2014-10 Faulkner County Business Journal

OCTOBER 2014

Magie-Mabrey Eye Clinic, PA Serving the Conway area for more than 40 years

2D — Sunday, October 12, 2014

Faulkner County Business Journal

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Chamber ‘revisits’ Conway2025 plan

Four years after unveiling the Conway2025 strategic plan at their 2010 Business Expo breakfast, leadership from the Conway Area Chamber presented a

four-year progress report on the effort at the 2014 breakfast. “Conway2025 Revisited” outlined a “representative sample of the progress” made toward achieving the goals

set in the original planning document.

Conway2025 is a strategic vision for the city of Conway that was led by the Conway Area Chamber in 2009 and 2010.

The plan was adopted by the city of Conway in 2011. During the planning process more than 1,400 area residents were surveyed and established 12 priority focus areas

from 43 options. A group of 200 volunteers then determined the 132 goals outlined in the plan.

“As you look at these goals it’s impossible to not see the direct influ-

ence Conway2025 has had on the city,” said Jamie Gates, senior vice president of the Conway Area Chamber. “The plan

PLAN < 3D

EDITORIAL

The politics of job creation

Photo by Central Baptist College

Central Baptist College to host Business After Hours

Central Baptist College will be the host for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s October Business After Hours. The networking event will take place Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 5-6:30 p.m. and will be held in the Story Library on the CBC campus.

Central Baptist Col-

lege’s Professional Adult College Education program (PACE) will be featured at the afterhours event.

The PACE program is a great program for working adults who want to finish or start a degree. The program aligns itself with the community’s Conway2025 campaign of

increasing the number of individuals with bachelor’s degrees in Conway.

Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards, as Business After Hours allows members to network, strengthen professional relationships and develop new opportunities to work with fellow Cham-

ber members.

The event is free to Chamber members and their employees.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Chef Jill McCollum, CBC director of dining services.

For more information about Business After Hours, call the Chamber at 501-327-7788.

Every two years political candidates treat voters to a chorus of promises to create jobs. The methods by which they propose to do this are as diverse as the candidates themselves. It seems that whatever your policy proposal, the best way to get people to support it is to claim it will create jobs.

Sure, government policies can influence business decisions. And sometimes those decisions lead to new jobs. For example, we expect our elected officials to help Arkansas compete by supporting the efforts of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. But most job creation is not driven by government policy. And most government policy doesn’t have a real impact on job creation. So what is a Faulkner County voter to do when their primary concern is the health of their local economy?

Our advice is to look at the clearest nexus between government and your local economy. In Conway, that’s pretty easy.

The Conway Human De-

velopment Center employs 1,200 people. The University of Central Arkansas now employs more than 1,500. AETN has almost 100 employees. These are three state agencies that have an overwhelming impact on local employment, spending, construction and just about every other measure of economic health.

The governor and members of the legislature have a direct impact on the economic well-being of those institutions and their employees. One step removed from those institutions and the direct influence of state government, are our public school teachers.

And with Conway’s emergence as a destination for health care — you have to consider the fate of the private option as a local economic issue.

If you want to know how candidates will create jobs that directly affect you and your neighbors, ask them how they’re going to help the people and major employers listed here. It’s something they actually have influence over.

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Faulkner County Business Journal

Sunday, October 12, 2014 — 3D

Conway Regional earns governor’s top award Gov. Mike Beebe presented the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence to Conway Regional Health System during the 20th annual Awards Celebration for the Governor’s Quality Award on Monday, Sept.

15. The governor made a personal presentation of the award to the Conway Regional staff on Sept.

18.

In all, 28 organizations from throughout the state were presented quality awards during the celebration at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Little Rock.

Conway Regional was the only healthcare organization achieving the Governor’s Award, which is the highest award bestowed by the quality awards program. Conway Regional is also the first organization from its five-county market area (Faulkner, Perry, Van Buren, Cleburne and Conway counties) to achieve this presti-

PLAN from 2D is becoming institutionalized within city government, non-profits, public agencies and some elements of the private sector. That’s the highest measure of its success.”

The “Conway2025 Revisited” document divides the 132 strategic goals into four degrees of progress: Achieved, In Progress, No Action and Maintenance. Fifty-seven percent of the goals

Gov. Mike Beebe along Dr. Mark Enderle, Medical Center Director of Veterans Healthcare Center of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, presents the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence to Jim Lambert, President and CEO of Conway Regional Health System.

gious award. Conway Regional was awarded the Achievement Award, the second highest level, last year in its first year to apply.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the physicians, employees

and volunteers who are the heart and soul of our health system. This tremendous achievement would not be possible without their dedication to quality,” said Jim Lambert, Conway Regional’s President and CEO. “We

were identified as having been achieved or showing progress, while 31% had yet to see any measurable action toward achievement. Gates said that the 12% of Conway2025 goals labeled “maintenance” were values and standards to preserve rather than objectives to achieve.

The chamber also announced that the “Conway2025 2.0” planning effort would be launched in January of 2015. “It’s

time for our community to reconvene and either re-commit, re-prioritize or re-think the goals we set in 2010,” said Gates.

“This is the appropriate time to make course corrections to what we think is still a very good planning document.”

Area residents who are interested in participating in Conway2025 2.0 or reading the “Conway2025 Revisited” document can visit www.Conway2025.com.

strive every day to make Conway Regional a quality organization — that is the very heart of our mission — we live it and breathe it. We continually strive to improve how we provide our patients with the best healthcare

possible, delivered with sincere compassion and sensitivity.”

More than 400 business and civic leaders from throughout Arkansas also attended the celebration.

The goal of the Governor’s Quality Award Program is to encourage Arkansas organizations to engage in continuous quality improvement, which leads to performance excellence, and to provide significant recognition to those organizations. Created as a notfor-profit organization, the program is dedicated to assist in building a strong infrastructure for Arkansas businesses. That dedication is reflected in the program’s vision to be a catalyst for excellence in organizational performance.

The Governor’s Quality Award program partners with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.

Conway Regional Health System provides

complete, compassionate health care services to the growing communities of north Central Arkansas.

The 154-bed, notfor-profit medical center serves patients with comprehensive care including the state’s top rated cardiovascular surgery program, as well as cancer diagnosis and treatment, women’s services, and rehabilitation therapy services. Additional components of the Conway Regional Health System include an alldigital outpatient imaging center, an outpatient surgery center, a free-standing rehabilitation hospital, several primary care clinics and one of the largest hospital-owned fitness centers in the nation. Close to 1,800 babies were born last year at Conway Regional and the Emergency Department is one of the busiest in Arkansas averaging close to 40,000 visits annually.

4D — Sunday, October 12, 2014

Faulkner County Business Journal

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COVER STORY

Magie-Mabrey Eye Clinic, PA Serving the Conway area for more than 40 years

Magie-Mabrey Eye Clinic, PA is the largest, most comprehensive eye care clinic in not only in Conway and Faulkner County but in the state of Arkansas. The team of doctors and staff at Magie-Mabrey provide a superior health care experience to patients in a comfortable environment.

Magie-Mabrey Eye Clinic was founded by J.J. Magie, M.D., in September 1970. His son, Stephen K. Magie, M.D., joined the practice in 1986 after completing his Vitreoretinal Fellowship at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans.

Our practice along with Conway has grown into not only Conway’s largest, most comprehensive eye care clinic but also the largest in the state of Arkansas. Our clinic has expanded from one Ophthalmol-

ogist and couple of employees to a staff of 36 employees.

We now have seven Ophthalmologists and two Optometrists. Our Conway physicians are Stephen K. Magie, M.D., William T. Mabrey, M.D., Melanie F. Smith, M.D. and Justin W. Charton, M.D. Our Little Rock physicians are Bradley M.Hughes, M.D., Cedric S. Pratt, D.O. and Stephen J. Davis, M.D. Drs. Stephen Magie and William Mabrey also practice in the Little Rock location.

Our Optometric physicians in Conway are Jeffrey J. Strossner, O.D. and B. Scott Koontz, O.D.

Ophthalmology

Drs. Magie, Mabrey, Hughes Pratt and Davis are certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and have completed

fellowships in retinal disease.

The primary focus of their practice is retinal related disease including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal surgery. We have the expertise to diagnose and manage all retinal problems. Whether the treatment requires surgery, or just medical management, our team of doctors will work to improve and maintain your vision.

We offer the latest advances in treatment of all types of retinal diseases. They have full time services available in Conway, Little Rock and Fort Smith.

Dr. Smith and Charton are board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and practice in our Conway office. They specialize in all aspects of comprehensive Ophthalmology including laser eye surgery and cataract surgery.

Optometry

Drs. Koontz and Strossner are our Optometric physicians.

Dr. Koontz graduated from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.

Dr. Strossner graduated from Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. They complete our eye care team providing comprehensive primary eye care including routine exams, contact lens, glasses and medical eye care.

Full-Service Optical Shop

We also have a full-service optical shop with a licensed optician on staff. We carry a large selection of popular name brand frames, sunglasses and safety wear. We can help with choosing a new frame that best suits your needs as well as

with any type of repair or adjustment. We have been in the same location since 1986.

We offer multiple types and brands of contact lenses to fit your visual needs and lifestyle. Our doctors will help you choose what is right for you.

We carry a large inventory of contacts for the convenience of our patients.

Our team of doctors and staff are dedicated to providing a superior health care experience in a comfortable environment.

We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All our doctors are accepting new patients. We would love to take care of your family’s eye care needs. For more information about Magie-Mabrey Eye Clinic, visit www.mmeyeclinic.com.

To schedule an appointment, call 501-327-4444.

6D — Sunday, October 12, 2014

Faulkner County Business Journal

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Toad Suck Daze receives top awards at international convention

Toad Suck Daze received top honors for its children’s programming, LaunchPad event, and food and beverage program during the 59th Annual International Festivals & Events Association’s (IFEA) 2014 Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Ceremony.

The ceremony is part of IFEA’s annual convention and expo, held this year in Kansas City, Mo., from Sept. 29 through Oct. 1.

Toad Suck Daze took home the Gold Pinnacle Award in the categories of “Best Children’s Programming,” “Best Event (within an Existing Festival)” and “Best Food & Beverage Program.”

“A core value of Toad Suck Daze is to provide a family-friendly festival with an emphasis on activities for children of all ages, so we’re honored to receive the Gold award for Best Children’s Programming,” said Mary Margaret Satterfield, director of events and Toad Suck Daze at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. “Toad Suck Daze has been recognized by IFEA for our children’s programming three out of the last four years, winning Gold in 2011 and Silver in 2013.”

The Toad Dome and Toadal Kids Zone are specific areas of the festival dedicated to children’s activities, ranging from the World-Famous

Mary Margaret Satterfield, director of events and Toad Suck Daze at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, displays Toad Suck Daze’s three Gold Pinnacle Awards from the 2014 International Festivals and Events Association annual convention.

Championship Toad Races at the Toad Dome to live performances and hands-on activities at the Toadal Kids Zone. Other activities for children are located throughout the festival grounds and also occur prior to the festival.

Toad Suck Daze received Gold for LaunchPad, a new event in 2014. LaunchPad was a “Shark Tank” style pitch competition for business

and tech entrepreneurs.

It was held the Saturday of the festival and was judged by a panel of celebrity judges from the highest ranks of entertainment and technology, including Saturday night headliner MC Hammer (Stanley Burrell). LaunchPad’s purpose was to bring new audiences and interest to Toad Suck Daze and the Arkansas startup culture.

The food and beverage program at Toad Suck Daze earned the festival its third Gold award in 2014. Known for its “food-on-a-stick,” the food and beverage program consists of two main components: food concessions and drink booths.

Independent vendors are contracted to provide concessions and sell food and some drinks. Select nonprofit groups operate drink booths on behalf of

Toad Suck Daze and are paid by the festival.

In keeping with a community festival atmosphere, approximately 10 nonprofits either run a food concession or are paid to work a drink booth as a fundraiser for their organization. Additionally, at least 25 percent of food concession vendors are local businesses.

Toad Suck Daze was also recognized for its merchandise, TV promotion and new sponsorship opportunity. It received the Silver Pinnacle Award in the “Best Overall Merchandising Program” category and Bronze awards in the “Best TV Promotion (ad spot or PSA)” and “Best Single New Sponsorship Opportunity” categories.

The Pinnacle Awards draw entries from among the world’s top festivals and events. Winning entries came from organizations as diverse as the Kentucky Derby Festival, Memphis in May International Festival, 500 Festival in Indianapolis, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., and the Luminato Festival in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

International contenders included such diverse event organizations as the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, Netherlands; Mis-

teria Paschalia Festival in Krakow, Poland; Hero Insolito in New Delhi, India; World Gourmet Summit, Singapore; Festival Lent, Maribor, Slovenia; and the Seoul Cartoon & Animation Festival in Seoul, South Korea.

“It is an honor to represent Toad Suck Daze on an international stage at IFEA and to learn best practices from world-renowned festivals,” said Satterfield.

“It is also encouraging to see that while we can always improve, we have an award-winning festival here in Conway that we can be proud of.”

About the International Festivals & Events Association

Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, the International Festivals & Events Association offers the most complete source of ideas, resources, information, education and networking for festival and event professionals worldwide. In partnership with global affiliates under the umbrellas of IFEA Africa, IFEA Asia, IFEA Australia, IFEA Europe, IFEA Latin America, IFEA Middle East (MENASA) and IFEA North America, the organization’s common vision is for “a globally united industry that touches lives in a positive way through celebration.”

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The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo and Taste of Conway, presented

by Southwestern Energy, took place on Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Conway Expo Center and Fairgrounds. The event included a breakfast, a business-to-business trade show and concluded with Taste of Conway.

At the breakfast, Jamie Gates, senior vice

president at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, provided an update on progress made toward the goals set forth in Conway2025, the city’s long-range strategic plan. Following the Conway2025 presentation, Brad Lacy, president and CEO of the Chamber and Conway Development Corporation (CDC), announced the CDC’s $25,000 in-

Sunday, October 12, 2014 — 7D

Faulkner County Business Journal

vestment to Central Baptist College’s Professional Adult College Education (PACE) program. The money will be distributed over the next five years and will support marketing and promotion efforts for the PACE program.

The business-to-business trade show followed the breakfast and continued throughout the day and evening. This year’s trade show featured more than 100 booths from local businesses.

Attendees had the option to attend two informative lunch presentations. At the first presentation, Scott Bennett, director of the Ar-

kansas State Highway and Transportation Department, provided updates on highway developments in Conway and Faulkner County. Jamie Gates delivered the second presentation on Chamber Insights, a new data-driven marketing tool powered by My Acxiom Partner.

The day concluded with Taste of Conway.

From 5-7 p.m., 25 restaurants and caterers distributed samples of their best menu items.

This year’s theme was “The Greatest Expo on Earth.” Many vendors incorporated a circus theme into their booth decorations.

EconomyGlance Unemployment Rate

August Seasonally Adjusted US.................................................6.1% Arkansas.......................................6.3% Not Seasonally Adjusted US.................................................6.3% Arkansas.......................................6.2% Faulkner County .......................... 5.4% Conway..........................................5.4%

Sales Tax Collections

Conway* July 2014..................................$1,901,417 2013..................................$1,808,224 Percent Change 5.2% Year to Date (July) 2014................................$13,138,845 2013................................$13,336,487 Percent Change -1.3% Annual 2013................................$23,235,891 2012................................$22,944,163 Percent Change 1.3% *Tax Rate 1.75% Faulkner County* July 2014.....................................$720,510 2013.....................................$696,366 Percent Change 3.5% Year to Date (July) 2014..................................$4,934,456 2013..................................$4,944,819 Percent Change -0.2% Annual 2013..................................$8,588,835 2012..................................$8,465,686 Percent Change 1.5% *Tax Rate 0.5%

Restaurant Sales*

August 2014................................$14,138,165 2013................................$13,768,043 Percent Change 2.7% Year to Date (August) 2014............................. $116,293,118 2013............................. $110,448,443 Percent Change % 5.3 Annual Sales 2013............................. $164,989,586 2012............................. $161,318,563 Percent Change 2.3% *Including mixed drink sales

Conway Corporation

Hurley Chiropractic

Crain Buick GMC

Hotel Sales

August 2014..................................$1,532,212 2013..................................$1,543,708 Percent Change -.07% Year to Date (May) 2014................................$13,486,576 2013................................$13,339,126 Percent Change 1.1%% Annual Sales 2013................................$18,556,911 2012................................$18,683,676 Percent Change -0.7%

Conway Building Permits

501 Life

First Security Bank

Regions Bank

Single Family Homes Year to Date (September) 2014.................................... 80 Permits 2013.................................. 113 Permits Percent Change -21.0% Annual

2013.................................. 147 Permits 2012.................................. 186 Permits 2011.................................. 153 Permits Percent Change 2013-2012 -21.0% Average Construction Cost* Annual 2013.....................................$228,275 2012.....................................$207,537 2011.................................... $204,387 Percent Change 2013-2012 10.0% *Not including land or lot improvements Average Square Footage* Annual 2013........................................... 3,002 2012........................................... 2,910 2011........................................... 2,814 Percent Change 2013-2012 3.2% Average Construction Cost Per Square Foot* Annual 2013......................................... $76.04 2012......................................... $71.33 2011......................................... $72.64 Percent Change 8i2013-2012 6.6%% * Total under roof

Lottery Sales

Faulkner County September 2014..................................$1,040,998 2013..................................$1,174,495 Percent Change -6.1% Year to Date (September) 2014................................$10,786,606 2013................................$12,228,501 Percent Change -12.0% Annual 2013................................$17,038,277 2012................................$16,943,909 Percent Change .06% Total State July 2014................................$30,630,211 2013................................$32,483,166 Percent Change -5.7% Year to Date (July) 2014............................. $242,573,271 2013............................. $266,770,723 Percent Change -9.1% Annual 2013............................. $432,932,799 2012 ........................... $452,245,215 Percent Change -4.3%

Natural Gas

Severance Tax Distribution Conway Year to Date (October) 2014.....................................$311,299 2013.....................................$233,512 Percent Change 33.3% Annual 2013.....................................$199,265 2012.....................................$149,833 Percent Change 70.2% Faulkner County Year to Date (October) 2014.....................................$253,568 2013.....................................$189,535 Percent Change 32.9% Annual 2013.....................................$224,455 2012.....................................$131,418 Percent Change 70.8% Information provided by Pulse of Conway