The Arkansas 100

 

Three Ways to Create a Positive Company Culture

Natalie Ghidotti
At our agency, we recognize a Rock Star of the Week during a weekly team meeting.

How many people do you know who love to go to work? At Ghidotti Communications, morale and a positive work environment are paramount to our company culture. Creating an enjoyable workplace can help retain employees and increase productivity.

Here are three ways:

• Flexibility: There have been numerous studies that show employees value flexibility and time off. Focus on results instead of time at the office.

• Having the right people in the right seat: Be rigorous during the hiring process and make sure the potential employee aligns with company values.

• Acknowledgement: Praise can go a long way and leads to retention.

– Natalie Ghidotti, Ghidotti Communications

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Anita Davis: Community Culture

Anita Davis, owner of the ESSE Purse Museum, knew that creating a destination within Little Rock meant building a community. She has played a crucial role in the development of the South Main neighborhood. From the annual Cornbread Festival to the ESSE Purse Museum store, Davis ensures everything placed there is done with purpose. She discusses her inspiration behind this project and SoMa’s development with Natalie Ghidotti in this episode of The Arkansas 100 podcast.

Listen to the trailer above and be sure to tune in to the full podcast and our previous episodes on our website, iTunes or Stitcher.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

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Nelson Mandela Exhibit Captures South Africa’s Path to Racial Equality

Nelson Mandela with the words "The Birth of Rolihlahla" over his head
"Mandela: The Journey to Ubuntu" is presented by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

The latest exhibit at the Clinton Presidential Library tells the story of South African President Nelson Mandela. “Mandela: The Journey to Ubuntu” features Mandela’s life through the lens of photographer Matthew Willman, along with artifacts from the Library’s collection, President Clinton’s personal collection, and on loan from the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

The exhibit captures locations that played integral roles in South Africa’s path to racial equality and Mandela’s fight for freedom including the recreation of the eight-by-seven-foot prison cell he was sentenced to live in for 18 years of his imprisonment.

The exhibit closes February of 2018.

– Sandra McGrew, Ghidotti Communications

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Lost Forty Hosts Festival of Darkness Event

Lost Forty event poster
Boos and brews will hit Lost Forty on Oct. 21. (Photo courtesy of Lost Forty)

Lost Forty Brewing is hosting the Festival of Darkness event on Saturday, Oct. 21. The Halloween and brew bash will feature the release of its seasonal beer, Nighty Night Rider, and the annual Zombie Lumberjack costume contest.

There will be live music and more than a dozen other breweries on tap to offer samples of their beer in the Garden of Darkness.

The event will take place from 4–8:30 p.m. at Lost Forty. Advance tickets are $10; those ticket holders will get a free swag bag at the door. Tickets at the door will be $12.

– Sandra McGrew, Ghidotti Communications

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An Inside Look at the Little Rock Port Authority

Videographer Jeff Dailey captures the daily life of the Port.

The Little Rock Port Authority is one of Arkansas’ largest manufacturing bases, with over 40 businesses on site. Did you know all of the Skippy Peanut Butter in the country is produced and jarred here? Or that international companies, such as Welspun, house large operations in Little Rock?

The Port Authority offers many services to its manufacturers, including terminal, waterway shipping and railroad. Every day, the rail team oversees and manages various pickups and deliveries around the facility. Videographer Jeff Dailey takes us on a tour of what the ins and outs of a day at the Port looks like.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

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Red Wolves Aid Red Wolf Conservation

red wolf in wild
Arkansas State University is partnering with the Little Rock Zoo to protect red wolves. (Photo courtesy of ASU)

Though dozens of Red Wolves take to the gridiron on Saturdays at Arkansas State University, there are few actual red wolves that exist in the wild in the United States. ASU is changing that.

The university is partnering with multiple agencies, including the Little Rock Zoo, to protect and expand the American red wolf population. ASU will participate in the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan and contribute to education and research with the ultimate goal of reintroducing red wolves into the wild.

One study indicates that Arkansas has more suitable federal land habitat for red wolves than any other state.

– Aaron Sadler, Ghidotti Communications

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Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Celebrates 25 Years

Arkansas Black Hall of Fame silver anniversary graphic
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame will celebrate a quarter century of black excellence. (Photo courtesy of ABHOF on Facebook)

The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame is celebrating 25 years of recognizing the state’s greatest black business leaders, artists and medical professionals.

On October 28, the organization will celebrate its silver anniversary at the Robinson Center with a variety show featuring music, dance and comedy performances. Luenell – actress, comedian and 2015 inductee – will emcee the event.

The annual induction ceremony is ABHOF’s primary fundraiser in support of providing grants to nonprofits working to improve education, youth development, health, and economic development in black and underserved communities in Arkansas. Since 2004, the ABHOF Foundation has awarded over $570,000 in grants.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

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South on Main Continues to Fight Hunger

Speaker at No Kid Hungry
Aid the efforts of ending food insecurity for children in Arkansas. (Photo courtesy of South on Main on Facebook)

The best chefs in the region are coming together for good food and a better cause. The Oct. 16 Little Rock No Kid Hungry Dinner will aid No Kid Hungry Arkansas in its efforts to end childhood hunger in the state. Arkansas was once No. 1 in the country for food insecurity. Currently, one in four Arkansans struggles with hunger.

Host Chef Matt Bell of South on Main along with guests chefs, including Ben Brainard of Yellow Rocket Concepts and Anthony Valinoti of Deluca’s Pizzeria, will prepare a special menu for the guests. Click here to buy tickets and donate.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

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Walmart Tests New In-Fridge Delivery Service

Walmart employee putting up groceries in kitchen
Walmart wants to deliver groceries straight to your refrigerator. (Photo courtesy of Walmart)

Walmart continues to invest in e-commerce business as it tests a new service that delivers groceries straight to your fridge.

The Bentonville-based retail giant announced it’s partnering with smart lock startup August Home, which offers keyless entry into your home through your smartphone.

Notifications are sent upon the arrival of the driver, who enters a one-time use code through the August Home app. Users can watch the delivery process through August home-security cameras.

The new in-fridge delivery service is currently being tested in the Silicon Valley market with August Home users who have opted in.

– Sandra McGrew, Ghidotti Communications

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Johnny Cash Heritage Festival Gears up

Johnny Cash Heritage Festival logo
Honor a music legend in Dyess next weekend. (Photo courtesy of the Johnny Cash Music Festival on Facebook)

The Johnny Cash Heritage Festival kicks off Oct. 19 at the historic Dyess colony, the boyhood home of the Man in Black.

The inaugural three-day festival includes an educational symposium, regional music, arts and crafts booths, and food vendors. A limited number of tickets remains for the concert in the former cotton field next to the Cash home.

The concert, set for Saturday, Oct. 21, will feature Kris Kristofferson and Cash’s daughter, Rosanne. Cash’s siblings, Joanne and Tommy Cash, and Arkansas-native Buddy Jewell will also perform.

For more information about the Johnny Cash Heritage Festival, visit JohnnyCashHeritageFestival.com

– Aaron Sadler, Ghidotti Communications

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CHI St. Vincent Introduces Walking Paths

staircase
CHI St. vincent continues to promote wellness inside and out. (Photo courtesy of CHI St. Vincent)

During its annual Heritage Week, CHI St. Vincent announced the launch of nine walking paths across four facilities. All campuses have both indoor and outdoor walking paths with the exception of Morrilton, which only has outdoor paths.

The walking paths help express CHI St. Vincent’s mission of wellness for both patients and its visitors. Along with the paths, seven different stair graphics were created, prompting employees and visitors the health benefits of consistently choosing the stairs.

The paths range in distance and are all under .6 miles. An average path is expected take a walker 5-10 minutes to complete.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

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How Locals Can Get Trader Joe’s to Central Arkansas

trader joe's storefront
Trader Joe’s fans: your time is now.

Fans of cookie butter, pickle popcorn and “Two-Buck Chuck” are working together to bring a Trader Joe’s store to Arkansas. The Facebook page “Bring Trader Joe’s to Little Rock” has over 5,000 likes from fans supporting efforts in bringing the chain to central Arkansas.

In a recent interview, Mayor Mark Stodola announced his plans to reach out to Trader Joe’s to entice the grocery store chain’s interest to come to Little Rock.

For die-hard fans, an official location request form is available for those who want to petition the popular grocery store to come to Little Rock.

– Mary Hargraves, Ghidotti Communications

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Home Maintenance Tips for Fall

Performing regular maintenance can prevent minor issues from spiraling into costly problems.

The start of a new season is always a good time to perform routine home maintenance. Follow these steps to get your home in top shape for fall:

HVAC: Use this period of comfortable weather to ensure your heating system is ready for winter. Schedule a professional maintenance checkup and don’t forget to change the filters monthly.

Gutters: Clean gutters before leaves start to fall and keep them well-maintained throughout the season. Make sure downspouts point away from the home.

Airflow: Seal cracks in window and door frames to prevent air from escaping or seeping in from outside.

— Steve Seeger, Lennar Homes

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The iconic pink ribbon is seen all over as our country unites to raise funds and awareness to fight breast cancer.

According to breastcancer.org, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Because of this alarming statistic, October turns pink each year as it becomes dedicated to breast cancer awareness.

This international health campaign takes center stage to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research and developments. Some of the ways to help make a difference include: fundraise at work or in your community, make a personal donation to a local or national organization, volunteer at a fundraising event, wear pink to spread awareness, and post positivity on social media.

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

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Millennial Giving – It’s More than Just a Check

Millennials support charitable giving, but want to be sure their contributions go directly to the causes they support

Millennials have a unique way of giving to charity. In recent years, donations online have increased at a significant rate and are only going to keep growing.

Crowdfunding is an immensely popular option for charitable giving. Kickstarter and Indiegogo are ways to ensure money is indeed going directly to the cause. With millennials giving more online, it only makes sense that they also document their donations with their friends, so successful campaigns often are shareable on social media.

Tangible results are the most important part of a charity campaign, so consistent updates are vital for keeping a millennial donor base.

– Sydney Ayers, The Colorado 100

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Why Email Marketing Works

Woman wearing a printed blouse smiling at the camera.
Don’t neglect email in your marketing strategy.

Does email marketing work? The short answer: Yes.

Here are three reasons email marketing is important:

• It’s shareable: With the click of a button, readers can easily forward your content, which helps gain brand credibility.

• ROI: According to a survey conducted by Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and Demand Metric, email has a median ROI of 122 percent, which is more than four times higher than social media, direct mail and paid search.

• You can track it: Analytics are key to measure the success of a campaign. There are tools available to track KPIs such as click through and conversion rates.

– Natalie Ghidotti, Ghidotti Communications

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Kyran Pittman: The Evolution of Blogging

Writer, blogger, author, karaoke queen and mom. Kyran Pittman used these talents to start a blog as a creative outlet in 2005. She was at the forefront of the blogging scene and has seen the changes it’s taken over the past 12 years into what we call “influencer marketing.” Pittman sits down with Natalie Ghidotti to discuss here role in the blogging community, how it’s changed and why she’s taken steps back in this episode of The Arkansas 100 Podcast.

Listen to the trailer above and dive into the full episode; available on iTunes, Stitcher and The Arkansas 100 website.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

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Navy Week Comes to Little Rock

Navy sailor handing out Navy Seal trinkets.
The Navy is coming to central Arkansas. (Photo courtesy of navy.mil)

The week of October 16, Naval officers will host a series of events introducing the community to aspects and significance of the Navy.

“Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the tremendous investment and unmatched capability they have in their Navy,” said Cmdr. John Gay, NAVCO’s director. “Because the Navy is concentrated primarily on both coasts, we’re challenged to communicate our mission away from fleet concentration areas. The Navy Week program helps us do that.”

Events include a concert from the Navy Band in the River Market and speaking engagements at Rotary Club of Little Rock and several local schools.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

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More: Events

 

Alice Walton Leads New Nonprofit Focused on Sharing the Arts

Alice Walton smiling.
Art Bridges mission is to expand access to American art. (Photo courtesy of Crystal Bridges on Facebook)

Philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton recently announced the formation of a new nonprofit focused on sharing outstanding works of American art.

Art Bridges, in collaboration with large and small museums around the country, will help create and fund exhibitions, bringing together art from museums, private collections, foundations and a collection established as a part of Art Bridges.

“Our country’s significant works of art should be available for all to see and enjoy,” said Walton. “Outstanding artworks are in museum vaults and private collections; let’s make that art available to everyone and provide a way to experience these cultural treasures.”

Sandra McGrew, Ghidotti Communications

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“Trumphouse” Brings Down the House

In celebration of Rodney Block’s sixth album, “Trumphouse,” a lively launch party took place at South on Main this past weekend. The Arkansas 100 sponsored the event, which featured performances by a number of local artists, including 607, J Phil and Bijoux. Photographer Heather Canterbury captured moments from the rollicking, jazzy, solo trumpet-driven show.

Rodney was featured in The Arkansas 100 podcast where the Dumas native and trumpet player discussed everything from his roots to how he built his career and his favorite venues to perform. Listen to the full podcast on our website, on iTunes or on Stitcher.

– Sandra McGrew, Ghidotti Communications

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Conway Prepares for the Future With Conway 125

Members of the Conway 125 Capital Campaign taking a group photo.
Imagine the Conway of the future. (Photo courtesy of Conway Area Chamber)

The Conway 125 Capital Campaign identifies several generation-defining projects that convey hope for what Conway can be:

• Startup Space – Conway has resources available to make great things happen; entrepreneurs need the space to gather.

• Trails Everywhere – An interconnected, citywide trail system can keep cyclists and pedestrians safe.

• Roundabout Art – Public art in Conway’s signature, circular intersections can make large-scale works highly visible and accessible to everyone.

• Wayfinding Signage – Directional signage can help guests feel at ease and show them even more to explore.

• Grand Theatre – Conway can host a variety of cultural events in the revitalized historic theatre.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

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K Lofts Purchased by Moses Tucker

Outside of K Lofts.
Main Street continues to revitalize.

Big changes are coming to 513 Main Street. Shortly after the announcement of Club Level’s closing to be reopened as Brewski’s Pub & Grub, Moses Tucker announced the purchase of the K Lofts apartments. The lofts will be renamed Mulberry Flats and available for lease in October.

Previously, the property was a stalled project of Scott Reed. After over $1.3 million in claims were filed, K Lofts was taken over by a new lender and contractor to complete the apartments.

The five-story building holds 32 apartments ranging 550 square feet to 721 square feet starting at $780 per month.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

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Ileaa Swift of Swift Travel Deals

Illea Swift wearing a red blouse smiling at the camera.
Swift Travel Deals, with offices in England, New York and Oklahoma, developed its roots in Arkansas. (Photo courtesy of Swift Travel Deals)

“My ultimate goal was to create an avenue for everyone to travel the world regardless of their budget or special need.” This is the mission of Prescott-native Ileaa Swift’s worldwide travel agency, Swift Travel Deals. Swift wants to help people see the world in an affordable manner without sacrificing the quality of their traveling experience.

“The culture of Arkansans is to help and encourage one another,” Swift said. “Without the help and encouragement that I received from my family and fellow Arkansans, I would have never been confident enough to venture out on my own to start a business.”

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

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AAC’s Fall Art of Fashion Lectures

Outside the Arkansas Arts Center building
The Art of the Fashion lecture series kicks off Sept. 30 with Chanel. (Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Arts Center)

Arkansas Arts Center is continuing its popular Art of Fashion lecture series showcasing iconic brand Chanel and fashion historian, Raissa Bretaña.

On September 30, in collaboration with Dillard’s Park Plaza Mall, Chanel retail manager Ken Lucero will deliver a lecture titled “Fragrance and Beauty” about the history and heritage of the Chanel brand.

On October 12, fashion historian Raissa Bretaña will give a lecture titled “Fashion and the Myth of Mid-Century Modernism: 1947 to 1957.”

Seating is limited and tickets are required for both events. To purchase tickets, visit arkansasartscenter.org/tickets or call (501) 372-4000.

– Sandra McGrew, Ghidotti Communications

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Make Way for the 7th Annual Main Street Food Truck Festival

Food Truck Festival Flyer
Get ready for six blocks of downtown to be covered in food and fun. (Photo courtesy of Downtown Little Rock Partnership on Facebook)

If you’ve got a craving for culture, you won’t want to miss the 7th annual Main Street Food Truck Festival. On October 7, craft vendors, entertainers and over 50 food trucks will hit downtown Little Rock. In 2016, over 50,000 people came out to the festival.

The festival was born from a collaboration of Downtown Little Rock Partnership and its Main Street Revitalization Committee as an effort to promote development in the area. MSFTF is now heralded as one of the top ten food truck festivals in the country and one of the top food festivals in the state.

Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

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More: Events

 

El Dorado Focuses on Redevelopment

El Dorado's Main Street
How the south Arkansas town is getting a makeover. (Photo courtesy of mainstreeteldorado.org)

El Dorado is getting its mojo back. In the 1900s, it was one of the state’s wealthiest and most popular cities but the population dropped drastically by the 2010s. In an effort to revitalize the town to its former glory and beyond, the city plans to invest $100 million headed up by former president of Marvel Comics, Terry Stewart.

The first major project, MusicFest El Dorado, highlights the arts district and will bring in Brad Paisley, Migos and more. The second phase involves renovations to the city’s 78 historic buildings. The full project aims to develop into an ongoing process.

– Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

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The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Series: Speaker Krista Bourne

Krista Bourne smiling at the camera wearing a black blazer and white blouse.
Krista Bourne will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming luncheon. (Photo courtesy of womensfoundationarkansas.org)

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas annual Power of the Purse luncheon is quickly approaching. On October 3, women making strides in their fields will be honored as guests learn more about the WFA’s mission and will hear from keynote speaker, Krista Bourne.

Bourne currently served as president over a 12-state market for Verizon Wireless. She has worked in the wireless industry for 15 years and worked her way up the ranks within Verizon. Along with her work, she is actively involved in her community. Bourne has also been recognized by MAKERS and CSTEM as the STEMing the Tide recipient.

Maeghen Carter, Ghidotti Communications

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US Data Breach Crisis

Encryption image
Know what to do after a data breach.

Crises can arise at any time and through no fault of your own. Protecting your personal brand is always at the center of good crisis planning.

As long as we rely on technology, we leave ourselves open to threats, including the most recent data breach at Equifax that potentially affects nearly 150 million people. We receive phishing emails regularly, and every time you swipe a credit card, you open the door to disaster.

There are resources available outlining the proper steps to mitigate these potential crises as to not affect you, your family or your business for years to come.

– Chuck Norman, APR, The North Carolina 100

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Generation Z Has Different Priorities

Young woman shaking hands across the table.
Generation Z makes up one-fourth of the U.S. population. Its oldest members are now in their early 20s.

Unlike millennials, Generation Z (born after 1995) grew up in uncertain times, so they have different priorities. This is important for employers to know, because members of Generation Z are now seeking their first jobs.

Three things to know about Generation Z employees:

– They like to communicate via social media. Post jobs via their preferred platforms: YouTube, Snapchat and Instagram.

– Company culture is important to them, so show you care about your employees.

– They seek stability. Discuss long-term career opportunities, even if it’s a part-time job.

To retain Generation Z employees, offer flexibility, growth opportunities and job security.

– Christina Norton, Revenue Management Solutions

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How to Join the ‘Video-ification’ of the Internet

Woman watching a video on her ipad.
All consumers are captivated by video. Learn how to capitalize on this with tips from Tegna.

In 2016, video accounted for 67% of all internet traffic and will account for 80% of all internet traffic by 2021.

Roughly 70% of consumers view brands more positively after watching video content from them. Moreover, after watching an online video, 40% of consumers visited a store or website and 28% made a purchase.

Learn how to use online video to reach local consumers, including tips on how to:

– Increase your reach within targeted markets using OTT.

– Take advantage of social media algorithms that favor video.

– Experiment with Facebook Live.

– Showcase longer-form videos on your own website & YouTube Channel.

— LocalLouisiana MarketingBlog, TEGNALocal Louisiana

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