ANNUAL REPORT STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 1 IT’S A IT’SIT’S AA ROUGHROUGH LIFE...LIFE...

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708 West Main • Russellville, AR 72801 • 479.968.2530 russellvillechamber.org708708 West West Main Main • Russellville,• Russellville, • arkansasvalleyalliance.com AR AR 72801 72801 • 479.968.2530• 479.968.2530 russellvillechamber.org russellvillechamber.org708 West Main • Russellville, • arkansasvalleyalliance.com• arkansasvalleyalliance.com AR 72801 • 479.968.2530 russellvillechamber.org • arkansasvalleyalliance.com 2 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Must be age or older 21 Play to responsibly; play. for help quitting call 800-522-4700.

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6278 AR State ChamberReport Full 8.75x11.25.indd 1 11/5/18 4:37 PM Arkansas connected At AT&T we know businesses help communities thrive. In Arkansas and across the nation, we empower connections that help to build a better tomorrow. Keeping communities connected. At AT&T, it’s how we do business.

4 © 2017 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT FOCUSED ON OUR ENVIRONMENT

Arkansas connected At AT&T we know businesses help communities thrive. In Arkansas and across the nation, we empower connections that help to build a better tomorrow. Keeping communities connected. At AT&T, it’s how we do business.

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© 2017 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 5

XTO Energy / Arkansas State Chamber 2018 Annual Report Ad Client: XTO Energy Job Number: XTO-38940 Agency: Banowetz + Co. | Contact: Lisa Foote, 214.823.7300 ext. 116 Size: 8.5” w x 11 h Industry Programs Include: Industry Programs Include: AdditionalAdditional Programs: Programs: Industry Programs Include: Additional Programs:  Ammonia Refrigeration  Adult Education  IndustryAmmonia Programs Refrigeration Include:  AdditionalAdult Education Programs:  AmmoniaMaintenance Refrigeration Technology  Adult Education Maintenance Technology  Practical Nursing  AmmoniaMaintenance Refrigeration Technology  Practical Adult EducationNursing  Industrial Maintenance Technology  Practical Nursing  Industrial Maintenance Maintenance Technology Technology  Surgical Technology  Industrial Maintenance Technology  Surgical Practical Technology Nursing  Automotive Service Technology  Surgical Technology  Automotive Industrial ServiceMaintenance Technology Technology  Information Systems  Automotive Service Technology  Information Surgical Technology Systems  Medium/Heavy Truck Technology  Information Systems  Medium/Heavy Automotive Service Truck Technology Technology  Professional Business Services  Medium/Heavy Truck Technology  Information Systems  Welding Technology  Professional Professional Business Business Services Services  Medium/Heavy Truck Technology  Certified Nursing Assistant  Welding Welding Technology Technology  Professional Business Services  Electronics Technology  Certified Certified Nursing Nursing Assistant Assistant  Welding Technology  Phlebotomy  Electronics Electronics Technology Technology  Certified Nursing Assistant  Short-term Business/Industry  Phlebotomy Phlebotomy  Short Electronics-term Business/Industry Technology  ShortTraining-term Business/Industry  Phlebotomy Training ShortTraining- term Business/Industry TrainingCall or visit our website today to schedule a tour! CallCall or or visit visit our our website website today today to to schedule schedule a tour!a tour! Call or visit our website today to schedule a tour!

Changing lives through education, training and skill development. ChangingChanging lives lives through through education, education, training training and and skill skill development. development. www.nwti.eduChanging lives through(479) 751 education,-8824 training709 S. Oldand Missouri skill development. Rd., Springdale, AR www.nwti.eduwww.nwti.edu (479)(479) 751 751-8824-8824 709709 S. OldS. Old Missouri Missouri Rd., Rd., Springdale, Springdale, AR AR www.nwti.edu (479) 751-8824 709 S. Old Missouri Rd., Springdale, AR 6 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our Leadership...... 8 Arkansas State Chamber Governmental Affairs...... 10 of Commerce / Associated Political Action Committees...... 20 Industries of Arkansas Events/Outreach/Initiatives...... 22 1200 West Capitol Ave. Manufacturing/Industry/Workforce Development...... 28 P.O. Box 3645 Committees...... 30 Little Rock, AR 72203 Phone: 501-372-2222 Marketing/Sales/Awards...... 32 Fax: 501-372-2722 Leadership Arkansas...... 34 www.arkansasstatechamber.com Pinnacle Program...... 40 New and Upgraded Members...... 42 Sponsors and Advertisers...... 43 Affiliated Organizations...... 44

State Chamber/AIA Staff

Randy Zook Kenneth R. Hall, J.D. Shelley Short Marcus Turley President & CEO Executive Vice Vice President Programs Vice President of President and Partnerships Membership Development

Andrew Parker Toni Lindsey Jeff Thatcher Deb Mathis Director of Governmental Affairs Director of Governmental Affairs Director of Communications Manager, Scheduling & Events Northwest Arkansas

Bill Watson Carol Mugerditchian Jeanette Sanderlin Trish Villines Manager, Event Administrative Assistant Executive Assistant Executive Director, Arkansas Institute Sponsorship for Performance Excellence

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 7 OUR LEADERSHIP

2019 Executive Committee State Chamber of Commerce Officers

Chairman of the Board: Immediate Past Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Phil Baldwin Chairman: Curtis Barnett John Burgess Raymond M. Burns Ronnie Dedman Citizens Bank Ray C. Dillon Arkansas Blue Cross Mainstream Rogers-Lowell Area AT&T Arkansas Deltic Timber and Blue Shield Technologies, Inc. Chamber Corporation (Retired) of Commerce

Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Laura Landreaux Michael Lindsey Andy Miller Nelson Peacock Frank Thomas George Wheatley Entergy Walmart Inc. Flywheel Energy NWA Council Stephens Inc. Waste Management of Arkansas Associated Industries of Arkansas Officers State Chamber/AIA Treasurer

Chairman of the Board: Immediate Past Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Gary Head Grady E. Harvell Chairman: Chris Hart David Peacock Signature Bank W&W | AFCO Haskell L. Dickinson Central Moloney Inc. Hytrol Conveyor of Arkansas Division McGeorge Contracting Company Inc. Company Inc.

Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Past Chairman: Paul Rivera Thad Solomon Mindy K. West Greg Williams Jeffrey Wood Bill Reed Caterpillar Inc. Nucor-Yamato Steel Murphy USA Inc. Nabholz Construction Tyson Foods, Inc. Riceland Foods Inc. Services (Retired)

8 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 State Chamber Board David Avery Mel Coleman Duane Highley Mike Myers Roderick L. Smothers Steve Willis Windstream North Arkansas Arkansas Electric Winrock International Philander Smith College G4S Secure Solutions Gary Beasley Electric Cooperative Cooperatives Lesley Nalley Elizabeth Solano Larry Wilson E.C. Barton Steven Collier Alan Hope Hot Springs MISO First Arkansas Bank & Company Village POA & Trust ARcare Powers Scott Teague Scott Bennett John Cooper of Arkansas, Inc. Gary Newton U.S. Bank David Wolf Arkansas Department Arkansas Learns Southland Gaming Cooper Tom Hopper Ryan Underwood of Transportation Communities Inc. Crafton Tull Michael O. Parker BKD, LLP Don Bobbitt and Associates Dover Dixon Carlton Davis Donald E. Walker Ex-Officio University of Arkansas Warren Bank Karla Hughes Horne PLLC Arvest Bank Tim Allen System & Trust Company University of Arkansas Rob Ratley Sam Walls Fort Smith Chamber Walter Bryant at Monticello OG+E Rich Davis The Arkansas Capital of Commerce CenterPoint Energy Black Hills Energy Troy Keeping Chris Raymer Corporation Group Matt Boch James W. Carr Keeping Konsulting Mississippi County Houston D. Davis Drew Weber Dover, Dixon, Horne Harding University University of Central Kurt Knickrehm Hospital System U.S. Pizza Co. Inc. Tom Kennedy Bret Carroll Arkansas McGriff Insurance MaryJane Rebick Charles Welch Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Conway Corporation Standard Business Bryan Day George Knollmeyer Arkansas State Little Rock Ben E. Keith Company Systems Myla Petree Davy Carter University System Baldor Electric Centennial Bank Port Authority Mike Ross Benny M. Koontz Troy Wells Company Angela DeLille Koontz Electric Southwest Power Pool Joe Carter Baptist Health Robert D. Smith Snyder Environmental Cox Communications Company Inc. Reynie Rutledge Sherece West Robert D. Smith, III First Security Bank Marty Casteel Steve Edwards Kim Linam The Winthrop GES Inc./Food Giant Arkansas Oklahoma Ken Stuckey Simmons First Sam Sicard Rockefeller Foundation Pace Industries National Bank Gas Corporation First National Bank Bradley Hardin Gordon Wilbourn AEP Southwestern Randy Massanelli of Fort Smith Lynn Tatum Marvin Childers Kutak Rock LLP Tyson Foods, Inc. The Poultry Federation Electric Power University of Arkansas Brad Smith Dan Williams Company David Moore Kimbel Mechanical Guy Wade Ed Choate Garver Friday Eldredge Delta Dental Michael Harvey Farm Bureau Mutual Systems Jeff Williams & Clark of Arkansas Inc. NWA Council Insurance Company Stephanie Smith America’s of AR, Inc. Easter Seals Arkansas R. Andrew Clyde Daniel Heard Car-Mart, Inc. Murphy USA Inc. Uniti Group Inc. Michael S. Moore Wayne Smith Friday Eldredge Oaklawn Jockey Club & Clark LLP

2019 AIA Board James P. Adams Caryl Chilldres Bill Horne Gary McChesney Jim Sliker Ernie Walker Gar-Bro Manufacturing Tokusen U.S.A., Inc. Clearwater Paper FutureFuel Chemical Central States Rineco Chemical Company Mark DiGirolamo Corporation Company Manufacturing Industries Steven M. Anthony Nucor Steel-Arkansas Roger Hurley Scott McGeorge Melissa Smith Tammy Waters Anthony John Farmer Hino Motors McGeorge Contracting McKee Foods Domtar Ashdown Mill Timberlands, Inc. Novus Arkansas, LLC Manufacturing Company Inc. Corporation Chris Weiser USA, Inc. Scotty Bell Trent Goins Patrick Moore Mark Stenger J V Manufacturing Inc. Virco Manufacturing OK Foods Inc. Ken Jenkins Evergreen Packaging Flexsteel Industries Bob West Corporation Martin Sprocket David Oakes Inc.-Harrison Division Hytrol Conveyor Clay Gordon & Gear Inc. Steve Brothers Kinco American Greetings Rob Strickland Company Inc. American Greetings Constructors, LLC Ron Keeneth Corporation Georg Fischer Joe Wilson Corporation Bridgestone Americas Paul Rich Harvel LLC ConAgra Brands Jason Green Tube Business Walter Bryant Baldor Electric Aerojet Rocketdyne Van Tilbury Gregory Withrow CenterPoint Energy Company John Kelleher Corporation East Harding El Dorado Chemical Gerdau Special Steel Construction Scott Bull George Harguess Thomas Schueck Company Pace Industries Denso Manufacturing Robert E. Langston Lexicon Inc. Lenore Trammell Patty Cardin Arkansas, Inc. Langston Mike Simpson Big River Steel Companies Inc. Lanxess Solutions Inc. Trish Henry TCPrint Solutions James D. Walcott Jeff Carr Russellville Steel Weldon Williams Hackney Ladish, Inc. Company Inc. & Lick Inc.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 9 GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

State Chamber/AIA Hosts Annual Legislative Reception on February 20th The State Chamber/AIA hosted the Annual Legislative Reception on February 20th under the big tent on our parking lot following the convening of the 2018 Arkansas Fiscal Session. A crowd of more than 300 attended including members of the Arkansas General Assembly, elected Constitutional officers, state agency heads and State Chamber/AIA members. The Be Pro Be Proud mobile workshop, part of the State Chamber/AIA’s workforce skills initiative, was also on-site. The Annual Legislative Reception provides the opportunity for House Speaker Jeremy Gillam and Rep. Jon Eubanks. members of the state’s business community to network and interact one-on-one with state legislators and other elected officials.

Gil Rogers of ARDOT, Sen. Bill Sample, Arkansas Highway Commissioner Alec Farmer and Sen. Jimmy Hickey. Rep. James Sturch, Anushree Jumde of U.S. Rep. ’s office, Rep. David Hillman and Rep. Jack Ladymon.

Carol Mugerditchian, Rep. , Sen. David Wallace Rep. , Rep. and Montine McNulty and Sen. John Cooper. of the Arkansas Hospitality Association.

10 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Rep. Robin Lundstrom, her granddaughter and Rich Davis of Black Hills Energy.

Sen. Jason Rapert, Jeff Wood of Tyson Foods, Inc. and Sen. Ron Caldwell.

The Be Pro Be Proud mobile workshop drew a steady crowd.

Kelly Robbins of the Arkansas Petroleum Council, Pam Toler of ASU Childhood Services, House Majority Leader Mat Pitch and Andy Miller of Flywheel Energy. Patty Cardin of Lanxess Solutions Inc. and Lucas Hargraves of Hargraves Consulting LLC.

Shane Broadway of the ASU System and Kay Brockwell Rep. Johnny Rye and Randy Thurman of Government Solutions LLC.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 1111 GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

State Chamber/AIA Hosts Lobbyist Luncheons and Candidate Forums The State Chamber/AIA hosted lobbyist luncheons during the 2018 Fiscal Session that featured Senate President Pro Tempore Jonathan Dismang and Speaker of the House Jeremy Gillam and representatives from Dover Dixon Horne PLLC. The State Chamber/ AIA later hosted forums in the spring for the State Rep. Andrew Collins - State Rep. Joe Cloud - R-H71 - D-H35 - Little Rock Russellville primary election and forums in the fall for the general election for various Republican and Democratic candidates running for the offices of state representative and state senator.

Senate President Pro Tem Jonathan Dismang speaks as House Speaker Jeremy Gillam looks on at one of the lobbyist luncheons

Kenny Hall (right) introduces representatives from Dover Dixon Horne (left) at one of the lobbyist luncheons

12 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT State Rep. Mark Perry - D-H42 - State Rep. Spencer Hawks - State Sen. Breanne Davis - State Rep. Brian Evans R-H43 Jacksonville R-H70 - Conway R-S16 - Russellville - Cabot

State Rep. Stu Smith - R-H63 - State Sen. Mark Johnson - State Sen. Ricky Hill - R-S29 - State Rep. Stan Berry - Batesville R-S15 - Little Rock Cabot R-H68 - Dover

The candidate forums drew big crowds.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 13 GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

91st General Assembly 2018 91st General Assembly Second Fiscal Session Recap Special Session Recap The 91st General Assembly Fiscal Session convened on On March 13, an Extraordinary Session of the 91st Feb. 12 and adjourned sine die on March 12. General Assembly convened. Bills filed, approved and During the Fiscal Session, the Legislature voted on 124 signed in accordance with Gov. Hutchinson’s call were: Senate bills and 139 House bills. HB 1001/SB 4, which revises the definition of The most dramatic moments of the Fiscal Session “alcoholic beverages” within the criminal violation of occurred when the Senate took up an appropriation possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor bill for the Division of Economic and Medical Services. vehicle. The legislation amended the defined areas of a It administers and the expansion of Medicaid motor vehicle in which a container may be stored. known as Arkansas Works, which has generated HB 1002, which authorizes the use of bingo gaming controversy and heated debate in every legislative equipment that displays a bingo face electronically. session since 2013. HB 1003/ SB 1, which changes the defenses to Passage of an appropriation bill requires a prosecution for a violation or operating an all-terrain supermajority of 75 percent, which means it needs 27 vehicle from private property to another property via a votes in the 35-member Senate. The funding bill for public street or highway. Medicaid passed in the Senate without a vote to spare HB 1004/ SB3, which amends the Public School Choice on a vote of 27-to-2. In the House of Representatives, Act of 2015 transfer ratio calculation, stating that a the vote was 79-to-15. sibling group whose application for student transfer The House and the Senate also both passed HB 1137, causes a district to exceed the three percent limit on the Revenue Stabilization bill that prioritizes the state’s transfers shall be allowed to transfer as a group. (HB spending to keep the budget balanced, which Gov. 1009 was the same as HB 1004) Hutchinson subsequently signed into law. HB 1005/SB 7, which exempts unpaved trail The House and Senate also both passed HB1122, the construction projects that are under control of the appropriation for the Treasurer’s Office, which Gov. State Parks Commission from design and construction Hutchinson subsequently signed into law. standards and requirements of the DF&A Building The Senate voted to elect Sen. Jim Hendren, Authority Division. R-Gravette, as Senate Pro Tem for the 92nd General HB 1006/ SB 5, which establishes the applicability Assembly. of contacts in which the parties agree to waive their After adjournment, the House went into a Caucus respective rights to trial by jury. This was filed with the meeting to select a Speaker Designate for the 92nd support of the State Chamber/AIA and several other General Assembly. Rep. , R-El organizations in response to a Supreme Court decision Dorado, was elected. Tilley v. Malvern National Bank, rendered on Dec. 7, Both elections will need to be confirmed by members 2017. of the 92nd General Assembly when they convene the HB 1007/ SB 8, which provides that an application second Monday of January 2019. with ADEQ for modification of an existing permit for the application of liquid animal waste only opens for review those permit conditions which are subject to modification. HB 1008/ SB 6, which creates a tax exemption for contributions to a tuition savings account that can be used for expenses within a federal ABLE account. HB 1010/ SB 2, which establishes the Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act. The Second Special Session adjourned after all the issues on Gov. Hutchinson’s call had been addressed.

14 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Study Finds Highway Investment Would Generate $1.3 Billion in State Economic Activity Arkansas Good Roads Foundation, joined by the State Chamber/AIA, released a study State Chamber President & CEO Randy Zook speaks at the Arkansas Good Roads press conference during a press conference at the State Chamber on Oct. 16 detailing the economic impact of increased investment in Arkansas roads and highways. The study, conducted by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), found that an additional annual investment of $478 million needed to maintain and preserve Arkansas’s existing highway system would result in a statewide economic impact of at least $1.3 billion, while creating 5,729 jobs throughout all sectors of the state’s economy. The study also indicated that construction activity from $478 million in additional highway investment would increase sales outputs for business in all sectors of the state’s economy by $941.6 million each year and would result in increased state and local tax revenue of $56.7 million annually.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 15 GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

State Chamber/ AIA Hosts U.S. Rep. French Hill The State Chamber/AIA hosted Second District Congressman French Hill for a meeting on net neutrality and rural broadband in January and for a coffee in May. U.S. Rep. French Hill makes a point during U.S. Rep. French Hill speaks during a meeting an appearance at the State Chamber in May Both events drew good crowds. on net neutraliy and rural broadband offerings in late January at the State Chamber

U.S. Rep. French Hill drew a good crowd for his coffee in May at the State Chamber.

State Chamber Staff Attend Local Chamber Meetings Throughout Arkansas During 2018, State Chamber staff members attended 21 local chamber annual meetings throughout Arkansas including Malvern, Hot Springs, Cabot, Bentonville, Pine Bluff, Siloam Springs, Sherwood, North Little Rock, Rogers, Hope, Benton, Conway, Arkadelphia, Heber Springs, Paragould, El Dorado, Jonesboro, Fort Smith, Little Rock, Fayetteville and Russellville. The State Chamber/AIA values our partnership with the various local chambers in the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce’s state and appreciates the fine work that they do. 2018 Annual Meeting

16 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT An ISO 9001 Company

McKee Foods was the first bakery to sell individually wrapped cakes in a multipack carton in 1960. The product Made Right line was named after a granddaughter of the founders. A Here in carton of 12 cakes had a suggested retail price of 49 cents at that time. Twelve cakes would have cost 60 cents if sold Northwest separately. Today, we are still a great bargain and we are America’s Number One Snack Cake - made right here in Arkansas Northwest Arkansas.

McKee Foods Corporation / 555 McKee Drive / Gentry, AR 72734 / 479-736-2601 / www.mckeefoods.com

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 17 GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

State Chamber/AIA Hosts Business 101 for Legislators The State Chamber/AIA hosted Business 101 for Arkansas legislators on Dec. 11 in the State Chamber Conference Room. Business 101 provided legislators an opportunity to hear from and interact with seasoned experts on many of the issues they will encounter during the 92nd General Assembly. The following presentations were provided during the half-day session: • “How Government Impacts Businesses” presented by Joe Carter of Snyder Environmental and Chris Hart of Central Moloney Inc. • “Arkansas Economy and Development of an Available & Trained Workforce” presented by State Chamber President & CEO Randy Zook • “Infrastructure and Highways” presented by Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) Director Scott Bennett and Joe Quinn of the Arkansas Good Roads Foundation • “Ballot Initiative Process & Legal Issues” presented by Justin Allen of Wright Lindsey & Jennings LLP • “Cost of Doing Business” presented by Mike Moore and Guy Wade of Friday Eldredge & Clark LLP Randy Zook discusses the Arkansas Economy and the Development • “Taxes” presented by Mike Parker and Matt Boch of of an Available and Trained Workforce. Dover Dixon Horne PLLC

Business 101 drew a good crowd.

18 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Chris Hart of Central Moloney Inc. (left) and Joe Carter of Snyder Environmental present How Government Impacts Business.

ARDOT Director Scott Bennett speaks about Infrastructure and Highways.

Guy Wade (left) and Mike Moore of Friday Eldredge & Clark LLP present the Cost of Doing Business.

Mike Parker (left) and Matt Boch of Dover Dixon Horne PLLC provide Justin Allen of Wright Lindsey & Jennings LLP talks about the Ballot a presentation on Taxes. Initiative Process & Legal issues.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 19 POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES

2018 PAC Stats Thanks to many of you, our political action committee (PAC) program continues to grow!

• $122,500.68 RECEIVED FOR 2018 AS OF PRESS TIME *numbers listed are as of 12/1/18 • 158 PARTICIPATING DONORS • DONATED $173,100 TO CANDIDATES OVER THE COURSE OF THE 2018 ELECTION CYCLE • CURRENT BALANCE FOR AIA PAC: $17,977.53/CURRENT BALANCE FOR ASCC PAC: $60,247.58

Many thanks to those State Chamber/AIA members who have partnered with us in this effort. Making sure that Arkansas businesses continue to have a strong voice at the State Capitol is critical to our state’s economic success. Please consider making a PAC donation each and every year to ensure we can continue to build strong relationships with those that represent us.

2018 PAC Chairs Ray Dillon Andy Miller Ray Dillon retired as President and Andy Miller serves as senior Chief Executive Officer of Deltic Timber director of government and Corporation in December 2016 after serving community relations for Flywheel for more than 13 years in the position. During Energy, which in September 2018 his tenure at Deltic Timber Corporation, acquired the holdings of Southwestern Dillon brought to the company a revitalized Energy Company where he was focus on efficiency and personal accountability previously employed. He joined within all levels of Deltic’s operations. The the company in the fall of 2005 and effects of this enhancement in core operating helped develop the community and principles were evidenced by improvements public relations programs for SWN’s in both the operating and financial results significant interest in the Fayetteville reported by the company. Shale Play. In October 2006, he was Dillon currently serves on the Board of Directors for America’s Car Mart, added to the government relations department as a director. Prior headquartered in Rogers, Arkansas, as its chairman, and serves on the Board to joining the company, Miller spent 18 years working for Arkansas of Stone Bank, headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dillon serves on Farm Bureau, eventually being promoted to director of national several nonprofit boards in Central Arkansas which includes The Fin Tech governmental affairs. Venture Center where he invests and mentors technology startups. He is Miller is currently serving as President of the Arkansas also Past Chairman of the State Chamber. Producers and Royalty Owners Association and as the Southeast Dillon was Executive Vice President of Gaylord Container Corporation Region Chairman of America’s Natural Gas Alliance. He is also a until completion of its sale to Temple Inland Corporation in April 2002. Vice Chairman of the State Chamber. Previously, he served as Vice President-Primary Production Operations and While he is well known in Arkansas political circles, Miller is Vice President-Mill Operations for Gaylord, in addition to his other prior also an active member of the Central Arkansas community. He responsibilities. serves on the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Game & Fish Dillon began his 25-year career with Gaylord in 1977 as a process Foundation, the Board of Directors of the Quapaw Area Council engineer at the Bogalusa mill in Bogalusa, Louisiana, for the predecessor Boy Scouts of America, the Board of Directors of the University of Gaylord, Crown Zellerbach. From 1987 until 1994, he was General of Arkansas Community College in Morrilton Foundation, as Manager of Gaylord’s Pine Bluff, Arkansas, manufacturing facility. During well as the Board of Directors of the Conway Regional Hospital the remainder of his tenure at Gaylord, Dillon held a variety of senior Foundation and the Heart of Arkansas United Way Board of level positions in the Chicago, Illinois, corporate office of this $1.2 billion Directors. manufacturer of container board, corrugated containers, and other forest Miller graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1987 with industry products. a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business. He and his wife, Paige Dillon earned a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Mississippi State Beavers Miller, live in Little Rock with their daughters, Madeline University in 1977 and an M.B.A. degree from the University of Chicago in and Ally. 2000.

20 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES

WHAT IS THE ASCCPAC? Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (ASCCPAC) serves as a vehicle that allows the State Chamber/AIA to help communicate the WILL ALL OF THE MONEY RAISED STAY business community’s goal of economic prosperity in IN ARKANSAS? Arkansas to those running for, and currently holding Yes. Both the State Chamber/AIA PACs are state PACs, political office. We believe that the State Chamber/AIA completely focused on making a difference here in is the best grassroots organization to drive meaningful, Arkansas and do not participate on the federal level. bold change in our government to ensure that Arkansas has the most positive business climate possible. DO THE PACS OR THE STATE CHAMBER/AIA HAVE A PARTICULAR PARTY AFFILIATION? WHAT IS THE AIAPAC? No. Neither the State Chamber/AIA nor its PACs have an Associated Industries of Arkansas Political Action allegiance to a particular party. Any funding distributed Committee (AIAPAC) serves as the vehicle to support will be done so on the basis of a candidate’s stance on those running for, and currently holding political issues relevant to the business community. office in Arkansas who stand up for the needs of manufacturing businesses as well as industrial WHO DECIDES WHO WILL RECEIVE businesses. A DONATION? WHO FUNDS THE PACS? There is a PAC committee that decides which candidates or elected officials will receive donations. Candidates Per Arkansas law, any individual, proprietorship, firm, must meet certain criteria to gain the support of our partnership, joint venture, company, corporation, or organization. The PAC committee is always open to association may contribute to a state PAC. The donation membership feedback. limit is $5,000 per calendar year. HOW CAN I MAKE A DONATION? There is power in numbers... 1. Make a check payable to ASCCPAC and/or AIAPAC The more we raise, the greater impact and mail to PO Box 3645, Little Rock, AR 72203. we can have on important elections. 2. Make a donation online to ASCCPAC at https://politics.raisethemoney.com/arkansas-state- chamber-of-commerce-pac and/or to AIAPAC WHAT WILL BE DONE at https://politics.raisethemoney.com/associated- WITH THE MONEY RAISED? industries-of-arkansas-pac 1. Support candidates and officeholders who share 3. Give a percentage of your dues to the PAC when you our vision to grow the economic prosperity of our renew your membership each year. state, whether it be fighting for an issue that helps business, or against one that hurts our interests. 2. Provide opportunities to State Chamber/AIA members to meet candidates and learn more about Thank you for where they stand on various issues so members partnering with the may make an informed decision at the ballot State Chamber/AIA. box. At times the State Chamber/AIA will provide Together we are part of an information for a “call to action” to its membership. effort to drive meaningful, The goal of these “calls to action” is to let the bold change in our state by members’ Representatives know how business supporting the business owners and businesses in the state will be affected community and ultimately, by their decisions on an issue. the economic prosperity of Arkansas.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 21 EVENTS / OUTREACH / INITIATIVES

State Chamber/AIA Hosts 28th Annual Small Business Awards Luncheon Arkansas winners were honored at the 2018 Small Business Awards Luncheon hosted by the State Chamber/ AIA on May 10th at the Embassy Suites Hotel in west Little Rock. Joe Saumweber and Michael Paladino were named the 2018 Arkansas Small Business Persons of the Year. Saumweber and Paladino started RevUnit, an innovative digital product agency in 2012, to empower employees by creating enterprise-level products to improve employee communication, engagement, productivity, accessibility, Rex Nelson, Small Business Persons of the Year Michael Paladino and Joe and training systems. Today, RevUnit employs more than Saumweber of RevUnit, and Edward Haddock. 60 people, has operations in Bentonville and Las Vegas, and its annual revenues for 2017 were more than $8 million. The following awards were also presented: • Arkansas SCORE Chapter of the Year - Little Rock SCORE • Arkansas Microlender of the Year - F.O.R.G.E. Inc., Huntsville • Arkansas Top SBA Lender – based on number of loans to Arkansas Small Businesses - Arvest Bank, Fayetteville • Arkansas Top SBA Lender – based on dollars loaned to Arkansas Small Businesses - Arvest Bank, Fayetteville • Arkansas Rising Star SBA Lender of the Year - First Rex Nelson, Brett Ausley of multiple award winner Arvest Bank and Edward Service Bank, Greenbrier Haddock. • Arkansas Small Business Development Center of the Year - Henderson State SBTDC, Arkadelphia The event was emceed by Roby Brock of Talk Business & Politics. The keynote speaker was Rex Nelson, senior editor of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. U.S. SBA District Director Edward Haddock also provided remarks.

Arkansas Democrat Gazette U.S. SBA District Director Edward Rex Nelson, Leah Hasley of award winner HSU SBTDC and Edward Senior Editor Rex Nelson. Haddock. Haddock.

22 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT John Burgess, president of State Chamber/AIA Provides Mainstream Technologies, Inc., seen Cybersecurity and Tax here at the session in February, facilitated the three-part series of Workshops in 2018 Cybersecurity workshops held at the As part of its continuing education outreach efforts, the State Chamber. State Chamber/AIA provided workshops on cybersecurity and taxes during 2018 that drew significant crowds. On Jan. 16 and Feb. 22, two Cybersecurity Risk Management Workshops, part of a three-part series that began in December 2017, were held in the State Chamber Conference Room. “Ensuring Delivery of Critical Infrastructure Services was held on Jan. 16 and “Discovering, Responding and Recovering After a Cybersecurity Event” was held on Feb. 22. John Burgess, president of Mainstream Technologies Inc. was the facilitator for the workshops. On Oct. 30, Nov. 8 and Dec. 4, the State Chamber/ AIA presented “Tax Gone Wild – Navigating the Changing Landscape,” a regional workshop held in Little Rock, Fayetteville and El Dorado, respectively. The workshop dealt with changes in the tax world including the Federal The Cybersecurity Risk Management Workshop in February drew a large Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the U.S. Supreme Court revisiting crowd. state tax nexus questions, major changes being considered by the Arkansas Tax Reform and Legislative Task Force, and planned revisions by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration to sales tax regulations. Presenters at the “Tax Gone Wild” workshop included Matthew Boch, Attorney-at-Law and member of Dover Dixon Horne PLLC, T.J. Lawhon, Attorney-at-Law and Counsel for Dover Dixon Horne PLLC, Ernie Skyrme, CPA – Director for BKD CPAs & Advisors, Kevin Horn, CPA, CFP, CFA – Partner/Arkansas Tax Director for BKD CPAs & Advisors, and Ronald Eidshaug, Vice President of Matthew Boch, Attorney-at-Law and member of Dover Dixon Horne PLLC, Congressional and Public Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of provides a presentation at the Tax Gone Wild seminar in Little Rock. Commerce.

U.S. Chamber Vice President Congressional and Public Affairs Ronald Attendees at the Tax Gone Wild seminar in El Dorado listen intently to a Eidshaug discusses federal issues at the Tax Gone Wild seminar in Little presentation. Rock.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 23 EVENTS / OUTREACH / INITIATIVES

59th Annual Washington Fly-In & Congressional Dinner Held April 18th The State Chamber/AIA hosted the 59th Annual Washington Fly-In & Congressional Dinner on April 18th. The Fly-In, which drew approximately 53 attendees, included a Breakfast Briefing at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, meetings with the Arkansas Congressional Delegation: U.S. Sen. , U.S. Sen. , U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-1) , U.S. Rep. French Hill (AR-2), U.S. Rep. (AR-3) and U.S. Rep. (AR-4), and a Congressional Supper & Reception at Hill Country BBQ.

59th Annual State Chamber-AIA Washington Fly-In Program.

Holly Wilson, U.S. Rep. French Hill (AR-2), Stephanie Barnes-Nichols of the Russellville Area Chamber and Andrew Parker at Hill Country BBQ. Fly-In participants during a briefing at U.S. Sen. John Boozman’s office.

24 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Kelly Robbins of the Arkansas Petroleum Council, Cathy Tuggle of Kenny Hall, Randy Zook, Holly Wilson, U.S. Rep. French Hill (AR-2), Toni Apartment Hunters, Kevin Newton of CBM Construction, U.S. Rep. Bruce Lindsey, Andrew Parker and U.S. Sen. John Boozman at Hill Country BBQ. Westerman (AR-4), Dennis Farmer of the Arkansas Beverage Association, Kyndall Rogers of Impact Management Group and Jay Chesshir of the Little Rock Regional Chamber at Hill Country BBQ.

Paul Rich of Aerojet Rocketdyne, Toni Lindsey, U.S. Sen. John Boozman, U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR3) addresses Fly-In participants during Rob Shenton of Aerojet Rocketdyne and Buckley O’Mell of the Little Rock a meeting in the Cannon House Office Building. Regional Chamber at Hill Country BBQ.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 25 EVENTS / OUTREACH / INITIATIVES

Governor Hutchinson, Capital Investor Awards Highlight State Chamber/AIA 90th Annual Meeting A crowd of nearly 600 people gathered on Nov. 14 for the State Chamber/AIA 90th Annual Meeting at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Keynote speaker Arkansas Gov. discussed his agenda for the 2019 Legislative Session. State Chamber President & CEO Randy Zook recognized the Capital Investors, companies providing the highest level of investment and leadership ($25,000 and above combined sponsorship/dues investments): Arkansas Electric State Chamber President & CEO Randy Zook Cooperative Corporation, AT&T Arkansas, Citizens Bank, Entergy Arkansas, Inc., McGeorge Contracting Company Inc., Nucor Arkansas, Southland Gaming, Stephens Inc., Tyson Foods, Inc., Walmart Inc. and XTO Energy, Inc., an ExxonMobil subsidiary. Each of the Capital Investors was given a framed print of an original painting of the State Capitol by Arkansas artist Matt McLeod.

State Chamber Chairman Ray Dillon

Representatives of the Girl Scouts – Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Texas presented the colors.

26 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 State Chamber Chairman Phil Baldwin of Citizens Bank, Tiffany Central Moloney employees (from left) Ronnie Gray, Lee Willingham, Emily McNeal of the Arkadelphia Regional EDA & Area Chamber, Dr. Lewis Griffin, Kevin Wood, Kevin Frye, Mason Rush and Reid Stewart Shepherd of Henderson State University and Melanie Baden of the Arkansas Waterways Association

Bradley Hardin of AEP-SWEPCO, Rep. and Kelly Robbins of the Arkansas Petroleum Council Artist Matt McLeod and Randy Zook with the Capitol Reflections painting

Stephen Bell of the Arkadelphia Regional EDA & Area Chamber and State Attendees at attention for the Pledge of Allegiance Chamber Chairman Ray Dillon

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 27 MANUFACTURING / INDUSTRY / WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Be Pro Be Proud Efforts Expand Throughout State During 2018 Since it was unveiled in March 2016, the Be Pro Be Proud mobile unit has been on a statewide tour visiting companies, community events and schools. The mobile unit provides hands-on experience with skilled professions and shows the jobs in depth to a live audience. The unit contains profession video trailers, three different simulators – trucking, welding and CNC – and three interacting components, including a game, training center and job center. From its launch through the third quarter of 2018,41,969 visitors have been on the mobile unit, 387 tour stops have taken place, 220 cities have been visited, and 12,303 people have joined the movement. As part of the Be Pro Be Proud initiative, the State Chamber/AIA partnered with various other organizations in the state to develop the publication Blueprint in early 2018 and Arkansas Next Pros – A Guide To Life After High School in the fall of 2018.

28 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT MANUFACTURING / INDUSTRY / WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

State Chamber/AIA Participates 2018 Young Manufacturers in Workforce Outreach Efforts Academies Held Throughout Year Throughout State The State Chamber/AIA participated in various workforce outreach efforts during 2018. In March, State Chamber President & CEO Randy Zook was a presenter at the Northwest Arkansas Business and Education Partnership Meeting. In April, Vice President Programs and Partnerships Shelley Short judged some of the The State Chamber/AIA hosted a series of Young VICA (Vocational Industrial Manufacturers Academies (YMAs) in late July and Clubs of America) events early August at various locations around the state in at the annual event in Hot partnership with Arkansas two-year colleges. Springs. In September, The Young Manufacturers Academy (YMA) is a the State Chamber/AIA manufacturing-themed, experiential, five-day summer partnered with Arkansas program geared toward students entering grades Learns and America 7-11. The Academies introduce students to Arkansas’s Succeeds to present the high-tech, advanced manufacturing industries through Age of Agility Summit Randy Zook at NWA Business hands-on activities, simulation-based learning, virtual Arkansas in Little Rock. and Education Partnership Meeting at NWACC machining environments, and travel to industry locations for on-site interaction with manufacturers. YMAs are provided through The Manufacturing Institute’s Dream It. Do It network in partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Arkansas Two-Year Colleges, and funded by the Gene Haas Foundation, Lennox Industries and other manufacturers. Participants attend the camps free of charge with transportation and lunches also provided.

State Chamber/AIA Promotes Manufacturing Day 2018 on October 5 and Beyond The State Chamber/AIA again partnered with the National Association of Manufacturers in promoting Manufacturing Day 2018 on October 5 and beyond. In Arkansas, 25 Manufacturing Day events were held. Manufacturing Day provides manufacturers a unique opportunity to expand the knowledge about the benefits of a career in manufacturing and demonstrates the manufacturing industry’s Arkansas VICA building competition April 10 in Hot Springs value to the U.S. economy.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 29 COMMITEES

Committees Play Major Role in State Chamber/AIA Success Committees play a major role in the success of the State Chamber/AIA. Consisting of business leaders and subject matter experts from member companies across the state, issue committees meet as needed throughout the year to help identify and develop key issues that are critical to the future of Arkansas. The committees provide the State Chamber/AIA governmental affairs team guidance in understanding complex topics that often require a great deal of specific expertise. This equips our lobbyists with insights and knowledge about an issue’s potential impact on our member companies and our state. The State Chamber/AIA Committees and their leaders include:

Workforce Excellence Health Care Chairman: Ken Stuckey, Chairman: Kurt Pace Industries Knickrehm, McGriff Recognizing that the workforce Insurance of tomorrow is in the schools of The Health Care Committee today, the Workforce Excellence frequently plays the role of Committee proactively advocates the interests of facilitating a consensus between employers and health- business and industry as the State Chamber/AIA strives care providers as the State Chamber/AIA endeavors to improve education in Arkansas. The committee to maintain and improve quality health care and find examines issues in K-12 education, higher education practical means of providing benefits and containing and workforce development. This committee identifies costs. projects and tracks their successful implementation, as well as identifying and recommending policy changes and positions that will make Arkansas school systems more successful. National Issues Co-Chairmen: Matt Mika, Tyson Foods, Inc.; Connie Vaughan, McKee Governmental Affairs Foods Corporation; Kevin Co-Chairmen: Tom McGilton, Riceland Foods Inc. Kennedy, Entergy The National Issues Committee identifies issues the Arkansas, Inc.; Robert D. State Chamber/AIA will address on the federal level. Smith, III, Attorney at Law Given the myriad of national issues, this is an ambitious The Governmental Affairs task, but we also rely on strong partnerships with the Committee is comprised of governmental affairs U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association representatives and lobbyists who represent member of Manufacturers and the members of the Arkansas companies, business associations and organizations. Congressional Delegation and their staffs. The The group meets weekly during legislative sessions committee has developed a list of nine priority issues to monitor pending legislation and other issues of – health care, the farm bill, education and workforce importance to the business community with the goal of development, unions, climate change, energy policy, developing a consistent lobbying strategy on business economic stimulus, taxes and immigration. issues. This committee meets during election years to discuss candidates. It also provides guidance and support to the State Chamber/AIA lobbying team on a variety of issues.

30 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Tax Workers’ Chairman: Marvin Compensation Childers, The Poultry Chairman: Lynn Tatum, Federation Tyson Foods, Inc. (retired) Co-Chairman: Tammy Co-Chairman: Guy Wade, Waters, Domtar Friday Eldredge Legal Counsel: Michael O. Parker, & Clark, LLP. Dover Dixon Horne, PLLC The Workers’ Compensation Committee keeps The Tax Committee works to ensure a favorable a close eye on the state’s workers’ compensation business climate in Arkansas through analyzing tax laws. This committee reviews rules, regulations and issues, recommending positions and testifying at other issues related to the Workers’ Compensation legislative and regulatory hearings on tax matters. Commission and monitors important judicial decisions. It also accomplishes this goal through educating, It is extremely important that as many businesses as coordinating and working actively with taxing entities possible participate in this committee to properly to ensure the fair and equitable administration of evaluate the potential impact an issue might have on taxes. It is by far the State Chamber/AIA’s most active given segments of business. committee. During a legislative session, the committee meets as often as necessary to review tax bills. In the off-season, it meets to address regulatory issues and discuss developing tax issues. PACS Co-Chairmen: Ray Dillon, Deltic Timber Corp. (retired); Andy Miller, Unemployment Flywheel Energy Insurance/HR The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Political Chairman: Michael S. Action Committee (ASCCPAC) and the Associated Moore, Friday Eldredge Industries of Arkansas Political Action Committee & Clark LLP (AIAPAC) serve as vehicles that allow the State Co-Chairman: Chris Hart, Chamber and AIA to help communicate the goals Central Moloney of the business community and manufacturing and industrial businesses to those individuals running for The Unemployment Insurance/HR Committee plays and currently holding political office in Arkansas. Per a vital role in identifying and reviewing issues that Arkansas law, any individual, proprietorship, firm, relate to the cost of doing business in Arkansas. Broad partnership, joint venture, company, corporation, or business representation on this committee is necessary association, may contribute to a state PAC. The limit is to make sure we are fully aware of the impact of $5,000 per year. issues on all segments of business. The committee also considers and provides guidance to State Chamber/AIA lobbyists on a variety of human resource issues.

The State Chamber/AIA invites our members to become involved by serving on one or more committees. If you are interested, please contact Deb Mathis at 501-210-4212 or [email protected].

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 31 MARKETING/SALES/AWARDS

E-Newsletters Arkansas The State Chamber/AIA continued its efforts during Manufacturers 2018 to reach the broadest possible business audience via Directory our various e-newsletters. In 2018, the State Chamber/ • E-Business is a twice-monthly compendium of articles AIA published its ninth edition chronicling our organizations’ events, activities, of the Arkansas Manufacturers program, efforts and Directory. committees. • The Arkansas Manufacturers • Washington Watch is Directory, an Associated e-mailed the second Industries of Arkansas week of each month publication, is a guide to becoming and concentrates on involved and being heard within the manufacturing federal issues that have sector. impact upon businesses. • The Arkansas Manufacturers Directory provides a • Industry Insight listing of all manufacturers in Arkansas by city and is is e-mailed the also a resource that provides practical information fourth week of each on different aspects of Arkansas business, industry, month and focuses climate, attractions, business support, natural on manufacturing resources, geography, certain laws and tax policies, and industrial news and other items. and issues including new business announcements, groundbreakings and expansions of existing Web Sites business and industry. The State Chamber/AIA website, www. • Daily Legislative Update arkansasstatechamber.com, is on a WordPress platform, is e-mailed each which makes it user-friendly and mobile compatible. business day during Members are legislative sessions encouraged to visit and outlines the day’s the site to keep up most important issues with State Chamber/ being tracked by the AIA events and State Chamber/AIA initiatives. Governmental The State Chamber/ Affairs team. AIA also continued In addition, the with the website, State Chamber/ www.arkansasstatechamberfoundation.com which AIA sends out covers initiatives and programs of the Arkansas State periodic E-mail Chamber Foundation, Inc. and the Associated Industries blasts covering our issue seminars and timely state or of Arkansas Foundation, Inc. including Dream It. Do It., federal topics that may be of interest to our members. Leadership Arkansas, Archived copies of our e-newsletters are also posted Young Manufacturers on our web site: www.arkansasstatechamber.com. Academy and If you are not currently receiving our Manufacturing Day. e-newsletters and would like to be added to our distribution list, contact Jeff Thatcher at jthatcher@ arkansasstatechamber.com.

32 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT State Chamber/AIA Continues Trish Villines Growing Social Media Presence Named AIPE In an effort to gain Executive Director traffic and build exposure The Arkansas State Chamber of our organizations has named Trish Villines as throughout the state, the the Executive Director of State Chamber/AIA continued and expanded the effort the Arkansas Institute for to grow our social media presence via daily posts on Performance Excellence. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Members are urged to Villines replaces Sue Weatter “like” or “follow” the State Chamber/AIA pages for the who retired from the position December 31st, serving social media outlets. in the role from 2007 through 2018. Villines has more than 15 years of administrative experience in public relations, nonprofit development, and higher education. The Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence is a partner of the State Chamber that administers the Marcus Turley Governor’s Quality Award Program. “Trish has been a part of our program for six years Recognized by and played various key roles in the Governor’s Quality ACCE with Awards Award Program,” Weatter said. As part of her role at State Chamber/AIA Vice North Arkansas College, Villines was integral in leading President of Membership the writing of the College’s Governor’s Quality Award Development Marcus Turley application. The College was the first higher education was recognized by the institution in the state to receive the Governor’s Award Association of Chamber of for Performance Excellence in 2015. For the past five Commerce Executives in the years, Villines has served as a member of the training 2018 Sales Contest and Lifetime team coaching both potential award applicants and Achievement Awards. examiners. Turley placed Second nationally in the $500,000 - $2 “I am proud of the success and growth of the Million in Dues Income – Dollar Value of New Personal Governor’s Quality Award Program and I am excited Sales category. for the future as Trish expands program services Additionally, Turley is a member of the ACCE’s to promote high performance for businesses and Circle of Champions. He is the recipient of the organizations across the state,” Weatter added. “We ACCE’s Diamond Award, the highest level for lifetime have positioned the program to meet business needs achievement, for achieving $1.5 million in sales in through customized assessment and improvement of key chamber memberships throughout his career. processes.” Villines served as a national Baldrige Examiner in 2015, holds a master’s degree in public administration from Arkansas State University Jonesboro, and is the current state President of the service organization, Epsilon Sigma ASCP Recognizes State Alpha. Chamber/AIA with Two Awards The Association of State Chamber Professionals (ASCP) recognized the State Chamber/AIA with two awards, Greatest Growth in Total Revenue and Greatest Growth in Membership Dues, during a joint conference in September with the Council of State Chambers and the U.S. Chamber Regional Team.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 33 LEADERSHIP ARKANSAS

Leadership Arkansas Graduates Class XII, Begins Class XIII Leadership Arkansas Class XII continued its sessions during 2018 in El Dorado, Camden and Magnolia; West Memphis and Blytheville; Hot Springs; Fayetteville, Springdale and Bentonville; and Little Rock. The Underwriting Sponsor for Class XII was The Citizens Bank of Batesville. The Presenting Sponsor was ARcare, and the Statewide Program Sponsors were Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, Farm Credit of Arkansas, Mitchell Communications, Nucor-Steel-Arkansas, Southwest Power Pool and Walmart.

Class XII members receive training in weaponry at the Little Rock Air Force Base during the Government & Military Session in November.

Leadership Arkansas Class XII Group Photo. Class XII members participate in a committee meeting at the State Capitol during a mock legislative session in November.

34 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Class XII

Bootsie Ackerman Olin Ericksen Jeff Mascagni Kurt Schrock US House of Representatives Mitchell Communications Group Central Arkansas Water Tyson Foods, Inc. Congressman Steve Womack Phillip Fletcher Esperanza Massana- James Shackelford Allison Atkinson The City of Hope Outreach Crane ARcare Southwest EAP Arkansas Economic Jason Gazaway Development Commission Robert Shields Josh Baker Gazaway & White Real Estate Arkansas Electric Simmons Bank Jeffery Mullen Cooperative Corporation Natalie Ghidotti Arkansas Game Catherine Bays Ghidotti Communications and Fish Commission Tag Short Museum of Discovery MISO Austin Grinder Stephanie Neipling Micah Beard Mullenix & Associates U of A System, Division Jeremy Sparks Citizens Bank of Agriculture Tyson Foods, Inc. Jensyn Hallett Matthew Boch Heifer International Ron Petrie John Spencer Dover Dixon Horne PLLC Garver, LLC Signature Bank of Arkansas Matthew Hoffman John Bonner Miller Boskus Lack Architects Ryan Prejean Curt Stamp Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Entergy Cox Communications Company of Arkansas Erin Hogue Walmart Foundation Ashley Riddle Jeremy Stell Zac Bradley Delta Dental of Arkansas Koontz Electric Company, Inc. Arkansas Farm Bureau Tamika Jenkins Mississippi Co. Economic Lori Ross Alese Stroud Ruth Bradley-Weyland Development Citizens Bank Corporate Insight Strategy Tyson Foods, Inc. Julie Kelso Scott Tollett Ryan Brewer Crafton Tull Trademark Real Estate Co. Ritter Communications, Inc. Nucor-Yamato Steel Mary Lackie Rhonda Sanders Derek Wingfield Rick Cazenave University of Arkansas Fort Smith Arkansas Foodbank Southwest Power Pool Lanxess Steven Lamm Donald Clark Arkansas Economic Arkansas Air National Guard Development Commission Todd Clark Kim Lane University of Arkansas Conductor Jacob Coleman The First Tee of Central Arkansas Pulaski County Community Services Anderson Cranford Cranford Co. Meredith Lowry Wright Lindsey & Jennings, LLLP Alisha Curtis Governor Asa Hutchinson Richard Madison City of Bryant Richard Dedmon Big River Steel Daniel Martinez Windstream Communications Leon Dodroe Arkansas Air National Guard

Group tour of Riceland Foods at the Agriculture & Outdoor Life Session in Stuttgart in December.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 35 LEADERSHIP ARKANSAS

Group tour of Nucor Arkansas in Blytheville at the Economic Development, Infrastructure and Education Session in February.

Arkansas Razorback Head Football Coach Chad Morris addresses Class XII members at the U of A – Fayetteville during the Regional Development Session in April.

Jensyn Hallett, Esperanza Massana-Crane, Alicia Curtis, Toni Lindsey Meredith Lowry, Tamika Jenkins and Erin Hogue at the Conifex Timber and Kim Lane at the Duck Blinds Tour with Arkansas Game and Fish Saw Mill in El Dorado during the Natural Resources, Defense & Industrial at Stuttgart in December. Development Session in January.

36 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITIES

A PROGRAM OF THE ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF State Sens. Jane English and Larry Teague at the Leadership Arkansas Class XI mock ARKANSAS legislative session.

Who We Are How the Program Works Leadership Arkansas is a unique program designed The mission of Leadership Arkansas is to build a strong, to take a comprehensive view of the economic and diverse, statewide network of leaders with a shared political challenges that face this State. First introduced commitment to connect our communities and to make in 2005 by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Arkansas a better place in which to live and prosper. and Associated Industries of Arkansas, our staff, with Leadership Arkansas sessions include: the guidance of the organizations’ Boards and Executive • annual educational, issues-oriented, nine-month class Committees, recruits highly-motivated individuals to program experience first-hand the dynamic interactions between • eight day-and-a-half sessions held in various communities cities, industries, governmental units and the people throughout the state they serve. • Arkansas leaders who represent a wide geographic base Leadership Arkansas is grounded in the belief that and who have diverse backgrounds and vocations it is from bringing diverse interests and backgrounds • exposure to the many social and environmental together that real progress is achieved. Through shared complexities of the state experiences and frequent interactions, Leadership • on-site demonstrations and tours Arkansas participants, facilitators and alumni learn and • diverse geographical and cultural experiences grow as they advance through an innovative nine-month • insight into the people, places and history that influence program designed to expose class members to the public policies challenges and opportunities of our local communities • fun and casual settings which foster new relationships and their impact on the State as a whole. and camaraderie Class members gain: What We Offer • An inclusive network of colleagues and resources Leadership Arkansas has helped more than 600 • A broad understanding of state issues and developments graduates deepen their background and understanding • A better sense of personal leadership potential and of issues facing the state and provided them with enhanced leadership skills effective tools to develop initiatives to improve the Employers and sponsoring organizations acquire: quality of life in Arkansas. We also have helped create • Employees connected to a diverse network of dynamic a statewide community to generate dialogue on those leaders issues, setting the stage for progress throughout the • Individuals with knowledge to discuss a variety of issues state. Participants have been developing, strengthening at the state and community levels and connecting with emerging leaders in Arkansas for • Staff energized and motivated to apply program several years. We count among our graduates well- information to organization situations established political, business and community leaders. • Leaders prepared to address issues and keep companies in action

Participants are required to attend at least 80 percent of the program sessions, including the entire opening session, which is mandatory. For more information on the Leadership Arkansas program, contact Toni Lindsey, Leadership Arkansas Program Director, at [email protected] or (479) 409-4389.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 37 LEADERSHIP ARKANSAS

Leadership Arkansas Class XIII Selects 62 Members Sixty-two individuals from throughout Arkansas were selected for Leadership Arkansas Class XIII. The Underwriting Sponsor for the 2018-2019 Leadership Arkansas program is The Citizens Bank of Batesville. The Presenting Sponsor is ARcare. Statewide Program Sponsors are Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, Farm Credit Services of Arkansas, Nucor Steel Arkansas, Southwest Power Pool and Walmart. Leadership Arkansas Class XIII began with a retreat and opening session on Sept. 30 at the Red Apple Inn in Heber Springs. Session II covering Education and Workforce was held Nov. 1-2 in Batesville. Session III covering Government & Military was held Nov. 27-28 in Class XIII members participate in an exercise at the Orientation Session Little Rock and Jacksonville. in Heber Springs Session IV covering Agriculture & Outdoor Life was held Dec. 10-11 in Sen. Jane English and Sen. Missy Stuttgart. Irvin at the Little Rock session.

Class XIII members participate in a mock Senate committee meeting at the State Capitol in Little Rock.

Class XIII members at the Batesville session.

Randy Zook speaks as part of a panel on education Leadership Arkansas alumni at the Leadership Arkansas Reception at the Batesville session. at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock.

38 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Class XIII

Ashten Adamson Anna Beth Gorman Vanessa Moody Charles Smith Riceland Foods Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Office of Senator Tom Cotton Metro Disaster Specialists Dina Bates Chris Gosnell Jaimie Moss Bill Solleder Arkansas Farm Bureau Insurance Farmers Bank and Trust Wright Lindsey Jennings Visit Hot Springs Dan Beranek Michael Goswami Robert Mouser Christopher Story McClelland Consulting Engineers Rose Law Firm Ritter Communications Arkansas Broadcasters Association Len Blaylock, III Adrienne Griffis Keegan Nichols Bradley County Economic Dover Dixon Horne PLLC Arkansas Tech University Brandy Sweeney Development Commission City of Harrisburg Jordan Hale Jason Orlicek Darrell Boggs UAFS Signature Bank of Arkansas Hilary Trudell Arkansas811 University of Arkansas Clinton Burt Hicks Meredith Pettigrew School of Public Service Jordan Burgess Simmons First Investment Mitchell Communications Delta Dental of Arkansas Group, Inc. Kevin Weldon Mindy Pipkin Nucor Steel Arkansas Tom Crimmins Michael Hoggard University of Central Arkansas Arkansas Air National Guard Citizens Bank Lea Whitlock Dawn Prasifka Arkansas Community Foundation Capos “Chip” Culpepper II Kendra Jones Girl Scouts - Diamonds Mangan Holcomb Partner Tyson Foods, Inc. of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas Lawren Wilcox Garver Hollie Cummings David Kelley William Ratliff Walmart Southwest Power Pool ARCare Temeka Williams Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance Kerrie Diaz Kelsey Kelton Matt Rickford Synder Environmental Arkansas Economic Nabholz Construction Emily Wood Development Commission University of Arkansas Chase Dugger Anna Roepcke JCD Consulting Services Chris Knollmeyer Batesville Schools Amiee York Ben E. Keith Foods Black Hills Energy Bailey Faulkner Reggie Rose Ozark Mission Project, Inc. Victoria Lamb Simmons Bank Arkansas Electric Rebekah Fincher Cooperatives, Inc. Jennifer Schalow Conway Regional Health System Craft Beer Cellar Laura Landreaux Willliam Fletcher Entergy Arkansas, Inc. Kinco Constructors, LLC Sarah Lane David Fonvielle Citizens Bank MISO Margot Lemaster Kristin Garner Northwest Arkansas Council Legacy Equipment, LLC Gregg Long Pody Gay Crafton Tull Museum of Discovery Jason McGehee Lisa Gazaway Office of Congressman Gazaway & White Real Estate Bruce Westerman Katherine Gentry Jim McGill Arkansas Economic SFI Development Commission Members of Class XIII in front of a Blackhawk helicopter at the Little Rock Air Force Base.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 39 PINNACLE PROGRAM

2018 New and Upgraded Pinnacle Members Apex Peak • Big River Steel • Central Moloney Inc. • Hot Springs Village POA • MISO Crown • America’s Car-Mart Inc. • Arkansas Business Publishing Group Summit • Arkansas Children’s Hospital • Arkansas Department of Workforce Services • Bad Boy Inc. • Centennial Bank • ForeverCare • G4S Secure Solutions (USA) Inc. • Green Bay Packaging • Kimbel Mechanical Systems • Tokusen U.S.A. Inc. The Pinnacle Program recognizes the state’s outstanding corporate citizens – State Chamber/ Peak AIA members that desire to make a significant statement about their participation in Arkansas’s future. These leading companies are helping make the state a better place in which to live, work and conduct business by supplying the leadership and financial support necessary for the State Chamber/AIA to effectively represent the Arkansas business community. Through the involvement and leadership of senior representatives of their firms, Pinnacle members actively participate in our grassroots action network, work on policy committees and lead the State Chamber/AIA on the Board of Directors. In doing so, these Pinnacle members provide the resources necessary for our organization to achieve success while helping to shape the future of Arkansas and enhance its economic climate. 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, and networking opportunities with other high-level Arkansas business and industry leaders.

40 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Crown

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ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 41 NEW AND UPGRADED MEMBERS

Thanks to the Following New and Upgraded State Chamber/AIA Members in 2018

3M Corporation Causey Law Firm Proficient Consulting Alessi-Keyes Construction Centennial Bank iDatafy Group, LLC Alma Area Chamber Central Flying Service Inc. International Fire Pulaski County Title Protection of Commerce Central Moloney Inc. Rasco Winter Amuni Financial Jackson Brown Thomas Group The Chancellor Hotel Palculict Architects A.P. Supply Co. Razorback Sports Community Compass JBM Tire & Wheel Properties-IMG College APAC Arkansas Inc. Centers of Arkansas Wholesale LLC Riverview Behavioral Apex Staffing, Inc. Consolidated Electrical Kimbel Mechanical Health, LLC Distributors, Inc. (CED) APTUS Financial Systems Rockwell Automation Cotham’s in the City Arkansas Air Ambulance KLF & Company Russellville Area Chamber Arkansas Business Crist Engineers, Inc. LaCroix Precision Optics of Commerce Arkansas Children’s CT&T Inc. a PEC Legacy National Bank Saint Mary’s Regional Company Health System Hospital Loggins Logistics, Inc. Arkansas Conductor Don’s Cold Storage The Sells Agency & Logistics Lynx FBO Network Setrek, Inc. dba Home Arkansas Department Lyon College of Workforce Services Dyne Hospitality Group Instead Senior Care McKenzie Sweepmaster Arkansas Family Eaton Corporation Southern Branding MedEvolve, Inc. Health Foundation Enable Midstream Staley Inc. dba Staley Arkansas Home Partners Medical Associates Technologies of NWA, PA Builders Association Families, Inc. of Arkansas Standard Abstract & Title Arkansas Mechanical LLC First National Bank MHC Truck Leasing Company, Inc. Little Rock Arkansas Pediatric of Wynne, AR Star Transportation LLC Miller Electric Company Dentistry The First Tee Stein LTC of Central Arkansas MISO Arkansas Surgical Hospital Southwest EAP ForeverCare Mountain Mechanical Aristotle, Inc. TAC Air FPEC Corporation Contractors Inc. B&B Oil Company, Inc. Taggart Architects National Guard Banana Graphics G4S Secure Solutions (USA) Inc. Association of Arkansas Tell Me More BancorpSouth GBMc & Associates Northwest Health Today’s Power, Inc. Bank of Little Rock Ozark Guidance Tokusen U. S. A. Inc. Mortgage Corporation General Cable Paragould Center, Inc. Transplace Stuttgart Benchmark Group Green Bay Packaging Inc. Arkansas Kraft Division Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. UALR ASBTDC Beverly’s Construction Pepper Bottling Co. Grillight Ultimate Technical Big River Steel Pharmaceutical Care Academy Heritage Catering Management Association B.R. McGinty Mechanical The Hodges Group Union Plaza Commercial Contractors Pleasant Valley Real Estate LLC Holiday Inn Presidential Country Club Brandon Moving & Storage Unique Prescotech Hospice Home Care, Inc. Pleasant Valley Nursing Industries Inc. America’s Car-Mart Inc. & Rehabilitation CAT2, Inc Hot Springs Village POA U.S. Small Business Administration

42 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT SPONSORS AND ADVERTISERS

The Following Members and Organizations Sponsored State Chamber/AIA Events and Purchased Advertising in 2018

Arkansas Economic Dassault Falcon Jet Corp. Pain Treatment Centers Tokusen U. S. A. Inc. Development Commission Delta Dental of Arkansas Inc. of America Tyson Foods, Inc. Arkansas Economic Domtar Pine Bluff Sand University of Arkansas - Development Institute Dover Dixon Horne PLLC & Gravel Company Fort Smith AEP Southwestern Electric Entergy Arkansas Riceland Foods Inc. UALR ASBTDC Power Company Evergreen Packaging Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber Union Pacific Railroad Aerojet Rocketdyne Farm Credit Services of AR of Commerce U.S. Chamber of Commerce Corporation First Community Bank Rose Law Firm U.S. Small Business W&W/AFCO Steel LLC Edwards Food Giant Russellville Area Chamber Administration Alcoa, Inc. Flywheel Energy of Commerce U.S. Bank America’s Car-Mart Inc. Fort Smith Regional Chamber SCORE Walmart Inc. Arkansas Blue Cross of Commerce Signature Bank of Arkansas Welspun Tubular, LLC and Blue Shield FutureFuel Chemical Company Simmons Bank Windstream Arkansas Business Gar-Bro Manufacturing Southland Gaming The Winthrop Rockefeller The Arkansas Capital Company Stephens Inc. Foundation Corporation Group Garver Stephens Production Company Wright Lindsey & Jennings LLP Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Gerdau Special Steel Southwest Power Pool XTO Energy, Inc., Arkansas Farm Girl Scouts Diamonds of AR, Southwestern Energy an ExxonMobil subsidiary Bureau Federation OK & TX Company Arkansas Learns Goodwill Industries TCPrint Solutions Arkansas Tech University of Arkansas Arkansas Valley Alliance for Greater Hot Springs Economic Development Chamber ARcare of Commerce Arkadelphia Regional EDA & Hot Springs Metro Area Chamber Partnership of Commerce Hot Springs Arvest Bank Title Company AR School for Mathematics, Hot Springs Village POA Sciences & the Arts International Paper AT&T Arkansas Company Baldwin & Shell Kiswire Pine Bluff, Inc. Construction Company Koontz Electric Bank of The Ozarks Company Inc. Barber Law Firm PLLC Kutak Rock LLP Batesville Area Chamber Lanxess Solutions Inc. of Commerce Liberty Utilities print it. mail it. wrap it. sell it. we do it. Ben E. Keith Company (Missouri) Big River Steel Lockheed Martin Missiles • Commercial Printing • Data Services BKD, LLP & Fire Control Black Hills Energy Little Rock Brent Stevenson Associates Regional Chamber • Mailing Services • Digital Printing America’s Car-Mart Inc. Mainstream Caterpillar Inc. Technologies, Inc. 4150 East 43rd St. • North Little Rock, AR 72117 CDI Contractors LLC McGeorge Contracting CenterPoint Energy Company Inc. 501.945.7165 • www.tcprint.com Central Moloney Inc. McGriff Insurance Citizens Bank McKee Foods CJRW Corporation Clearwater Paper Corporation MHP/Team SI Community Health Centers Mitchell Williams of Arkansas, Inc. Selig Gates Cooper Tire & Woodyard, PLLC & Rubber Company Nabholz Construction Cox Communications Services Cross County Chamber Northwest Technical of Commerce/Wynne Institute EDC/Tech Center Nucor/Nucor Yamato custom wrapped vehicles, banners, Cross Gunter Witherspoon OG+E & Galchus P.C. posters and signs rollnwrapz.com 501.945.9727

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 43 AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence (AIPE)/ Governor’s Quality Award Apply for a Governor’s Quality Award Through a partnership formed in 2008, the Arkansas • Learn how to write an application Institute for Performance Excellence and the Arkansas at Applicant Training State Chamber of Commerce provide training and • Receive a feedback report of strengths recognition for high-performing organizations in and gaps from a team of trained professionals Arkansas through the Governor’s Quality Award who examine applications Program. • Become a member of our Board of Examiners With a mission to advance organizational excellence and receive training on assessing applications for economic growth and sustainability of participating • Receive statewide recognition at annual awards Arkansas organizations, AIPE provides training services ceremony and promotion to all organizations in the state in all industries – For more information on receiving a Governor’s manufacturing, healthcare, non-profit, education and Quality Award or to learn more about the program, business with a goal of helping organizations maximize contact Trish Villines at 501-372-2222, tvillines@ their potential. Training opportunities include: arkansasstatechamber.com or visit the website • Using Baldrige to leverage the ISO 9001:2015 at www.arkansas-quality.org. accreditation process • Annual regional and industry-specific seminars • In-depth organizational self-assessment facilitation • Professional development training • The Governor’s Quality Award program provides opportunities for all organizations in the state to measure their progress in the journey of performance excellence using the nationally recognized Baldrige Excellence Framework criteria.

Instructor Bill Craddock providing training to GQA Challenge applicants 2018 Governor’s Quality Award examiners during a training session in May in November

44 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE) Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE) is the state’s premier association representing professional and volunteer economic developers and chamber executives in Arkansas. Previously organized as two separate entities, (Arkansas Economic Developers and Arkansas Chamber of Commerce Executives) the two associations merged in 2016 to create a stronger, more efficient and unified alliance. AEDCE’s objective is to advance, through educational and professional efforts, the business climate and quality of life in Arkansas by the development of employment opportunities through economic growth and community development. This is accomplished through education, advocacy and our connected network of association members. Membership in AEDCE is available to anyone with an Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks to AEDCE Annual Conference attendees about the impact economic developers and chamber professionals have in growing interest in the economic and community development of the state’s economy. Arkansas. Our membership covers all parts and aspects of the economic development and chamber industry in Arkansas, from rural to urban areas and everything in between. This allows us to provide a broad array or resources and expertise in the chamber and economic development fields. AEDCE is a 501 (c) 6 organization that is housed at the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/ AIA. The staff and board of AEDCE are dedicated to providing leadership and a vision to advance economic development and chamber professionals in Arkansas. For more information, visit our website at www.aedce. org or contact AEDCE Executive Director Shelley Short Julie Murray of the Heber Springs Area Chamber (front right) provides at 501-210-4206. instruction to attendees at the New Chamber Professional Boot Camp in December at the State Chamber.

2018 Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course attendees. This year’s course was one of the best attended in recent years and the 2019 course will be held April 1-4, 2019. Contact AEDCE at 501-210-4206 to learn more.

ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 45 BE PRO BE PROUD PROGRESS (LAUNCH THROUGH 3Q 2018) BE PROBE PROBE PROUD BE PROUD PROGRESS PROGRESS (LAUNCH (LAUNCH THROUGH THROUGH 3Q 2018) 3Q 2018) BE PRO BE PROUD PROGRESS (LAUNCH THROUGH 3Q 2018) 41,969 41,96941,969 387 387387 220220 12,303220 12,30312,303

46 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT TRAIN ASSESS RECOGNIZE

We offer training to help your organization excel. • Governor’s Quality Award Program - Applicant Training - Board of Examiner Training • Assessment Services • Healthcare Seminar • Webinars • Workshops - ISO 9001:2015 - Management Skills “When we began this process a little over for Frontline Managers five years ago, we ‘thought’ we were pretty good at what we did. Going through - Organizational Profile: the Governor’s Quality Awards process Define Your Context quickly taught us that just thinking we were - Cybersecurity good wasn’t good enough. Our standards are higher now, as is our ability to meet them. DD&F is a better company than it was five years ago. I would encourage any organization or business that is truly committed to excellence to consider getting involved.”

“Meaningful feedback reports motivated us to change and improve. Not just improve RANDY DENNIS, President end-of-production-line quality, but quality DD&F Consulting Group in every aspect of our operations. How we Little Rock interact, track and improve customer relations. 2016 Recipient of the Governor’s How we improve the work experience of our Award for Performance employees. How we work with vendors to Excellence verify the quality of purchased components and build partnerships. And finally the impact we have on our community. We are a much better company today than when we started the journey, especially where it counts most, on the bottom line.”

CHRIS WEISER, President JV Manufacturing Inc. Springdale 2014 Recipient of the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence ARKANSAS INSTITUTE FOR PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE 1200 W. Capitol Ave. Little Rock, AR 72001 501-372-2222 [email protected] www.ar-quality.org ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 47

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48 ARKANSAS STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF ARKANSAS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT