2011-12 Faulkner County Business Journal

‘DR. FIT’ PATRICK JAMERSON IS GOD-INSPIRED AND PEOPLE-FOCUSED WITH FITNESS CONSULTING FIRM NXT Full Story, Page 4

More than a parade: Conway Christmas festivities to support cancer research Relay For Life of Faulkner County and My Country Y107 will present “A Down Home Country Christmas” this Saturday in downtown Conway.

The Lamp Post Luminaria sign, located in front of US Pizza, reads, “These lights shine in honor of Miranda Rasnic with love from The Porter’s”.

Festivities will take place from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Simon Park, which will transform into “Kringle Bell Square” for the day. There will be free activities and crafts for children as well as an opportunity to take photos with Santa in exchange for a donation to the American Cancer Society.

The annual Conway Christmas parade is also hosted by Relay For Life of Faulkner County and will begin at 6 p.m. The parade route starts at Front and Deer Streets and will continue down Front Street.

Deidra Porter, 2012 event and community promotions chairwoman for Relay For Life of Faulkner County, said that this is the first year the organization has hosted the event. She said that it is a good fit because for cancer survivors such as herself, every Christmas is a gift.

“Although Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event, we look for other opportunities to raise money throughout the year to support the fight against cancer,” said Porter.

“Hosting the annual Conway Christmas parade gives us an opportunity to do just that while giving back to the community.”

In addition to Saturday’s festivities, Relay For Life of Faulkner County is lighting up Front Street this holiday

season with lampposts memorializing or honoring loved ones who have had cancer. Lamp Post Luminarias will be wrapped in strands of white lights and will feature a weather durable sign to indicate who the lamppost is dedicated to.

“The City of Conway has allowed us to use 55 lampposts along Front Street for this project,” Porter said. “Posts are available for $25 on a first come, first served basis, and all proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.”

To place an order for Lamp Post Luminarias or for more information about “A Down Home Country Christmas,” email Deidra Porter at silverlinings_RFL@yahoo.com or call 501-9086617.

Local retailers say holiday shoppers abundant, excited After observing two weeks of holiday shopping, local retailers are optimistic about how their businesses will finish 2011.

“Our customers seem to be in a good mood and hopefully that a good sign. People are coming into the store they are buying,” said Sherry Smith owner of Fletcher Smith Jewelry in downtown Conway. “Last

year we made our numbers, but it was late in the holiday season. This year, we had a good November and our customers are more at ease and excited about buying gifts.”

The story is the same across the street at upscale clothing store EM Jeans. “It’s been a great year overall. People are spending money,” said owner Larry Rogers. “This year we’re significantly up over last year.

We’ve had awesome traffic.

4 | FAULKNER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

People are up and down the sidewalks. Last Sunday, we had people from all over just checking out downtown. I bet half of our customers were from Little Rock.”

Rogers attributes the regional nature of his clientele not only to his product and advertising but to Conway as an emerging retail destination.

“I think people are realizing what Conway has to offer. It’s relaxed. It’s convenient. Our

Maumelle customers say it’s quicker to come here than go to Little Rock. All of our shopping is close together. Downtown is close to our other big shopping centers.”

Dan Johnson at Laura’s Family Goods, the state’s largest family owned toy and gift shop says that while their business is only a little over a year old, he too is seeing strong support regionally for his business. “We’re further

ahead than we were last year.

It feels like shopping has been strong. We’ve been trying to attract from a larger region, all of the communities north of Conway and as far west as Russellville.” Johnson says that while Laura’s is still in the start-up phase, they are still looking at ways to expand their markets and services. “More e-commerce, web local style services are definitely in our future. We’re encouraged.”

Conway Economy at a Glance Unemployment Rate September 2011 US ....................................9.1% Arkansas............................8.3% Faulkner County .............. 7.4% Conway..............................6.3% Labor Force September 2011 Conway Employed........................26,276 Unemployed.....................1,780 Total................................28,056 Faulkner County* Employed........................52,750 Unemployed.....................4,225 Total................................56,975 *Includes Conway Sales Tax Collections Conway- YTD September 2011......................$16,350,320 2010......................$16,185,048 Percent Change 1.0% Conway -Annual* 2010......................$21,868,102 2009......................$20,825,010 Percent Change 5.0% *Tax Rate 1.75 Faulkner County - YTD Sept.

2011........................$6,063,888 2010........................$5,760,296 Percent Change 5.3% Faulkner -Annual* 2010........................$7,834,226 2009........................$7,731,691 Percent Change 1.3% *Tax Rate 0.5% Restaurant Sales* Conway — YTD September 2011....................$112,595,830 2010....................$104,695,770 Percent Change 7.5% Annual Sales 2010....................$139,864,203 2009 ...................$130,911,970 Percent Change 6.8% *Includes mixed drink sales Hotel Sales Conway - YTD September 2011......................$14,355,518 2010 .................... $13,901,444 Percent Change 3.3% Annual Sales 2010......................$17,590,242 2009..................... $16,404,114 Percent Change 7.2% Building Permits Conway Single Family Residents YTD - November 2011 ...................... 131 permits 2010 ...................... 213 permits 2009....................... 233 permits Percent Change -38.5%

Total for the Year 2010 ..................... 223 Permits 2009 ..................... 259 Permits Percent Change -13.9% Average Construction Cost* YTD - October 2011.......................... $207,972 2010...........................$179,218 Percent Change 16.0% *Not including land or lot improvements Average Square Footage* YTD - October 2011 ..........................2,872 2010 ..........................2,684 Percent Change: 7.0% *Total under Roof Lottery Sales Faulkner County November................$1,330,516 Annual*..................$16,538,280 Annual Per Capita .......$145.38 Total State October . ...............$36,031,240 Annual*................$475,461,739 Annual Per Capita........$166.33 *December 1, 2010 — November 30, 2011 Natural Gas Severance Tax Distribution November 2011 Faulkner County.........$186,243 Conway.......................$232,675 2010 Faulkner County.........$171,543 Conway.......................$221,255 Wellhead Price per MCF* September 2011 ................................$3.62 2010 ................................$3.69 2009.................................$3.60 2008.................................$6.38 Yearly Average 2010 ......................... $4.16 2009 ......................... $3.71 2008.......................... $8.07 2007.......................... $6.37 2006 ......................... $6.40 2005 ......................... $7.33 2004 ......................... $5.46 2003 ......................... $4.88 2002 ......................... $2.95 *1000 cubic feet Number of Wells* Faulkner County..................302 Total in Field . ..................3,895 *As of December 1, 2011 Estimated Life Time Value of Production* Total Field.......$10,488,154,856 *As of August 10, 2011

Information provided by pulseofconway.com

RESTAURANT SALES IN CONWAY

BY ROGER LEWIS

There were 196 establishments selling prepared food in Conway in September 2011 based on the 2% Advertising and Promotion tax (often referred to as the hamburger tax).

This figure includes grocery store delis, gas stations and specialty shops such as those selling frozen yogurt, donuts and bakery items.

If you pare down the 196 places to those that sell prepared food as their primary business, about 150 establishments qualify.

Restaurant sales in Conway are formidable — $12.6 million in September 2011. For January 2011 through September 2011, the figure is $112.6 million, including alcohol sales of $5 million. This is an increase of 7.5% over the $104.6 million for the same period last year.

In all of 2010, total restaurant sales were $140 million. Projected sales for 2011 are $150 million, a 7% increase. Since 2011 the average annual growth in restaurant sales has been approximately 7% per year. The restaurant business has been one the few growth industries in Conway during this recession era.

For 2011, January through September, the top four restaurants were Chick-Fil-A, Chili’s Bar & Grill, TGI Fridays and Cracker Barrel. Chick-Fil-A, with $353,000 for September, was $47,000 above the next in rank, Chili’s. In August, however, Golden Corral opened. With $599,000 that month and $434,000 in September, Golden Corral set a record for Conway. Previously no

restaurant had exceeded $400 thousand sales in a month.

In September the top 10 restaurants were Golden Corral, Chick-FilA, TGIF, McDonald’s on Salem, Aramark (UCA), Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, McDonald’s Dave Ward Drive, McDonald’s Oak St and McDonald’s on Hwy 65 North. Sales ranged from $225 thousand to $434,000. Four of the top ten restaurants are McDonald’s franchises and only two of the top ten sell alcohol beverages. However, alcohol beverage sales are not included in sales figures of individual restaurants.

Alcohol beverage sales, by state law, are not subject to the 2% Advertising and Promotion tax.

Consequently the city of Conway has imposed a 5% tax on alcohol beverage sales. Because this tax is imposed by a governmental agency in Arkansas, the amount collected from individual business, by law, cannot be revealed so alcoholic beverage sales by restaurant cannot be computed.

Eleven restaurants average more than $200 thousand a month, 27 between $100 and $200 thousand, 80 between $25 and $100 thousand and 78 report less than $25 thousand per month. Interestingly, concession sales at the Cinemark Theater average $135 thousand per month, putting it among the top 25 restaurants.

The amount of sales revenue required for a viable restaurant varies according to type and size.

A number of restaurants with sales below $25 thousand a month have been in business for a number of years. However Mazzio’s Pizza and New China 3 had sales of more than

Plazza at Centerstone ground breaking

$35 thousand per month but they closed.

Even though overall restaurant sales have grown over the last several years, the addition of a high volume restaurant such as the Golden Corral and the increased number of restaurants have caused sales in many restaurants to decline.

For restaurants that have been in business since January of 2010, average increased sales only 0.2 percent in 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. Many had steep declines. Of the 162 establishments in business since January 2010, only 71 increased in sales this year compared for the same period in 2010.

The restaurant business is very competitive. Figures such as $12.6 million and 7% growth tell the story of the restaurant business overall.

The story of an individual restaurant, however, can be very different, perhaps better, perhaps worse.

New restaurants open regularly and others close. During the 18 months from January 1, 2010, to September of this year, 43 new restaurants opened and 26 closed. Several opened and closed during this period. To open a successful restaurant in Conway requires extensive research, planning and execution.

More information on restaurant sales including individual restaurants can be found at Pulse of Conway website. pulseofconway.com.

Note: I thank my friend Chris Spatz for graciously volunteering to edit my articles each month; he has a talent that I covet.

More information on real estate can be found at www. pulseofconway.com.

Salter Properties recently broke ground on the second phase of The Plazza at Centerstone.

The project will be a 22,400 square foot mixed use development. The first tenant is The Draft, a high end sports grill that will have a courtyard patio and an open air rooftop patio. The building should be complete in summer of 2012. Developer Brent Salter said that the new project will only complement all of the development taking place. “Phase 2 of the Plazza will bring us one step closer to our vision of creating a walkable environment where people can live and enjoy Conway.” For leasing information about The Plazza at Centerstone contact Salter Properties at 501.327.5035

FAULKNER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL | 3

Dr. FiT takes Training to Next Level

Patrick Jamerson, also known as “Dr. FiT,” is focused on introducing a new era of fitness to the Conway area.

Jamerson, a certified fitness professional through the International Sports Sciences Association, “stepped out on faith” and opened Next Level Fitness Professionals (NXT), the city’s first fitness consulting firm.

He credits divine inspiration with his decision.

“There are two simple reasons I became a fitness professional as well as a fitness professional business owner: 1) God-inspired and 2) peoplefocused,” Jamerson said.

“I had been praying and asking God for a business idea that would add more purpose in my life. I wanted to take something that I was truly passionate about and use it to impact people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and ethnicities.”

The vision for NXT came to Jamerson as he was sitting in church. A short time later, he put his plan into action and began training his first three clients in September 2010.

“My sister-in-law and two friends were among my first clients,” Jamerson said. “They wanted to get into shape, but their busy schedules made that difficult. I trained them about two times a week, and within a few months, they were where they wanted to be physically.”

Jamerson’s fitness consulting firm has since grown to 40 clients, and he has trained a total of 65-70 clients. He uses an integrated, specialized training approach that combines “lifestyle fitness coaching, exercise concepts, and a euphoric training style.”

The motto at NXT is “Never a Training Session, ALWAYS a Training Experience,” which is an idea Jamerson incorporates into each interaction with his clients.

“In a training session, you

enjoy it while it’s happening, but once it’s over, you forget about it,” Jamerson explained.

“An experience, on the other hand, captivates you. It’s something you never forget, and you always find yourself wanting more of it.

“Encouragement is oxygen to the soul, knowledge is key, and our goal is to provide each client with a euphoric experience that keeps them coming back for more,” he said.

Jamerson said that one of the things that sets NXT apart is the availability of an individualized fitness program and a variety of training routines.

“Our workouts are original, authentic and adaptable to fit any individual’s busy lifestyle, as long as he or she possesses the mentality and the heart of a warrior,” Jamerson said. “We have custom-made, personalized workout and nutrition plans to fit anyone and help them reach and then conquer their goals, regardless of fitness level.”

High-Intensity Hybrid FiT Training is a workout concept Jamerson has developed that is designed to increase lean body mass and decrease body fat while improving strength, flexibility, speed, and cardiovascular and respiratory endurance. Bodyweight movements make up the core of the workout and are combined with resistance training, cardiovascular exercise, proper nutrition and lifestyle fitness coaching.

“My goal is always to train the strongest human muscle first — the brain — and then I train and take the body through personalized workouts,” he said.

Next Level Fitness Professionals also offers a NXT Iron Warrior Award and Club. The name was inspired by a client who demonstrated relentless work ethic in the gym and who had the “heart and mindset of a warrior,” whether he was working out or working at his job at a local bank.

“Our hope for the NXT Iron

4 | FAULKNER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Regena Register and Patrick Jamerson of NXT Level Fitness Professionals work within 24/7 Fitness of Conway, located at 605 Salem Road.

Warrior Award and Club is to challenge other clients to let the warrior within them rise and conquer all perceived mental limitations that have held them back in the past,” Jamerson said.

“True fitness is mental as well as physical.”

In September 2011, NXT

Level Fitness Professionals was named the “Most Promising Business of the Year” during the 2nd Congressional District’s Minority Enterprise Development Week.

The annual event is sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of

Arkansas.

NXT Level Fitness Professionals is housed inside 24/7 Fitness of Conway, located at 605 Salem Road, Suite 7.

For more information about a complimentary fitness assessment, call 501-513-9833 or email info@nxtlevelfitness. org.

Hurley Chiropractic Offers Wellness Education to Businesses, Individuals In the United States, more than 50 percent of personal bankruptcies are related to medical debt. In addition, more than 70 percent of the nation’s health care dollars go toward treating the effects of preventable, lifestyle-related conditions.

In the United States, more than 50 percent of personal bankruptcies are related to medical debt. In addition, more than 70 percent of the nation’s health care dollars go toward treating the effects of preventable, lifestyle-related conditions.

One way to reduce the economic – and personal – costs of preventative health problems is through education. As part of its community awareness initiative, Hurley Chiropractic and Wellness Center is offering a program to individuals and organizations to promote healthy living.

Hurley’s “Discover Wellness” presentations are based on a national best-selling book

titled “Discover Wellness: How Staying Healthy Can Make You Rich.” Dr. Amanda Bledsoe, a chiropractor at Hurley, leads the sessions and

said that they are an integral part of Hurley’s total wellness approach.

“Hurley has always had great success with chiropractic

care, but we have recently added a more focused wellness aspect to empower our patients and the community to take charge of their own health care,” Bledsoe said.

“Our motto is ‘we change lives,’ so we want to help inform people about how they can make positive changes in their lives through health and wellness. Discover Wellness is one way we accomplish this.”

The Discover Wellness program has two areas of focus.

The first is a class titled “How to Save Money on Health Care.” It is open to the general public and generally takes place twice a month at Hurley Chiropractic and Wellness Center. The next workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 5:30 p.m.

The second option in the Discover Wellness program is available to businesses, social groups, churches, and other organizations. Members of the Hurley staff will give on-site presentations about a variety of topics that range from obesity to parenting to stress in the workplace.

“Large companies and small businesses alike are recognizing the positive effects wellness programs can have in the workplace,” Bledsoe said. “Healthy employees take fewer sick days, which can result in fewer visits to the doctor and, ultimately, lower insurance premiums for the company.”

Bledsoe said that Hurley’s on-site presentations are a great option for small businesses that cannot afford to employ full-time wellness coordinators.

“Let us help your business create a wellness program for your employees,” Bledsoe said. “Their health and well-being will benefit from it, and so will your company’s financial bottom line.”

To learn more about the Discover Wellness program at Hurley Chiropractic and Wellness Center or to schedule an on-site presentation, contact Anna Oberste, public relations – new business development coordinator, at 501-428-3712 or anna@hurleychiropractic. com.

Chamber offers advertising opportunity for community map The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce is determined to help newcomers find their way to Conway businesses and destinations.

In early 2012 the Chamber will print an updated map of the Conway area for the first time in three years. “We’ve obviously had a lot of growth both residentially and commercially,” said Jamie Gates, Senior VP at the Chamber.

“It’s time to publish a new map that accurately depicts everything Conway has to offer.”

The Chamber distributes hundreds of maps every year

to relocating households, attendees of group events and walk-in visitors. The Chamber offers maps to these key groups at no charge.

“It’s an expectation and its effective marketing,” said Gates.

“Smart phones and GPS’s play a role in marketing your community, but so does a traditional printed map.”

The production costs associated with the map are underwritten by advertisements from local businesses and organizations. The 2012 map is designed to accommodate sixteen advertisements. Gates anticipates this version of the

6 | FAULKNER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

map will have a two year life span.

Advertisements range in cost from $450 up to $900.

Gates says that he thinks it’s an extremely effective channel for the right advertiser. “These maps go into the hands of potential customers who are looking for something in our community. The Chamber wants them to find our advertisers and member businesses along the way.”

If your business in interested in advertising in the 2012 Chamber map call or email Adena White at 501.327.7788 or adena@conwayarkansas. org.

What’s that gonna be?

King’s and The Ford Theatre.

King’s promises a “Dueling piano entertainment experience.” King’s has private booths, meeting space, a full service kitchen and will be open Wednesday’s thru Saturday from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. The Ford Theatre will offer more than 6,000 square feet of entertainment and meeting space. The theatre will host nationally known entertainment acts and special events.

When’s it gonna open? King’s will open for business Dec. 17. The entire facility will host a grand opening event on New Year’s Eve. Who’s building it? Salter Construction is preserving and remodeling the 9,600-square-foot early-1920’s building.

For more information visit KingsConway.com or Facebook.com/FordTheater

TOP 5 RESIDENTIAL home sales 125 N. Woodland Dr.

Be

ave

BUREAU INVITES ALL CENTRAL ARK. SHOPPERS

25

40

40

Old Morrilton Hwy

Gentry Lake

e

64

Meadowlake Rd

n kyli

Days Lake

Cadron Valley Country Club 319

S

65 64

r St

Centennial Valley Golf Club

Tyle

Mountain View Park

4435 Emerald Garden

266

Donaghey Ave

5145 Burnt Pine

r St

Hendrix College

ride

Gatlin Park

Lake Carol-dan

65

Dr

65

Donaghey Ave

Gleason

65 40

Conway

60

t eS

c Prin

4910 Quarry Drive

Laurel Park

Caldwell St

60

Oak

Oak St

St60

E Oak St

64

60

Conway Country Club

65

E Oak St

Fifth Avenue Park

Airport Park Central Baptist College

B

Dennis F Cantrell Field

Oak Grove Cemetery

Highway 60 W 60

S Salem Rd

University Of Central Arkansas

286

Dave Ward Dr

arkri

ased on our response rate this campaign was definitely a

SH

286

der St 65

365

Brumley

65

65 S

Ar-3

success.

Robins Lake

64

Hark

Last month the Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau invited almost 39,000 households in Beebe, Cabot, Maumelle, Searcy and Russellville to spend “Black Friday” and the holidays shopping in Conway. The Convention and Visitors Bureau sent a mailer detailing the broad range of shopping options Conway offers.

rk R

d

Salem Rd

As the holiday shopping season officially kicked off last month, tens of thousands of central Arkansas residents got a gentle reminder of all Conway has to offer.

rfo

Beaver Fork Lake

40

365

Conway Chamber Director of Destination Marketing, Rachel Earls said that the Convention and Visitors Bureau wanted to target “swing shoppers” who might be tempted to shop in other communities. “We chose these specific communities because we feel that they have a choice about where to do their shopping and we want them to think of Conway first.”

The Bureau also included a special promotion that helped the mail piece stand out in a crowded mailbox. One lucky winner was promised a $1,000 Visa gift card to spend on their holiday shopping. More than 600 responses came in hoping for a chance at the prize. “I would say based on our response rate this campaign was definitely a success. Our goal was to remind people that Conway is a great place to shop and I think that was accomplished” said Earls.

286

365

Tupelo Bayou Site One Reservoir

2730 Collins Preston

Carter Lake

65 40

PRICE

ADDRESS

CITY

BED/BATH

SUBDIVISION

SQ. FT.

$/SQ. FT.

YEAR BUILT

$405,000

2730 Collins

Conway

4/4

Cresthaven

4,000

$101.25

2006

$392,000

4910 Quarry Drive

Conway

4/4

Paddington Estates

3,968

$98.79

2003

$378,000

5145 Burnt Pine

Conway

4/4

Fairways at Centennial

3,342

$113.11

2006

$367,500

4435 Emerald Garden

Conway

5/3.5

Sunderlin Park

4,100

$89.63

2002

$275,000

125 N. Woodland Drive

Conway

4/2.5

Treasure HIlls

3,063

$89.78

2002

FAULKNER COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL | 7