The Arkansas 100

 

Ghidotti Communications Launches Content Marketing Division

Meet Sandra McGrew, Director of Content Marketing (Video by Cranford Co.)

Content is king, and in a fast-paced digital world, content marketing isn’t the future — it’s now.

Understanding the importance of this tactic is paramount, and it’s one of the reasons that we have launched a new Content Marketing Division within our company. All brands want a dynamic relationship with their customers and content marketing allows for just that — it provides something of value in an engaging and consistent way.

Quality content delivered on a regular basis makes your brand an authority, builds trust and boosts SEO. Most importantly, it allows you to build your audience in a fragmented world.

– Natalie Ghidotti, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Anna Beth Gorman: Women in Arkansas

“I hope that we’re really going to be able to lead the charge for women here in Arkansas.”

Host Natalie Ghidotti sat down with Anna Beth Gorman, executive director of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, in the second episode of The Arkansas 100 Podcast.

Ghidotti and Gorman dive into the origin of WFA, its role in Arkansas, its mission of advocacy and how Southern culture impacts peoples’ mindsets when raising girls. Between her time as a rock star Girl Scout and vintage eyeglasses collector, Gorman talks about how it all plays into her role in leading WFA’s mission.

Check out the trailer and listen to the full podcast on our website or iTunes and make sure to subscribe.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Arkansas Cinema Society Launches First Event

The three-day event, featuring Adam Driver and more, from Aug. 24-26 aims to connect Arkansas to a larger film scene.

The Arkansas Cinema Society, formed in March and championed by writer/director and Little Rock native Jeff Nichols, has announced its first-ever event featuring film screenings and Q&A sessions with Adam Driver and David Lowery.

“A thriving film organization that unites Arkansans through their common experience of film and bridges filmmakers to the larger industry is essential to the health of the filmmaking ecosystem in our state,” said ACS Executive Director Kathryn Tucker. “Because of the support we’ve garnered locally and within the larger filmmaking industry, our inaugural event – ‘Premiere’ – is only a taste of what’s to come.”

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Fayetteville Roots Festival Introduces Chefs to Line Up

Five acclaimed chefs are headed to NWA. (Photo courtesy of therootsfest.org)

While the culinary experience has always been an influential part of the Fayetteville Roots Festival, 2017 will mark the first year world-renowned chefs are added to the lineup. In addition to local chefs, Maricel Presilla, Pecko Zantilaveevan, Justin Carlisle, Digby Stridiron and Sachin Chopra will appear at the festival to prepare food at various events. Famous “foodies” Joe Kwon of The Avett Brothers and P. Allen Smith will attend.

The five-day folk music and food festival will take place across NWA from Aug. 23-27 in various locations, including George’s Majestic Lounge, Crystal Bridges and Brightwater culinary school.

– Kathryn Heller, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

CHI St. Vincent Ranks as Top Hospital for Fifth Year in a Row

CHI St. Vincent ranked top hospital in state
The CHI St. Vincent Infirmary was named the No. 1 hospital in Arkansas. (Photo courtesy of CHI St. Vincent)

CHI St. Vincent Infirmary has been named the top-ranked hospital in Arkansas for 2017-18 by U.S. News & World Report, marking the fifth consecutive year the annual listing has rated CHI St. Vincent Infirmary as the No. 1 hospital in the state.

“We would not have received this honor for five straight years without the support of our community or without physicians, nurses and medical staff who are committed to quality patient care,” said Polly Davenport, president of CHI St. Vincent Infirmary. “It is rewarding to know Arkansans put their confidence in us to meet their medical needs.”

– Aaron Sadler, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

The Razorbacks at War Memorial: Hacks

The Razorbacks at War Memorial Stadium
Before the Razorbacks make their annual pilgrimage to Little Rock, prepare yourself with these tips. (Photo courtesy of War Memorial Stadium on Facebook)

Little Rock locals know the wonderfully chaotic scene that is the Hogs at War Memorial Stadium. Make the day as stress- free and enjoyable as possible with these hacks:

– Find a friend in Hillcrest: Parking is a nightmare. Avoid the commotion and prices by making a pact with your friends in the nearby neighborhood.

– Skip Uber: With jacked up prices and an increased population, ride sharing won’t be your best bet. Find the easiest route home through Rock Region Metro.

– Involve work: With this year’s game on a Thursday night, make the most of it by planning a company tailgate.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Your Shopping Roadmap

Just a quick hop off I-40, a wide variety of shops are within moments of each other. (Photo courtesy of Conway Area Chamber)

Conway wants to help maximize your shopping experience and ensure the most bang for your time and convenience. Here is a go-to map:

Stop One – Lewis Crossing: Visit the newest shopping destination for school and home supplies from big name stores.

Stop Two – Conway Commons: Restock your closet when browsing through the 43 stores within this shopping hub.

Stop Three – Conway Towne Centre: Take a break for fun whether it be for a movie, lunch or the trampoline park!

Stop Four – Downtown: New meets old in downtown Conway, from a 100-year-old jewelry store to the trendiest boutiques.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Three Ways to Use the New Citizen Connect

City of Little Rock
Stay in the know on what’s going on in your neighborhood. (Photo courtesy of littlerock.gov)

The City of Little Rock has announced the platform Little Rock Citizen Connect in order to help residents easily access city information, including 311 requests and crime data. Here are three ways to utilize the information:

– Sign up for alerts: Register an account to get alerts on new reports near your home, work or school.

– Stay informed: Concerned about a problem in your neighborhood? See if it’s been reported and check for updates.

– Find your local emergency centers: Not sure where your closest police station, fire station or neighborhood resource center is? Search by address and see what’s near you.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

‘Take Your Purse With You’ at the ESSE Purse Museum

Catch the last of the exhibition before it’s gone. (Photo courtesy of ESSE Purse Museum on Facebook)

The ESSE Purse Museum is currently featuring the temporary exhibition, “Take Your Purse with You,” by Little Rock artist Katherine Strause. Paintings of women and their handbags inspired by mid-century photographs are on display.

Strause’s reimagined works explore the themes of transcendence, transformation and hope. The portraits are paired with ESSE’s permanent collection of purses, “What’s Inside: A Century of Women and Handbags,” which “tells the 20th-century story of the American woman through the purse and its contents,” according to ESSE’s website.

The summer exhibition will remain on display until Aug. 27. Tickets are $10 for general admission.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

A Note From the Regional Recycling Executive Director

Regional Recycling’s new executive director, Craig Douglass, discusses his mission. (Photo courtesy of Regional Recycling)

Sustainability. There are a number of definitions.

At Pulaski County’s Regional Recycling & Waste Reduction District, we believe sustainability means to conserve for future generations our valuable natural resources through reduction, reuse and recycling. It’s a socio-ecological process, requiring informed participation by household consumers.

As executive director, I, our staff and stakeholders, are committed to the following renewed mission: To inform and challenge local Arkansans to achieve maximum waste reduction, recycling and reuse of consumer goods, resulting in the protection of our shared environment and conservation of resources.

This mission will improve our economic growth and quality of life.

– Craig Douglass, Regional Recycling

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Commemoration Series: The History of the Little Rock Nine

The Little Rock Nine
Elizabeth Ann Eckford photographed after being denied entrance into Central High School in 1957. (Photo courtesy of encyclopediaofarkansas.com)

Little Rock Central High School caused controversy throughout the country when the Little Rock Nine, the nine African American students first involved in the desegregation of the school, attempted to enter its doors. On Sept. 4, 1957, the students were turned away by the Arkansas National Guard.

The students returned 21 days later via escort from members of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division at the order of President Eisenhower.

Eight of the nine students remained for the entire school year, and the eldest of them, Ernest Green, became the first black student to graduate from Central High School.

– Ann Claire Johnson, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

How Do You Can a Beer?

Jeff Dailey films just how Lost Forty Brewing cans their signature brews.

How do you can a beer? We turned to the experts at Lost Forty Brewing to give us the scoop on all things canning as they stocked one of their newest brews, the Look-See Hefeweizen.

From empty cans on palettes to cold and carbonated sealed beer, there are multiple steps each playing a unique role to filling the perfect can. Even on the busiest days, when Lost Forty’s team processes over 24,000 cans.

“You open that can of beer, you hear that trademark ‘psst’ sound, and it’s delicious and tastes great every time,” said production manager Dylan Yelenich.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Podcasts: Changing the Game

10 million podcasts streamed in 2016
Apple's plans to make analytics available for podcasts could be a game-changer.

In today’s digital marketing age, analytics are everything.

And soon, the power of analytics to shape and rank content is coming to podcasts – already a medium with millions of listeners. Until now, podcasts have had few metrics, but when Apple launches podcast analytics later this year, marketers will gain valuable insights into how a podcast’s audience is engaging, such as:

– when and where people listen;

– if and when they stop listening;

– and whether they stay tuned for ads.

Analytics should make podcasts more appealing to marketers, in turn increasing financial support for podcasts – a win for marketers, producers and listeners.

– Kyle Parks, The Tampa Bay 100

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Sending Your Kid to College?

Children going to college
Plan a day of the week for a phone call or Skype session to check in with each other.

Start preparing early: Talk with your kids in high school about what they enjoy doing, what their strengths are, and what they may want to go to college for.

Transitioning to college can be stressful, but knowing what they want to do after graduation can ease some of that pressure.

Keep in contact, but let your child stand on their own. It’s important to make sure your college freshman feels supported, but this is an opportunity for them to find out who they are. If they start to struggle, help guide them to resources instead of fixing the problem yourself.

– Arielle Stratton, Author of Your College Survival Guide

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Twitter Launching Live Video Feed Channel

Twitter launches new service
Twitter and Bloomberg have collaborated to produce a source of streaming news.

Twitter and Bloomberg have recently partnered together to create a service that will stream news produced solely for Twitter.

The service is an attempt to appeal to users who watch a live TV event while simultaneously tweeting. The news channel will allow them to do both on one device, even while on the go. It will feature live news from outlets around the world and a curated, verified mix of video posted by various Twitter users. Footage from Bloomberg’s existing TV operations will also be included.

The channel is not yet named and is expected to begin operating this fall.

– Tori Garrett, The Oklahoma 100

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Find Your Partnerships

It’s all about teamwork.

One of the best tactics in your business arsenal already exists. Strategic partnerships are quickly becoming a necessity, especially in terms of marketing.

Partnerships can be created in a variety of ways but should include businesses or organizations that align with the mission of your company and have their own circle of influence. Recent high-profile partnerships include the Taco Bell “Taco Mode” Lyft Feature and Under Armour with rapper A$AP Rocky.

Who are your partnership opportunities? Find the players in your community by setting an objective, identifying those who will help you get there and complement your vision.

– Natalie Ghidotti, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Dan Fowler: Urban Development in the East Village

“We stepped back and started thinking about who are we and what are we doing in the community?”

In the first episode of The Arkansas 100 Podcast, Natalie Ghidotti sits down with Dan Fowler, director of finance and business development at Cromwell Architects and Engineers, to discuss advancements and projects in the rapidly growing neighborhood of East Village in Little Rock.

What’s the history of the East Village? What projects are in the works? Who’s coming to the neighborhood? How does this impact the community around it? And how does Cromwell and its legacy fit into the mix?

Watch the trailer above and listen to the full podcast on our website or iTunes and make sure to subscribe.

— Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Moving Worlds in Little Rock

Chris Cranford captures CEO of MovingWorlds, Mark Horoszowski, as he speaks in Little Rock. (Video by Cranford Co.)

Mark Horoszowski does not contribute most of his professional “wins” and skills to his master’s degree, but to his years of volunteer experience. This is the mission behind MovingWorlds — a site dedicated to connecting professionals with various long-term, impactful volunteer missions.

“Experteers” contrast “voluntourism” by making a conscious effort to train invested people for opportunities to use their professional skills in a volunteer setting.

While MovingWorlds is based out of Seattle, Horoszowski visited Central Arkansas to speak to the Rotary Club of Little Rock on the impact of experteerism and how to make the first steps towards getting involved.

— Natalie Ghidotti, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

12 Star Flats Opening in East Village

New apartments available for lease are coming to downtown. (Photo courtesy of Moses Tucker)

Moses Tucker has announced its newest downtown living option, 12 Star Flats, in the East Village.

“These are going to be the rawest, urban, industrial lofts in Little Rock but with completely modern finishes and amenities,” said Rachael Scott with Moses Tucker. “The trolley line ends near the apartments, so getting to and from the River Market is a breeze. The proximity to the breweries and beautiful trails near the Clinton Library and Heifer International and the buzz about the area makes the whole development very exciting.”

The flats will open in December and are currently available for reservation.

— Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Prepare for the Solar Eclipse

Mark your calendars for Monday, Aug. 21, for the solar eclipse.

Expert and amateur astronomers alike are gearing up for a rare total solar eclipse on August 21. It will be the first coast-to-coast eclipse in the country in about 100 years. For best viewing, head to Missouri. The farther north in Arkansas, the more the sun will be blocked.

In central Arkansas, about 89 percent of the sun will be obscured by the moon at peak viewing time, around 1:18 p.m. Never look directly at the sun during an eclipse. Use solar filters, special eclipse glasses or No. 14 arc welder’s glass to prevent eye damage.

—Aaron Sadler, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Springdale Website is a Sports Fan’s Dream

Sports fans can now attend the events of their dreams with this NWA startup.

DreamIt, a new Springdale-based digital service, aims to connect sports fans to their dream “bucket list” events with all-inclusive travel packages. Creator Brad Norwood intends to grow his range of offerings after the success of his Executive Golf Packages.

“Executive Golf Packages has become well-known as the place to go for great golf packages, including The Masters each spring,” said Norwood. “We constantly field requests for ticket and travel packages to other major events. DreamItPro.com was created to deliver those dream experiences.”

Upcoming trip packages include Kentucky Derby, the Rose Bowl or the College Football Championship.

— Kathryn Heller, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Best Drinks to Enjoy on Preacher’s Son’s Rooftop Bar

Which drink will you pick to enjoy on The Preacher's Son's new rooftop lounge? (Photo courtesy of The Preacher’s Son on Facebook)

The Preacher’s Son, one of the newest restaurants in the downtown Bentonville square, recently opened its rooftop lounge. Next time you’re in Northwest Arkansas, be sure to stop by and enjoy some of its top drinks.

For the person who’s craving something bubbly: Fraise Plein Air. The strawberry liqueur and prosecco make for a perfect summer drink.

For the person who likes a classic drink with a fresh twist: The Preacher’s Daughter. Think gin and triple sec with a blend of flavors like lavender, mint and orange mist.

For the whiskey drinker: Upsidedown Man. Vermouth + whiskey … need we say more?

— Mary Hargraves, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone


More: Food

 

Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Central High School Desegregation

Sixty years ago, Central High School desegregated.

On Sept. 25, 1957, nine African-American students, later known as the Little Rock Nine, entered Little Rock Central High School, three years after the U.S. Supreme Court declared school racial segregation unconstitutional. For the 60th anniversary, city officials plan to commemorate the historic event with a ceremony, new sculpture installation and various other events. An anniversary logo was also announced and presented by current Central High students.

In upcoming editions of The Arkansas 100, we’ll take a deeper dive into this momentous event, the historic site and how various organizations from around Central Arkansas will recognize the anniversary.

— Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Your Last Weekend Getaway

Soak up the last of your summer in Eureka Springs.

With the start of school just around the corner, take one last weekend staycation with (or without) the kids in Eureka Springs.

Where to eat: What’s a weekend getaway without Sunday Brunch? Enjoy gingerbread waffles and blood orange mimosas at Local Flavor Cafe to start your day off.

Where to stay: The Crescent Hotel has something for everyone. From mom, who’ll spend her day in the spa, to brother, who’ll spend the day learning about its past on the ghost tours.

Where to play: Eureka Springs is antique-hunter heaven. Stroll the streets exploring the flea markets and antique shops.

— Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Arkansas Public School Computer Network Completed

The state now has access to a minimum internet connectivity speed of 200 kilobits per second per student.

The governor’s office recently announced the completion of the Arkansas Public School Computer Network in K- 12 public schools. APSCN makes Arkansas one of only six states with 100% connectivity.

“In 2015, when I issued the directive to connect all our schools, I didn’t know exactly how it would look, but I knew for sure that information systems and the education department would get the job done,” Governor Hutchinson said. “They did, and the final product looks grand. Not only are we leading the way, we surpassed the federal goals and set a standard for the rest of the nation.”

— Ann Claire Johnson, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

The Texarkana Moonlight Murders

The Phantom Killer
The mystery of the Phantom Killer remains unsolved and was adapted into a film in 1977. (Photo courtesy of encyclopediaofarkansas.net)

Through the spring of 1946, an unidentified criminal known as the “Texarkana Phantom Killer” committed numerous assaults and murders in the city. Five people were killed and three were wounded.

With each murder, panic ran through Texarkana. While the murders became known as “Moonlight Murders” by the media due to the full moon during the times of attack, the assailant earned the name “Phantom Killer” as the person would vanish after each of his many attacks.

Several individuals claimed to be the mysterious Phantom Killer and other citizens came forward with accusations. Despite the claims, no arrest was ever made.

— Ann Claire Johnson, Ghidotti Communications

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Off the Rails: BMX Takes Tulsa

USA BMX plans to build Olympic-grade arena and world headquarters for BMX racing and Olympic training in Tulsa's Greenwood District. (Photo courtesy of Stephen Pingry/Tulsa World).

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum has announced that BMX will officially build a new indoor arena, world headquarters and hall of fame in Tulsa at the long-empty Evans Fintube industrial site in the Greenwood District, north of downtown. USA BMX is the main training facility for North American BMX cyclists who regularly compete in the X Games during the Olympics.

Funds from Vision Tulsa will help finance the project, which is expected to cost $15 million, with $11 million estimated revenue over six years. BMX hopes to be fully operational in time to host the Olympic trials in 2020.

– Christian Franklin, Jones PR

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Should You Take a Stand On Social Issues?

A recent survey finds that there’s a benefit to taking action on important societal issues.

Corporate social responsibility remains a priority for many businesses, and research has shown that employees want the corporate entities they work for to take a stand on societal issues.

Recent research from Povaddo suggests that 57% of surveyed employees feel corporate America needs to play a more active role in social issues. A majority (62%) would also be more likely to recommend the company as a place to work if its CEO makes a real effort to make a difference.

The other 43% feel that Corporate America needs to strictly confine its activities to being financially prosperous and providing employment.

– Chuck Norman, APR, The North Carolina 100

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

 

Don’t Let Your Website Get Stale if You Want to Engage

Continue to update your website to attract more business.

If you haven’t updated your website in years, you may be losing valuable leads for your business.

Web design trends change annually, and investing in a new site can be costly but worthwhile. There are cost-effective changes that you can make to be more current and influence your potential customers. High-quality original photography can speak volumes about your relevance and build trust. The popularity of video is still on the rise, and studies have shown video increases engagement.

Your budget may not allow a redesign annually, but you can keep your site competitive with strong copy and visuals.

– Chuck Norman, APR, The North Carolina 100

Please share:Share on LinkedInShare on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterPin on PinterestEmail this to someone