Business success is measured in many ways.
Arkansas Money & Politics asked its readers again this year to tell us which were the most admired companies in The Natural State. Using as criteria financial soundness, bold innovation, brand awareness, quality of product, outstanding people and social responsibility, they did just that in the 73 categories that follow.
We hold all businesses in high esteem, especially after the roller coaster ride of the last three years, and we tip our hat to those owners who managed to adapt, navigate and survive. But this particular year, readers told us who they admired most. And here they are. Enjoy the 2023 list of AMP’s Most Admired Companies, which follows a pair of Most Admired features.
Accounting
Bell & Company
Established in 1981 by Richard and Lee Bell, Bell & Company is a full-service public accounting firm with locations in North Little Rock and Conway. As a trusted adviser, Bell & Company has provided local small businesses and individuals tax, consulting and attest services for more than 36 years. With over 40 full-time professionals and a combined 300 years of experience, no challenge is too great for the Bell team. The firm also specializes in the trucking industry, as well as estates and trusts. It has the resources, experience and depth of knowledge to deliver the services clients need professionally and efficiently in an ever-changing tax and financial reporting compliance environment. The company supports numerous local organizations, with several team members serving on boards and volunteering their time, in addition to financial contributions.
Advertising
Stone Ward
Stone Ward is a marketing company of people who are a creative force for good — building partnerships, people, ideas and community from their home cities of Little Rock and Chicago. The Stone Ward team shares a passion for creativity and a strategic focus on helping good companies succeed. And for almost four decades, the Stone Ward team has made a positive difference locally and globally through its philanthropy of volunteer time and treasure. Stone Ward’s “Building Good” philosophy focuses on servant leadership, builds lasting trust with their clients, and believes in the potential of every team member, client and idea. It’s the driving force behind everything they do, and it’s helped them forge some of the longest-tenured client partnerships in the industry, attract the region’s top talent and win countless coveted awards for their work in creative, advertising, and public relations. Most importantly, Stone Ward is known for its ability to get results for its highly valued clients across diverse sectors.
Agricultural Business
Riceland Foods
Riceland is the world’s largest rice miller and marketer and one of the mid-South’s most prominent soybean processors. Generations of Riceland farmers have planted and harvested the rice that has made the company the industry leader it is today. Riceland works closely with its 5,500 farmer-members in Arkansas and Missouri to continue cultivating the best quality of rice. On average, Riceland’s 1,500 employees prepare and market more than 125 million bushels (2.5 million metric tons) of grain. Riceland products are shipped and sold under the Riceland label, private labels, as ingredients, and in bulk. The brand is sold across the country and to more than 75 locations outside of the United States.
Architect
Cromwell Architects Engineers
Cromwell Architects Engineers is a full-service architecture, engineering, and building services firm. Cromwell works collaboratively with clients to create bold, unique, versatile, sustainable design solutions. The company offers a full range of building services to see projects from initial planning and concept design all the way through construction and into occupancy. The firm’s mission is to create inspiring, high-performance buildings for diverse clients to enhance the global community. A talented team of architects, engineers and facility managers and energy services personnel deliver projects and solutions to meet a variety of client needs, all while creating beautiful and distinctive buildings. Founded in the 1880s, Cromwell celebrated its 135th anniversary in 2020. The firm has expanded nationally and internationally and continues to be a major force in the practice of architecture and engineering.
Auctioneer
Blackmon Auctions
Blackmon Auctions, based in Little Rock, is a third-generation family business founded in 1938. Led by Thomas Blackmon, who took over from his father, Tom Blackmon Sr., the firm conducts auctions of all sizes throughout the United States. In the past 24 months, it has conducted more than 150 auctions in more than 25 states — as close to home as its own auction complex in Little Rock and as far away as Wyoming, Florida, New York, California, Ohio, Louisiana, Kansas, Texas, Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Oklahoma. Although Blackmon Auctions has grown into one of the largest equipment auction companies in the country, it still specializes in one-owner, on-site auctions, regardless of size.
Auto Dealership
Parker Automotive Group
A third-generation business, family-owned in Little Rock since 1967, Parker Automotive Group is the only exclusive Cadillac, Lexus and Audi dealer in the state of Arkansas. The Parker Auto Group consists of Audi Little Rock, Parker Cadillac, Parker Lexus and Parker Automotive Restoration. The sales staff at each location has many years of experience and is dedicated to meeting the needs of their customers. Parker Auto’s dealerships have won numerous awards and continually rank among the best in both sales and service.
Bank
Signature Bank of Arkansas
Signature Bank of Arkansas was established in 2005 by a team of well-respected and experienced local bankers. That team’s vision was a bank where decisions were made locally and in the best interests of not only the bank, but customers and team members as well. Signature Bank offers a wide range of loan and deposit products and services. Deposits are FDIC insured to at least $250,000. In addition, the advisers at Signature Private Wealth Management offer investment, trust and estate planning services to fit all client needs. The bank’s executive management team and Board of Directors are committed to keeping Signature Bank in a safe and secure financial position. The bank also prides itself on accessibility, as clients can reach most bankers on their cell phone at any time, day or night.
Black/Minority-Owned Business
People Trust Community Federal Credit Union
People Trust Community Federal Credit Union is a nonprofit community development financial institution located in Little Rock. The bank is the first Black-owned bank in Arkansas that has seen significant expansions this year in order to provide important financial services to underserved communities. In 2017, People Trust Community Federal Credit Union conducted a study to see which communities needed the most financial assistance. The study found that communities which needed brick-and-mortar financial institutions the most had the least. People Trust is committed to working towards the goal of making sure that everyone, regardless of race, gender or financial status, has a bank that they can call home.
Building Contractor
The Stitt Group
The Stitt Group believes that energy independence and a clean, healthy environment begin at home. The company’s team of home energy, design and construction professionals help clients build truly custom, environmentally responsible homes to fit their lifestyles and core values. Founded by Orlo and Mary Stitt, who began building energy-efficient homes in the 1970s, the Stitt Group has been a pioneer in the use of improved building materials, best building practices and common-sense strategies for new construction. Relying on experience, building science and collaboration with clients and local builders, the company has earned multiple national awards while contributing to a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable world.
Casino
Saracen Casino Resort
Located just 40 minutes from Little Rock, Pine Bluff’s Saracen Casino Resort is home to an 80,000 square-foot gaming area complete with over 1,800 slot machines, 40 table games, sportsbook and Arkansas’ only live poker room. Saracen’s statewide sports betting app, BetSaracen, takes about 2/3 of all sports betting wagers made in Arkansas. Dining options include four on-site restaurants, including the award-winning Red Oak, boasting premier cuts of Kobe beef alongside Arkansas-grown ingredients. When phase two of Saracen’s construction is finished — a 400,000 square foot addition — the project will put the Quapaw investment in Arkansas at more than half a billion dollars, including more than 300 hotel rooms and an event/concert center that can seat 1,600 people.
Catering
Rx Catering
Rx Catering is a professional catering company that has been serving the Little Rock area for over two decades, providing delicious meals for meetings, conferences and more. The creators and owners of Rx Catering have over 60 years of catering experience, and the company prides itself on professionalism, punctuality and service. Rx Catering can cater events of any size in Little Rock and the surrounding areas. Originally focused on the medical field, Rx Catering has branched out to provide services to a broad range of customers, from corporations to private individuals. Rx Catering specializes in catering hospital facilities, private and office parties, professional and corporate functions, weddings and receptions.
Chamber of Commerce
North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce
The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce serves its members by implementing programs and services that stimulate economic, community and workforce development in the city of North Little Rock. The chamber was originally formed in 1946 and in 1977 merged with the Little Rock Chamber to become the Little Rock/North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. In 1984, the North Little Rock Chamber was re-established; today, the North Little Rock Chamber boasts more than 1,350 members. As the driving force for economic development and quality of life issues in Central Arkansas, the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce has continued to be successful, remain financially sound and be a positive economic force in the community.
College, Four-Year
UA Little Rock
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. UA Little Rock prepares its more than 9,000 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Alongside engaging and rigorous professors, coursework at UA Little Rock blends critical thinking with real-world experience, providing a springboard for internships and later careers in such in-demand fields as nursing, engineering, data quality, criminal justice and education. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and more than 40 graduate programs. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock’s thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state’s growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology, economic development and job creation.
College, Two-Year
University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton is a two-year college within the University of Arkansas System that offers a comprehensive curriculum of university-transfer and career-specific training programs, as well as adult education, concurrent education and training, as well as non-credit workforce training programs. The college has served west-central Arkansas since 1963 and has an enrollment of approximately 2,000 credit students per semester. UACCM’s skilled training programs offer certificate of proficiency, technical certificate and associate degree options to accommodate students with a variety of career goals. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree programs allow students to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree before transferring to a four-year university.
Communications
First Orion
First Orion, one of the fastest-growing telecommunications companies in the country, provides industry-leading branded communication and communication-protection solutions to mobile carriers and businesses. The company is headquartered in North Little Rock and has offices in Seattle, London and Dubai. Its branded communication solutions, INFORM® and ENGAGE®, empower consumers to connect over a branded and verified call and are used by hundreds of companies worldwide. In addition, First Orion’s Communication Protection suite offers scam, fraud and spoof protection solutions to hundreds of millions of consumers and processes through more than 100 billion calls annually for T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Boost Mobile Networks. First Orion is a multiyear certified Great Place to Work and maintains a 4.7-star Glassdoor rating.
Conference center
Winthrop Rockefeller Institute
The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is a nonprofit organization which lives out its mission of continuing Winthrop Rockefeller’s collaborative approach to creating transformational change through a combination of place, people and process. Located on Winthrop Rockefeller’s former cattle farm on Petit Jean Mountain, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is a proud supporting organization of the University of Arkansas System. In 2005, the Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust, with the UA system, established the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and has supported the operations and programmatic activity. The Governor Winthrop Rockefeller Endowment, managed by UA Foundation, ensures the institute’s work will continue. With The Rockefeller Ethic in mind, Winthrop Rockefeller Institute utilizes collaborative problem solving, respectful dialogue and diversity of opinion to host programs, workshops and conferences.
Construction Firm
Clark Contractors
Founded by William Clark in 2009, Clark Contractors provides full-service general contracting and construction management. Headquartered in Little Rock, the company also has had offices in Dallas-Fort Worth since 2010, as well as in Northwest Arkansas since 2015. It has a proven history of successful commercial, corporate, cultural, educational, health care, hospitality, mid- and high-rise condominiums, industrial and retail construction projects. Focusing on the future, Clark Contractors is always looking for ways that technology on projects can be implemented, such as with drone and BIM projects. While the company was not formed until 2009, Clark Contractors is proud of the family-like bond it has created and has camaraderie that is reflected through an average tenure of 22 years in its management team, as many workers have been working with each other longer that the company has existed.
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Visit Bentonville
Visit Bentonville is Bentonville’s convention and visitors bureau, eager to make sure that visitors to the city in and out of state are able to see Bentonville’s treasures and make the most of their trip. Visit Bentonville’s goal is to share its enthusiasm and experiences with others in the community and the hospitality field. Visit Bentonville’s strategy is to create an environment that fosters tourism growth and encourages new dollars for Bentonville businesses. Under the almost 20-year leadership of Kalene Griffith, Visit Bentonville has worked hard to make the city a world-class travel destination.
Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Suzanne Yee
Dr. Suzanne Yee is one of Little Rock’s leading cosmetic surgeons. With passion and artistic sensibilities, Yee has been leading the industry of cosmetic surgery for more than 20 years as a triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon. With years of extensive study in medicine and continued education, Yee founded her practice on the principles of artistry and innovation, offering full-body surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Yee performs treatments ranging from advanced laser therapy to comprehensive “mommy makeovers,” priding herself and her practice on the ability to help patients feel comfortable in their decision to undergo any procedure. Yee offers a variety of options such as Botox, dermal fillers and laser treatments as well as nonsurgical options for weight loss and clear skin. As the first surgeon in Arkansas to offer QWO Cellulite treatment, BTL Emsella and NeoGraft, Yee has long been an innovative force in Little Rock’s cosmetic surgery community.
Credit Union
Arkansas Federal Credit Union
Arkansas Federal Credit Union has been making a difference in the lives of employees, members and the communities it serves since 1956. With more than $1.5 billion in total assets and more than 300 employees, Arkansas Federal is the largest credit union in Arkansas. As a not-for-profit financial institution, Arkansas Federal invests profits back into benefits for members through higher dividends and lower loan rates. Both consumers and businesses entrust the credit union to get competitive rates and reduced fees on accounts and loans. Founded in Jacksonville but now based in Little Rock, Arkansas Federal has 18 branches throughout Arkansas that serve more than 120,000 members.
Cybersecurity
Pinnacle IT
Formerly known as The Computer Hut, Pinnacle IT has been a leading Managed Service Provider (MSP), serving Central Arkansas and surrounding areas for more than 30 years. Led by CEO Chris Bates, Pinnacle IT has deep capabilities in handling the cyber and data security challenges all companies face, with a special emphasis on the needs of health care organizations in maintaining HIPAA compliance. Headquartered in Little Rock, Pinnacle IT has more than 35 IT professionals with offices across The Natural State, capable of offering 24/7 help desk support and system health monitoring. Pinnacle IT’s service area stretches from Texarkana to Jonesboro, with services ranging from IT management, email spam and protection and cybersecurity, to data backup and recovery, cloud services and server support.
Disaster Restoration
Metro Disaster Specialists
Metro Disaster Specialists is a proven leader in all disaster situations, with a long history of professional approach and practical knowledge applied as an essential source for both property owners and insurance professionals. Based in North Little Rock, Metro Disaster Specialists is a licensed disaster general contractor providing 24-hour emergency service response to their clients. Metro specializes in providing rapid and reliable services, handling virtually any circumstance to secure clients’ property and contents against further damage. Metro has a proven portfolio of more than 20,000 completed projects and 275 years of combined restoration and reconstruction experience. Metro continues to constantly invest in its team by striving to uphold the industry’s top certifications and training. With two certified restorers on staff, Metro is qualified to handle a loss of any size. As a proud member of the Restoration Industry Association, Metro is an advocate for best industry practices.
Distribution Company
Myers Supply
As a family-owned distributor of quality cleaning products, Myers Supply appreciates the challenges its customers face on a daily basis. The company is constantly adding innovative product systems supported by a professional sales team and outstanding training materials to ensure customers’ success. The experienced chemical and technical staff at Myers Supply is always finding new ways to make cleaning and sanitation easier and safer. With vast resources and facilities in Hot Springs and Little Rock, Myers Supply is in a position to supply Central Arkansas with the finest facility products at competitive prices. Since 1955, the success of Myers Supply has been the direct result of its philosophy of developing and nurturing long-term business partnerships.
Electrical Contractor
Gary Houston Electric Co.
For more than 35 years, Gary Houston Electric Co. has served Central Arkansas with affordable, quality and timely commercial-and-residential electrical contracting services with a strong emphasis on customer service. Constantly looking for opportunities to serve new customers, its areas of expertise include homes, retail spaces, restaurants, offices and warehouses, among others. The company services both new construction and existing structures needing electrical repair or being remodeled. The majority of its work comes from repeat customers, whose relationships the company strives to build and maintain. In addition to commercial and residential electrical services, Gary Houston offers facility maintenance and emergency electrical services.
Employment Staffing
Travel Nurse Across
America
Founded in 1999, Travel Nurse Across America was put in motion by people who believed they could change the health care traveler industry for the better. With a culture of honesty, transparency and customer service, TNAA has continued to grow in its four values: owning your relationships, simplifying the process, obsessing over the experience and defending the culture. TNAA is one of the fastest-growing health care staffing firms in the country and has partnered with hospitals across the United States to provide the most-qualified nursing and allied talent. Focused on procuring and placing skilled travelers has created tangible results for partners, with lower readmits, better HCAHPS scores and more. TNAA has a 70 percent retention rate, translating to a greater continuity of care.
Engineering
Crafton Tull
Crafton Tull is a civil engineering, surveying, architecture, landscape architecture and planning firm with more than 300 employees working across Arkansas and Oklahoma. Crafton Tull’s dedication to client service began in 1963 with founding partners Bob Crafton and Lem Tull. After eight years with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, Crafton and Tull set out to build their own firm. As a direct result of the firm’s commitment to its clients, Crafton Tull quickly experienced growth, adding new office locations and expanding its service offerings. Jim Tull joined the company his father, Lem, co-founded in 1993 and eventually rose to the position of CFO. In 1998, Bob’s son, Matt Crafton, transitioned from his civil engineering role in the U.S. Air Force to the Air Force Reserve and joined Crafton Tull. Matt eventually rose to the position of COO before the Crafton Tull board of directors appointed him to the position of CEO in 2009. For more than 50 years, Crafton Tull has sought to improve communities through design, planning and surveying. That mission is carried out through the firm’s work still today across a wide variety of project types and services.
Environmental Consulting
Snyder Environmental
Snyder Environmental has the qualified workforce, equipment and programs necessary to manage asbestos, lead-based paint, mold and decontamination projects from start to finish in the most feasible and cost-efficient manner. Snyder Environmental has completed more than 3,000 abatement, remediation and decontamination projects across various business sectors and structures. In addition to state-of-the-art environmental abatement and remediation services, it offers interior demo, dust control, cost estimates and complete project solutions. With locations in Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Oklahoma, Snyder Environmental offers remediation services to residents everywhere they are located. Other services Snyder Environmental offers include duct cleaning, decontamination, underground storage tank services and environmental consulting.
Financial Planner
Aspire Wealth Builders
Aspire Wealth Builders is committed to providing clients with personalized and comprehensive financial planning solutions. Whether a client is just starting out on a financial journey or looking to make strategic investments, the Aspire Wealth Builders team of experienced financial advisers works with clients every step of the way to identify and achieve financial goals.
With more than 50 years in the industry, the organization prides itself in offering custom financial advice to help clients achieve their goals. Services include investment management, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning and more, and the team at Aspire Wealth Builders tailors solutions to each individual client.
Fintech
Smiley Technologies
Based in Little Rock, Smiley Technologies Inc. is a core and digital provider for community banks. The firm was founded in 2002 to serve a need for better software and superior service. Smiley’s mission is to be a trusted provider of security, innovative banking solutions and exceptional customer service to its valued partner banks. Smiley’s core banking platform is a vertically integrated solution, allowing bankers better access to information, simple business processes and a more secure product. With high-touch customer service and continuous innovation, the Smiley team understands core banking and how to provide value to community banks.
Fitness center
The Athletic Clubs
The Athletic Clubs consist of the Little Rock Athletic Club, the Little Rock Racquet Club, the North Little Rock Athletic Club and the Downtown Athletic Club. Since its founding, the group of fitness centers has been devoted to coupling the greatest people with the greatest resources. Each of the Athletic Clubs’ locations continually invests in improving its facilities, and each is maintained and staffed by fun, friendly people. The Athletic Clubs aim to provide members with the greatest number of options, the highest quality equipment and the most knowledgeable staff in Central Arkansas. The Athletic Clubs offer a variety of activities and amenities to keep members engaged and further their goal of improving members’ lives through health and fitness.
Florist
Tipton & Hurst
Since 1886, Tipton & Hurst has been committed to fulfilling its promise of “guaranteed satisfaction” with every flower, plant, event and gift it delivers. Founded by Joseph B. Hurst and David Tipton, the company is now run by Joseph’s grandson, Howard, who assumed the role of president from his father, Joe, in 1984. Consistently voted Arkansas’ best florist, this family-owned and -operated business has blossomed from a floral shop in downtown Little Rock to a full-scale, specialty retailer boasting an award-winning team and vast resources, including a wholesale warehouse and a network of premier suppliers around the world. Tipton & Hurst continues to lead the market, with locations in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway and Pine Bluff.
Health Insurance
Provider
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
As Arkansas’ oldest and largest health insurer, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been helping improve the health, financial security and peace of mind of the people of Arkansas for almost 75 years. The company and its family of affiliates are leaders in health insurance innovation and provide a full spectrum of health- and dental-coverage plans for individuals and groups. The company employs more than 3,200 people in multiple locations throughout Arkansas. The company serves nearly 800,000 people in Arkansas and another 1.2 million through national accounts. As a private, not-for-profit, mutual health insurance company, Arkansas Blue Cross is owned by its policyholders. It invests in communities statewide, looking out for the physical and emotional health of Arkansans, connecting them with resources and helping them navigate the healthcare system — so they can live their best life, their whole life long.
Health System
Baptist Health
From humble beginnings more than 100 years ago to the healing ministry it is today, Baptist Health’s purpose has remained the same — to create a healthier community through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health is Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization with more than 250 points of access that include 11 hospitals, urgent care centers, a senior living community, more than 100 primary and specialty care clinics, a college with studies in nursing and allied health, a graduate residency program and access to virtual care anytime, anywhere. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. At Baptist Health, care of the whole person — body, mind and spirit — is an expression of Christian faith.
Hospital
Conway Regional Medical Center
Conway Regional Health System demonstrates the value that it places on the community by empowering a medical staff of more than 200 physicians and an employee staff of 1,500 in crucial decision-making that impacts patients every day. These crucial stakeholders are energized through an accountable clinical management model for physicians and a patient care governing congress for the staff. As a result, Conway Regional’s patient experience, employee and physician engagement scores in the Press Ganey survey soared into the 95th percentile in 2020. Conway Regional has been recognized nationally, statewide and locally throughout Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Perry, Pope, Van Buren and Yell counties as a “Best Place to Work.”
Hotel
The Capital Hotel
An icon of Central Arkansas, the Capital Hotel has been considered the “front porch” of Little Rock for more than 145 years. Since its debut in 1876, the Capital Hotel has served as business and political hub for the metropolitan city, attracting politicians, CEOs and celebrities alike.
A series of renovations and restoration projects, completed in 2007, have allowed the Capital Hotel to maintain its historic character and charm without compromising its comfort and luxury.
The hotel has earned a reputation as one of the South’s most elegant hotels. The staff at the Capital Hotel is dedicated to the personal attention of guests and their visitors through warm and personal greetings, conveying to all who enter the Southern charm and warm hospitality that the capital city has to offer.
HVAC Company
Powers of Arkansas
Headquartered in North Little Rock, Powers serves as the largest privately held building HVAC, controls and service company in the state. With approximately 300 employees, including more than 200 installation and service technicians, Powers offers a wide range of building HVAC systems technologies. With offices in North Little Rock and Springdale and satellites in Jonesboro and Fordyce, Powers has staff located throughout the state, covering every county. Powers also has regional offices in Oklahoma, Mississippi and Louisiana. Serving more than 500 customers, Powers provides HVAC services to K-12 education facilities, higher education facilities, hospitals, medical facilities, government buildings, commercial buildings, critical environments and manufacturing and industry. Powers has more than 10,000 projects installed and operating.
In-home care
Elder Independence
Home Care
Since 1999, the staff at Elder Independence Home Care in Bryant has been committed to the dignity of the elderly. Elder Independence provides high-quality, client-centered and affordable home-care services to clients to assist clients in leading dignified and independent lives in the comfort and safety of their own homes. Their individual needs are carefully assessed, understood, and met through the selective assignment of qualified, trustworthy and compassionate caregivers. One of the greatest strengths of Elder Independence is that it is not a franchise company. Its attitude can be described as, “Your family is our family.” The staff at Elder Independence Home Care is honored when a client or loved one chooses Elder Independence to be their provider of choice. One of Elder Independence’s goals is to be able to provide client-centered and affordable home care throughout Arkansas. Respect, integrity and compassion are the core values of Elder Independence, which takes great pride in showing genuine care and concern for each person they meet.
Insurance Broker
Brown & Brown Inc.
Brown & Brown Inc. is the fifth-largest independent insurance brokerage in the nation, providing risk management solutions to help protect what their customers value most. Brown & Brown’s four business segments — retail, national programs, wholesale brokerage and services — offer insurance products and services to businesses, corporations, governmental institutions, professional organizations, trade associations, families and individuals. The Brown & Brown culture is built on integrity, innovation, superior capabilities and discipline. Its team members look at insurance differently and use their experience, carrier relationships and principled customer focus to deliver superior service and solutions. With more than 80 years of proven success, Brown & Brown is one of the industry’s most powerful and influential leaders. Founded in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1939, Brown & Brown is a true success story and a testament to its vision and core values. Brown & Brown has locations in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas.
Insurance Agency,
Property and Casualty
Sunstar Insurance of Arkansas
Sunstar Insurance of Arkansas is part of a large, independent agency group serving Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Kansas, Alabama and Georgia. Acquiring the property and casualty business from Simmons First Insurance in 2017, Sunstar Insurance of Arkansas includes Henry Jordan of Helena. The business formerly known as Town and Country Insurance Agency in Jonesboro was acquired in January of 2018 from Stephens Insurance, and Sunstart Insurance of Arkansas added Matson Agency the same year. That was followed by adding the Todd Agency in 2019 and David Todd and Madonna Lee to the management team. Most recently, Mark Miller Insurance of Paragould and Tom Tull Insurance of Jonesboro joined the group in 2021. Sunstar Insurance of Arkansas CEO, Andrew Meadors, is a 34-year industry veteran and a Certified Risk Manager, focusing on all fields of business and commercial insurance.
IT Consulting
Edafio Technologies
Edafio’s focus on “powering IT through people” has made it the largest Arkansas-based managed services provider operating one of the region’s most extensive groups of IT engineers. Edafio’s origin, ownership,and engineers are all Arkansas-based. They support more than 200 mid-level to enterprise clients across health care, financial services, nonprofit, manufacturing, government and transportation. Their unique approach to diagnosing and managing network problems through a business-oriented assessment has helped them become a valued partner across multiple businesses in Arkansas. A hallmark of Edafio is its commitment to employing experienced, senior-level engineers with deep experience and industry knowledge. Edafio employs a large experienced local team of highly qualified engineers and analysts whose sophisticated technological expertise ensures that clients’ networks remain stable, efficient and safe.
Janitorial Services
Jan-Pro
Dave Hughes opened Jan-Pro of Arkansas in 2005, the same year his son, Nolen, was a senior in high school. Nolen worked in the business during its first few years, learning how to clean and eventually becoming a floor care technician, in addition to taking care of various customer needs. After graduating from the University of Central Arkansas, Nolen started his own venture with College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving. He owned the business for nine years before eventually selling it in 2018. For customers tired of commercial cleaning vendors who are long on promises but short on performance, Jan-Pro is the solution.
Law Firm
McDaniel Wolff PLLC
McDaniel Wolff PLLC is a law firm based in Little Rock, serving private individuals and businesses of all sizes throughout Arkansas. The firm’s premier team of attorneys has an established history of distinction in representing the individuals, businesses make up the industries and regional economies of Arkansas by providing a full range of litigation, corporate and transactional service areas. McDaniel Wolff’s clients include some of America’s largest social media and technology companies, health care organizations, manufacturers, real estate developers, trucking and logistics companies, multi-state retailers, securities institutions, counties and municipalities, school districts, as well as corporations engaged in highly regulated industries such as tobacco, medical cannabis and casino gaming. With decades of experience, the firm has the knowledge and experience necessary to offer its clients the highest caliber of legal services.
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin’s Camden Operations facility is a manufacturing, final assembly, test and storage operation for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) programs. Located in the Highland Industrial Park in East Camden, it occupies a combined floor space of nearly 2 million square feet spread over more than 2,000 acres of land. More than 1,000 employees work in the facility’s manufacturing and support buildings. Established in 1978 as the home of the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) production programs, Camden Operations is Lockheed Martin’s Precision Fires operations center of excellence. It continues to produce the MLRS launcher and family of munitions, which includes the Guided MLRS Unitary Rocket. It is home to the Tactical Missile System (TACMS) missile and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher, which fires both MLRS rockets and TACMS missiles. The PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE), the world’s most advanced air defense missile, and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System also are manufactured here.
Medical center
OrthoArkansas
OrthoArkansas provides specialized care for specific orthopedic needs and serves as a primary orthopedic care provider. Offering expert care across the state for all orthopedic injuries, aches and pains, OrthoArkansas currently has 10 locations in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Arkadelphia, Bryant, Conway, Camden, Clinton, Heber Springs, Hot Springs and Monticello. Offering fellowship-trained physicians, OrthoArkansas has a team that uses the latest advances in medicine, rehabilitation and surgical and nonsurgical options. No matter what stage of injury or recovery, OrthoArkansas has its patients covered with urgent care offered in both Little Rock and North Little Rock.
Mental health facility
The BridgeWay
Founded in 1983 in North Little Rock, The BridgeWay Hospital is the only freestanding psychiatric hospital in Arkansas with programs for acute mental health, serious mental health and substance use disorder treatment for adults and behavioral health care for adolescents and children. The BridgeWay’s team of mental health professionals includes board-certified psychiatrists, master’s-level clinical therapists and nurses and mental health associates. The mission of The BridgeWay is to provide health care services that patients recommend to families and friends, physicians prefer for their patients, purchasers select for their clients, employees are proud of and investors seek for long-term results. The BridgeWay’s campus stretches across 18 acres and has grown from a capacity of 66 to 127. Despite its place as one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the state, each patient receives individualized care in small, comfortable settings.
Mortgage Lender
First Horizon
First Horizon’s story began in 1864 when Ohio businessman Frank S. Davis arrived in Memphis to open the city’s first national bank. Davis saw a genuine need for banking and credit to finance rebuilding and new commercial growth. Davis’ foresight led him to found First National Bank of Memphis, which has evolved into the First Horizon Bank seen today. First Horizon has grown into The Natural State as well, with locations in Bentonville, Bryant, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Newport, North Little Rock, Pocahontas and Walnut Ridge. Today, the Arkansas subsidiary of First Horizon Bank has helped Arkansans across the state with personal banking, owning a small business, wealth management and mortgage lending. When it comes to making big decisions in your life, First Horizon has a reputation for helping Arkansans take the first step.
Nonprofit Organization
Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation
Created in 1982 through the efforts of former Arkansas Game and Fish Commission director Steve Wilson, the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation is a nonprofit organization for people passionate about promoting hunting, fishing and conservation education for Arkansas youth. The foundation is known as a leader in the state for supporting the acquisition of property for hunting and fishing opportunities, as well as creating and supporting conservation education. As a partner with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, AGFF provides creative opportunities to develop young Arkansans’ interests in fishing and hunting, plus informing and educating the public on a variety of issues important to the future of hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation.
Nursing Home
Presbyterian Village
Presbyterian Village is owned and operated by a nonprofit organization, Presbyterian Village Inc., and is sponsored by 11 Presbyterian churches in the greater Little Rock metropolitan area. Presbyterian Village has provided more than 50 years of housing and services to the community. Its mission is to provide comprehensive continuing care for older adults that promotes health, comfort, security and spiritual well-being in a living environment that fosters personal dignity and independence. From independent living to skilled nursing and rehabilitation and everything in-between, Presbyterian Village strives to offer a healthy, secure and joyful environment for all residents.
Office Design
WER Architects
WER Architects was founded in 1978 and believes that quality architecture lends to creating better places to learn, live, heal and work. With a team of architects and interior designers, WER Architects believes all projects should be beautiful, purposeful, efficient, durable, belong to their surroundings and elevate the human spirit. Noted for its tradition of architectural excellence, WER Architects has a commitment to academic and scientific institutions, corporate and cultural institutions and celebrates its achievements in historic preservation. As one of the largest firms in Arkansas, WER continues with its commitment in creating projects that consider individual needs and combine form and function in order to create powerful architecture. Recognized for refined structures, WER creates architecture that is well-suited to its context. With offices in downtown Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas, WER offers full architectural services for new construction, renovation and rehabilitation, existing building analysis and utilization plans, historic preservation and structure reports, interior design and furniture selection, programming, space planning, site selection and evaluation, feasibility studies, cost estimates, master planning and Way Finding design.
Office Supply
Pettus Office Products
Established in 1989 by Lynn and Amanda Pettus, Pettus Office Products set out with a main goal to create a family-run business offering products, exceptional value and remarkable customer service. Growing into the largest independent office supply dealer in Arkansas, Pettus Office Products retains the core principles it was founded on, promising that once customers buy from Pettus, they will never need to try another office supply company again. With dedicated, professional sales and furniture design teams, Pettus Office Products offers custom, tailored furniture sets for the office. As a member of Trimega, an office-products buying group, Pettus Office Products has buying power of more than $10 billion, allowing it to source bargains directly from major manufacturers and suppliers. Serving large and small businesses, Pettus Office Products sells a wide range of products at great prices.
Payroll Company
Complete Payroll Services
Complete Payroll of Little Rock began as Combined Financial Services, founded by Guy Dillahunty in 1992. When he retired in October of 2000, the company was purchased by Betty Jo King, who continued to grow the company with the same principles on which it was founded. Eventually, the company became Complete Payroll Services and moved forward by adding services such as online payroll, web-based time-keeping administration, biometric time clocks, pay cards and more. Staying on top of technological advancements in the industry, Complete Payroll is proud to offer the very best from HR services to 401(k) management.
Privately Owned Company
Ritter Communications
Ritter Communications is a leader among local independent communications providers, offering business, residential and wholesale customers advanced internet, phone, video and cloud services. Invested heavily in the communities it serves, Ritter Communications has deployed proven, best-in-class infrastructure and technology while coupling it with a world-class customer focused experience. Founded in 1906 and headquartered in Jonesboro, Ritter Communications is committed to growing and evolving to meet the demands of today’s ever-connected world. Grain Management LLC, a leading investor in the communications sector, is the majority owner of the company in partnership with E. Ritter and Company, which also operates Ritter Agribusiness and Ritter Investment Holdings.
Professional Association
Arkansas Trucking Association
The Arkansas Trucking Association promotes the health of the Arkansas trucking industry on issues that directly impact member companies and our state and national economies. Shannon Newton, who has been behind the wheel of the ATA since 2014, has worked hard to make sure the association works like a well-oiled machine. The ATA is owned and governed by more than 300 trucking companies and important industry suppliers. Members range from firms with five or fewer trucks to some of the nation’s largest freight and logistics companies. The ATA’s mission is to advance the trucking industry’s image, efficiency, competitiveness and profitability. ATA’s comprehensive range of services, products and member benefits are designed to help members compete and succeed. The association was started in 1932 as the Shippers and Carriers Association of Arkansas. Ninety years later, the association is still around promoting and supporting the trucking industry and all the ways it has flourished in the state.
Professional Services
Merger and Acquisition Specialists
Merger & Acquisition Specialists is a team of experienced business brokers and M&A agents working across industries with businesses of all shapes and sizes. The team prides itself on finding solutions to meet client’s needs and secure their financial futures. Whether it is merging a publicly traded company with a privately owned company or finding the right owner-operator for the Main Street business, their professionals will help you and work to find solutions.
The business brokers and M&A agents comprises professionals from diverse backgrounds, but all are experts in the process of buying and selling businesses. They work across the spectrum of disciplines and with several professionals, from CPAs to lawyers, bankers, investors, business owners, entrepreneurs and executives of companies big and small. As a brokerage company, they have decades of experience and have completed hundreds of deals. Their focus is on finding solutions to meet the needs and goals of our clients; their mission is to get the deal done to the client’s satisfaction; and their passion is helping people and companies take that next step in life and business.
Promotional/Marketing
Arkansas Graphics
Arkansas Graphics provides a vast range of products and services, from graphic design to printed forms, marketing materials and annual reports. Founded in 1974, the success of Arkansas Graphics is the result of hard work, perseverance and commitment to excellence. These core values drive the company today and will continue to drive it in the future. As one of the top offset and digital commercial printers in the region, Arkansas Graphics continues to expand its offerings to include digital storefronts, variable data printing, laser die cutting, UV Coating, promotional products and large format graphics and signage. Arkansas Graphics is more than just a printing company, offering many solutions to enable customers to communicate effectively. Whether it is traditional litho printing, new digital variable printing, web-based communication, large display graphics, branded promotional items, or even laser die cutting, Arkansas Graphics is here to serve The Natural State. Arkansas Graphics was founded in 1974 by Dale Wilcox, father of current President and CEO Kevin Wilcox. Wilcox started off as a janitor at the company in high school and worked in different departments throughout college before starting full-time in 1990. Wilcox took full ownership of Arkansas Graphics in 2013.
Public Company
Westrock Coffee
Westrock Coffee Company is a leading integrated coffee, tea, flavors, extracts and ingredients solutions provider in the U.S. It provides sourcing, supply chain management, product development, roasting, packaging and distribution services across a variety of industries. Known as the “brand behind the brands,” Westrock supports a number of blue-chip customers’ evolving needs on a global scale. Westrock strives to be the world’s most competitive provider of beverage solutions to the most distinguished brands in order to provide smallholder farmers and their families in developing countries the ability to advance their quality of life and economic well-being. Westrock has offices in 10 countries and sources coffee and tea from 35 origin countries.
Public Relations Firm
SixtyOne Celsius
An award-winning, full-stack creative communications agency, SixtyOne Celsius proudly partners with businesses, nonprofits and organizations that span a variety of industries, including (but not limited to) education, economic development, banking, tourism, hospitality, health care and more. The agency also supplies photography and video services to a variety of clients, including Visit Hot Springs. Since 2016, SixtyOne Celsius has helped to secure $75 million in community improvement projects for the City of Hot Springs and Garland County through ballot initiative campaign consulting. From highway infrastructure projects that will improve transportation throughout the county to expanded museum facilities, plus a state-of-the-art baseball complex, the firm partnered with community leaders and local advocates on ballot issue campaigns that seek to improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors.In 2022, SixtyOne Celsius became a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
Real Estate, Commercial
Kelley Commercial Partners
Kelley Commercial Partners is Arkansas’ premier commercial real-estate firm. It maintains an award-winning team of trusted, skilled professionals who are experienced advisers in office, retail, investment, industrial and leasing. The company remains laser-focused on serving clients and delivering superior commercial real-estate services, providing the highest level of customer satisfaction through communication and accountability to produce optimal results. With more than 37 years of management experience, the team members at Kelley Commercial Partners is committed to managing property as if they themselves owned it, performing on-site visits at your property on a frequent basis to speak with tenants and monitor the property’s condition, enabling them to maximize your property’s value. In addition to property and development management, Kelley Commercial Partners offers a range of consulting services for retail business development, government consulting, debt restructuring and broker price opinions.
Real Estate, Land Broker
Lile Real Estate
Lile Real Estate was founded in February of 1993 by Gar Lile, a licensed real estate broker in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas; an Accredited Land Consultant (ALC); and an Arkansas state Certified General Appraiser. With a team of sportsmen, outdoorsmen and farmers, Lile Real Estate has the firsthand knowledge and experience needed to understand what Arkansans are looking for in a land agent. The company has sold $350 million worth of real estate in the last five years and $650 worth of real estate in the last decade, including recent successes like a combined $7.2 million sale on two adjacent duck hunting properties in early 2023. Lile Real Estate offers a full range of services for clients: sales and marketing, sealed bids, consulting, acquisitions, exchanges, property development and research and market analysis. From social media to traditional advertising, the company uses every marketing avenue available to connect clients with the properties, buyers, or investors for which they’re looking.
Real Estate, Residential Firm
The Janet Jones Company
Over the years, The Janet Jones Company has consistently ranked as the top real estate agency in Central Arkansas, both in the dollar volume of homes sold and residential market share. Janet Jones, who founded the company in 1980, continues at the helm, and her original guiding philosophy has never changed: The Golden Rule. The company remains locally and family-owned and proudly independent. With 37 agents and a support staff of 11, The Janet Jones Company thrives in its family-like environment. Culture is its strongest asset, where team members support each other’s efforts, share ideas openly and collaborate to provide clients with their signature “legendary service” across Central Arkansas. Well-trained and experienced agents at The Janet Jones Company are renowned as the best of the best and consistently rank among the top producers in Arkansas.
Residential construction
Menco Construction
Jennifer and Daniel Menden opened Menco in 2007 and have continued to grow their team. Menco Construction is not just a team of home builders; it is hands on in many aspects and fully aware of the requirements of building. Daniel is on site daily and jumps in to help his subcontractors if needed. Jennifer custom draws each floor plan and has a serious eye for detail. They are heavily involved in their local Home Builders Association, with Daniel as president 2020. Jennifer serves as a board member for the Better Business Bureau along with other community volunteer opportunities. The Menco motto is to always learn and grow. Daniel has exemplified this by becoming a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. The management team includes Ryan, project coordinator and Deanna, office assistant, along with more than 100 subcontractors.
Restaurant
Doe’s Eat Place Little Rock
Before Doe’s Eat Place became a Little Rock landmark, the name and menu dwelled in Greenville, Mississippi. George Eldridge, east Arkansas restaurateur and hobby pilot, periodically flew friends and clients to Doe’s Eat Place in Greenville for the legendary food, but he soon decided it would be easier to bring Doe’s to Arkansas. After acquiring the rights to the name and menu, Eldridge opened Little Rock’s location of the humble steakhouse on the corner of Ringo and West Markham in 1988. After years of local success, the Little Rock Doe’s Eat Place gained national recognition during the 1992 presidential election campaign when Bill Clinton and staff made the restaurant a frequent hangout spot. Doe’s has since been a regular stop for athletes, race car drivers, entertainers and other professionals. Under the ownership of Eldridge’s daughter, Katherine Eldridge, Doe’s Eat Place has maintained that original Doe’s spirit.
Solar Company
Entegrity Energy Partners
Founded in 2007, Entegrity started as a consulting firm, focusing on building sustainability, building performance and energy efficiency. By the early 2010’s, several key technologies started to advance, giving Entegrity the opportunity to combine existing energy-engineering expertise with construction and implementation experience to assist clients with turn-key energy projects. Entegrity joined forces with Nabholz, a construction and facility maintenance company with more than 70 years of experience, bringing a new business model to market with wide-ranging expertise in sustainability, building performance and energy efficiency. Uniquely qualified in delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to optimize building performance, Entegrity helps clients realize long-term operational savings by focusing on all of their needs — selecting the most cost-effective scope, contract structure, financing strategy and tying it all together with a performance-based guarantee.
Specialty hospital
Arkansas Surgical Hospital
A leader in orthopedic and spine surgery, the Arkansas Surgical Hospital is widely recognized for its achievements and has been ranked within the top 5 percent of health care providers in the nation by Press Ganey for four years running. The hospital was also recently named by Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Spine Surgery and Knee and Hip Replacement by demonstrating expertise resulting in fewer patient complications and readmissions compared to other facilities. Dedication to quality outcomes and patient safety have shown results, with an infection rate of less than 0.3 percent as compared to national average of 3 percent; staffing designed to allow nurses more time with their patients; hourly rounding by members of the clinical care team; and an entirely Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)-certified nursing staff. Its facility features 41 private patient suites, each of which includes a separate space for a patient’s loved ones to rest while the patient recovers, 13 state-of-the-art operating rooms and the River Trail Grille Restaurant.
Startup
Raise The Money
Raise The Money is a Little Rock-based startup designed to process online payments for contributions to political campaigns, PACs and committees. Raise The Money serves the United States, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, and can also process contributions for nonprofits and social causes in the U.S. The team at Raise The Money realized that one of the most tedious tasks of running for office is filing monthly and quarterly reports to the FEC. Raise The Money has streamlined this process: Every time a donor makes a contribution, data is uploaded to a spreadsheet that can be downloaded at any time for candidates to file financial reporters. Raise The Money is built by candidates for candidates, so they are not only knowledgeable but also committed to serving your campaign endeavors.
Title Company
First National Title
First National Title Company is an independent, locally owned-and-operated company serving Arkansas. First National Title has put together a complete team of experts in the title industry. Its services are professional, efficient and customized to clients’ needs. First National Title was formed in June of 1997 and has since grown from two to roughly 250 employees in 26 locations across the state. The company’s experienced team of closers and title examiners close real-estate transactions promptly, professionally and accurately. First National Title closes both residential and commercial real estate transactions as well as loan refinancing transactions. Additional services include the provision of title insurance through both owner and mortgagee policies, providing title search and examination services for all real estate transactions and providing services for both 1031 and reverse 1031 tax exchanges.
Trucking Company
ArcBest
ArcBest is a multibillion-dollar integrated logistics company that leverages a full suite of shipping and logistics solutions to meet its customers’ needs and help keep the global supply chain moving, fueled by the simple notion of finding a way to get the job done, no matter what. The company celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, having started in 1923 as a local Arkansas freight hauler. Through organic growth, strategic acquisitions, visionary leadership and a mindset focused on the future, Arcbest has developed from those humble beginnings into a publicly traded, $5 billion logistics powerhouse. Yet since its beginning, the heart of the company’s mission has remained: to connect and positively impact the world through solving logistics challenges. With more than 15,000 employees across nearly 250 campuses and service centers, ArcBest serves as a trusted adviser to some of the world’s biggest and most recognizable brands, creating smart logistics solutions that make it easier to do business. By thoughtfully analyzing real-time industry data and listening to customers, ArcBest implements transformative logistics solutions that save money, drive growth and get the job done.
Trust Department
Simmons Bank Wealth Management
For generations, the knowledgeable team at Simmons Bank Wealth Management has been a premier provider of trust, investment management and fiduciary services. For more than 117 years, Simmons Bank has been trusted for what matters. Its wealth professionals have deep industry experience and are ready to provide personalized solutions to help you build and manage your wealth, provide for your family and protect your legacy.
Simmons puts its clients at the center of everything they do. With a full array of resources backed by expert advisers and portfolio managers, they are here to help simplify your financial decision-making, so you can address your needs for today and realize your dreams for tomorrow. With a disciplined approach to asset allocation that carefully addresses your goals for stability and growth, Simmons can help implement a personalized strategy to bring your financial goals within reach and create a long-term plan to support your loved ones’ financial security.
Utility, electric
Entergy
Entergy Arkansas is a division of the Entergy Corporation, an integrated energy company engaged in electric power production, transmission and retail distribution operations. Entergy delivers electricity to 3 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, in addition to owning and operating one of the cleanest large-scale U.S. power-generating fleets as well as nuclear power options. Entergy has annual revenues of $10 billion and more than 13,000 employees. Entergy strives to create sustainable value for customers, employees, communities and owners. That concentrated focus drives the way Entergy thinks as an organization, allowing the company to effectively navigate through numerous transitions, both revolutionary and evolutionary, and still deliver on its commitments to its stakeholders.
Utility, Gas
Summit Utilities
Summit Utilities Inc. is the natural gas provider for the state of Arkansas. The Little Rock firm purchased assets from CenterPoint Energy in a 2022 deal worth $2.1 billion. The acquisition covered customers in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texarkana, Texas. Summit now serves 525,000 customers and operates 17,000 miles of gas main pipeline across three states. Its mission is to provide clean-burning, safe and reliable service to residential and commercial customers as well as to support economic development through reliable energy solutions.
Utility, Water
Central Arkansas Water
Serving one in every six Arkansans, Central Arkansas Water and its more than 300 employees provide water service to almost 500,000 customers across eight counties. Direct service boundaries include the communities of Little Rock, North Little Rock, Alexander, Brushy Island Public Water Authority, Cammack Village, College Station, Maumelle, Paron, Sherwood, Wrightsville, 145th Street Water and Sewer Improvement District and unincorporated Pulaski County. Central Arkansas Water also provides treated water supply for the cities of Shannon Hills and Bryant in Saline Country, as well as Ridgefield Estates Public Facilities Board. It also provides supplemental supply to Cabot, Salem, Sardis, North Pulaski Water Works Association, Woodland Hills and Jacksonville, whose service area includes the Little Rock Air Force Base. CAW has been named a Leading Utility of the World, which is the gold standard for utility performance. CAW has also been recognized as top five best drinking water in North America by the American Water Works Association.
Wealth Management Firm
Legacy Capital
With offices in Little Rock and northwest Arkansas, the team at Legacy Capital in Little Rock strives to gain an in-depth understanding of all facets of clients’ financial, tax and planning life – including estate plans, corporate and entity structure (if relevant), income tax considerations as well as investment and insurance portfolios. The in-house team at Legacy Capital includes a variety of professionals with different areas of expertise — attorneys, 4 CFPs, 2 CFAs, ,an LLM in tax and an FALU, as well as investment professionals and insurance experts. Instead of one person trying to meet every need, the professionals at Legacy Capital function as a team, which ensures that each member serves in their area of highest competence. Having a team mentality, the firm also values clients’ other trusted professionals, including accountants, lawyers, trust officers and other family members. Legacy believes that everyone typically sees things from a different perspective and working together as a team delivers better results for clients.
Woman-Owned Company
WELSCO
WELSCO Inc. was founded as Welder’s Supply Company in 1941 by R.G. Harrison (with the backing of his father, Claude G. Harrison) after he returned to Arkansas from serving in World War II. The first retail location was opened in Little Rock. Ultimately, R.G. Harrison turned the leadership of the company over to his sons, Stephen E. and Richard G. Harrison, and that leadership continued through the 1970s and ‘80s. Today, the company proudly remains family-owned and led by Angela E. Harrison, the granddaughter of R.G. Harrison, who serves as owner and CEO. Today, WELSCO has 16 locations, including 14 retail stores throughout Arkansas and in Tulsa. WELSCO is the largest independent welding supply and industrial gas distributor in the world owned and operated by a woman. With a strong team of experienced professionals and a particular focus on customer service, WELSCO is poised to continue its growth and expansion into new markets both now and in future generations.
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