for the Razorbacks ends, I’m going to miss the hell out of him. Petrino was pried open for all of Arkansas to see. An entire state knows the story by heart. Four years after starting a giddy run in Fayetteville that brought the Razorbacks football program to heights never before seen in SEC competition, Petrino cut his own legs out from under him in the most public of fashions — adultery, professional malfeasance, lies and a neck brace. I’m thrilled that certain skeletons will remain in my closet, but Petrino never had the luxury of storing his shame. In every stop made en route to his improbable full-circle return to Fayetteville, Petrino had to answer for his worst moment as a man not just with the media but surely in every job interview he has had or ever will have. You want to talk about courage? Petrino didn’t exactly flee under the cover of darkness. Considered momentarily toxic even by the win-at-all-costs ethos of Division I college football, Petrino’s immediate post-Razorbacks life consisted of sharing a house with his wife, Becky, and performing triage on a broken marriage. Imagine that for a moment. No team to coach, nothing to lose yourself in, just day after day of telling hard truths and asking forgiveness of the person you hurt the most. No promise of ever coaching again. I have tried to imagine what those raw and real weeks and months were like for Petrino, and it is hard. Coaching can be the noblest of professions, but it is also filled to the brim with scrubbed-and-polished go-getters with meticulously crafted public images. They arrive with hardly a hair out

DEC E M BER 2 02 5

of place, speaking in platitudes about hard work and victories ahead. But we’re missing something if we don’t recognize and embrace the inevitable self-inflicted scars and punctures that come with life. I’m glad time has healed the wounds left between Petrino and the Arkansas fan base 14 years ago, and I hope he is welcomed at the next stop on his journey. He deserves all this and more — not because of his X’s and O’s acumen but because of his example. Because he was stupid and selfish and awful, just like we are. Be-

cause he reminds us that we are rarely the sum of what we show the world. Like many of us, I will end today thinking about where I erred. Where I was too brusque, too self-absorbed and just plain too much. Could I have been kinder? More patient? More generous? I’ll go to bed with guilt and shame over what happened today and what happened years ago, and I’ll wake up tomorrow with my teeth bared against every bit of that shame and regret, determined to be just a little bit of a better version of myself. Because the alternative is awful. Even if we lose all we value to our own hand, we get to move forward. It may be all we’ve got some days, but string enough of those days together, and there’s no telling how far it can take you. Bobby Petrino woke up the next morning, and he moved forward. May we all be so brave.

152

ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM

Thank You for Voting Us the Best Retirement Community and Best Independent Living in the State! Life is just different at Parkway Village. On our lush, 87-acre campus, you’ll discover an engaging lifestyle, a true sense of belonging, and a dedicated team that always gives their best. At Parkway, we don’t do anything part way. Call 501-202-1600 to learn more about life at Parkway Village. It’s the best decision you’ll ever make.

parkwayvillagear.com

Conway Regional Therapy Services blends access and excellence to support confident movement, meaningful recovery, and a personalized path to healing. Our therapists create individualized plans that integrate hands-on expertise with compassionate guidance. Conway Regional. Curated Care.