Recorded via zoom, program coordinators Muriel Wiley (3Cs - Little River, Howard, Sevier counties), Brandon Mathews (Ozark Foothills - Izard, Fulton, and Sharp counties) and Hazelle Whited (Ozark Foothills), team up for the last time to reflect on the CREATE BRIDGES work they feel so blessed to be a part of over the last 18 months. Though CREATE BRIDGES will continue to be a part of the two regions, the program coordinator portion of the program comes to an end on November 30, 2021. 

From favorite podcasts to work that will continue forward on the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Community, Professional, and Economic Development unit website, the trio has developed a legacy of solutions that will help the four sectors of entrepreneurs so important to rural Arkansas: Retail, Accommodations, Entertainment, and Tourism. This last podcast summarizes what will continue forward and more work that could be developed to additionally help businesses.

Brandon, Murriel, and Hazelle thank our great leadership, at UADA, Julianne Dunn and Stacey McCullough, and the Regional Steering Committees (RSC) of each region, for this unique opportunity to impact businesses in a direct way. 

CREATE BRIDGES RESOURCES
uaex.uada.edu/createbridges
uaex.uada.edu/createlift

In 2017, Casper was on the centerline of the 2017 Eclipse, where 21,000 people descended for spectacular viewing of the eclipse that could be viewed over one-third of the state. In 2024, two-thirds of Arkansas will have the chance to be host to Eclipse viewers as both CREATE BRIDGES regions will be on or within miles of the centerline. What does this mean to our rural communities?

On this episode of Small Business, Big Rural Impact, Hazelle Whited takes the podcast over Zoom to Caper, Wyoming, to visit with Brook Kaufman to recap her recent visit to CREATE BRIDGES communities where she presented the “All too real truths about preparing your community for an eclipse.” In this light and casual conversation, Brook reiterates how the 2024 Great American Eclipse can be the once-in-a-lifetime tourism event for many rural Arkansas communities and shares Casper’s experiences leading up to and after the eclipse. Hazelle, in-turn, shares with Brook the immediate impact and follow-up for additional meetings her presentation sparked among communities considering a regional coordinated effort similar to the structure of the 2017 Wyoming Eclipse Festival. 

Come join us on this episode of CREATE BRIDGES, Small Business Big Rural Impact.

Brook Kaufman is the Brook is the CEO of Visit Casper, where she leads the charge to grow the local visitor economy and serves as a member of the Natrona County Commission. While she works on a variety of events year-round, one of the most memorable was the Wyoming Eclipse Festival in 2017. Through Brook's leadership, her community embraced the total solar eclipse, garnered significant media coverage, increased destination awareness and welcomed tens of thousands of travelers from around the world. 

The Eclipse data Brook mentions in this podcast can be found at https://visitcasper.com/eclipse.

CREATE BRIDGES in Arkansas – Celebrating REtail, Accommodations, Tourism and Entertainment by Building Rural Innovations and Developing Growth Strategies

Regions: Ozark Foothills (Fulton, Izard, Sharp counties) and 3Cs (Sevier, Little River, and Howard counties)

More information on CREATE BRIDGES can be found at https://uaex.uada.edu/createbridges

Program Murriel Wiley takes us back to the 3Cs (Sevier, Howard, and Little River counties) for a sit-down with guests Nelson Ramirez and Lorena Esquivel.

Lorena is a bilingual business owner who recently started a translation services company, and she also helps translate on the radio and for local businesses. She spends her time helping with food pantries and community services with her church, Iglesia el Centro Cristiano de De Queen and is a mother of 4.  Nelson is a father and the manager of cricket wireless, and his family owned a local restaurant called “La Chiquita” in De Queen for more than 20 years. He also serves as a member of The Sevier Chamber of Commerce, works as a property Developer and rental house owner, and he is founding member of a local non-profit group called The Minority Affairs Council.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, we are highlighting the Spanish-speaking business owners of Sevier County and discussing all the contributions they have made to our community.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, we are highlighting the Spanish-speaking business owners of Sevier County and discussing all the contributions they have made to our community, therefore this episode is in Spanish with a translation in English to follow. 

"Estás escuchando la seria de podcasts CREATE BRIDGES "Arkansas Small Business: Big Rural Impact". Mi nombre es __Diego Martínez__ y soy el anfitrión invitado para este episodio especial. Puede que reconozcas mi voz del programa matutino "Radio Cristiano" en KDQN AM en De Queen. Hoy estamos hablando con los líderes locales Nelson Ramírez y Lorena Esquivel.

Lorena es propietaria de un negocio bilingüe que recientemente comenzó una empresa de servicios de traducción, y también ayuda a traducir en la radio y para negocios locales. Ella pasa su tiempo  ayudando con despensas de alimentos y servicios comunitarios con su iglesia, Iglesia el centro Cristiana de De Queen y es madre de 4 hijos.   Nelson es  padre y gerente de cricket wireless, y  espropiedad de la familia de un restaurante local llamado "La  Chiquita" en De Queen desde hace más de 20 años. También es miembro de la Cámara de Comercio de Sevier, trabaja como propietario de una propiedad Developer y rental house, y es miembro fundador de un grupo local sin fines de lucro llamado The Minority Affairs Council.

Brandon Mathews takes the mic on this episode with a literal mom and pop duo in Mammoth Spring, AR. Penny and Kenny Bohling own and operate PennyLoafers, a self-proclaimed coffee shop with New Orleans style beignets, coffee, and a few other offerings you wouldn’t expect to find like the “world’s famous Rueben, biscuits & gravy, and the largest Belgium waffles Brandon has ever seen. Kenny and Penny are incredibly welcoming people, and have hearts of service which is highlighted in the second half of the episode. 

We also discussed going big in business isn’t always the best option and can limit some of the flexibility you want as a small business owner, or that creating good customer service and experience is just as important as your final product or service. It was summed up best with “It’s about the people.” Whether you are in the food industry, the service industry, or work remotely across a tri-county region, there is something to take away from Penny and Kenny’s story. 

PennyLoafers 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/PennyLoafers-113814873816012

Website: https://pennyloaferscafe.com

Phone: 870.710.1341

Address: 131 S 2nd

Street Mammoth Spring, AR 72554

CREATE LIFT: https://uaex.uada.edu/create-lift

CREATE BRIDGES RESOURCES: https://uaex.uada.edu/createbridgesresources

Murriel Wiley from the 3Cs sits down with Patrick from KDQN who has served Southwest Arkansas as an entertainment, news and information source for more than 50 years. The station first launched in *1956 and continues to provide live coverage of high school sports, trivia, prize giveaways, advertising opportunities for small businesses and up to date local news and community resources. Also known as number one country, this station brings popular and fun music for country fans and has specialty shows like the *Sunday night oldies segment. Additionally, KDQN also brings praise and worship to the airwaves with the Sunday morning church presentations broadcasted from local congregations in the area. Beyond 92.1 FM, Bunyard Broadcasting also boasts two sister stations operated out of the same building in De Queen, as both KILX 102.1 The Good Path plays Christian music for a family friendly feel and Radio Cristiana, 104.1/KDQN AM serves the Hispanic community with Spanish music and a fun local morning show. 

Hazelle Whited, CREATE BRIDGES Coordinator for the Ozark Foothills, enjoyed a robust conversation with owner Wendy Hutchins of the Thirsty Cowgirl in Ash Flat. Following the opening of the sister store in Melbourne, Arkansas in September 2020, the Ash Flat store that opened May 2021 has proven to pace better than expected despite the uncertainty of the pandemic. What is certain is the vibrant atmosphere, easy going style, and commitment to customer service immediately felt when a client walks through the door.  Even though Wendy is constantly on the move, she takes time to share some behind the scenes of the Thirsty Cowgirl from product offerings to flavor creation, opening in the midst of COVID to the great staff that contributes to the stores' success. One can step in thinking they are just getting tea, but may come out with just so much more.

Thirsty Cowgirl
75D Remington Plaza
Ash Flat, AR 72513
870-29-7733
https://www.facebook.com/thirstycowgirlnutritionhub


KATZ nutrition HUB
701 E. Main Stree, Suite C
Melbourne, AR 72556
870-373-3952
https://www.facebook.com/katznutritionhub/

Today’s Guest features Gloriaann Sanders, Executive Director of the Calico Rock Museum and Visitor’s Center, who also serves on the CREATE BRIDGES Regional Steering Committee. The Museum and Visitor’s Center includes several programs such as the Calico Rock Artisans Cooperative, the Tomlinson Art and Science Center, the History Center, Arkansas Main Street of Calico Rock, and The Marketplace Antique Store. When the Center opened in 2007, it had 500 guests annually. Now, it boats 1,000 – 2,000 guests a month. Gloriaann shares how the Museum and Visitor’s center has been an anchor for Main Street development, increased tax revenue for the city and Izard County, and has been catalyst for businesses moving back downtown. The community is now working towards launching an entertainment district that will feature more outdoor activities, dining, and events. Gloriaann said that people don’t accidently end up in Calico Rock, that’s why the community is focused on becoming a destination with activities for the whole family. If your community is interested in downtown revitalization, creating an entertainment district, or improving quality of life, this episode will open your eyes to new ideas and how to act on them.  

Keywords: museum, visitors center, calico rock, izard county, create bridges, main street, tourism, entertainment, art, artists, community 

http://www.calicorockmuseum.com
https://www.facebook.com/calicorockmuseum 
calicorockmuseum@gmail.com 
105 Main St.
Calico Rock, AR 72519
870-297-6100

Additional Resources
The Marketplace - https://www.facebook.com/The-Marketplace-101437491356205
Explore Calico -  http://www.explorecalico.com
Calico Rock Main Street - http://www.calicorockmuseum.com/main-street.html