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NEWSMAKERS By AMP Staff
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SANDERS APPOINTS THREE TO THE ARKANSAS STATE PARKS, RECREATION, AND TRAVEL COMMISSION
ov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced on Jan. 19 her appointments of Eric Jackson, Dr. Trey Berry and Rebecca Lentz to the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission. The appointments run through Jan 2029. “I am excited to appoint Eric Jackson, Dr. Trey Berry and Rebecca Lentz to the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission – three excellent representatives of Arkansas who will continue to show the nation and the world the incredible natural beauty, world-class outdoor recreation and great economic success of our state,” Sanders said. Jackson is being reappointed to the body, Berry replaces John Gill and Lentz replaces Skot Covert. Jackson is the senior vice president at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and serves on Oaklawn’s board of directors. He has helped oversee the resort’s development into one of the premier racing and gaming centers in America and Arkansas’ top commercial tourism attraction, as well as supervising $100 million in construction at Oaklawn. Berry is president of Southern Arkansas University, having risen to the position just four years after joining the university. His successful fundraising efforts have contributed to new programs, a variety of academic accolades and 10% enrollment growth for the highest enrollment in the history of the institution. Lentz, also known as “Lady Angler Lentz,” is an outdoor enthusiast and National Guard veteran who uses social media platforms to showcase Arkansas’ outdoor recreation opportunities and natural beauty. She hopes to motivate others to explore Arkansas’ outdoors and related activities.
ARKANSAS STATE FAIR APPOINTS FIRST FEMALE GENERAL MANAGER
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he Arkansas State Fair has named Little Rock native Tiffany Wilkerson as its new general manager. Wilkerson is the first female to serve in the position, the first African American, and, at age 39, the youngest to serve. Wilkerson has worked for the Arkansas Livestock Show Association for the past 20 years, with roles including commercial exhibitor coordinator, box office manager, and director of administration. In her new position, she will oversee all business operations and direct all activities for the promotion, preparation, and production of the annual Arkansas State Fair. Furthermore, she will establish and maintain business organization and structure to efficiently conduct the management functions of the Arkansas Fairgrounds on a year-round basis. Wilkerson hopes to build upon the traditions of the State Fair while growing the Fairgrounds as a year-round event venue and an ag-educational program. She said, “I am thrilled at this opportunity. My entire career as part of the Arkansas Livestock Show Association has been full of exciting challenges. I intend to take my 20 years of experience and build on our current levels of success. The sky’s the limit for the Arkansas State Fair and our Association.” Bruce Maloch, chairman of the Arkansas Livestock Show Association, said of Wilkerson, “Tiffany’s historical knowledge, experience, and expertise make her the perfect choice to serve as general manager of the Arkansas State Fair. She is familiar with all aspects of the State Fairgrounds and will provide the leadership to make the fairgrounds the premier entertainment and livestock exhibition venue in the state.” F E B RUA RY 2 02 3
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WESTROCK COFFEE ADDING DISTRIBUTION CENTER TO CONWAY
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estrock Coffee Company, a leading integrated coffee, tea, flavors, extracts, and ingredients solutions provider, announced an agreement to develop a 530,000-square-foot distribution center with Tempus Realty Partners, an Arkansas-based real estate investment partnership represented by Colliers Arkansas. The 30-acre site, near the heavily trafficked I-40 in Conway, is 30 miles from Little Rock. Westrock Coffee will fully occupy the distribution center following construction, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. The state-ofthe-art development will support the distribution needs of Westrock Coffee’s extract and ready-to-drink manufacturing facility in Conway, 2.2 miles away. “We are thrilled to announce the construction of our state-of-the-art distribution center, which will allow us to more efficiently and effectively serve our customers with our innovative beverage solutions,” said Joe T. Ford, co-founder and chairman of Westrock Coffee. “This new facility is a testament to our commitment to meeting the growing demand for our products and providing the highest level of service to our valued clients. We look forward to expanding our presence in central Arkansas and driving Westrock Coffee’s growth and success in the industry.” Will Ford, group president of operations of Westrock Coffee said, “Westrock Coffee continues to invest in our operations, and the announcement of this new distribution center is further proof of our commitment to expand our business. In tandem with the development of our manufacturing facility, this center will enhance our capabilities and help our customers continue to innovate in the beverage space, which is undergoing seismic shifts in consumer preferences. We are truly excited to further cement Westrock Coffee’s connection to the Conway community with this distribution center.” ARM ON E YA N D P OL ITIC S.COM