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10040 AR State Chamber Annual Report 8.75x11.25.indd 1 11/26/19 9:36 AM TABLE OF CONTENTS

Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Our Leadership...... 8 Associated Industries of Arkansas Governmental Affairs...... 10 Political Action Committees...... 19 1200 West Capitol Ave. P.O. Box 3645 Events/Outreach/Initiatives...... 20 Little Rock, AR 72203 Manufacturing/Industry/Workforce Development...... 30 Phone: 501-372-2222 Committees...... 34 Fax: 501-372-2722 www.arkansasstatechamber.com Marketing/Sales/Awards...... 36 Leadership Arkansas...... 38 Pinnacle Program...... 44 New and Upgraded Members...... 46 Sponsors and Advertisers...... 47 Affiliated Organizations...... 48 State Chamber/AIA Staff

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

Toni Lindsey Jeff Thatcher Deb Mathis Bill Watson Carol Mugerditchian Director of Governmental Affairs Director Manager, Scheduling Manager, Event Administrative Assistant Northwest Arkansas of Communications & Events Sponsorship

Jeanette Sanderlin Trey Lamberth Trish Villines Executive Assistant Director of Communications, Executive Director, Arkansas Be Pro Be Proud Institute for Performance Excellence

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 7 OUR LEADERSHIP 2019 Executive Committee State Chamber of Commerce Officers

Chairman of the Immediate Past Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Board: Chairman: Curtis Barnett John Burgess Raymond M. Burns Ronnie Dedman Phil Baldwin Ray Dillon Arkansas Blue Cross Mainstream Rogers-Lowell Area AT&T Arkansas Citizens Bank 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 Arkansas, Inc. Walmart Inc. Flywheel Energy NWA Council Stephens Inc. Waste Management of Arkansas Associated Industries of Arkansas Officers State Chamber/AIA Treasurer

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

Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Paul Rivera Thad Solomon Mindy K. West Greg Williams Jeffrey Wood Caterpillar Inc. Nucor-Yamato Steel Murphy USA Inc. Nabholz Construction Tyson Foods, Inc. Services 8 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 State Chamber Board

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

2019 AIA Board

James P. Adams Clay Gordon Ken Jenkins David Oakes Rob Strickland Tammy Waters Gar-Bro Manufacturing Kinco Martin Sprocket American Greetings Georg Fischer Domtar Ashdown Mill Company Constructors, LLC & Gear Inc. Corporation Harvel LLC Chris Weiser Steven M. Anthony Jason Green Ron Keeneth Dave Reinhart Van Tilbury J V Manufacturing Inc. Anthony ABB Bridgestone Americas Nucor Arkansas East Harding Bob West Timberlands, Inc. George Harguess Tube Business Thomas Schueck Construction Hytrol Conveyor Scotty Bell Denso Manufacturing John Kelleher Lexicon Inc. Lenore Trammell Company Inc. Virco Manufacturing Arkansas, Inc. Gerdau Special Steel Mike Simpson Big River Steel Joe Wilson Corporation Mark Hauke Robert E. Langston TCPrint Solutions James D. Walcott ConAgra Brands Scott Bull Evergreen Packaging Langston Jim Sliker Weldon Williams Pace Industries Trish Henry Companies Inc. Central States & Lick Inc. Patty Cardin Russellville Steel Gary McChesney Manufacturing Ernie Walker Lanxess Solutions Inc. Company Inc. FutureFuel Melissa Smith Rineco Chemical Caryl Chilldres Bill Horne Chemical Company McKee Foods Industries Tokusen U.S.A. Inc. Clearwater Paper Scott McGeorge Corporation R. Trent Goins Corporation McGeorge Contracting OK Foods Inc. Company Inc.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 9 GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

State Chamber/AIA Hosts Annual Legislative Reception on Jan. 22 The State Chamber/AIA hosted our Annual Legislative Reception on Jan. 22 under the big tent on the parking lot following the convening of the 2019 General Assembly of the Arkansas Legislature. The event drew a crowd of more than 300, including members of the Arkansas Kelley Bass of Museum of Discovery, Steve Edwards of GES, Inc. – Edwards Food Giant, Rep. Steve Hollowell, Rep. Matthew Sheppard and Denver Peacock of The Peacock Group General Assembly, elected Constitutional officers, state agency heads and State Chamber/ AIA members. The Annual Legislative Reception provides the opportunity for members of the state’s business community to network and interact one-on-one with state legislators and other elected officials.

Rep. , State Director of Boards and Commissions Bruce Campbell, Sen. Dave Wallace and Sen.

The tent was crowded at the Legislative Reception.

10 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Past AIA Chairman Haskell Dickinson State Auditor and Commissioner AIA Chairman Grady Harvell of W&W/AFCO and Thomas Dickinson of McGeorge of State Lands Steel and Rep. Johnny Rye Contracting Company Inc.

Nate Steel of Steel Wright Gray, PLLC, Rep. Rep. Fred Allen, Betty Sue Cooper Rep. Brian Evans, Melissa Rust with University Denise Garner and Rep. Andrew Collins and Stacy Williams of Arkansas System and Sen. Ricky Hill

Cody Burkham of Arkansas Cattlemen’s Secretary of State John Thurston, Sen. Jane Joe Molinaro with Arkansas Cable Association, Rep. LeeAnne Burch and Lee English and Brian Marsh of Goodwill Industries Telecommunications Association, Angela DeLille Pittman of International Paper Company of Arkansas of Cox Communications and Ronnie Dedman of AT&T Arkansas

Sam Zang of Office of State Auditor, Rep. and Kevin Steele Stanley Hill and Matt King of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, of Arkansas Homefurnishings Association and Betty Sue and Sen. John Cooper

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 11 GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

State Chamber/AIA Hosts Lobbyist Luncheons During General Assembly During the 2019 General Assembly, the State Chamber/AIA hosted weekly lobbyist luncheons that featured Gov. , Senate Majority Leader , House Speaker , House Majority Leader , Sen. , Rep. Dan Douglas, Rep. , Sen. , Sen. Mat Pitsch, and Alison Williams, Chief of Staff for Gov. Hutchinson.

Senate Majority Leader Jim Hendren

Rep. Lane Jean

Sen. Bart Hester Gov. Asa Hutchinson

12 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Sen. Mat Pitsch House Speaker Rep. Matthew Shepherd Rep. Dan Douglas

Sen. Larry Teague House Majority Leader Rep. Marcus Richmond Alison Williams, Chief of Staff for Gov. Hutchinson

Randy Zook speaks at the Political candidate seminar at Arkansas Farm Bureau in mid-October Legislative Session Update Board Meeting at the State Chamber in late April.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 13 GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

2019 State Chamber/AIA 92nd General Assembly Recap

Legislation adopted by the 92nd General Assembly the following areas: unemployment insurance, taxation, will enhance the vitality of the Arkansas business workforce quality and education, transportation and community for years to come. Multiple issues that the infrastructure, ballot initiative process, labor and State Chamber/AIA worked on for more than a decade employment, and legal environment. We were grateful were adopted. For employers, the most significant that 88 percent of the entire legislature voted with changes will be a reduction in corporate, individual us at least 70 percent of the time on key business and and unemployment insurance taxes, which will provide economic issues. at least $100 million per year in savings. In addition, unemployment insurance costs will drop by 30 percent Besides hosting a Business 101 session in December 2018 in 2020. open to all members of the General Assembly, holding our Annual Legislative Reception on Jan. 22 under the Our 2019 Legislative Agenda addressed issues that big tent in our parking lot, and hosting business lobbyist were identified as being critical areas that needed to luncheons each Monday during the Session, the State be improved to make Arkansas more competitive in Chamber/AIA also provided a Daily Legislative Update Arkansas Advantage 2030, a study the State Chamber/ by email each day of the Session. That provided readers AIA commissioned in 2015. The four areas were: with daily lists of bills added to our tracking system along improve worker readiness, improve the Arkansas with summaries of key bills and their names. business climate, improve the Arkansas legal climate and maximize the impact of economic development efforts Despite our success, there is still important work and the tools for success. to be done. Two-thirds of the highway maintenance funding will need to be adopted by the people in the We subsequently developed 11 bills and two Joint 2020 General Election as will a major piece of the ballot Resolutions on the Priority Issues from our Agenda and initiative reform. all were adopted. These bills and resolutions addressed

Gov. Hutchinson signs Act 512, introduced and passed as SB298, which amends the taxable wage base under the Department of Workforce Services Law.

14 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Kenny Hall testifies against HB 1402, which Randy Zook and Matthew Boch of Dover Dixon Randy Zook testifies in favor of SB 135, funding would have limited special elections to Horne testify in favor of SB 576. for secondary vocational area centers, certain dates. The legislation failed in the House Education Committee. in House Committee.

Randy Zook testifies before the House Revenue Gov. Hutchinson and 2019 Governmental Affairs Team: Andrew and Taxation Committee. Randy Zook visit after Parker, Hannah Barr, Randy Zook, Toni Lindsey the signing of Act 512. and Kenny Hall

Gov. Hutchinson speaks after signing SB 576 – Act 822 covering business tax reforms.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 15 GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

Zook Travels State Providing Legislative Recap to Local Chambers As part of the State Chamber/AIA’s outreach efforts, President & CEO Randy Zook traveled throughout Arkansas in the late spring and summer, providing a 92nd General Assembly legislative recap to various local chambers including Arkansas City, Bryant, Beebe, Clarksville, Crossett, El Dorado, Hot Springs, Maumelle, McGehee, Mountain Home, Piggott, Searcy and Sherwood. Arkansas City Mayor Rick Hales, Desha County Judge Richard Tindall, Randy Zook and Arkansas Highway Commissioner Robert Moore

Randy Zook speaks on Aug. 1 to members Randy Zook speaks at Arkansas City on July 1. of the Sherwood Chamber.

Randy Zook provides a legislative recap presentation on May 15 in Bryant.

16 2019 ANNUAL REPORT State Chamber/AIA Holds 17 Door-to-Door Meetings Throughout Arkansas The State Chamber/AIA held 17 Door-to-Door meetings throughout Arkansas beginning in early September and concluding in mid-November, which drew approximately 1,000 attendees. The meetings addressed key issues impacting business in Arkansas, including the competitiveness of Arkansas’s business climate, the State Chamber/AIA’s legislative progress during the 2019 General Session, and pending issues. The meetings also featured the presentation of 2019 North Little Rock Chamber President & CEO John Owens at the North Little Rock meeting Business Matters Leadership Awards, recognizing state legislators who supported positive business initiatives during the 92nd General Assembly. Meetings were held in Pine Bluff, Hot Springs, Harrison, Russellville, North Little Rock, Jonesboro, Bentonville, Conway, Batesville, Searcy, Fayetteville, Blytheville, Little Rock, El Dorado, West Memphis, Texarkana and Fort Smith. We would like to express our appreciation to the various local chambers of commerce in those cities for assisting with the logistics of the meetings and helping draw attendees to the meetings.

NorthArk College President Dr. Randy Esters at the Harrison meeting

Gary Newton of Arkansas Learns at El Dorado Arkansas School for Math, Science and the Arts Randy Zook at the Pine Bluff meeting Executive Director Corey Alderdice at the Hot Springs Door-to-Door meeting

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 17 GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

A Few of the Door-to-Door Award Recipients

Sen Missy Irvin receives her 2019 Business Matters Legislative Award Speaker of the House Rep. Matthew Shepherd receives his 2019 Business from Randy Zook at Searcy. Matters Legislative Award from Randy Zook at El Dorado.

Rep. Monte Hodges receives his 2019 Business Matters Legislative Award Senate Majority Leader Jim Hendren receives his 2019 Business Matters from Randy Zook at Blytheville. Legislative Award from Randy Zook at Bentonville.

Sen. Jane English receives her 2019 Business Matters Legislative Award Sen. Breanne Davis receives her 2019 Business Matters Legislative Award from Randy Zook at North Little Rock. from Randy Zook at Russellville.

18 2019 ANNUAL REPORT PAC STATS FOR 2019

The 2019 Legislative Session was perhaps the best-ever session for Arkansas business. We firmly believe the work we have done through our PAC program over the • ASCC PAC and AIA PAC have contributed a total of to 16 different last few years has made a difference in what we have $46,400 candidates for the 2019-2020 cycle so far been able to accomplish for business. So many more of you have donated to the PACs, have engaged with those • State Chamber Members have donated that represent us, and have been a part of growing the $141,490.18 to ASCC PAC and AIA relationships we have at the Capitol. THANK YOU to PAC combined for the 2019 calendar year those of you who continue to make an annual gift. As a reminder, PAC donors are invited to check • Current balance for ASCC PAC presentations, are listed on signage at events $109,336.98 throughout the year, are invited to sit with • Current balance for AIA PAC Legislators at our Door to Door events, and $30,014.84 more! We hope you will continue to engage in this critical program at the State Chamber of Commerce/AIA. *numbers listed are as of 12/1/19

PAC FAQs What is the ASCCPAC? Does All of the Money Raised Stay in Arkansas? Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee Yes. Both the State Chamber/AIA PACs are state PACs, completely (ASCCPAC) serves as a vehicle that allows the State Chamber/AIA focused on making a difference here in Arkansas and do not to help communicate the business community’s goal of economic participate on the federal level. prosperity in Arkansas to those running for, and currently holding political office. We believe that the State Chamber/AIA is the best grassroots organization to drive meaningful, bold change in our Do the PACs or the State Chamber/AIA government to ensure that Arkansas has the most positive business Have a Particular Party Affiliation? climate possible. No. The State Chamber/AIA nor its PACs have an allegiance to a particular party. Any funding distributed will be done so on the basis What is the AIAPAC? of a candidate’s stance on issues relevant to the business community. Associated Industries of Arkansas Political Action Committee (AIAPAC) serves as the vehicle to support those running for, and Who Decides Who Will Receive a Donation? currently holding political office in Arkansas who stand up for the There is a PAC committee that decides which candidates or elected needs of manufacturing businesses as well as industrial businesses. officials will receive donations. Candidates must meet certain criteria to gain the support of our organization. The PAC committee is Who Funds the PACs? always open to membership feedback. Per Arkansas law, any individual, proprietorship, firm, partnership, joint venture, company, corporation, or association may contribute to a state PAC. The donation limit is $5,000 per calendar year. How to Make a Donation What is Done With the Money Raised? • Make a check payable to ASCCPAC and/or • Support candidates and officeholders who share our vision to grow AIAPAC and mail to PO Box 3645, Little Rock, the economic prosperity of our state, whether it be fighting for an AR 72203. issue that helps business, or against one that hurts our interests. • Make a donation online to ASCCPAC at https:// • Provide opportunities to State Chamber/AIA members to meet politics.raisethemoney.com/ASCCPAC and/or to candidates and learn more about where they stand on various issues AIAPAC at https://politics.raisethemoney.com/ so members may make an informed decision at the ballot box. At AIAPAC times the State Chamber/AIA will provide information for a “call to action” to its membership. The goal of these “calls to action” is to • Give a percentage of your dues to the PAC when let the members’ Representatives know how business owners and you renew your membership each year. businesses in the state will be affected by their decisions on an issue.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 19 EVENTS / OUTREACH / INITIATIVES

60th Annual Washington Fly-In & Congressional Reception Draws Diverse Crowd The State Chamber/AIA’s 60th Annual Washington Fly-In & Congressional Reception, which was held May 8-10, drew a diverse crowd including the entire Arkansas Congressional delegation, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, President Pro Tem Toni LIndsey, Rep. Dan Douglas, Sarah Collins of Roberts Group, Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Angela DeLille Jim Hendren and Arkansas Speaker and Curt Stamp of Cox Communications, and Jon Moran of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of the House Matthew Shepherd. The gathering included a Chiefs of Staff Reception the evening of May 8, meetings with the Arkansas Federal delegation and U.S. Chamber of Commerce & Cabinet Official meetings during the day on May 9, the Congressional Reception & Arkansas Concert featuring NBC’s The Voice finalist Barrett Baber the evening of May 9, and an Arkansas Leadership Breakfast featuring special guest Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Friday morning, May 10. Gina Radke of Galley Support Innovations, Toni Lindsey, Barrett Baber, Andrea Jones of ARcare and Elizabeth Solano of MISO

Breakfast meeting with members of Arkansas Congressional Delegation U.S. Sen. briefs attendees.

20 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Ronnie Dedman of AT&T Arkansas and Rep. State Chamber-AIA Governmental Affairs Team U.S. Rep. , Toni Bahn, Andrew Parker Andy Davis Randy Zook, Kenny Hall, Toni Lindsey and U.S. Sen. John Boozman and Andrew Parker

U.S. Chamber Executive Director Congressional and Public Affairs Chris Caldwell, Federal Co-Chairman of the Delta Regional Authority Justin Lumadue

Sarah Huckabee Sanders Ted McKinney of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 21 EVENTS / OUTREACH / INITIATIVES

State Chamber/AIA Holds 91st Annual Meeting on Nov. 6 More than 600 people attended the State Chamber/ AIA 91st Annual Meeting, which was held Nov. 6 in the Wally Allen Ballroom of the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Ted Abernathy, Managing Partner of Economic Leadership LLC, was the keynote speaker and discussed the workforce development study for Arkansas that his firm had recently completed. Together Arkansas, an opioid response initiative for employers developed by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC), was also unveiled. Together Arkansas unveiling

Keynote speaker Ted Abernathy State Chamber Chairman Phil Baldwin Randy Zook of Citizens Bank

Sen. James Sturch, Vernon Scott of Simmons First National Bank, Rep. Bob Smith, Pam Fortner and Rep. Jack Fortner Stu Smith and Arkansas Chief Transformation Officer Amy Fecher

22 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Jon Moran of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber, Tom Hopper of Crafton Tull Carol Mugerditchian, Bill Luther of the El Dorado Chamber, Dr. Barbara and Associates, Scott Hopper of Windstream and Dick Trammel Jones of South Arkansas Community College and Mark Day of Lanxess Solutions Inc.

Keynote speaker Ted Abernathy, Sen. Jane English, Perry Webb of the Cody Slater, Ashley Brumley and Jan Hess of the Cross County Chamber, Springdale Chamber and Steve Clark of the Fayetteville Chamber Wynne Mayor Jennifer Hobbs and Chad House

Stephen Bell, Chuck Fitzsimmons, Dmitri Scott, Clark Hale, Keith Beason, Lori Ross and Saybra Richardson of Arkadelphia Regional EDA & Area Chamber

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 23 EVENTS / OUTREACH / INITIATIVES

91st Annual Meeting (Continued)

Lawren Wilcox of Garver, Aimee York of Black Hills Energy and Jerry Holder Julie Robbins, Kristen Nicholson and Whitney Burgess of MHP/Team SI of Garver

New member representatives at the New Member Lunch in mid-May

Randy Zook speaks at the New Member Luncheon in mid-May.

24 2019 ANNUAL REPORT State Chamber/AIA and GIC Host Presentation in May

The State Chamber/AIA and the Global Interdependence International Outlook: China, Brexit and Europe; Lisa Center (GIC) hosted a presentation of four GIC experts McIntire Shaw, Founding Partner with Cygnus Asset on May 30 in the Bob Lamb Conference Room. The Management, who spoke on the Financial Markets event drew more than 50 attendees. Outlook; David Altig, Executive Vice President and Speakers included Michael Drury, Chief Economist Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of for McVean Trading & Investments, who spoke on the Atlanta, who spoke on The U.S. Economy; and Ray Dillon, former CEO of Deltic Timber.

David Altig of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Lisa McIntire Shaw of Cygnus Asset Management

Michael Drury of McVean Trading & Investments Ray Dillon opens the event and introduces the other speakers.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 25 EVENTS / OUTREACH / INITIATIVES

2020 FLSA Changes: Overtime & Exemption Seminar Held on Nov. 21 The State Chamber/AIA and Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C. presented a seminar titled “2020 FLSA Changes: Overtime & Exemption” on Nov. 21 at the State Chamber building. The seminar dealt with the Department of Labor’s final rule for 2020 changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) effective Jan. 1, 2020. Missy Duke and Greg Northen of Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C. were the presenters for the seminar. Missy Duke of Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C.

Greg Northen of Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C. Attendees at the 2020 FLSA Changes Overtime & Exemption Seminar

John Burgess of Mainstream Technologies facilitated the AIPE’s Cybersecurity Workshop held in mid-October at the State Chamber.

26 2019 ANNUAL REPORT State Chamber/AIA Holds 2019 Arkansas Tax Conference The State Chamber/AIA held the 2019 Arkansas Tax Conference on Nov. 19 in the Wally Allen Ballroom of the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Nearly 100 attendees participated in the all-day event, which included sessions on Arkansas 2019 Tax Legislation and Major Development, Arkansas Sales Tax Audits, What’s Changing Around DFA, Sales Tax Issues in the Hospitality Industry, Arkansas Passthrough and Individual Income Tax Issues, Arkansas Corporate Income Tax Issues, Arkansas Property Tax Legislation and Assessment Issues, and a Legislative Panel. DFA Commissioner of Revenue Charlie Collins

Matt Boch of Dover Dixon Horne and Paul Gehring of the DFA discuss 2019 major developments David Sawyer with the Council on State Taxation from the legislative session.

The Tax Conference ended with a legislative panel featuring Sen. Jim Hendren, Sen. , Joel DiPippa with the Department of Finance Rep. and Rep. Lane Jean. and Administration

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 27 EVENTS / OUTREACH / INITIATIVES

State Chamber/AIA Staff Attend Local Chamber Meetings State Chamber/AIA staff attended 32 local chamber annual meetings throughout Arkansas during 2019 beginning in January and ending in December. Locations included Hot Springs, Maumelle, Pine Bluff, Malvern, Mountain Home, Texarkana, Springdale, Newport, Bryant, Grant County, Rogers- Lowell, Siloam Springs, North Little Rock, Hot Springs Village, West Memphis, Stuttgart, Forrest City, West Memphis, Sherwood, Arkadelphia, Bentonville, Magnolia, Heber Springs, Conway, Mena/Polk County, Prescott/Nevada County, Fort Smith, Searcy, Fayetteville, Randy Zook, Toni Lindsey and Steve Clark at the Fayetteville Chamber Annual Meeting Jonesboro and Little Rock.

Randy Zook speaks to a Springdale Leadership Class.

28 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Proud to be an Pine Bluff, AR Equal Centralmoloneyinc.com Opportunity Employer

“Our GREATEST ASSET is our PEOPLE”

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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

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 29 MANUFACTURING / INDUSTRY / WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Be Pro Be Proud Unveils Second Generation Mobile Workshop Be Pro Be Proud, the Associated Industries of Arkansas workforce initiative, kicked off the 2019-2020 Workshop Tour and unveiled the Second Generation Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop before a capacity crowd on Sept. 5 in Governor’s Hall IV of the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. The event included remarks by State Chamber President & CEO Randy Zook, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., Arkansas Business Publishing Group Publisher Rachel Pitre, Union Pacific Railroad Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer Scott Moore, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Delta Regional Authority Federal Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell and U.S. Sen. John Boozman. The second-generation, 78-foot mobile unit will increase the number of stops and students served, resulting in a larger pipeline of prepared and energized talent choosing one of many high-value, high-wage professional, technical career opportunities available. The mobile unit is an engaging tool that provides information about training resources, available positions and descriptions, skills needed, and how to start the process of starting a skilled professional career. Utilities have been added to the second-generation workshop as a focus due to the technical needs and income potential. The 12 in-demand professions that Union Pacific Railroad Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer continue to be represented include truck driver; diesel Scott Moore tech; locomotive engineer; welder; machinist; computer numerical control (CNC) operator; tool and die maker; computer programmer; computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) drafter; heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) tech; plumber; electrician and carpenter. At the time of the unveiling of the second unit, the original mobile unit had made more than 450 stops, in 250 cities across the state at middle schools, high schools, two-year colleges, fairs and festivals, rural community events, job fairs and businesses. More than 60,000 students had visited the trailer.

U.S. Sen. John Boozman

30 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Be Pro Be Proud Truck and Trailer 2.0

Be Pro Be Proud Truck 2.0 Be Pro Be Proud Workshop 2.0

Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 31 MANUFACTURING / INDUSTRY / WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Be Pro Be Proud Unveils Second Generation Mobile Workshop (Continued)

Randy Zook. Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Scott Moore of Union Pacific Railroad, Arkansas Business Publishing Group Publisher Rachel Pitre U.S. Sen. John Boozman and Chris Caldwell of Delta Regional Authority

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Workshop Module 2.0

Interior of Be Pro Be Proud Workshop Module 2.0

32 2019 ANNUAL REPORT U.S. Labor Secretary Acosta Visits State Chamber in June U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta visited the State Chamber on June 17 as part of a presentation and discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing the Arkansas and U.S. workforce. The event was hosted by State Chamber President Randy Zook welcomes attendees as U.S. Labor U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta (center) Secretary Alexander Acosta, Lt. Gov. and State Rep. Jack Fortner (right) check out the & CEO Randy Zook, Lt. Gov. Tim and Sen. Jane English look on. Be Pro Be Proud Workshop Module. Griffin and State Sen. Jane English. Acosta’s appearance drew a capacity crowd.

U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, Lt. Gov. U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta drew a capacity crowd. Tim Griffin and Sen. Jane English

Andrew Parker speaks at the Cedarville High School Career State Chamber/AIA Conference in January. Promotes Manufacturing Day 2019 on Oct. 4 and Beyond The State Chamber/AIA again partnered with the National Association of Manufacturers in promoting Manufacturing Day 2018 on Oct. 4 and beyond. In Arkansas, numerous 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 value to the U.S. economy.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 33 COMMITTEES

Committees Play Major Role organizations. A large group of business lobbyists meet in State Chamber/AIA Success weekly during legislative sessions to hear from legislative leaders, monitor pending legislation and discuss other Committees play a major role in the success of the issues of importance to the business community with State Chamber/AIA. Consisting of business leaders and the goal of developing a consistent lobbying strategy on subject matter experts from member companies across business issues. This group also participates in Candidate the state, issue committees meet as needed throughout Forums that review candidates for open seats. The the year to help identify and develop key issues that are Committee contributes to the development of the State critical to the future of Arkansas. Chamber/AIA’s Legislative Agenda and provides support The committees provide the State Chamber/AIA to the State Chamber/AIA lobbying team on a variety of governmental affairs team guidance in understanding issues. complex topics that often require a great deal of specific expertise. This equips our lobbyists with insights and Health Care knowledge about an issue’s potential impact on our Chairman: Kurt Knickrehm, member companies and our state. McGriff Insurance The State Chamber/AIA Committees and their leaders The Health Care Committee provides include: guidance in the development of health-care-related issues. Many Workforce Excellence times, the committee has played Chairman: Ken Stuckey, the role of facilitating a consensus between employers Pace Industries and health-care providers as the State Chamber/AIA endeavors to maintain and improve quality health care Recognizing that the workforce of and find practical means of providing benefits and tomorrow is in the schools of today, containing costs. the Workforce Excellence Committee proactively advocates the interests of National Issues business and industry as the State Chamber/AIA strives to improve education in Arkansas. The committee Co-Chairmen: Matt Mika, examines issues in K-12 education, higher education Tyson Foods, Inc.; Connie Vaughan, and workforce development. This committee identifies McKee Foods Corporation; Kevin projects and tracks their successful implementation, as McGilton, Riceland Foods Inc. well as identifying and recommending policy changes and The National Issues Committee helps identify issues positions that will make Arkansas school systems more that the State Chamber/AIA should address at the successful. federal level. Given the myriad of national issues, this is an ambitious task. But we also rely on strong Governmental Affairs partnerships with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chairmen: Tom Kennedy, the National Association of Manufacturers, Council of Entergy Arkansas, Inc.; State Chambers, Council on State Taxation, The Tax Robert D. Smith, III, Attorney Foundation and the Arkansas Congressional Delegation. The committee’s priority issues are health care, the The Governmental Affairs Committee farm bill, education and workforce development, unions, is comprised of governmental affairs climate change, energy policy, economic stimulus, taxes representatives who work for our member companies, and immigration. business associations and business-related lobbying

34 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Tax on the state’s workers’ compensation laws, rules and regulations, and related Court of Appeals decisions. It Chairman: Marvin Childers, also develops legislation as needed to keep Arkansas The Poultry Federation workers’ compensation costs in the top five lowest in Co-Chairman: Tammy the country. The Committee’s evaluation of issues is Waters, Domtar greatly enhanced when there is a broad range of business Legal Counsel: Michael O. Parker types active in this committee. & Matt Boch, Dover Dixon Horne, PLLC The Tax Committee works to ensure a favorable PAC business climate in Arkansas through analyzing tax Co-Chairmen: Ray Dillon, issues, recommending positions and testifying at Deltic Timber Corp. (retired) legislative and regulatory hearings on tax matters. It also and State Chamber Immediate accomplishes this goal through educating, coordinating Past Chairman; Andy Miller, and working actively with taxing entities to ensure Flywheel Energy the fair and equitable administration of taxes. The The State Chamber/AIA PAC Committee manages Committee meets often during legislative sessions to three Political Action Committees and an Independent review bills and develop positions and recommendations Expenditures Committee, as defined by Arkansas Rules to make the Arkansas tax climate more competitive. In of Ethics. PAC Committee members are selected by our the off-season, it meets to address regulatory issues and leadership and meet as needed to review election races, tax policy. generate revenue and determine which candidates to Unemployment Insurance/HR support and the amount of support. Our PACs provide an opportunity to communicate the goals of employers Chairman: Michael S. Moore, to those individuals running for selected political Friday Eldredge & Clark LLP offices in Arkansas. The Arkansas State Chamber Co-Chairman: Chris Hart, PAC and the AIA PAC focus on state legislative races Central Moloney and, if needed, races. Our The Unemployment Insurance/HR Businesses for Justice PAC is available for Court of Committee helps the State Chamber/ Appeals races, other judicial races and potential ballot AIA lead the business community on important issues. The Independent Expenditures Committee is cost of doing business issues. It plays a vital role in available to help selected candidates, independent of the identifying and reviewing issues that impact employers’ candidates’ campaign. Per Arkansas law, any individual, unemployment insurance costs and other human proprietorship, firm, partnership, joint venture, resource issues. Broad business representation on this company, corporation, or association may contribute to committee enhances our understanding of how issues a state PAC. The limit is $5,000 per year per entity per impact all segments of business, which helps the State PAC. There are no limitations on contributions to our Chamber/AIA governmental affairs team. Independent Expenditures Committee. Workers’ Compensation Chairman: Jane Duke, Tyson Foods, Inc. The State Chamber/AIA invites our Co-Chairman: Guy Wade, members to become involved by having any Friday Eldredge & Clark, LLP. relevant employee serve on one or more The State Chamber/AIA serves as committees. If you are interested, please employers’ watch dog on workers’ contact Deb Mathis at 501-210-4212 or compensation issues. The Committee keeps a close eye [email protected].

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 35 MARKETING / SALES / AWARDS

E-Newsletters The State Chamber/AIA continued its efforts during • Daily Legislative Update is e-mailed each business day 2019 to reach the broadest possible business audience during legislative sessions and outlines the day’s most via our various e-newsletters. important issues being tracked by the State Chamber/ AIA Governmental Affairs team. • E-Business is a twice-monthly compendium of articles chronicling our organizations’ events, activities, In addition, the State Chamber/AIA sends out periodic program, efforts and committees. E-mail blasts covering our issue seminars and timely state or federal topics that may be of interest to our members. • Washington Watch is e-mailed the second week of each month and concentrates on federal issues that have Archived copies of our e-newsletters are also posted on impact upon businesses. our web site: www.arkansasstatechamber.com. • Industry Insight is e-mailed the fourth week of each If you are not currently receiving our e-newsletters and month and focuses on manufacturing and industrial would like to be added to our distribution list, contact news and issues including new business announcements, Jeff Thatcher at [email protected]. groundbreakings and expansions of existing business and industry.

Web Sites The State Chamber/AIA website, www. Be Pro Be Proud, the AIA workforce initiative, also has arkansasstatechamber.com, is on a WordPress platform, a website, www.beprobeproud.org, which provides which makes it user-friendly and mobile compatible. information on professions, training, jobs, partners, news Members are encouraged to visit the site to keep up with and events. State Chamber/AIA events and initiatives.

36 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Arkansas Manufacturers State Chamber/AIA Shelley Short Graduates Directory Continues Growing Social from U.S. Chamber In 2019, the State Chamber/AIA Media Presence Foundation Education published its tenth edition of the In an effort to gain traffic and build and Workforce Arkansas Manufacturers Directory. exposure of our organizations Fellowship Program The Arkansas Manufacturers throughout the state, the State Shelley Short, Directory, an Associated Industries Chamber/AIA continued with Vice President, of Arkansas publication, is a guide our efforts to grow our social Programs & to becoming involved and being media presence via daily posts on Partnerships of heard within the manufacturing Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. the Arkansas sector. Members are urged to “like” or State Chamber “follow” the State Chamber/AIA Arkansas Manufacturers of Commerce/ The pages for the social media outlets. Directory provides a listing of all Associated manufacturers in Arkansas by city Industries and is also a resource that provides of Arkansas practical information on different graduated from the U.S. Chamber aspects of Arkansas business, of Commerce Foundation’s premier industry, business leadership program. climate, The inaugural Business Leads attractions, Fellowship Program trained and business equipped leaders from state and support, Marcus Turley Recognized local chambers of commerce with natural by ACCE with Award resources, access to experts, resources, State Chamber/ and a network of peers to build geography, AIA Vice their capacity to address the most certain laws President of pressing education and workforce and tax Membership challenges. policies, and Development Following a competitive application other items. Marcus and selection process, Short was Turley was selected along with 34 other state recognized by and local chamber executives to ASCP Recognizes State the Association participate in the inaugural class. of Chamber The four-month program, which Chamber/AIA with Two of Commerce ended in January, covered the Membership Awards Executives in the 2019 Sales entire talent pipeline, including The Association of State Chamber Contest and Lifetime Achievement early childhood education, K-12, Professionals (ASCP) recognized Awards. higher education, and workforce the State Chamber/AIA with two Turley placed Second nationally development. awards, Greatest Growth in New in the $500,000 - $2 Million in Member Numbers and Greatest Dues Income – Dollar Value of Retention in Member Numbers, New Personal Sales category with during a joint conference in late $186,950. September with the Council of State Chambers and the U.S. Chamber Regional Team.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 37 LEADERSHIP ARKANSAS

Leadership Arkansas Graduates Class XIII, Begins Class XIV Leadership Arkansas Class XIII continued its sessions during 2019 in El Dorado and Camden; West Memphis and Blytheville; Hot Springs; Fayetteville, Springdale and Bentonville; and Little Rock. The Underwriting Sponsor for Class XIII was The Citizens Bank of Batesville. The Presenting Sponsor was ARcare. The Statewide Sponsors were Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, Entergy Arkansas, Farm Credit Services of Arkansas, Nucor Arkansas, Southwest Power Pool and Walmart Inc.

Discussing strategy at the Education & Workforce Session in Batesville.

Amiee York of Black Hills Energy, Attorney Leadership Arkansas Class XIII at the State Capitol Adrienne Griffis and Kristin Kirk of Legacy Equipment, LLC tour a C130 at the Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville.

38 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Leadership Class XIII

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

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 39 LEADERSHIP ARKANSAS

Leadership Arkansas Class XIII (Continued)

Class members at the Northwest Arkansas Session Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe

Mid-America Science Museum Executive Director Diane LaFollette speaks Group tour of Nucor in Blytheville at the Hot Springs Session.

Group Tour of Conifex USA facility in El Dorado Oaklawn group shot

40 2019 ANNUAL REPORT CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITIES

A Program of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas State Sens. Jane English and Larry Teague at the Leadership Arkansas Class XI mock 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 diverse, statewide network of leaders with a shared and political challenges that face this State. First commitment to connect our communities and to make introduced in 2005 by the Arkansas State Chamber of Arkansas a better place in which to live and prosper. Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, our Leadership Arkansas sessions include: staff, with the guidance of the organizations’ Boards • annual educational, issues-oriented, nine-month class and Executive Committees, recruits highly-motivated program individuals to experience first-hand the dynamic • eight day-and-a-half sessions held in various communities interactions between cities, industries, governmental throughout the state units and the people they serve. • Arkansas leaders who represent a wide geographic base and Leadership Arkansas is grounded in the belief that it who have diverse backgrounds and vocations is from bringing diverse interests and backgrounds • exposure to the many social and environmental complexities together that real progress is achieved. Through of the state shared experiences and frequent interactions, • on-site demonstrations and tours Leadership Arkansas participants, facilitators and • diverse geographical and cultural experiences alumni learn and grow as they advance through an • insight into the people, places and history that influence innovative nine-month program designed to expose public policies class members to the challenges and opportunities of • fun and casual settings which foster new relationships and our local communities and their impact on the State as camaraderie a whole. Class members gain: • An inclusive network of colleagues and resources What We Offer • A broad understanding of state issues and developments Leadership Arkansas has helped nearly 700 graduates • A better sense of personal leadership potential and deepen their background and understanding of issues enhanced leadership skills facing the state and provided them with effective tools Employers and sponsoring organizations acquire: to develop initiatives to improve the quality of life in • Employees connected to a diverse network of dynamic Arkansas. We also have helped create a statewide leaders community to generate dialogue on those issues, • Individuals with knowledge to discuss a variety of issues at setting the stage for progress throughout the state. the state and community levels Participants have been developing, strengthening and • Staff energized and motivated to apply program information connecting with emerging leaders in Arkansas for to organization situations several years. We count among our graduates well- • Leaders prepared to address issues and keep companies in established political, business and community leaders. 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.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 41 LEADERSHIP ARKANSAS

Leadership Arkansas Class XIV Selects 64 Members Sixty-four individuals from throughout Arkansas were selected for Leadership Arkansas Class XIV. The Underwriting Sponsor for the 2019-2020 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 Inc. Leadership Arkansas Class XIV began with an Orientation Session September 29 – October 1 at Fairfield Bay Conference Center. Session II covering Agriculture & Outdoor Life was held October 29-30 at Stuttgart. Session III covering Education & Workforce was held November 18-19 in Fort Smith. Session IV covering Government & Military was held December 10-11 in Little Col. Tina Lipscomb, Angela Bonds of the Russellville Area Chamber and Angela DeLille of Rock, North Little Rock & Jacksonville. Cox Communications at Riceland Foods in Stuttgart

UAFS Chancellor Dr. Terisa Riley at the Fort Smith Session Class members examine grains of rice during the Stuttgart Session.

Team building at the Orientation Session. Relaxing on the party barge during the Orientation Session.

42 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Leadership Class XIV

Jeremy Adams Teri Cox Boyd Logan Joan Shofner USAble Life Cox Consulting Future School of Fort Smith University of Central Arkansas Stephanie Alderdice Leslie Davis Justin Loth Hayden Shurgar SixtyOne Celsius Harbor Environmental and Safety MISO Energy Wright, Lindsey & Jennings Rob Anderson Angela DeLille Antoine Lucas Brad Smith Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation Cox Communications Southwest Power Pool Farmers Bank and Trust Lindsey Bailey Ross Dunn Jeff Marcussen Charlie Spakes Association of Arkansas Counties Tyson Foods, Inc. Nabholz AGRMA (Arkansas Grocers & Retailers Merchants Association) Joe Baker Corey Edwards David Mitchell, Jr. Southland Casino Racing Cromwell Architects Engineers Rose Law Firm Sandy Straessle Stone Bank Dr. Joyvin Benton Daniel Ellis Jamie Mobley Winthrop Rockefeller Institute Crafton Tull and Associates Simmons Bank Tonya Villines Junior Achievement of Arkansas Stephanie Blevins Jennifer Emerson Will Moore Office of Govenor Asa Hutchinson Arkansas Economic ARcare Ben Walters Development Commission Arkansas Economic Tori Bogner Eric Munson Development Commission Signature Bank Beth Franks Governor’s Council ATG USA on Developmental Disabilities, Jacob Ward Angela Bonds State of Arkansas Mitchell Communications Russellville Area Chamber Jeffrey Freiert of Commerce Citizens Bank Lesley Nalley Ryan Watley Hot Springs Village GFPB, Inc. (Go Forward Pine Bluff) Joan Botts Brandon Gentry Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort Cross County Bank Heather R. Nelson Rodney West Seal Solar Simmons Bank Josh Bright Brad Graham North Arkansas Regional Baldwin & Shell Emily Reynolds Adam White Medical Center Construction Company Walmart, Inc. Garver Dewayne Cash Adrian Harris Deaundra Rhodes Tina Winham Nucor-Yamato Steel Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Webster University Swimways Chanda Chacon Tron Hodges John Scherrey Todd Wooten Arkansas Children’s Black Hills Energy Centennial Bank Dover Dixon Horne, LLC Shana Chaplin Mel Hutchins Brent Sharpmack Lary K. Zeno, III Arkansas Department Citizens Bank Hudson, Cisne & Co. Rock Solid Restoration of Education David Johnson Sara Christie Central Arkansas Water Mainstream Technologies Dr. Chris Jones Todd Clark Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub Arkansas State University Jordan Ligon Chris Cline C.R. Crawford Construction Riceland Foods Col. Tina Lipscomb Steven Lamm of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber, Jason Green of ABB, Michael Considine Arkansas Air National Guard Andrea Slaton of UAFS and Dr. Gary Udouj of Fort Smith Public Schools Entergy at the Fort Smith Session

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 43 PINNACLE PROGRAM

New Pinnacle Members Announced for 2019

Peak Coca-Cola Consolidated Apex USAble Life Verizon Wireless Crown CARTI Cree Fayeteville El Dorado Chemical Co. McGriff Insurance MobX PhRMA PPG Pratt & Whitney, Inc. Summit Southland Holdings Summit Community Care Welspun Tubular

The Pinnacle Program recognizes the state’s outstanding corporate citizens – State Chamber/AIA members that desire to make a significant statement about their participation in Arkansas’s future. Peak 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.

44 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Crown

Arkansas Petroleum Council

®

Schickel DEVELOPMENT Little Rock, Arkansas

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 45 NEW AND UPGRADED MEMBERS

Thanks to the Following New and Upgraded State Chamber/AIA Members for 2019

ABC Supply Co. Inc. Curtis H. Stout Inc. Jessica Costaldi, LPC Relocation Services Affordable Holdings, LLC Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Kindred at Home of Arkansas All Clean USA Dayco Products, LLC Community Care RGB Mechanical Alliance Parts Warehouse Diamond State Kiswire Pine Bluff, Inc. Contractors Almatis Roofing School L&L Freight Services, Inc. Saline Health System Alzheimer’s Arkansas Doggett Freightliner Lime SALT Group of Arkansas Alzheimer’s Association of Arkansas, LLC Little River Chamber Southern Arkansas University Tech American Petroleum Sales DoubleTree Hotel of Commerce & Service Dreamline Mfg. Looney Ricks Kiss, Inc. SCS Engineers AMR Architects Inc. EACH Little Rock Athletic Scurlock Industries Arkansas 529 Education Edwards Food Giant Centers LLC Southeast Arkansas College Savings Plan El Dorado Chemical Little Rock School District SEAL Corporation Arkansas ACTE Company Little Rock Zoo dba Seal Solar Arkansas Regional Elite Catering, LLC MAHLE Engine Siplast, Inc. Innovation Hub Inc. Embassy Suites by Hilton/ Components USA Inc. SMF & Machine Tools, Inc. Arkansas Teacher Red Wolf Convention Mainstream (Center Southland Holdings, LLC Retirement System Center for Independent Living) SSI Inc. ArcBest Corporation Embassy Suites Hot McGriff Insurance St. Bernards ARCH Specials Springs-Hotel & Spa McKimmey Medical Center Baker Refrigeration Enviro Tech Chemical Associates, Realtors Stone Bank Systems, Inc. Services Metro Disaster Specialists Sultan Global Group Beechwood Pinnacle Environmental Protection Mill Creek Strategies Summit Community Care Associates Hotels, LLC MobX Summit Truck Group Bekaert Corporation - Eric Rob & Isaac Inc. Mortgage Bankers of Little Rock Rogers Express Employment Association of Arkansas Sygnificare, LLC Benton School District Professionals of SE Mossy Oak Properties/ Arkansas Thea Foundation Best Manufacturing Delta Land Management First National Bank Theatre Owners Better Business Bureau Co. LLC of Mid-America Flis Enterprises, Inc. of Arkansas, Inc. National Lift Tri County Farm Big Brothers Big Sisters Flynco, Inc. of Arkansas, Inc. & Ranch Supply of Central Arkansas Forsgren Inc. Network Services UA Pulaski Tech Group Inc. Briggs Equipment Georgetown Farms UA Community College- Broadview Strategies Glenn Mechanical, Inc. Newberry Tanks Batesville & Equipment LLC Bryant Public Schools Grant County Chamber UALR NWA Economic Bryce Corporation of Commerce Unilever Great Dane Development District, Caliber Care & Transport Inc. USAble Life Calstrip Arkansas, Inc. Heritage Verizon Wireless Communications, Inc. Northwest Arkansas CARTI Pathology Associates PA Vire Control Systems, LLC Highland Home Holding Cartridge World Oldcastle APG, Inc. Wallace Holloway Engineering, Consulting Co. LLC Central Arkansas Surveying & Civil ORC Products, Inc. Library System Design, PLLC Owens-Corning Fiberglas Warren Oil Company, LLC Coca-Cola Consolidated HR Training & Career Patterson Financial Group Waymack & Crew Combined Insurance Services LLC PhRMA Welspun Tubular, LLC Conway Regional Health Hums Hardware & Rental Plastic Ingenuity White River Health System System Innovation Consultants, Inc. PPG White River Planning Cove Street Consulting LLC Intrepid USA Pratt & Whitney, Inc. & Development District, Inc. Team CPR, Inc. Healthcare Services Quantum Plastics Wilson Combat Cree Fayetteville JCD Consulting Radiology Associates, P.A. Windsor Door

46 2019 ANNUAL REPORT SPONSORS AND ADVERTISERS

The Following Members and Organizations Sponsored State Chamber/AIA Events and Purchased Advertising in 2019

ABB Edwards Food Giant Riceland Foods Inc. Stephens Inc. Aerojet Rocketdyne Evergreen Packaging Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber Stephens Production Company Corporation Farm Credit Services of AR of Commerce TCPrint Solutions Alcoa, Inc. First Community Bank Rose Law Firm Tokusen U.S.A. Inc. America’s Car-Mart Inc. First National Bank Russellville Area Chamber Tyson Foods, Inc. ARcare of Fort Smith of Commerce U.S. Bank Arkadelphia Regional EDA Flywheel Energy Arkansas Valley Alliance Union Pacific Railroad & Area Chamber Friday Eldredge & Clark LLP for Economic Development W&W/AFCO Steel LLC of Commerce FutureFuel Chemical Company Russellville Area Chamber Walmart Inc. Arkansas Bankers Association Galley Support Innovations of Commerce Welspun Tubular, LLC Arkansas Blue Cross Gar-Bro SALT Group of Arkansas White River Planning and Blue Shield Manufacturing Company Signature Bank of Arkansas & Development District, Arkansas Business Garver Snyder Environmental Inc. Arkansas Economic GBMc & Associates Southern Bancorp Bank Windstream Development Institute Gerdau Special Steel Southland Casino Racing Winrock International Arkansas Electric Goodwill Industries Southwest Power Pool World Trade Center Arkansas Cooperative Corp of Arkansas Southwestern Electric Power Wright Lindsey & Jennings LLP Arkansas Farm Governor’s Quality Award Company/An AEP Company XTO Energy, Inc., an Bureau Federation Great Dane ExxonMobil subsidiary Arkansas Health Greater Hot Springs Chamber Care Association of Commerce Arkansas Learns Hot Springs Village Arkansas Trucking Association Impact Management Arvest Bank Group Inc. AT&T Arkansas Koontz Electric Company Inc. Bad Boy Inc. Kutak Rock LLP Baldwin & Shell Landmark PLC Certified Construction Company Public Accountants Batesville Area Chamber Lanxess Solutions Inc. of Commerce Liberty Utilities (Missouri) Ben E. Keith Company Little Rock Regional Chamber Big River Steel Lockheed Martin Missiles BKD, LLP & Fire Control Black Hills Energy Mainstream Technologies, Inc. Caterpillar Inc. McGeorge Contracting Causey Law Firm Company Inc. CDI Contractors LLC McGriff Insurance CenterPoint Energy McKee Foods Corporation TM Central Moloney Inc. MHP/Team SI Citizens Bank Mitchell Williams Selig Gates CJRW & Woodyard, PLLC think rint Community Health Centers Murphy USA Inc. tcp of Arkansas, Inc. Nabholz Construction Services ConAgra Brands Northwest Arkansas Conway Regional Community College Offset Printing | Digital Printing | Finishing Options Health System Northwest Arkansas Cooper Tire Regional Airport Fulfillment | Wide Format Printing | Storefront & Rubber Company Northwest Technical Institute Cox Communications Nucor Arkansas Cross County Chamber OG+E of Commerce/Wynne EDC/ Pain Treatment Centers Tech Center of America Dassault Falcon Jet Corp. Pine Bluff Sand Delta Dental of Arkansas Inc. & Gravel Company Domtar Pritchett Sales We’ve Been Preparing For Your Project since 1945. Dover Dixon Horne PLLC & Use Tax Consulting E. Ritter & Company Raytheon E.C. Barton & Company 501.945.7165 | www.tcprint.com

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 47 AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE)

Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives of the economic (AEDCE) is the state association representing economic development and developers and chamber professionals throughout chamber industry Arkansas. AEDCE’s objective is to advance, through in Arkansas, from educational and professional efforts, the business climate rural to urban areas and everything in between. This and quality of life in Arkansas by the development of allows us to provide a broad array of resources and employment opportunities through economic growth expertise in the chamber and economic development and community development. This is accomplished fields. through education, advocacy and our connected AEDCE is a 501 (c) 6 organization that is housed at network of association members. the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/AIA. The Membership in AEDCE is available to anyone with an staff and board of AEDCE are dedicated to providing interest in the economic and community development of leadership and a vision to advance the economic Arkansas. Our membership covers all parts and aspects development and chamber profession in Arkansas.

Attendees at New Chamber Professional Boot Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks at the AEDCE October 14-18, 2019 was proclaimed Chamber Camp learned about all things chamber Annual Conference in Fort Smith about of Commerce Week in Arkansas of commerce tailored specifically for the new the year’s accomplishments in economic by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. chamber professional. development and what’s on the horizon.

2019 AEDCE Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course attendees. The 2020 course will be held April 6-9 in Little Rock. Contact AEDCE at 501-210-4206 to learn more.

48 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence/ Governor’s Quality Award Program

Train | Assess | Recognize

The Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence (AIPE) partners with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce to provide training, assessment and recognition to organizations in Arkansas. Training in 2019 included the annual Healthcare Seminar, “The Unconscious Barriers to Workforce Quality,” and a webinar presented by former national Baldrige Executive Director Harry Hertz titled “Culture and Strategy—Eat All Three Meals.” AIPE also hosted a workshop in partnership with Mainstream Technologies and Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions titled, “Ensuring Cybersecurity through Quality Systems.” For the eighth year, AIPE trained potential Governor’s Quality Award applicants, working with 21 Arkansas businesses from all industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, nonprofit and government.

Award table

2019 ANNUAL REPORT 49 AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

Recognizing Excellence in Arkansas The Governor’s Quality Award Program offers opportunities for all businesses in the state to assess their performance through a systems perspective and receive award recognition and feedback. The award process uses the Baldrige Excellence Framework, a proven management framework for more than 25 years for all types of businesses and organizations including manufacturing, healthcare, education, government agencies and non-profit. Those who apply choose from four award levels. Applications are evaluated and applicants receive written feedback reports citing strengths and areas for improvement. Twenty organizations received Governor’s Gov. Asa Hutchinson congratulates 2019 award recipients at the Annual Awards Banquet in September. Quality Awards in 2019. Now is the time to consider applying for an award in 2020. •Training is provided; • Applications are assessed by teams of examiners, volunteer industry experts from across the state who are trained to provide feedback reports to use in process improvement and strategic planning; • Applicants receive recognition at an annual awards presentation dinner. For more information about the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence or the Governor’s Quality Award Program, contact Trish Villines at tvillines@ arkansasstatechamber.com, call her at (501) 372-2222, or visit the website at www.arkansas-quality.org Teams of Examiners prepare for assessing 2019 GQA applications during Examiner Training in April.

50 2019 ANNUAL REPORT TRAIN ASSESS RECOGNIZE

Your Blueprint 2018 GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR PERFORMANCE to a Competitive Future EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS Relevant to all industry sectors Training & Coaching Available: • Continuous Improvement • Strategy Development • Workforce Development & Effectiveness • Managing Supply Chains Washington Regional Medical Center Organizational Assessment & Expert Feedback through Governor’s Quality Award process Improve Processes to Improve Results: • Customer Satisfaction • Increase Revenues • Engage Workforce J.V. Manufacturing, Inc. Specialized Workshops • Align ISO & Baldrige Concepts • Cybersecurity • Application Writing & Examiner Training • Healthcare Seminar

Unity Health - White County Medical Center

CONTACT: TRISH VILLINES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 1200 W. Capitol Ave. Little Rock, AR 72201 501-372-2222 [email protected] www.arkansas-quality.org 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Springdale Water Utilities 51

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