The January issue is an important one for any publication. It kicks off the new calendar year and sets the tone for the next 12 months.
Here at Arkansas Money & Politics, this month’s issue is especially significant. 2024 represents the magazine’s 10th year of telling the stories behind Arkansas’ business and political leaders and shining a positive light on industry and economic development in Arkansas. Ten years. “Time flies when you’re having fun” is a tried-and-true cliche for good reason because time does go by in the blink of an eye when you enjoy what you do. Not only has it been our pleasure to bring readers the stories behind the people and businesses that make Arkansas such a great place to live, it has truly been a blast.
In honor of our first 10, this month we launch a special section called the AMP Top 10, in which we profile 10 Arkansans who have had a great impact on business, their communities and more. Some of them have operated above the radar their entire careers; others may not be as well known, but their impact is just as great.
The first installment includes heavyweights like Patrick Schueck of Lexicon, Adam Mitchell of Citizens Bank, Kerry McCoy of FlagandBanner.com and a few who have made a difference mostly under the radar (for now), such as Arvest Bank’s Pansy Johnson and Brian Marsh of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas.
We’ll profile 10 individuals each month and cannot wait to share them all. January also brings AMP’s Influencers, an annual list of the state’s most influential leaders in their fields. These Arkansans are nominated by readers, and a panel of former Influencer honorees decides who makes the list from among the nominees. We received so many nominations this year that we decided to honor 100 Influencers.
Plus, AMP got an exclusive interview with Gov. Sarah Sanders, who visited with us about her first year in office and what’s to come in 2024. When Sanders moved back to Arkansas from Washington, D.C., in August 2019, her first exclusive interview was with AMP, and she appeared on our November 2019 cover.
Also inside, you will not want to miss Dwain Hebda’s profile of Arkansas broadcasting legend Craig O’Neill, who is moving on to his next chapter after decades of broadcast excellence on radio and television.
We also have a special package on “What’s Next” in various Arkansas industries and on business services; a feature on Arkansas’ own pro-wrestler-turned-legislator, state Rep. Matt Duffield; and a look at the rise of homegrown sports betting apps.
There is a lot to like in this issue. We think the bar is being set high, and that is the way we like it. We hope you feel the same. Please reach out with any comments, questions or story ideas at Hbaker@armoneyandpolitics.com.
