Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 1

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Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 1 2 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 3 4 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 Table of Contents Our Leadership...... 6 - 7 Arkansas State Governmental Affairs...... 8 - 15 Chamber of Commerce/ Events / Outreach / Initiatives...... 16 - 21 Associated Industries Manufacturing/Industry/Workforce Development...... 22 - 25 of Arkansas Committees...... 26 - 27 Marketing / Sales / Outreach...... 28 - 31 1200 West Capitol Ave. Leadership Arkansas...... 32 - 35 P.O. Box 3645 Pinnacle Program Members...... 36 - 37 Little Rock, AR 72203 New Members...... 38 Phone: 501-372-2222 Thanks to Our Sponsors...... 39 Fax: 501-372-2722 Statewide Programs...... 40 - 41 www.arkansasstatechamber.com

State Chamber/AIA Staff

Randy Zook Kenneth R. Hall, J.D. Susie Marks, CCE President & CEO Executive Vice President Senior Vice President - Programs

Angela DeLille Andrew Parker Jeff Thatcher Deb Mathis Director of Governmental Affairs Director of Governmental Affairs Director of Communications Manager, Scheduling & Events

Bill Watson Marcus Turley Sue Weatter Carol Mugerditchian Sales Representative Membership Development Executive Director, Arkansas Institute Administrative Assistant Representative for Performance Excellence

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 5 Oe ur Lead rship

E xecutive Committee State Chamber of Commerce Officers Associated Industries of Arkansas Officers

Chairman of the Board: Vice Chairman: Chairman of the Board: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Mike Callan Gary Head Steve M. Cousins Russell Bragg Haskell L. Dickinson Arkansas Oklahoma Signature Bank Lion Oil Company OK Industries Inc. McGeorge Gas Corporation of Arkansas Contracting Company Inc.

Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Past Chairman Gerard Dehrmann Troy Keeping Ken Kimbro Bill J. Reed of the Board: Walmart Stores Inc. Southland Park Tyson Foods, Inc. Riceland Foods Inc. Bill Hannah Gaming & Racing Nabholz Construction Corporation

Past Chairman of the Board: Ray Dillon Deltic Timber Corporation Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Hugh McDonald George Wheatley Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Waste Management of Arkansas

Treasurer Ex-Officio: Ex-Officio: State Chamber/AIA: Raymond M. Burns Bob Lamb Past Chairman of the Board: Past Chairman of the Board: David Bartlett Rogers-Lowell Bob Lamb Ed Drilling Randy Wilbourn Simmons First Area Chamber Consultant AT&T Arkansas Martin-Wilbourn Partners LLC National Corporation of Commerce

6 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 2014 State Chamber Board 2014 AIA Board

Richard Arnold Hank Henderson Jeff Standridge Lester Allen Albert King Colin Sterling Conway Corporation America’s Car-Mart, Inc. Acxiom Corporation CINTAS Lennox International Lockheed Martin David Avery Tom Hopper F.S. Stroope Benny Baker Robert E. Langston Missiles & Fire Control Windstream Crafton Tull Inc. Boat World Inc. International Paper Langston Companies Inc. Jimmy Swain Rodney Baker Dick Horne Dan Sullivan Container Division Craig Lichty Bryce Corporation AR Farm Bureau American Insurance Acadia Health Scotty Bell Evergreen Packaging Co. James D. Walcott Federation Association Care Arkansas Virco Manufacturing W. Scott McGeorge Weldon Williams Gary Beasley Richard Hudson Frank Thomas Corporation Pine Bluff Sand & Lick Inc. E.C. Barton & Company University of Arkansas Stephens Inc. Jack Bergeron & Gravel Company Kevin Ward F.M. “Mac” Bellingrath Eric Jackson Van Tilbury Southwestern Energy George Moschner Kimberly-Clark B3 Properties Inc. Oaklawn Jockey Club East-Harding Company Baldor Electric Company Corporation Paul Beran Benny M. Koontz Construction Patty Cardin Neal Munro Tammy Waters University of Arkansas - Koontz Electric Sam Walls Great Lakes Solutions - Addison Shoe/NMF, Inc. Domtar A Chemtura Business Fort Smith Company Inc. The Arkansas Capital David Oakes Matt Williams Don Bobbitt Jack Lassiter Corporation Group Samuel E. Commella American Greetings Weyerhaeuser University of Arkansas University of Arkansas Mark White Nucor Corporation Company System at Monticello Arkansas Blue Cross Thomas Ethridge John Parke Austin Powder Company Tad Bohannon Mike Malone and Blue Shield Democrat Printing AIA Lifetime Wright Lindsey NWA Council Don Wilborne Mark J. Feldman & Lithographing Co. Board Members & Jennings LLP Charles Mazander Staley Inc. Flexsteel Industries Inc. Leah Peterson Robert C. Brown Mazander Engineered Gordon Wilbourn Richard Flynt Ozark Mountain Bert Parke Arkansas Tech University Equipment Kutak Rock LLP Bryce Corporation Poultry, Inc. Democrat Printing & Lithographing Co. Walter Bryant Venita McCellon-Allen Cole Williamson Kyle Gaither Luis Planas CenterPoint Energy AEP Southwestern American Data Network FutureFuel Chemical Dassault Falcon Dan Woods Timex (Retired) James W. Carr Electric Power Company Larry Wilson Company Jet Corp. Harding University Mike McFarland First Arkansas Bank Dave Gehle Paul Rich Albert Yarnell Ed Choate Arvest Bank & Trust Gar-Bro Manufacturing Aerojet Rocketdyne Yarnell Ice Cream Company Delta Dental David Moore Company Dave Ring of Arkansas Inc. Farm Bureau Mutual ASCC Lifetime Danny Glass American Greetings Mel Coleman Insurance Company Board Members Firestone Building Corporation North Arkansas of Arkansas, Inc. Products Company Jason Risner Oral Edwards Electric Cooperative Michael S. Moore Leon Hall Alliance Rubber GES INC./Food Giant Steven Collier Friday Eldredge Timex Corporation Company Bob Lamb ARcare & Clark LLP Melissa Hanesworth Paul Rivera Bob Lamb Consultant Roger Collins Rick Morgan Pernod Ricard-USA Caterpillar Inc. Harps Food Stores, Inc. State Farm Insurance Ex-Officio Board Chris Hart Thomas Schueck Karl Connor Jose Oakley Members Central Moloney Inc. Lexicon Inc. BP America, Inc. Isle of Capri Casino Dan Haygood Melissa Smith John Cooper Steve Patterson Marvin Childers Arkansas Steel McKee Foods Cooper Arkansas Advanced The Poultry Federation Associates Corporation Communities Inc. Energy Association Jim Davis Trish Henry Tommy Smith Rich Davis Leon Philpot Georgia-Pacific Russellville Steel Clearwater Paper SourceGas Arkansas Inc. Rich Mountain Electric Tom Kennedy Company Inc. Corporation Cooperative Inc. Carlton Davis Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Randy Hopper Warren Bank Len Pitcock Kurt Knickrehm Ranger Boats LLC & Trust Company Cox Communications Regions Insurance Graham Huff John Dreher Dan Rahn Max Koonce Martin Sprocket CenturyLink UAMS Walmart Stores Inc-CMI & Gear Inc. Steve Edwards Rob Ratley Paul Means W. Kent Ingram GES Inc./Food Giant OG+E Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Razorback Concrete Company Inc. Robert Evans MaryJane Rebick Andy Miller Gary Kaiser ASU CSA Copy Systems Southwestern Energy Georgia-Pacific Corp. Danny Games John Rudolfs Company BHP Billiton Petroleum Murphy USA Gary Newton Ron Keeneth Reynie Rutledge Arkansas Learns Bridgestone Americas Grady E. Harvell Tube Business AFCO Steel, LLC First Security Bank Michael O. Parker Carrie Helm Michael Shelley Dover Dixon Arkansas Surgical U.S. Bank Horne PLLC Hospital Sam Sicard Archie Schaffer III First National Bank Tyson Foods, Inc. of Fort Smith Robert D. Smith Dennis Smiley Robert D. Smith, III Arvest Bank Lynn Tatum Tyson Foods, Inc.

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 7 GoVeRnMenTAl AffAIRS business 101 for Arkansas legislators unveiled in January The State Chamber/AIA presented the first- ever Business 101 for all Arkansas legislators in early January at the AT&T Arkansas Building in Little Rock. Business 101 was an unbiased learning opportunity for new and returning legislators with presentations by various experts in their respective fields. More than 80 members of the Arkansas General Assembly participated. State Sen. Eddie Cheatham of Crossett makes a comment during Presentations included: Business 101. • Arkansas’s Economy, Its Regions, Its Sectors; • Where We Stand: Arkansas Versus Other • Ins & Outs of Arkansas’s State Budget; States; • Challenges & Opportunities for Arkansas’s • A Look at Business Basics including Businesses including Term Limits, Energy: Business Taxation, Fundamentals of Workers’ Supply & Demand, The Keys to Workforce Compensation, Arkansas’s Unemployment Development and K-12 Education: Insurance System and Regulating Arkansas’s Accountability & Performance and Natural Resources; • A Look Ahead: Growing Arkansas’s Economy.

State Rep. Randy Alexander of Springdale speaks during Business 101, which was held in early January at the AT&T Building in Little Rock.

More than 80 members of the Arkansas General Assembly participated in Business 101.

8 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 State Chamber/AIA legislative Reception held under the “big Top” The State Chamber/AIA held the organizations’ Annual Legislative Reception on January 22 under the “Big Top,” a heated and lighted tent erected on the front State Chamber/AIA parking lot. The event drew several hundred attendees including state Mark DiGorolamo of Nucor and State Rep. Monte Hodges of legislators, constitutional officers, state officials, Blytheville. representatives of State Chamber/AIA member firms, State Chamber/AIA officers and board members, Leadership Arkansas alumni and others. The event provided an excellent opportunity for members of the state’s business community to network with legislators one-on-one.

Randy Zook, Tamika Edwards of Southern Bancorp, Inc. and State Sen. Joyce Elliott of Little Rock.

House Speaker Davy Carter, Randy Zook and U.S. SBA District Director Linda Nelson. Stanley Hill and Michelle Kitchens of Arkansas Farm Bureau, Mark Cochran of the U of A and Bill Reed of Riceland Foods.

Leanna Clark and Sha’ Stephens of the Arkansas Independent Living Council with Jonathan Sanders of the Holiday Inn State Representatives David Whitaker and Greg Leding, both Presidential. of Fayetteville.

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 9 • Leading the effort to reduce 89th General partial replacements and repairs Assembly Update of manufacturing machinery and equipment from sales and use tax The 89th General Assembly convened on We took a leadership role in the introduction January 14 and adjourned on May 17 after and successful passage of Act 1404, which 100 days in session. The State Chamber/ will provide a refund of sales and use taxes AIA governmental affairs team of President & for expenditures on repairs and replacement CEO Randy Zook, Executive Vice President of certain machinery and equipment used Kenny Hall, Director of Governmental Affairs directly in manufacturing. The legislation Angela DeLille and Director of Governmental will establish a tax rate of 4.875 percent Affairs Andrew Parker closely monitored and beginning July 1, 2014, but will require a was actively involved with numerous pieces of taxpayer to hold a direct pay sales tax permit legislation while the General Assembly was in from DFA to claim this refund. Act 1404 also session. creates the mechanism by which the Arkansas In addition to the customary legislative issues, Economic Development Commission can fully the 89th General Assembly tackled a series of refund the cost of a replacement or repair tough issues not debated in recent memory, if project for a company expending at least ever. Despite this, the 2013 regular session was $3 million on such a project. These changes a strong one for business and industry in our are expected to have an annual impact of state. There were several important tax initiatives that will benefit all approximately $6.9 million. businesses, but most specifically Protecting the education reforms manufacturers who will save an • passed in 2003-04, the Civil Justice estimated $23.9 million annually. Reform Act of 2003 and the workers’ compensation reforms State Chamber/AIA Priority Issues enacted in 1993 Mission accomplished • Continuing to lead the effort to – no bills were passed that weakened any completely exempt energy used of these important measures. The State in manufacturing from sales and Chamber/AIA remains committed to being use tax We led the effort to pass Act 1411, the business community’s leading advocate on which will reduce the sales tax on natural these issues. gas and electricity sold to manufacturers classified in NAICS codes 31-32-33 or 115111 • Supporting efforts to promote to 1 percent beginning July 1, 2014 and to meaningful Civil Justice reform 0 percent beginning July 1, 2015. It will also The State Chamber/AIA was a leader in the reduce the excise tax rate on the purchase bipartisan collation that successfully worked of natural gas used in the production of for passage of Act 649 of 2003, the Civil electricity to 1 percent beginning January 1, Justice Reform Act. The act made several 2015. The one-eighth (1/8) of one percent changes that relieved burdens on businesses conservation tax and the temporary and has expanded the professional liability sales tax of one-half (1/2) of one percent insurance market for doctors. However, highway tax – both approved at the ballot a series of court decisions has eliminated by the people of Arkansas – will not be almost all of the provisions, many of which eliminated for manufacturers or independent relied upon a single amendment to the power producers. Act 1411 represents the Arkansas constitution that was passed for culmination of an effort we, and a coalition of other reasons. During the 2013 legislative others, have been working on for more than session, the business community’s proposed six years. To date, this tax reduction constitutional amendment ended one vote totals more than $80.4 million for manufacturers.

10 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 shy of receiving the Senate Committee’s approval. The State Chamber/AIA is committed to the effort to make necessary changes in Arkansas law to return Arkansas to a competitive situation with surrounding states in the areas of tort laws and to protect businesses from abuses like frivolous lawsuits and runaway jury awards.

• Fighting efforts to require employers to allow handguns to be AIA Chairman Steve Cousins of Lion Oil Company testifies at a stored in employee vehicles HB 1269 committee hearing at the State Capitol. would have allowed a concealed handgun licensee to keep a handgun in his or her vehicle on their employer’s parking lot. This bill was never considered in committee.

• Reducing the state’s capital gains tax Act 1488 championed by the Speaker of the House will raise the capital gains tax threshold to 50 percent of gains. There is an exemption for capital gains that exceed $10 million. The annual impact is estimated at Andrew Parker and Angela DeLille. approximately $18.1 million.

• Finally, the State Chamber/AIA supported the passage of the “Private Option” This innovative compromise will use federal Medicaid dollars to subsidize private insurance premiums for eligible Arkansans in the upcoming health insurance exchange. The Private Option is projected to save Arkansas millions in Medicaid matching funds, while increasing Angela DeLille, Randy Zook and AEDC Executive Director coverage to 250,000 low-income Arkansans. Grant Tennille. This legislation will ensure the viability of our rural hospitals, clinics and other healthcare providers, and spare Arkansas businesses tens of millions of dollars in expected fines, taxes and penalties. It will also institute new business-friendly innovations within the Medicaid-eligible population by creating a preferred Health Savings Account pilot program that could revolutionize how these patients receive care. Act 1496 will give the Department of Human Services authority to spend hundreds of millions in federal funds Arkansas Surgeon General Joe Thompson, State Rep. Tommy on the program while Acts 1497 and 1498 Wren and Randy Zook during the 89th General Assembly. create the program once it receives final federal approval.

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 11 Door-to-Door Meetings Held August-December in 20 Locations Statewide The State Chamber/AIA held “Door to Door” Regional Meetings in 20 different locations that incorporated 32 communities statewide from late August through Mid-December. The meetings drew several hundred State Chamber/AIA members, state and local chamber Ed Franklin of the Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges leaders, community leaders, local business makes a point at the Little Rock Door-to-Door Meeting. representatives and state legislators.

The “Door-to-Door” meetings, in partnership with local chambers, were held in Conway, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Arkadelphia, Stuttgart, Monticello, Siloam Springs, Searcy, Batesville, Magnolia, Rogers, Jonesboro, West Memphis, Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Blytheville, Russellville, North Little Rock, Texarkana and Clarksville.

The meetings, featuring presentations by State Chamber/AIA President & CEO Randy Zook, Kenny Hall speaks at the Batesville Door-to-Door Meeting. Executive Vice President Kenny Hall, Senior Vice President-Programs Susie Marks and Director of Governmental Affairs Andrew Parker, introduced business and community leaders to State Chamber/AIA priorities and specifically discussed legislation that was passed during the 89th Arkansas General Assembly that affects the business community. Thanks to statewide sponsors Arkansas Learns, Entergy Arkansas and Farm Credit Services.

North Little Rock Door-to-Door participants.

Andrew Parker provides a presentation at the West Memphis Randy Zook speaks at the Arkadelphia Door-to-Door Meeting. Door-to-Door Meeting.

12 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 L egislative and Business Roundtables Between May and August 2013, meetings were held with business and legislative leaders from 19 cities and communities across the state to discuss issues of greatest concern for businesses and manufacturers.

“ How to Win an Election” Seminar Held in Little Rock “How To Win An Election,” a two-day seminar sponsored by Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, was held November 21-22 at the Bob Lamb Conference Room at the State Chamber/AIA Building in Little Rock.

This seminar teaches participants how to evaluate the candidate and the electorate, build a campaign structure, raise money, enlist allies, create coalitions and get last-minute, election-day voter attention. The seminar was developed by American Farm Bureau with assistance from professional political consultants and staff members of Democratic and Republican parties. The seminar included video recording, a case study and a computer-simulated campaign.

A video of one of the How to Win an Election Seminar participants is critiqued.

The How to Win an Election Seminar drew a big crowd.

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 13 State Chamber/AIA Hosts Congressional Delegation Members with Coffees The State Chamber/AIA hosted various members of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation with “coffees” throughout the year in the Bob Lamb Conference Room. Presentations were made by Rep. Tom Cotton of the Fourth District on January 30, Sen. John Boozman on Rep. Tom Cotton recaps his efforts. May 29, Sen. Mark Pryor on August 8, Rep. Steve Womack of the Third District on August 29 and Rep. Tim Griffin of the Second District on September 5.

Sen, Mark Pryor greets attendees.

Rep. Tim Griffin gestures during his presentation.

Sen. John Boozman makes a point.

Rep. Steve Womack speaks to the crowd .

14 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 N ational Issues During 2013, the State Chamber/AIA communicated with our Congressional Additionally, the State Chamber/AIA joined a Delegation and appropriate governmental coalition of other state organizations in pushing contacts in regard to the following federal issues, back on a proposed critical habitat designation which our organizations support: by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for two species of mussels – the Neosho mucket and • Comprehensive immigration reform. Rabbitsfoot – which would impact 42 percent • More fiscal certainty in Congress of Arkansas’s geographical area. The coalition’s • The Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 effort subsequently drew the support of the (H.R. 684) entire Arkansas congressional delegation and • Passage of a Farm Bill Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe.

The State Chamber/AIA also was involved with the following litigation issues during 2013: • The fight against the effort to undermine the Federal Class Action Fairness Act Standard Fire v. Knowles • Stopping the effort to use the Felony Tort Act to make an end-run around the Workers’ Compensation Act Lambert v. LQ Management • The fight against the effort to eliminate the effectiveness of arbitration clauses within agreed-to contracts Rosenow v. Alltel Corp. • Joining the amicus curiae brief jointly filed in support of the U.S. Chamber’s legal challenge to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to regulate greenhouse gases (GHG) under the Clean Air Act (CCA). • Working with state and federal business and industry groups to speak out and push back against the U.S. EPA’s carbon dioxide (CO²) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack discusses the Farm Bill at an appearance hosted by the State Chamber in late proposed New Source Performance Standard October. for new fossil fuel-fired power plants.

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 15 E UVENTS/O TREACH/INITIATIVES 54th Annual Washington Fly-In and Congressional Dinner The State Chamber/AIA hosted the 54th Annual Washington Fly-In and Congressional Dinner on April 17-19 at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel. Approximately 200 people attended the Congressional Reception and Dinner on April 18 including State Chamber/AIA members, guests, members of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation and their staffs. (From left) Rachel and Micah Cox of Conway Machine, Inc. and John Nabholz of Nabholz Construction Corp. The Fly-In is a chance for our members to join other colleagues in Washington for a unique opportunity to meet directly with our Congressional delegation and influence policy that will impact our state. Attendees also had the opportunity for face- to-face meetings with each of the delegates and their staffs at individual district events, as well as at the reception and dinner.

Jonah Shumate, Chief of Staff for Rep. Rick Crawford, and Randy Zook.

Sen. Boozman with representatives from Nucor Steel and Nucor-Yamato.

16 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 Steve Arrison of the Hot Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau and his wife, Jackie Arrison of the Greater Hot Springs Chamber.

Rep. Steve Womack and Bruce Harris of Walmart Stores Inc. U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton at the Washington Congressional Dinner.

State Chamber Chairman Mike Callan of AOG and AIA Chairman Steve Cousins of Lion Oil.

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 17 Gov. beebe, Gregory & CEO of the prominent/influential Business Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC), Casey Speak at State urged employers to share their opinions on Chamber/AIA 85th political issues with their employees: “The most credible source of information in our society Annual Meeting today is the employer.” Casey went on to add that Approximately 600 representatives from when employers talk to employees about issues, businesses throughout the state gathered the employees tend to react in positive ways. on November 14th at the Marriott Hotel in The Annual Meeting also featured presentations downtown Little Rock for the State Chamber/ of 2013 Business Matters Legislative Leadership AIA 85th Annual Meeting. Awards to Speaker of the House Rep. Davy Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe provided remarks Carter, President Pro Tempore Sen. Michael immediately following lunch and praised the State Lamoureux, Sen. Jake Files, Sen. Jonathan Chamber/AIA, President & CEO Randy Zook Dismang, Sen. Bill Sample, Sen. David Sanders, and the staff. He also lauded the coalition of Rep. Lane Jean, Rep. Tommy Wren and Rep. John business, education, industry, the arts, the service Burris. sector, professionals, Republicans, Democrats, Prior to the Annual Meeting luncheon, the and Independents for working together to move State Chamber/AIA Board of Directors held a the state forward over the past seven years. business meeting. The 2014 slate of officers and Headline speaker Gregory S. Casey, president board members was also elected.

AIA Chairman Steve Cousins. Gov. Mike Beebe was highly complimentary of the State Chamber in his remarks.

Senate Legislative Award Recipients and members of the State Chamber/AIA Governmental Affairs Team.

18 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 House Legislative Award Recipients and State Chamber/AIA Governmental Affairs Staff.

Headline speaker Gregory S. Casey of BIPAC. Rhonda Cline of AT&T Arkansas, Rep. Fonda Hawthorne and Tammy Waters of Domtar.

State Chamber Chairman Mike Callan. The State Chamber-AIA Annual Meeting drew an overflow crowd.

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 19 State Chamber/AIA Officers, Board Members Elected at 85th Annual Meeting The slate of 2014 State Chamber/AIA officers and board members was elected during the 85th Annual Meeting in mid-November. The officers and board members can be found on pages six and seven of the Annual Report.

Randy Zook provides an update to the State Chamber/AIA board prior to the Annual Meeting luncheon.

23rd Annual Small Business Awards Luncheon Held in Early May Approximately 250 people attended the 23rd Annual Small Business Awards Luncheon, hosted by the State Chamber/AIA in conjunction with the Arkansas Procurement Opportunities Conference on Thursday, May 2nd at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock. The Annual Small Business Awards Luncheon Charlott “Chotsie” Adney, 2013 Small Business Person honors the U.S. Small Business Administration’s of the Year. Arkansas Small Business Persons of the Year. James Stapleton, the executive director of the Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Southeast Missouri State University and author of a study conducted for the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) on small business creation, was the keynote speaker. Charlott “Chotsie” Adney, owner of Advanced Aesthetics of Arkansas, was the recipient of the 2013 Small Business Person of the Year Award.

Talk Business Host and Small Business Luncheon Emcee Roby Brock interviews Keynote Speaker James Stapleton of Southeast Missouri State University.

20 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 Buyers matched with sellers throughout the day. Comcast Business Class participated as both an exhibitor and a sponsor.

Arkansas Procurement Opportunities Conference Matches Buyers/Sellers Forty-three buyers, 52 sellers and 15 exhibitors participated in the 2013 Arkansas Procurement Opportunities Conference & Expo, which was hosted by the State Chamber/AIA and held on May 2 at Verizon Arena in North Exhibitor representatives from the Arkansas Highway and Little Rock in conjunction with the Annual Small Transportation Department. Business Awards Luncheon. The Procurement Opportunities Conference & Expo, in its seventh year, included on-the- spot procurements, networking among business attendees, the establishment of customer relationships between buyers and small business sellers, and opportunities to showcase goods and services by the various exhibitors. In addition to the State Chamber/AIA, the following resource partners helped make this a successful event: U.S. Small Business SCORE and U.S. SBA representatives were on hand to assist Administration, SCORE, Office of Senator attendees. Mark Pryor, Office of Senator John Boozman, Office of Congressman Tim Griffin, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas Minority Business Development Roundtable, Arkansas Minority & Women Contractors’ Association, Arkansas-Mississippi Minority Supplier Development Council, Arkansas Procurement Assistance Center, Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, Arkansas Women’s Business Center, National Federation of Independent Business, UAPB- Economic Research and Development Center Verizon Wireless exhibitor personnel. and Women’s Business Council – Southwest.

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 21 MANUFACTURING/INDUSTRY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

State Chamber/AIA functioning of a business, while businesses benefit from the work and energy of a student in Unveils Two New a related field of study. Workforce Development The second site is Dream It. Do It. Arkansas. The State Chamber/AIA has partnered with the Websites National Association of Manufacturing’s (NAM) The State Chamber/AIA unveiled two new Manufacturing Institute to become one of 21 websites addressing workforce development other states (23 locations) to do so. Dream It. Do needs in the state during 2013. The first is Intern It. has a goal of educating young people, teachers in Arkansas. The goal of Intern in Arkansas is to and parents about jobs in manufacturing. match a student’s area of study with a business area of expertise. Students will learn real-world

“The New Normal in State Chamber/AIA Manufacturing” Seminar Hosts TMI Dream It. The State Chamber/AIA partnered with the Do It. Arkansas Governor’s Quality Award Program, AEDC Onboarding Session and Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions to host “The New Normal in Manufacturing” seminar Representatives from The Manufacturing in November prior to the Annual Meeting. Institute (TMI) led a Dream It. Do It. Strategic The seminar featured Gardner Carrick, Onboarding Session for the new Dream It. Do Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the It. Arkansas initiative in October at the State National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) Chamber/AIA Building in Little Rock. Manufacturing Institute, who discussed the The session provided an informational renaissance in manufacturing, key challenges overview on Dream It. Do It. as well as an open to manufacturers, and workforce issues and forum to discuss best practices, challenges solutions. and solutions for engaging Arkansas’s youth in manufacturing and related education pathways.

Gardner Carrick presents at the New Normal in Manufacturing Nick D’Antonio of The Manufacturing Institute leads the Dream Seminar. It. Do It. Arkansas Onboarding Session in October.

22 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 MANUFACTURING/INDUSTRY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

what it isn’t. By working together, manufacturers State Chamber/AIA are able to address the skilled labor shortage Promotes Arkansas they face, connect with future generations, take charge of Manufacturing Day the public The State Chamber/AIA helped promote image of Arkansas Manufacturing Day on October 4. manufacturing Several events were held at locations throughout and ensure Arkansas including Arkadelphia, Maumelle, the ongoing Little Rock, Jonesboro, Springdale, El Dorado prosperity and Fayetteville. Manufacturing Day addresses of the entire common misperceptions about manufacturing industry. by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show what manufacturing is and

U ALR Emerging Analytics special promotional partnership has also been forged with the Arkansas State Chamber of Center a “Game-Changer” Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas. for Arkansas Companies Linked through fiber optics to UALR’s Computational Research Center, the EAC In June, Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, the includes 35 large video monitors with more Arkansas Economic Development Commission than 50 million pixels offering high definition (AEDC) and the University of Arkansas at resolution for 2D and 3D applications. Little Rock (UALR) announced an economic Dassault Falcon Jet Corp., The Hutchinson and higher education “game changer” − the Group, Nabholz Construction Services and the opening of the new UALR George W. Donaghey University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are Emerging Analytics Center™ (EAC). The among the growing list of clients using the new EAC features data visualization systems that center’s data visualization systems, which can are among the first of their kind in the world, be used in a variety of ways to innovatively help dedicated to serving a diverse and growing businesses throughout Arkansas. group of clients in business, sciences, healthcare, For more information, or to contact education, and engineering. the center’s staff, visit http://ualr.edu/ “The Emerging Analytics Center is a visionary emerginganalytics/contact/. initiative to capitalize on the growing demand for data-driven solutions in both the public and private sectors,” Beebe said. “The center will also be an important tool for economic development by helping us target new and expanding industries as we work to create Arkansas jobs.” Made possible by a grant of more than $5 million from the George W. Donaghey Foundation, the EAC is led by Dr. Mary L. Good, UALR special advisor to the chancellor for economic development. The EAC’s goal is to provide competitive, visionary data solutions in an academic environment with statewide activities underway The EAC features data visualization systems that serve a for economic development and education. A diverse and growing group of clients in various sectors.

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 23 H iring Our Heroes Event National Spokesperson and Medal of Honor Recipient Dakota Meyer. Held at Statehouse This year’s hiring event was conducted by the Convention Center U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, the in Little Rock Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, The 2013 Arkansas Hiring Our Heroes the Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment Veterans Event was held October 1 at the and Training Service (DOL VETS), the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Arkansas Committee of the Employer Support Little Rock. The event drew a number of of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), the U.S. employers and hundreds of job seekers and Department of Veterans Affairs, The American featured former President Bill Clinton, Arkansas Legion, AR DOL, NBC News, and other local Gov. Mike Beebe and Hiring Our Heroes partners.

Susie Marks presents an Arkansas Traveler certificate to Medal of Honor receipient Dakota Meyer.

Former President Bill Clinton provides remarks. Service Veterans visit with CINTAS personnel at Hiring Our Heroes.

24 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 The crowd waits for the speakers at the Hiring Our Heroes event.

“In Business to Help Our Veterans Come All the Way Home” The State Chamber/AIA partnered in early November with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System to present “In Business to Help Our Veterans Come All the Way Home,” a workshop focusing on resources available to veterans including counseling, social services and business opportunities. The workshop was held at the State Chamber/AIA Building in Little Rock.

Participants compare notes at the “In Business to Help Our Veterans Come All the Way Home” Seminar in early November.

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 25 CoMMITTeeS Governmental Affairs Committees play Major Co-Chairmen: Len Pitcock, Cox Communications; Robert D. Smith, III, Role in State Chamber/ Attorney AIA Success The Governmental Affairs Committee is Committees play a major role in the success of comprised of governmental affairs representatives the State Chamber/AIA. Consisting of business and lobbyists who represent member companies, leaders from member companies across the state, business associations and organizations. The group issue committees meet throughout the year to meets weekly during legislative sessions to monitor help identify and develop key issues that are critical pending legislation and other issues of importance to the future of Arkansas. to the business community with the goal of The committees provide the State Chamber/ developing a consistent lobbying strategy. This AIA governmental affairs team guidance in committee meets during election years to discuss understanding complex topics that often require candidates. It also provides guidance and support a great deal of specific expertise. This equips our to the State Chamber/AIA lobbying team on a lobbyists with insights and knowledge about an variety of issues. issue’s potential impact on our member companies and our state. The State Chamber/AIA Committees and their leaders include: health Care Chairman: Kurt Knickrehm, Regions Insurance Group education The Health Care Committee frequently plays the role of facilitating a consensus between employers Chairman: Gary Newton, and health-care providers as the State Chamber/ Arkansas Learns AIA endeavors to maintain and improve quality health care and find practical means of providing Recognizing that the workforce of tomorrow is in benefits and containing costs. The State Chamber/ the schools of today, the Education Committee AIA also plays a leading role in the Employers proactively advocates the interests of business Healthcare Coalition, which develops positions that and industry as the State Chamber/AIA strives to are in line with the needs and desires of employers. improve education in Arkansas. The committee examines issues in K-12 education, higher education and workforce development. This committee identifies projects and tracks their successful implementation, as well as identifying and national Issues recommending policy changes and positions that will make Arkansas school systems more successful. Chairman: Archie Schaffer III, Tyson Foods The National Issues Committee identifies issues the State Chamber/AIA will address on the federal level. Given the myriad of national issues, this is an ambitious task, but we also rely on strong partnerships with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and the members of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation and their staffs. The committee has developed a list of nine priority issues – health care, the farm bill, education and workforce development, union card check legislation, climate change, energy policy, economic stimulus, taxes and immigration.

26 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 Tax Chairman: Marvin Childers, unemployment The Poultry Federation Co-Chairman: Jim Davis, Insurance/hR Georgia-Pacific Chairman: Michael S. Moore, Legal Counsel: Michael O. Parker, Friday Eldredge & Clark LLP Dover Dixon Horne, PLLC Co-Chairman: Daniel H. Woods, The Tax Committee works to ensure a favorable Timex (retired) business climate in Arkansas through analyzing The Unemployment Insurance/HR Committee tax issues, recommending positions and testifying plays a vital role similar to that of the Workers’ at legislative and regulatory hearings on tax Compensation Committee. The Arkansas matters. It also accomplishes this goal through Department of Workforce Services (DWS) educating, coordinating and working actively with has an Employment Security Advisory Council taxing entities to ensure the fair and equitable that seats management, labor and consumer administration of taxes. It is by far the State representatives. All of the management seats Chamber/AIA’s most active committee. During a are filled with members of the State Chamber/ legislative session, the committee meets as often AIA Unemployment Insurance/HR Committee, as necessary to review tax bills. In the off-season, including the committee’s chair. This council it meets to address regulatory issues and discuss reviews and negotiates legislative proposals developing tax issues. developed by the DWS staff. The State Chamber/ AIA committee provides guidance to the management members on the council in these negotiations. The committee also develops pro- business legislation. Broad business representation on this committee is necessary to make sure that Workers’ the impact of new legislation upon all segments Compensation of business is considered. The committee also considers and provides guidance to State Chamber/ Chairman: Lynn Tatum, AIA lobbyists on a variety of human resource Tyson Foods issues. Co-Chairman: Max Koonce, Wal-Mart Stores

The Workers’ Compensation Committee keeps a close eye on the state’s workers’ compensation laws. Prior to and during each legislative session, the State Chamber/AIA develops pro-business The State Chamber/AIA invites our members legislation and reviews all related legislation to become involved by serving on one or filed by others. This committee also reviews more committees. If you are interested, rules, regulations and other issues related to please contact Deb Mathis at 501-210-4212 the Workers’ Compensation Commission or [email protected]. and monitors important judicial decisions. It is extremely important that as many businesses as possible participate in this committee to properly evaluate the potential impact an issue might have on given segments of business.

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 27 MARKeTInG / SAleS / ouTReACh e-newsletters Web Sites The State Chamber/AIA continued its efforts www.arkansasstatechamber.com and during 2013 to reach the broadest possible www.arkansasprosperity.org business audience via various e-newsletters. • E-Business is a twice-monthly compendium The State Chamber/AIA continued to add of articles chronicling our organizations’ features and updates to its award-winning website, events, activities, programs, efforts and www.arkansasstatechamber.com, throughout the committees. year. Additions included various videos posted • Daily Legislative Update is e-mailed to the front page, inside pages and the YouTube each business day during legislative sessions Channel. and outlines the day’s most important issues Updates were also made during the year to being tracked by the State Chamber/AIA the Arkansas Prosperity Project website, www. Governmental Affairs team. arkansasprosperity.org. The Arkansas Prosperity • Washington Watch is e-mailed the second Project site is designed to give readers the week of each month and concentrates on information and tools they need to make it to federal issues that have impact upon businesses. the polls, cast informed votes and become more • Industry Insight focuses on manufacturing informed in the electoral process. and industrial news and issues and is e-mailed the fourth week of each month. During 2013, this publication was broadened to include state new business announcements, groundbreakings and expansions of existing business and industry. • In addition, periodic Congressional Updates are e-mailed to members when major federal issues like health care reform are being considered. • Archived copies of our e-newsletters are also posted on our web site: www.arkansasstatechamber.com.

28 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 Arkansas Manufacturers Membership directory directory and buyers’ Guide In 2013, the State Chamber/AIA published its In early August, the State Chamber/AIA published fourth Arkansas Manufacturers Directory. the organizations’ sixth Membership Directory & • The Manufacturers Directory, an Associated Buyers’ Guide. Industries of Arkansas publication, is a guide • Published annually, the Membership Directory to becoming involved and being heard within & Buyers’ Guide includes listings of members, the manufacturing sector. information on standing committees, and • It provides a listing of all manufacturers in descriptions of products and services many Arkansas by city and is also a resource that companies provide for business development provides practical information on different professionals. aspects of Arkansas business, industry, • The State Chamber/AIA Membership Directory & climate, attractions, business support, natural Buyers’ Guide is a great resource for locating a resources, geography, certain laws and tax wide variety of products and resources offered policies, and other items. by the ASCC/AIA’s more than 1,200 member companies. • This directory is available exclusively to State Chamber/AIA members. The Buyers’ Guide provides members with a ready list of suppliers and products, key executives, and decision makers. Members gain year-round exposure in this comprehensive member resource, which is used by consumers and industry professionals.

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 29 State Chamber/AIA expands Social Media presence

In an effort to gain traffic and attention throughout the state, the State Chamber/AIA embarked upon an effort to expand our social media presence via Facebook and LinkedIn. Daily posts were added to both and members were urged to “like” the State Chamber/AIA pages for both social media outlets.

business Matters – State Chamber/AIA unveils Videos featuring Chairmen Business matters. The State Chamber/AIA State Chamber/AIA developed two videos in March featuring State partners with Constant Chamber Chairman Mike Callan of Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp., AIA Chairman Steve Contact for Workshops Cousins of Lion Oil Company and State Chamber President & CEO Randy Zook to The State Chamber/AIA partnered with promote membership in the State Chamber/ Constant Contact to offer free workshops AIA. The videos were subsequently posted to on Social Media and E-mail Marketing during the State Chamber/AIA website. September. Both workshops were held in the Bob Lamb Conference Room.

30 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 Marcus Turley Andrew Parker Named Again Leads Nation in to Arkansas Business Membership Dollar Sales 40 Under Forty Class State Chamber/AIA Membership State Chamber/AIA Director of Governmental Development Representative Marcus Affairs Andrew Parker was named to the Turley again led the nation in dollar sales for Twentieth Annual Arkansas Business 40 Under memberships sold in the American Chamber of Forty Class in June. He was honored along with Commerce Executives (ACCE) sales contest. the other members of the class at a luncheon at Turley, who was recognized at the Annual ACCE the Little Rock Marriott. Convention in Oklahoma City in late July, also took top honors for the category in 2012.

State Chamber Receives Top Membership Growth Award at ASCP Meeting The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce was recognized for its membership efforts at the Association of State Chamber Professionals (ASCP) meeting, which was held in September. The State Chamber received the First Place Kenny Hall Installed Award for Highest Membership Growth in Numbers from 2011-2012. as 2013-2014 ASCP consists of the top membership, ASAE President marketing, communications and non-dues professionals from state chambers of commerce Kenneth (Kenny) R. Hall, J.D., executive (and other organizations with similar missions, vice president of the State Chamber/AIA, was but varying names) from across the country. installed as the 2013-2014 president of the The Arkansas State Chamber will host the 2015 Arkansas Society of Association Executives. ASCP Annual Conference. ASAE’s membership includes more than 160 association executive members representing more than 145 Arkansas associations and organizations.

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 31 leAdeRShIp ARKAnSAS

leadership Arkansas Graduates Class VII, begins Class VIII Leadership Arkansas Class VII, which was presented by ARcare and sponsored by Nabholz Construction Services and Southland Park Gaming & Racing, continued its sessions in 2013 at West Memphis, Fayetteville, Pine Bluff and Conway. C. Tad Bohannon, a partner in the law firm of Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP, served as Leadership Arkansas Class VII Chairman.

Class VII

32 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 Class VII

Phillis Anderson Greg Cockmon Daniel Gray Karen McDaniel Lighthouse Academies, Inc. Cromwell Architects Bart Gray Realty Co., Inc. Arkansas State University Engineers, Inc. Ritter Arnold Jeff Hendrix John Payne Ritter Agribusiness Alex Collier Pfizer Arkansas National Guard ARcare Will Black Margaret Holloway Rickie Smith CDI Contractors, LLC Allison Cox Ritter Communications Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon Windstream Corporation & Galchus, P.C. Jean Block Jeff Hood Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Val Emmons Sam M. Walton College Debbie Sorrells CMI of Business, University Arkadelphia Regional Shane Bolender of Arkansas Economic Development Southland Park Laura Farar Alliance & Area Chamber Gaming & Racing Kruger Products USA Selandria Jackson of Commerce City of Little Rock Parks Jason Bramlett Dennis Ferguson & Recreation Peter Stuckey Friday Eldredge & Clark, LLP Simmons First Bank University of Arkansas of Northwest Arkansas Scott Kingsborough at Little Rock Phyllis Lynn Brewer SJC Enterprises Murphy Oil Corporation Steve Foley Brian Vandiver National Center for Sujay Kola Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates Chris Calvin Toxicological Research, U.S. St. Vincent Health System & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. Nucor Steel - Arkansas Food and Drug Administration Lauren Land Yolanda Wallace Justin Carter Eliza Gaines Ouachita Baptist University Counseling & Education Farm Credit Arkansas Democrat Gazette Center, Inc. and The Family of Western Arkansas J.D. Lowery Center, Inc. Brent Gambill Arkansas Economic Martin-Wilbourn Partners Development Commission T.J. Whitehead ARcare Christy Garrett James McBryde QualChoice Nabholz Construction Services Trey Williams East-Harding, Inc. David McClain Arkansas State University Paul Wilson INTRUST Bank

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 33 leadership Arkansas Class VIII Selects 39 Individuals Thirty-nine individuals from throughout the state were selected for Leadership Arkansas Class VIII, a program created and operated by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas and presented by ARcare and sponsored by Southland Park Gaming & Racing and Walmart Stores, Inc. C. Tad Bohannon, a partner in the law firm sessions held during 2013 included the State of Wright, Lindsey Jennings, LLP, is serving as Chamber/AIA Annual Meeting/Mock Legislative Leadership Arkansas Class VIII chairman. Session in mind-November in Little Rock and the Leadership Arkansas Class VIII convened with Economic Development/Manufacturing session in a retreat in late September in Hot Springs. Other early December in Fort Smith.

Class VIII

Daniel Barnes McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc. Diane Betts Southern Arkansas University Tech Joel Blansett Nabholz Construction Services Sarah Gordley Eddie Martin Jonathan Semans Sharon Burdine Springdale Chamber of Coulson Oil Company, Inc./ CDI Contractors, LLC Simmons First National Commerce Coulson Real Estate Group, Corporation LLC Mike Shaw Don Hann Cardinal Health Lance Carrier Southland Park Gaming & Amber Masters PrimeLending Racing ARcare Sha’ Stephens Arkansas Statewide Meredith Covington Jon Ross Henderson Nicole May Independent Living Council Southern Bancorp Community First Security Bank ValueOptions Partners Elizabeth Underwood Amanda Horton Greg Modica University of Arkansas-Fort Donnie Crain University of Central Arkansas Government Supply Services Smith Arkansas National Guard LLC Mervin Jebaraj Katherine Vasilos Debbie Crouch Center for Business and Chris Neeley Noble Strategies, Inc. Little River Chamber of Economic Research Walmart Commerce Marc Verbos Jason Jones Keisha Pittman The ASA Group Cynthia Davis Arkadelphia Promise American Cancer Society NCTR Scholarship Foundation Jon Vestal Dennis Rittle Lyon College Steve Eddington T.J. Lefler Ozarka College Arkansas Farm Bureau Sage Partners, LLC Don Wilborne Ben Robbins Staley, Inc. Ben France Christina Lusk DataPath Administrative Arkansas Economic Clark Contractors Services Dan Williams Development Commission Garver Mike Malone Rob Seay Chris Gibson Northwest Arkansas Council Cromwell Architects ARcare Engineers, Inc.

34 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITIES

Leadership Arkansas is a program of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce / Associated Industries of Arkansas Andrew Parker and Angela DeLille address Leadership Arkansas Class VIII (501) 372-2222 • www.arkansasstatechamber.com prior to the Annual Meeting.

WHO WE ARE HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS Leadership Arkansas is a program designed to take a Leadership Arkansas’s mission is to build a strong, diverse, statewide view of the economic and political challenges statewide network of leaders with a shared commitment to that face our great state. Leadership Arkansas offers connect our communities and to make Arkansas a better leadership opportunities that expand the impact of place in which to live and prosper. community leaders across the state. Created by the One of the many ways the organization is working to Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated accomplish that mission is through its annual class program. Industries of Arkansas, Inc., Leadership Arkansas builds a Class members are chosen to participate in a stimulating sense of statewide community by identifying and training and thought-provoking educational program that consists individuals with the passion and commitment to become of a series of six day-and-a-half sessions held in locations personally engaged in issues, programs and activities aimed throughout the state. These sessions include programming at building a better Arkansas. on issues critical to Arkansas, leadership skills assessment, and relevant information on Arkansas’s history, demography, WHAT WE OFFER diversities and opportunities. To build a strong, diverse statewide network of leaders with Participants are required to attend at least 80 percent of a shared commitment to connect our communities and to the program sessions, including the entire opening retreat make Arkansas a better place in which to live and prosper. session, which is mandatory.

Leadership Arkansas Class VIII members listen to testimony during the Mock Legislative Session at the State Capitol. Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 35 pInnACle Apex pRoGRAM

Summit new pinnacle Members Announced for 2013 The State Chamber/AIA is pleased to recognize the following Pinnacle members who are new or upgraded their status for 2013: Crown: • Acadia Health Care Arkansas • Arkansas Learns • CardinalHealth • Murphy USA • Ozark Mountain Poultry • Simmons Foods, Inc. • Superior Industries International, Arkansas LLC Peak • Windstream

The Pinnacle Program is an active group of member firms and organizations whose senior representatives provide financial support and leadership to the State Chamber/AIA. Pinnacle members actively participate in our grassroots action network, testify before legislative committees when needed, work on State Chamber/AIA policy committees or lead the organization as board members. Levels of investment include $5,000 (Crown), $10,000 (Peak), $25,000 (Summit) and $35,000 and up (Apex). Benefits of Pinnacle membership include recognition in State Chamber/AIA printed publications, e-publications and on our web site; special recognition at all State Chamber/AIA events; preferred seating at State Chamber/AIA events, such as the Annual Meeting and the Washington Fly-In and Congressional Dinner; prominent coverage in the Annual Membership Directory & Buyers’ Guide, and networking opportunities with other high- level Arkansas business and industry leaders.

36 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 Crown

Arkansas petroleum Council

RockTenn

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 37 Welcome to Our New Members Welcome to the following new members who joined the State Chamber/AIA in 2013:

ABC Supply Co. Inc. Bobo Law Firm Harding University PLANTation Services, Inc. Acadia Health Care Arkansas Bond Consulting Engineers, Inc. Hatfield Ready Mix, Inc. Pleth, LLC ADKO, Inc. BOSC, Inc. Hill Logistics, Inc. PrimeCare Medical Clinic AGL Corporation Bray Gourmet LLC Hillcrest Camshaft Svc. Inc. Prime-Line, Inc. Air Filter Systems, Inc. Burnett Insurance Corp. Holiday Inn Airport Procyon Solutions, Inc. Conference Center alliantgroup, LP C&L Management, Inc. Proland Title Company Holloway Engineering, American Composting, Inc. CardinalHealth Surveying & Civil Design, PLLC Qsource of Arkansas American Council of Engineering Chick-fil-A Home Design Group, Inc. Quality Inn & Suites Companies of Arkansas Citizens Bank Home Helpers Rainbow of Challenges, Inc. American Petroleum Sales (Dignity Enterprises, Inc.) & Service Clean Harbors El Dorado LLC Residence Inn by Marriott Howard Memorial Hospital American Red Cross-Greater Colonial Wine & Spirits RGA, Inc. Ozarks Arkansas Region Complete Care, Inc. Hudson, Cisne & Co. LLP Roberts Law Firm American Taekwondo ConAgra Foods Huffman Drywall Company Roller Funeral Homes Association Conestoga Rovers & Associates Husqvarna Outdoor Products RP Power, LLC Americas Best Value Inn Constant Contact Institute for Economic SAIC Energy, Environment Anchor Paint Manufacturing Advancement & Infrastructure, LLC & Distribution Conway Machine, Inc. Jan-Eze Plating, Inc. Sherwin-Williams Apex Tool Group LLC Con-Way Manufacturing Johnson Controls, Inc. Paint Company Aqua Contour Cutting Copart of Arkansas Land O’Frost Inc. Simmons Foods, Inc. (ACC Inc.) Daisy Outdoor Products Larco Manufacturing SKM Consulting, Inc. Architectural Products, Inc. Delta Air Lines Inc. Lewis Architects Engineers SLC Professionals Arkansas 4-H Center Delta Trust & Bank of Arkansas, LLC Liberty Utilities Arkansas Automatic Sprinklers/ Denso Manufacturing Southeastrans, Inc. United Fire Suppression Life Strategies of Arkansas, LLC Arkansas, Inc. Sugar Creek Foods Arkansas Cardiology Don Houff Plumbing Co. L’Oreal USA International Inc. Arkansas Foundation DuCharme, McMillen M & M Strategies, Inc. Superior Industries for Medical Care International, Arkansas LLC & Associates, Inc. Magna IV Color Imaging Arkansas Independent Eastern Tank Serices, Inc. Terminix Living Council Martin Operating Partnership Edafio Technology Partners Tetra Technologies, Inc. Arkansas Short Line Min-Ark Pallet Company, Inc. Texarkana Regional Airport Railroads, Inc. Elkhart Products Corporation MLW Heating & Air Today’s Office, Inc. Arkansas Surgical Hospital Evergreen Life Services Molex LRC United Fence and Construction ARKUPS (AR One Call Fennell Purifoy Architects Morris & Associates System, Inc.) Company, Inc. First Federal Bank MP Productions, Inc. ARVets ValueOptions, Inc. First National Title Company Murphy USA Inc. Asphalt Contractors, Inc. Verizon Arena FirstStaff Nestle Prepared WeatherBarr Windows & Doors AstraZeneca Fortier, Inc. Foods Company White County Medical Center Bad Boy Inc. Gadberry Financial Group New Hope Prosthetics and Orthotics Windstream Bank of Little Rock Gallen Properties, LLC Mortgage Corporation Novo Nordisk Youth Home, Inc. Gary Houston Electric BASF Corporation Oran McBride Stone Gene Cook, Inc. Bax & Associates Company, Inc. General Mills Ben E. Keith Company Parks Brothers Farm, Inc. Gill Ragon Owen, P.A. Better Business Bureau Performance Food Service of Arkansas, Inc. Hackney Ladish, Inc. Perkins Fire Pro

38 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 Ths ank to Our Sponsors The following members and organizations sponsored State Chamber/AIA events in 2013. Sponsorships included the Legislative Reception, Leadership Arkansas, Lobbyist Luncheons, Washington Fly-In and Congressional Dinner, Small Business Awards Luncheon, Annual Meeting and “Door-to-Door” Regional Meetings.

AATYC Arkansas Transit Association Farm Credit Services Oxane Materials AEP Southwestern Electric Arvest Bank of Arkansas Paschall Strategic Power Company Associated Builders and FedEx Freight, Inc. Communications Aerojet Rocketdyne Contractors of Arkansas Ferstl Valuation Services Pernod Ricard - USA Corporation AT&T Arkansas First Community Bank Power Technology AFCO Steel, LLC Baldor Electric Company First National Bank of Fort Smith Premier Staffing, Inc. AIPRO Bank of the Ozarks Fort Smith Regional Pulaski Technical College Arkansas Oklahoma Gas BHP Billiton Petroleum Chamber of Commerce Regions Bank Corporation BKD, LLP Fuller Enterprises Regions Insurance AR Good Roads / FutureFuel Chemical Company Transportation Council BP America, Inc. Riceland Foods Inc. Bryce Corporation Gar-Bro Manufacturing Rogers-Lowell Area ARcare Company Capital Hotel Chamber of Commerce Arkadelphia Regional EDA Gerdau & Area Chamber of Commerce Capitol Partners LLC Rose Law Firm Government Solutions, LLC Arkansas Asphalt Caterpillar Inc. Russellville Area Pavement Association Great Lakes Solutions - Chamber of Commerce CDI Contractors LLC A Chemtura Business Arkansas Automobile S.B. Howard & Company CenterPoint Energy Dealers Association Hanesbrands, Inc. Signature Bank of Arkansas Central Arkansas Water Arkansas Bankers Association Hargraves Consulting LLC Simmons First Arkansas Beverage Association Central Moloney Inc. Hewlett Packard Company National Corporation Arkansas Blue Cross CenturyLink Home Depot SourceGas Arkansas and Blue Shield City of Fort Smith Impact Management Group Inc. Southern Bakeries Arkansas Broadcasters Clean Harbors Independent Insurance Southland Park Gaming & Racing Association Clean Line Energy Agents of Arkansas Southwestern Energy Company Arkansas Chapter, Clearwater Paper Corporation International Paper Company AGC of America, Inc. Stephens Inc. Comcast Business inVeritas Research Stephens Investments Arkansas Credit Union League & Consulting, Inc. Community Health Holdings LLC Arkansas Farm Centers of Arkansas John Suskie Bureau Federation Stephens Production Company Conway Corporation Koontz Electric Company Inc. Arkansas Forestry Association TCPrint Solutions Cooper Tire & Rubber Company KTHV, Arkansas The Arkansas Capital Arkansas Health Television Co. Inc. Care Association Cranford Johnson Corporation Group Robinson Woods Kutak Rock LLP Arkansas Hospital Association The Capitol Group, LLC DBH Management Consultants Lion Oil Company Arkansas’ Independent The Poultry Federation Colleges & Universities Delta Dental of Arkansas Little Rock Regional Tyson Foods, Inc. Chamber of Commerce Arkansas Learns Delta Regional Authority UALR SBTDC Martin Wilbourn Partners Arkansas Municipal League Delta Trust & Bank UAMS McLarty Companies Arkansas Manufacturing Deltic Timber Corporation USAble Life McKee Foods Corporation Solutions Domtar USBank Mitchell Williams Selig Arkansas Oil Marketers Dover Dixon Horne, PLLC Verizon Wireless Association Inc. Gates & Woodyard, PLLC Earl Jones Viskase Corporation Arkansas Petroleum Council Mullenix & Associates E.C. Barton & Company Walmart Stores Inc. Arkansas Timber Murphy Oil Corporation Producers Association El Dorado Chemical Murphy USA White County Medical Center Electric Cooperatives Nabholz Construction Wholesale Beer Distributors of Arkansas Corporation of Arkansas The Empire District Noble Strategies Williams Strategic Electric Company Nucor Winrock International Entergy Arkansas, Inc. NWA Chambers Wright Lindsey & Jennings, LLP Evergreen Packaging Co. NWA Regional Airport XTO Energy / Exxon OG&E

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 39 STATIE EW D ORGANIZATIONS

The State Chamber/AIA has expanded its presence throughout Arkansas by affiliating with the following statewide organizations:

Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence/ Governor’s Quality Award • The Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence (AIPE) formed a working partnership Program opportunities include: with the State Chamber/AIA in 2008 and has an office in the State Chamber/AIA building. Regional Self-Assessment and Applicant The organizations work together to accomplish Training Seminars the AIPE’s program vision of contributing to • Provides training on use of the Criteria the success of Arkansas organizations and the for Performance Excellence as process for communities they serve. self-assessment or writing an application for • AIPE offers training opportunities for program award and recognition participants to learn how to use the Criteria for Examiner Training Performance Excellence to assess strategy and process alignment for increased performance. • Teaches analytical skills used to assess Those that choose to apply for a Governor’s applications for award and write feedback Quality Award receive an evaluation of report to applicant their management systems in a written- • Provides examiner unique perspective feedback report citing strengths and areas that contributes to the success of your for improvement and are recognized by the organization Governor at an annual awards ceremony. Challenge Seminars This award process is used by all types of businesses, health care, schools and government • Industry specific seminars for manufacturing, agencies, and all kinds of organizations, including healthcare and business non-profit. • Provides seminars regionally throughout the While other programs may focus on a single state in partnership with local partners aspect such as leadership, strategic planning, or Benchmark Tours process management, AIPE services help you develop an integrated management framework Governor’s Quality Award Application that addresses all the factors that define your Apply for the following levels of award organization, its operations and its results. Utilizing recognition: AIPE services can help you • Governor’s Award for Performance • Jumpstart change initiatives Excellence • Energize improvement strategies • Achievement Award • Focus your organizations on common goals • Commitment Award • Assess performance against the competition • Challenge Award • Align your resources with your strategic For further information about AIPE or the objectives GQA Program, contact Executive Director Sue Weatter at 501-372-2222. Additional information about all opportunities the program provides is also available on the AIPE website at www.arkansas-quality.org.

40 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 Arkansas Economic Arkansas Chamber Developers (AED) of Commerce Executives • AED is an association of professional and (ACCE) volunteer economic developers in the state of Arkansas whose purpose is advancing, • ACCE is a professional, statewide through professional and educational organization of Chamber of Commerce efforts, the quality of life in Arkansas by the executives in more than 100 Arkansas development of employment opportunities communities as well as business and through economic growth and community professional organizations interested in or development. allied with chamber of commerce work in • Membership in AED provides an opportunity Arkansas. to participate in numerous activities that • The purpose of ACCE is to enhance the center around efforts to educate the professional development and managerial economic developer in a rapidly changing skills of its members; to keep its membership field.. appraised of statewide and national trends that affect the membership’s ability to operate effectively within their individual communities; and to maintain liaisons with state agencies and business organizations including the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, State Chamber/ AIA, The Arkansas Partnership, American Chamber of Commerce Executives and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Arkansas Aerospace The State Chamber/AIA is actively involved with services to local chambers including: Alliance (AAA) • Association management for the ACCE • The Arkansas Aerospace Alliance is a trade • Strategic planning sessions association to support and promote the • Personnel selection assistance growth of the aerospace and aviation industry • Volunteer leadership training in the state. • Board retreats and goal setting • The purpose of the Alliance is to strengthen • Board orientation and expand the world-class aerospace and • New executive support aviation industry in Arkansas. • Governmental relations • The goal of the Arkansas Aerospace Alliance • New facility planning is to train the state’s current and future • Assistance with developing new programs aerospace workforce, to be a strong resource • Assistance with starting new chambers to existing industry, to promote Arkansas’s • Membership development workforce to the world and to attract new • Total resource campaigns aerospace companies to the state. • Chamber library • The State Chamber/AIA is responsible for the administration of the Arkansas Aerospace Alliance with input from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC).

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 41 42 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 The Arkansas Aerospace Alliance, consisting of public and private aerospace companies, state and local government agencies, educational institutions and individuals with a common interest in Arkansas’s aerospace industry, is dedicated to growing the infrastructure in Arkansas to recruit, train, and retrain a qualified aerospace workforce and to assist in recruiting, retaining and expanding aerospace companies in Arkansas.

P. O. Box 176, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 501-375-1100 | [email protected] | www.arkansasaerospace.com

Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 43 P rOMOTING a pro-business, free-enterprise agenda, preventing anti-business legislation, regulations and rules.

1200 West Capitol Avenue (72201) | P.O. Box 3645 Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-3645 Telephone: 501-372-2222 | Facsimile: 501-372-2722 Website: www.arkansasstatechamber.com

44 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 45 46 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013 47 48 Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Report 2013