2 0 1 6
ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from Leadership.................. 3 Training & Workshops................... 7 Programs...................................... 13 Recognition of Excellence............. 21 Partnerships & Support............... 25 Economics Arkansas Foundation... 33 Board of Directors......................... 37
“Outside the skills of communication, economic education is the most important area of the curriculum.” Dr. Arch Ford
COMMISSIONER, ARK ANSAS DEPA RT MEN T OF EDUCATION (1953 -1972) FOUNDER, ECONOMICS ARK ANSAS
Sowing Productive Seeds In Arkansas.
O
ne word that best describes the advantage we have living in this country is freedom. We have the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want and the freedom to pursue our
dreams, among others. Rob Clinton, former president of the Colorado Council for Economic Education, summed up the concept of freedom: “In the United States, each person also has the freedom to participate in our market economy and the opportunity to chart a unique course for his or her own life. Economic education in our schools is critical because it equips young people with the essential decision-making skills to exercise the many personal and economic freedoms this country provides.”
Arkansas students have the freedom to live the life of their dreams, but are we giving them the tools to do so? Many will be poorly equipped to actively participate in our global economy because they haven’t learned real life economics. Real life economics is making wise decisions by evaluating the costs and benefits of each choice and understanding their consequences. It is learning to invest in our human capital to become an asset for a market economy. It is learning critical personal finance concepts to be able to manage assets, and it is learning how the global economy works. The germination of these life-enhancing concepts is imperative to growing a strong crop of workers and a fruitful economy. Please join Economics Arkansas as we cultivate future generations who are well prepared to enjoy the full reach of the freedoms our great country upholds.
Randy Zook
Dr. Laura Bednar
Sue Owens
BOARD CHAIRMAN
BOA RD PRESIDENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EconomicsArkansas.org
3
CORE STATISTICS
“If there has ever been a time when we need to accelerate our understanding of economics, it is now. Our children
1,981
TEACHERS TRAINED
are growing up in a
115,000 STUDENTS BENEFITTED
period in which global economics impacts everything we do.” J. Thomas May PA ST ECONOM ICS A RK A NSA S BOARD MEMBER CHAIRMAN/CEO OF THE SIMMONS FIRST FOUNDATION
1,305 VOLUNTEER HOURS
This is a quote from Economic Arkansas’ 50th anniversary insert in Arkansas Business magazine.
$24,100 Total value of “Recognition of Excellence” awards
$12k
Teacher winners of the Bessie B. Moore Awards Program
$2.1k
Student and teacher winners in the Economics Concept Calendar Program
EconomicsArkansas.org
$1.5k
Student winners of the Economics Challenge Competition
$8.5k
Student and teacher winners in the Stock Market Game Program
96% OF ARKANSAS COUNTIES
SERVED
“Entrepreneurs and their small enterprises are responsible for
$64,417
Total value of scholarships, grants and teaching resources given to educators
almost all the economic growth in the United States.�
86
Ronald Reagan Workshops and trainings hosted at Arkansas Education Service Centers, schools, colleges and universities
$6,412 16,715
Value of in-kind donations of products and services
Students directly involved in Economics Arkansas programs
$6,630
Substitute reimbursement fees given back to the school district for teachers attending professional development
5
Where Great Ideas Are Always Cropping Up.
TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
C
hoice, scarcity, supply and demand, entrepreneurship, barter, saving, goods, services, interdependence – these are a few of the economic and personal finance
concepts (seeds) Arkansas educators are successfully integrating (planting) into PreK-12 classroom lessons across
“Economics Arkansas professional development programs are without question
all subject areas. The fields of English, math, social studies,
some of the very best, if
science, art and athletics are just a few in which our training
not the best, programs
and workshops demonstrate the ease of incorporating and
I have attended in 20
applying these concepts to each student’s life. Creative activities using flyswatters, beads, rocks, pool noodles, cereal and the like solidify the grasp and understanding of real-life concepts that will serve students into adulthood.
years of teaching.” Leslie Phillips GREENBRIER SCHOOL DISTRICT
Read about the various avenues through which Economics Arkansas works to build a more highly qualified workforce.
EconomicsArkansas.org
7
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Available year-round, professional development opportunities are vast and various. Partnerships with
86 Workshops Throughout Arkansas
8,421 Hours of Professional Development
education service centers, school districts, businesses and other nonprofit organizations broaden our reach, plus extend our resources and impact. Grade-level-appropriate, standards-based and Arkansas Department of Education-approved training is provided in a variety of lengths from one to 30 hours. A total of 86 workshops were held throughout the state, offering 8,421 hours of professional development – an increase of 9 percent over last year. HIGH SCHOOL ECONOMICS WORKSHOPS
All high school students are required to complete an economics course for graduation. To assist educators with teaching this course, Economics Arkansas and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis collaborated to create a semesterlong curriculum aligned to Arkansas economics frameworks. In addition, the Federal Reserve hosts an online pre-post-test portal to track student learning in this class for teachers. A one-week workshop was held July 27-31 at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis-Little Rock branch office, where 21 educators received a copy of the curriculum and all the
Teachers receive activity resources for attending the one-week workshop.
EconomicsArkansas.org
Learning the concept of supply and demand using pool noodles.
TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
resources needed for teaching the lessons and activities. In addition, three one-day overviews of the course were held for another 32 teachers. REAL ECON FOR ALL CONFERENCE
“The highly engaging
Each year, the Relevant, Engaging, Activity-based Learning
lessons presented at the
(REAL) Economics and Personal Finance Conference for
REAL Conference make
PreK-12 educators is held in Central Arkansas.
me excited about starting
The 4th annual REAL Conference was held July 22-23 and
a new school year and
offered over 160 educators more than 80 concurrent sessions
sharing some of these
from which to choose. Covering a range of topics integrated
engaging lessons with my students.” Dianne Kellogg
SPRINGDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT
“This was my first Economics Arkansas professional development conference, and I learned much Educators “flocked” to participate in this activity that taught scarcity involving having more ducks than places to land.
with economic and financial concepts, experts from industry, academia, business and government shared their knowledge
more than I anticipated. The knowledge I gained from this conference will benefit my students, and I now know how
and expertise. Gwen Moritz, editor of Arkansas Business,
economics fits into any
served as keynote speaker. Sharing numerous examples
lesson that I may
of the consequences of financial illiteracy, she reminded
teach them.”
teachers of the important role they play in promoting decision-making skills, especially in the areas of financial literacy.
Elizabeth Wall
PINE BLUFF SCHOOL DISTRICT
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“I loved the workshop because it reminded me that children can learn
EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP E D U C A T I O N ( E3 )
Inspiring today’s students to become tomorrow’s business
best by learning real
innovators is the focus of this one-day workshop for teachers.
life lessons. Economics
The E3 workshop was held July 15 in Bentonville, where 55
is real, everyday life. I
educators learned creative ways to bring ideas to fruition
LOVED the workshop.”
through establishing new businesses. In addition, teachers
Lynda Staff
began businesses such as Piggy Paint, Kyya Chocolate and
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL
learned startup strategies from local entrepreneurs who Rollie Pollie: A Unique Toy Store. ECONOMICS OF SPORTS
According to a recent Sports Illustrated article, 60 percent of former NBA players are broke within five years of retirement. In addition, 78 percent of former NFL players have gone bankrupt or are under financial stress within two years of retiring. These staggering statistics led Mike Raymer of the Georgia Council on Economic Education to develop a workshop focusing on the relationship between economics and the world of sports.
“This was my first time
Mr. Raymer brought this workshop model to Arkansas and
to go to the workshop,
facilitated two trainings offered June 25 in Fayetteville and
and I was very impressed. Everything presented was a need
June 26 in Little Rock. A total of 82 teachers were provided with engaging lessons for teaching economic concepts through the lens of sports.
in the classroom. I am very thankful for this workshop; it made me a better teacher.” Coach Mac Hurley LAKE HAMILTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
EconomicsArkansas.org
Presenters Scott Hamilton, Mike Raymer, Sherman Tate, and Corbin Cobbs with Economic Arkansas’ Marsha Masters
Participants enjoyed a tour of Razorback Stadium
TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
“The workshop offered
ECONOMICS OF ART
This workshop teaches Arkansas educators how to engage
fantastic discussions
students in learning economic concepts through the
relevant to ‘takeaways’
exploration of visual arts.
and ideas and resources
On May 9 at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
made tangible and
in Bentonville, 30 teachers learned to identify economic
easy to implement
concepts depicted in Crystal Bridges’ permanent collection.
in our classrooms. I
Works of art can be viewed as primary source documents
am excited to begin
showing the historic impact of economics.
incorporating this idea in my classroom!” Workshop Participant
Zev Slurzberg of Crystal Bridges
Student drawings of economic concepts
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW WORKSHOPS
Economics Arkansas partners with various organizations to spearhead new and creative professional development opportunities for educators. Two new offerings under development are:
Itty Bitty Economics – A research study conducted in 2013 by Money Advice Service found that adult money habits are set by the age of 7. Economics Arkansas is developing an economic and personal finance workshop geared toward early childhood educators and their students. Connecting Educators to Industry – Economics Arkansas is working with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, industry leaders and community colleges to develop workshops that bring educators and businesses together. The trainings connect educators with industry experts in their regions of the state to better prepare students for local workforce opportunities.
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Creating Opportunity By The Bushel.
PROGRAMS
E
conomic education provides the knowledge and skills to empower students and give them hope for a brighter future. Concepts and skills such as
investing, entrepreneurship, competition, decision-making and investing in one’s human capital come to life through
“Teachers tell us that economic education is the missing link as it connects virtually all
Economics Arkansas’ programs. These opportunities
subjects taught in the
make learning personal and can change the trajectory of
classroom to real life.”
a student’s path as he learns to connect the dots of today’s education to his future. Economic literacy benefits students
Sue Owens
in creating their own destinies.
EconomicsArkansas.org
13
STOCK MARKET GAME
TM
PROGRAM
This investment simulation enables students to deepen their understanding of the U.S. economic system, economics, investing, math, business, language arts, social studies and personal finance. In addition, it promotes higher-level thinking skills as well as team-building skills. Students in grades 4-12 are given a hypothetical $100,000 portfolio that they build and trade in real time over the course of 10 weeks each semester. The Stock Market Game program is owned by Securities Industry Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). Economics Arkansas has held the franchise for Arkansas since 1999. Participation in the 2015-16 program showed 28 percent growth over the previous year.
9,162
10,047
12,897
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
First-place and second-place winning students were recognized at awards luncheons held in January and May 2016. These savvy investors gained the highest increases in investments in one of six geographic regions and one of
EconomicsArkansas.org
PROGRAMS
three grade levels. Representative student groups presented various investment strategies and learning that gave them strong roots in future financial security.
Fall 2015 Stock Market Game Winners
“I think the Stock Market Game is one of the best real-world activities I do with my students. The students love the knowledge they
Bradford Elementary School, Bradford
Camden-Fairview High School, Camden
receive and especially enjoy the competition. Thanks for all you do
Spring 2016 Stock Market Game Winners
for us!� Lacinda Files
SPRINGDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Taylor Elementary School, White Hall
INVESTWRITE
Paragould High School, Paragould
TM
This national essay competition is a culminating activity for students participating in the Stock Market Game. InvestWrite bridges classroom learning in mathematics, social studies and language arts with the practical research and knowledge required for long-term personal financial planning. An Arkansas student won 1st place in the state and 7th place nationally in the elementary school division during the fall 2015 competition. In the spring 2016 competition,
15
“The InvestWrite competition creates
Arkansas boasted another elementary school division winner who placed 6th in the state and 3rd nationally, along with a state winner in the high school division.
motivated writers in my classrooms. It provides a showcase for what they have learned in a fun, real-world, critical thinking competition.� Stacy Wilfong
BENTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Teacher advisor Rick Kron with school principal Need Dr. Janice Walker andcaption his winning students.
Invest It Forward is an extension of the Stock Market Game program and is designed to help young people understand how to harness the capital markets for their own benefit and realize their dreams. This program connects volunteers from industry firms who personally offer exciting, multimedia, in-school and after-school lessons to help young people better prepare for their own futures as financially capable and engaged citizens. It is a win-win situation for Arkansas teachers wanting to bring the real world of finance and capital markets to their students and for financial industry professionals wanting to volunteer to bring their passion and skills into classrooms.
EconomicsArkansas.org
PROGRAMS
Teachers listen as colleagues share descriptions of implemented classroom projects underwritten by Economics Arkansas.
TEACHER GRANTS PROGRAM
Funding of up to $750 is available to teachers to support
$13,241 AWARDED TO 21 GRANT RECIPIENTS
innovative economic and/or personal finance projects in their classrooms. For the 2015-16 school year, funded classroom projects included classroom economies, trade routes around the world, Arkansas natural resources and scarcity, makerspaces and the development of “super economists” using a superhero theme! At the May Econ Exchange, grant recipients met to share synopses, successes and challenges of their projects. Teachers reported benefits of attending to include gaining additional ideas for future economics projects, learning creative ways to adapt projects and planning new activities to implement.
“Economics Arkansas makes economics fun, engaging and educational. I have learned wonderful lesson ideas and have met great teachers from around the state of Arkansas.” Jessica Culver
Teachers attending the Econ Exchange on May 13, 2016.
OZARK SCHOOL DISTRICT
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ECONOMIC CONCEPT CALENDAR PROGRAM
To demonstrate their understanding and application of economics, students from kindergarten through 8th grade
564 ILLUSTRATION SUBMISSIONS
choose from a list of concepts and illustrate one to create an original picture. These drawings are submitted for judging, and winners receive a cash prize. This year, 564 entries were received. Fifteen winning entries were chosen to create a calendar mailed to educators and donors.
“A teacher plants the seeds of knowledge, sprinkles them with love and patiently
CHOICES PROGRAM
nurtures their growth
The CHOICES program is an interactive, two-hour
to produce tomorrow’s
presentation for 8th grade students in Arkansas to teach
dreams.”
life skills such as academic self-discipline, time and money
Anonymous
management, goal setting and especially the importance of finishing high school. In its second full year, the CHOICES program experienced tremendous demand and was presented to 134 classrooms.
EconomicsArkansas.org
PROGRAMS
Certified community volunteers and Economics Arkansas board members and staff delivered the program to 2,776 students.
“CHOICES helped me learn so many things. It showed me that it is better to stay in school Economics Arkansas board member Dr. Kieth Williams at Sheridan Middle School.
Presentation at Ozark Middle School by Kayla Barham of Bank of the Ozarks.
and live my dream, instead of giving up and dropping out.”
THE ECONCHALLENGE
In a partnership between Economics Arkansas and the
Gracie
STAR CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the EconChallenge is a statewide academic competition for Arkansas high school students demonstrating their knowledge of economics. Over 122 teams competed to win an invitation to the state championships, where the top 10 battled for distinction of “Economics Extraordinaire” on April 6, 2016. Chief Economist & State Economic Forecaster for Arkansas Dr. Mike Pakko spoke to students regarding current economic trends and served as moderator for the final stage of competition, the Quiz Bowl.
First Place winners in David Ricardo Division: Har-Ber High School, Springdale School District
First Place winners in Adam Smith Division: Little Rock Christian Academy
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Their Investment Bears Fruit For Us All.
RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE
M
erriam-Webster Dictionary defines excellence as “extremely high quality; the quality of being excellent.” It is the goal of Economics Arkansas to
“We are what we
recognize the contributions of both educators and business
repeatedly do.
leaders who impact the economic literacy and opportunities
Excellence, therefore, is
for the state. Each year, outstanding individuals are
not an act but a habit.”
honored during award luncheons that celebrate their accomplishments plus raise awareness of the work of
Aristotle
Economics Arkansas.
EconomicsArkansas.org
21
BESSIE B. MOORE PROGRAM
This annual awards program honors excellence in teaching economics and personal finance. Teachers from across the state who have developed innovative and effective classroom projects are recognized. Fourteen exemplary educators were honored November 9, 2015, at the Great Hall of the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock.
“Teachers: Today you lead the school. Tomorrow your students will lead the world.” Unknown
Exemplary educators: front row – Debbie Ethridge, Cara Morland, Kimberly Rahi, Jason Swim and Michele Jackson. Back row – Christine Edelmann, Patricia Dennis, Dr. Tom Woodruff, Jordan Strayhorn, Lydia Brumfield, Krista Harvey, Pamela Reynolds, Peggy Johnson and Jessica Imel.
LEADERSHIP IN FREE ENTERPRISE (LIFE) AWARD
Economics Arkansas Legacy Leaders were honored at this annual luncheon held April 12, 2016, at the downtown Little Rock Marriott. Over 550 guests attended to celebrate these visionary Arkansans who not only made major contributions to entrepreneurship and the advancement of free enterprise principles, but were also instrumental in the establishment, leadership and expansion of Economics Arkansas.
Kenneth Pat Wilson
EconomicsArkansas.org
Former Governor Winthrop Rockefeller
Michael Wilson
RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE
Perry Wilson, Pat Wilson, Jennifer Wilson, Natalie Brownlow and Diana Gray
Larry and Wendy Wilson, Patrick Wilson, and Rebel and Mark Wilson
The legacies of Kenneth Pat Wilson, former Governor Winthrop Rockefeller and Michael Wilson were recognized for their commitment to economic literacy and their work with founding executive director Bessie B. Moore, as well as their pledge to Economic Development and the growth of local communities.
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.� John Dewey
Win Rockefeller, Ray Dillon, William Rockefeller and Louis Rockefeller
23
Harvesting The Fruits Of Your Labor.
PA RT N E R SH I P S & SU PP ORT
M
ultiple program partners and donors assist with the training and programs Economics Arkansas delivers annually, and we are profoundly grateful.
The two groups of support that help extend reach and impact include educators and donors. Resource extenders
“Alone we can do so little; together we can
include educator groups such as the Polly M. Jackson Master
do so much.”
Economics Teachers (METs), Directors of Arkansas Centers
Helen Keller
for Economic Education and numerous Education Partners. Supporters include individual, business and foundation donors who all believe in strengthening Arkansas’ workforce via economic and financial literacy. Thank you for assisting in sowing, cultivating and harvesting perennial bumper crops of informed, skilled and empowered citizens.
EconomicsArkansas.org
25
Education Partners
CENTERS FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION
Arkansas 529 College Investing Plan
Six university-based centers for economic education have
Arkansas Department of Education
assisted in extending the resources of Economics Arkansas
Arkansas Economic Acceleration Foundation
directors of the centers were made to educators this year.
Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation
providing professional development opportunities for
for many years. Approximately 15 presentations by the Not only do the directors assist Economics Arkansas by
Arkansas Historic Preservation Program
teachers, they may also offer outreach to the community to
Arkansas Jump$tart Coalition
college students and adults.
address specific needs and expand their teaching to include
Arkansas Securities Department Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Bank of America Merrill Lynch Bank of the Ozarks Clinton Presidential Library Council for Economic Education Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Georgia Council on Economic Education Heifer International Lou Graham, Morgan Stanley National Association of Economic Educators State Farm Insurance U of A Division of Agriculture Research & Extension University of West Georgia Center for Economic Education
EconomicsArkansas.org
Arkansas Centers for Economic Education POLLY M. JACKSON MASTER ECONOMICS TEACHERS (METS)
The MET program recognizes outstanding economics and personal finance teachers and further cultivates them to become resource extenders who can provide “teacher-toteacher� training throughout the state.
PARTNERSHIPS & SUPPORT
Currently, there are 32 active METs, including three who have earned the “Lifetime Achievement” designation for their valuable contributions over the years.
“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.” John Shipp
Bud Hamley receives his MET certificate from fellow MET and supervisor Ruthie Walls.
MET Valarie Harp presents her “Economics Makes Students Happy! Happy! Happy!” project to fellow teachers and explains its adaptability in the classroom.
FINANCIALS
Revenue
Operating Expenses
Net Assets
Investments: 1%, $3,567
Programs: 75%, $735,495
Receivables: 1%, $1,958
Grants: 9%, $84,050
Management: 12%, $119,991
Investments: 79%, $738,370
Government: 43%, $400,000
Fundraising: 13%, $127,351
Cash & Equivalents:
Corporate/Personal
20%, $186,361
Contributions: 18%, $169,014 Special Events: 22%, $199,417 Other: 7%, $69,015
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TRIVIA CHALLENGE EVENT
This unique event combines elements of the game show “Jeopardy!,” the board game “Trivial Pursuit” and high
“Give the donor an
school “Quiz Bowl” to raise money for Economics Arkansas.
important job to do.”
During the 2015-16 year, events were held in Fort Smith and
Tom Ahern
El Dorado, collectively raising over $37,000.
First National Bank of Fort Smith secured the delicious title of Grand Champions during the event in Fort Smith. This event’s theme was “Forking Over Facts” with trivia questions related to dishes, dining and drinks.
The “Devos” from Nexans AmerCable in El Dorado won third place and the costume contest, dazzling the audience and judges alike with their musical and vocal skills. The event’s theme, “Face the Music,”was a ringing contest about song titles, composers, instruments, movie music and more.
Suzanne Swofford
COSTUME CONTEST WINNER
The El Dorado School District team was crowned Grand Champion of the 19th annual Trivia Challenge event.
EconomicsArkansas.org
PARTNERSHIPS & SUPPORT
PURSUING THE AMERICAN DREAM
This fundraising luncheon was held at Sam and Helen Walton’s homestead in Bentonville, Arkansas. On December 10, 2015, nearly 50 business and education professionals enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and the rich history of the residence, while learning how free enterprise has transformed Northwest Arkansas. Mike Malone, Northwest Arkansas Council’s president and CEO, moderated a panel of successful business leaders, including David Slone of Superior Automotive, Randy Lawson of Lawco Energy and Steve Clark of Propak and RockFish. In addition, educator Krista Harvey and her students Brady Evans, Ashby Burnett and Alexis Doellinger from Bentonville School District shared their economic education project “Taking Economics to Heart,” which applied economics to real-world problems such as lack of clean water
Alexis Doellinger BENTONVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT
and homelessness.
“Giving is not about a calculation of what you are buying; it is about participating in a fight.” Award-winning educators who successfully integrate economics into their classrooms gather for a photo with the moderator and speaker panel, plus host Jim Walton.
Dean Karlan
YALE ECONOMICS PROFESSOR THE NEW YORK TIMES MARCH 9, 2008
29
2015-2016 DONORS
$30,001 AND ABOVE
$20,001 - $30,000
“Fundraising is about asking donors to do something specific and meaningful. Successful fundraising is how the
$10,001 - $20,000 Arkansas Humanities Council ARVEST Bank Bank of America Charitable Foundation Lisenne Rockefeller
Ray Hobbs - D&R Hobbs Properties LLC State Farm Insurance Walton Family Foundation Windgate Charitable Foundation
donor can live out her values through your organization.� Jeff Brooks FUTURE FUNDRAISING NOW
$5,001 - $10,000 Arkansas Securities Department Caterpillar, Inc. Deltic Timber Corporation Deluxe Corporation Foundation
$1,001 - $5,000 Anonymous 3M Corporation ArcBest Corporation ArcBest Technologies, Inc. Arkansas Community Foundation Hot Springs Arkansas Community Foundation Pine Bluff Arkansas Economic Acceleration Foundation Arkansas Farm Bureau Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Arkansas State University Barber Law Firm PLLC Beall Barclay & Company, PLC Bob Hamilton Council for Economic Education Daisy Outdoor Products Dr. Tom Woodruff El Dorado School District Farmers Bank and Trust - Magnolia Fidelity National Information Services First Arkansas Bank & Trust - Jacksonville First Financial Bank - El Dorado First National Bank of Fort Smith First Security Bank Gild Corporation
EconomicsArkansas.org
Entergy Arkansas Simmons First Foundation Stephens Inc.
Great Lakes Solutions, A Chemtura Business Harrison French & Associates, LTD Heartland Foundation Jim Wooten Kathy Moore Kimberly Williams Lion Oil Company Lou Graham McLarty Capital Partners McLarty Companies Munro Foundation Murphy USA Nexans AmerCable Inc. OG+E Electric Services OK Industries Propak Corporation Riceland Foods Schmieding Foundation Simmons First National Bank - El Dorado Sue Owens University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Worksource Zero Mountain, Inc.
PARTNERSHIPS & SUPPORT
2015-2016 DONORS
UP TO $1,000 Agricultural Council of Arkansas Alice Abson Allison Richardson Ann McDougal Anonymous (10) Arkansas Community Foundation Faulkner County Arkansas Community Foundation Mississippi County Arkansas Self Storage, LLC AT&T Arkansas Bailey Construction & Consulting LLC Bailey Family Foundation Bank of America Merrill Lynch Bank of England Bank of Gravette Bank of Prescott Bank of the Ozarks Bill Holmes Bill Reed BKD, LLP Bruce Maloch Bruce Vick Charles D. and Elisha Poteet Charlotte B. Brown Compsys CV’s Foodliner, Inc. Daniel Writt David and Sheila Humphrey David Powell David Walt Davis Iron and Metal Debbie Robinson Devereux Management Company Digital Benefit Advisors Don and Barbara Munro Donald and Linda Wray Doris Wesson Doug Babb Dr. and Mrs. Fred Hueston Dr. Benny Gooden Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt Dr. Jane Wayland Dr. Kieth Williams Emon A. Mahony, Jr. Endeavor Foundation First Delta Bank - Marked Tree First National Bank of Wynne First National Bankers Bank First State Bank - DeQueen
First State Bank - Russellville Friday, Eldredge and Clark LLP Gary Latanich George H. Dunklin, Jr. Charitable Foundation Glenn Mechanical Co., Inc. Graduate Sales Great River Economic Development Foundation Hanna Oil and Gas Company Horatio State Bank Hueston Eilers Partners, LLC Integrity First Bank - Mountain Home James A. Von Gremp James Barnes James C. Fourmy, Jr. Jane English Jeff and Kay Franco Jennifer Krafsky Jennifer Wiggins John Ed Regenold John F. Dews Johnny and Shannon Key Justin Mitchell Kathryn Robinson Koenig Family Works Kristen Welk Lawrence Group Lindsay Carter Lisa Taylor Little Rock Christian Academy Logan County Bank Lynch Butler Lynn Carver Lyon College Magen and Jason Olive Margaret Ellibee, Ph.D. Marsha Masters Martin Wilbourn Partners Melinda Faubel Melody Key Merchants & Planters Bank - Clarendon Merchants and Farmers Bank of Dumas Mercy Medical Center Michael Gibson Multi-Craft Contractors, Inc. Noble Strategies NWACC Foundation Outdoor Cap Company, Inc. Petit Jean State Bank
Pledger Monk Polly M. Jackson Prairie Grove Telephone Company Preferred Office Products Priddy & Holified PA CPAs R.E. Lee Wilson Trust Rainrent Account Randy Lawson Raymond James Reece, Moore & Pendergraft LLP Regions Bank - Fort Smith Richard T. Kron Robert Boehmler Russell Tooley, Tyson Foods SIFMA Foundation for Investor Education Silver Peak REIT, Inc Simmons First National Bank - Little Rock Simmons Foods, Inc. Stone Bank Susan Chambers The Citizens Bank - Batesville The Farmers & Merchants Bank - Stuttgart Thomas & Thomas LLP Tom and Claudia Utley Twin Lakes Community Bank - Flippin Union Bank Shares, Inc. - Mena Union County Community Foundation University of Arkansas at Monticello University of Arkansas Fort Smith University of Arkansas Sam Walton College of Business W. Bayless Rowe Walker Brothers Insurance Walmart/Sam’s Club Foundation Warren Bank & Trust Company Weichert-Griffin Realtors Weldon, Williams & Lick, Inc. Wes B. Kemp Westrock Group LLC William B. Fisher Willie and Betty Larry Winrock Enterprises, Inc. Winter Moving & Storage Winthrop Rockefeller Institute Wright, Lindsey & Jennings Wyck Nisbet Yaffe Iron & Metal Zela Strange
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Friday, Eldredge & Clark
State Farm Insurance
IN-KIND Arkansas Farm Bureau Eric Rob & Isaac
We greatly appreciate each gift given, and every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this listing. Please notify Economics Arkansas at acee@economicsarkansas.org of any inaccuracies or omissions. We regret any errors.
31
Strengthening Our Roots So We Can Branch Out Further.
ECONOMICS A RK ANSAS FOUNDATION
I
n 2015, a feasibility study was completed to determine whether stakeholders would support an endowment campaign. Recommendations of the study included:
1. Create a marketing campaign to bring awareness to the mission of our organization, specifically targeting the population outside the world of education. 2. Develop a strategic plan that will demonstrate return on investment (ROI). 3. Engage board members to take a more active role in fundraising and friend-raising to ensure success with the campaign.
EconomicsArkansas.org
33
Economics Arkansas has worked diligently this year to address each recommendation and is pleased to report the following progress: Our mission and vision statements were revised. Our first annual report was published in 2015. Our brochure was updated. A strategic plan outlining three major objectives was developed, which includes: a. Maximize effectiveness and reach to teachers and students; demonstrate return on investment.
$2
MILLION Lead Gift from The Walton Family Foundation to Endow the Economics Arkansas Foundation
EconomicsArkansas.org
(Program focus) b. Advance financial and economic literacy in Arkansas PreK-12 education. (Advocacy focus) c. Ensure the future of Economics Arkansas. (Infrastructure focus)
The Economics Arkansas Foundation was incorporated in March 2016 and received 501(c)3 status from the IRS in May 2016 for the purpose of advancing the mission of Economics Arkansas. A dedicated board of directors was established. In June of 2016, The Walton Family Foundation awarded a $2 million lead gift to endow the Economics Arkansas Foundation. “We are deeply humbled by this generous gift,” said Sue Owens, executive director of Economics Arkansas. “We hope their lead gift will encourage other donors to consider supporting the exciting plans we have to expand our programs and training.”
FOUNDATION
Economics Arkansas Foundation Board Members
Ray Hobbs PRESIDENT
Wes Kemp
TREASURER
“Someone is sitting in
Jim Wooten SECRETARY
Ray Dillon
the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” Warren Buffett
John Ward
Bob Hamilton
35
Helping Students Reach New Heights.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
T
he board of directors for Economics Arkansas is a liaison of statewide leaders representing the business, education, agriculture and government
sectors. Board members are elected to a three-year term and are dedicated to promoting and supporting economic education in Arkansas.
EconomicsArkansas.org
“Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don’t count on harvesting Golden Delicious.” Bill Meyer
37
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
TREASURER
Randy Zook President and CEO;
Manager; Priddy & Holifield, PA CPAs,
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, Little Rock
PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
making others better as a result of your
Charles “Chuck” Spohn President; Media & More Consulting,
Superintendent; Pulaski County
VICE-PRESIDENT OF AGRICULTURE
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Bob Hamilton Principal; Digital Benefit Advisors, Little Rock
presence and making sure that impact lasts
John “Skipper” Ward
in your absence.”
District, Magnolia
Superintendent; Magnolia School
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
David Humphrey VP Investor Relations; ArcBest Corporation, Fort Smith
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Michael Poore Superintendent; Bentonville School District, Bentonville
EconomicsArkansas.org
SECRETARY
Little Rock
VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Harvard Business School Definition of Leadership
North Little Rock
Dr. Laura Bednar Deputy Special School District, Little Rock
“Leadership is about
Debbie Robinson Audit Senior
Bill J. Reed Vice-President Corporate Communications and Public Affairs; Riceland Foods, Inc., Stuttgart
VICE-PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS/INDUSTRY
Ray Hobbs President & CEO; Daisy Outdoor Products, Rogers
VICE-PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT
David Sanders State Senator; Little Rock
VICE-PRESIDENT OF EDUCATION
Johnny Key Commissioner; Arkansas Department of Education, Little Rock
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS LINDSAY CARTER Financial Advisor;
ANDY GUFFEY Coordinator of Education &
Morgan Stanley, Little Rock
Agriculture; Arkansas Farm Bureau, Little Rock
Business, Magnolia
DR. MARGARET ELLIBEE President;
ROBERT HOPKINS Regional Executive,
DR. JANE WAYLAND Stephen Harrow
Pulaski Technical College, North Little Rock
Little Rock Branch; Federal Reserve Bank
Smith Dean of Business; UALR College of
JOHN ERCK Sr. Director of Development &
of St. Louis, Little Rock
Business, Little Rock
External Relations; Sam. M. Walton College of
JENNIFER KRAFSKY VP – Human
Business, Fayetteville
Relations; Walmart Stores, Inc., Bentonville
C. E. NED HENDRIX III CEO; Horatio
A. WYCKLIFF NISBET JR. Tax Partner;
State Bank, Horatio
Friday, Eldredge & Clark LLP, Little Rock
DR. LISA TOMS Dean; SAU College of
BOARD MEMBERS Gwen Adams Assistant
Dr. Benny L. Gooden
Dr. Tom Kimbrell
Shelina Warren Master
Superintendent of Elementary
Superintendent; Fort Smith School
Superintendent; Bryant School
Economics Teacher; Pine Bluff
Education; Texarkana Arkansas
District, Fort Smith
District, Bryant
School District, Pine Bluff
Schools, Texarkana
Lou Graham Resident Manager/
Randy Lawson President; Lawco
Dr. Charles Welch President;
Rob Bell Principal; Eric Rob &
Financial Advisor; Morgan Stanley,
Energy Group, Bentonville
Arkansas State University System,
Isaac, Little Rock
Little Rock
Fred Love; State Representative,
Little Rock
Dr. Donald Bobbitt President;
Heather Grosze Master
Little Rock
Kristen Welk Senior Auditor;
University of Arkansas System,
Economics Teacher; Rogers School
Bruce Maloch State Senator,
Ferguson, Cobb & Associates,
Little Rock
District, Rogers
Magnolia
Little Rock
Bob Boehmler EVP-Loan
Dr. Jerry Guess Superintendent;
Dr. Matt McClure Chief Learning
Jerrod Williams Superintendent;
Manager; ARVEST Bank,
Pulaski County Special School
& Financial Officer; Cross County
Sheridan School District, Sheridan
Bentonville
District, Little Rock
School District, Cherry Valley
Dr. Kieth Williams Retired; K-12
Shane Broadway VP –
Greg Hale Partner; The Markham
Ann McDougal Deputy
Superintendent, Beebe
Governmental Relations; Arkansas
Group, Little Rock
Commissioner; Arkansas Securities
Kimberly Williams Vice
State University System, Jonesboro
Andrew Harper, Jr., Executive
Department, Little Rock
President-Investments; Merrill
Bob L. Burns Chairman & CEO;
Vice-President; Bank of the Ozarks,
Bruce Munro CEO; Munro &
Lynch Wealth Management,
Farmers Bank and Trust, Magnolia
Little Rock
Company, Hot Springs
Little Rock
Susan Chambers Retired; Wal-
Bill Holmes President/CEO;
Magen Olive Director-Equity
Perry Wilson Director; The Barber
Mart Stores, Bella Vista
Arkansas Bankers Association,
Plans & Legal Services; Murphy
Law Firm, Little Rock
Donald J. Cook President Central
Little Rock
USA, El Dorado
Jim Wooten President; Winslow
Arkansas; Bank of America Merrill
Polly M. Jackson Retired;
Allison Richardson SVP-Finance
Holding, LLC, Beebe
Lynch, Little Rock
Economics Arkansas, Conway
& Administration; Communications
John Dews Hot Springs
Amy Johnson Senior Vice-
Supply Services Association,
Ray Dillon CEO; Deltic Timber
President; Simmons First National
Little Rock
Corporation, Little Rock
Bank, Pine Bluff
Dr. Jim D. Rollins
Dan Douglas State
Dr. Glendell Jones Jr. President;
Superintendent; Springdale School
Representative, Bentonville
Henderson State University,
District, Springdale
David K. Dunn
Arkadelphia
Michael Stafford Managing
Capitol Partners LLC, Little Rock
Jay Jones Vice-Chancellor for
Partner; CEG Partners, Little Rock
Jane English State Senator, North
Finance and Administration;
Jim Tucker Superintendent; El
Little Rock
University of Arkansas at
Dorado Public Schools, El Dorado
Melinda Faubel Director-External
Monticello, Monticello
DeAnn Vaught State
Affairs; AT&T Arkansas,
Luke Kasten, Territory Sales
Representative, Horatio
Little Rock
Leader; State Farm Insurance,
David Walt Camp David Farm
James C. Fourmy, Jr. SVP-Chief
Little Rock
Partnership, Dumas
of Lending; First National Bank,
Wesley B. Kemp Retired; ABF
Jim Walton Chairman & CEO;
Fort Smith
Freight Systems, Alma
ARVEST Bank Group, Bentonville
39
2015-16 ECONOMICS ARKANSAS LIFETIME BOARD MEMBERS
Economics Arkansas bestows a “lifetime” designation to members of the board who have served 25 years or longer. Ten individuals have reached this landmark, contributing to the stability and consistency of this organization.
“Education is the best economic policy there is.” Tony Blair
Jim Wooten President, Winslow
Bob Watson Retired
Holding LLC – member since 1979
Superintendent, El Dorado Public
Jim Walton Chairman & CEO,
Schools – member 1987-2015
ARVEST Bank Group – member
David Walt
since 1983
Camp David Farms – member
Dr. Jim Rollins
Retired Farmer,
since 1990
Superintendent, Springdale Public
Mike Wilson (posthumous), R. E.
Schools – member since 1984
Lee Wilson Company – member
William B. Fisher General
1971-2000
Manager & CEO, Paragould Light,
Leonard Dunn (posthumous),
Water & Cable – member 1981-2009
Rector Phillips Morse Inc. – member
Dr. Benny Gooden
1983-2010
Superintendent, Fort Smith Public Schools – member since 1987
Rogers Ford Retired Superintendent, South Mississippi County School District – member 1986-2012
Marsha Masters (Associate Director), Jennifer Taunton (Program Coordinator), Elisha Poteet (Program Assistant), Kathy Moore (Administrative Manager), Claudia Utley (Development Coordinator), and Sue Owens (Executive Director)
EconomicsArkansas.org
REAL LIFE
ECONOMICS SINCE 1962
Economics Arkansas (through the Arkansas Council on Economic Education) is a private, nonprofit, educational organization founded in 1962 by Arkansas State Commissioner of Education Dr. Arch Ford and led by Dr. Bessie B. Moore to promote PreK-12 economic literacy. Our mission is to equip PreK-12 schools with standards-based resources and professional development to teach economics and personal finance using practical, innovative and inspirational methods. Our vision is for Arkansas students to become economically and financially literate, allowing them to achieve their own American Dream and thrive in a free market economy. Economics Arkansas receives funding from a variety of sources. Please visit economicsarkansas.org to learn more about these opportunities to support our mission.
EconomicsArkansas.org
3
P.O. Box 3447 • Little Rock, AR 72203 • EconomicsArkansas.org 501.682.4230 • acee@economicsarkansas.org