WOW! Celebrating our 10th Episode since we started this series, the CREATE BRIDGES team of Program Coordinators, Murriel Wiley, Brandon Mathews, and Hazelle Whited, recap the last six months of their time working with the business in Retail, Accommodations, Tourism and Entertainment to develop programs that answer concerns identified by each region affecting entrepreneurs and the workforce. Also, this trio is excited about the extension of their roles through 2021 and continue the conversation about additional programs coming down the pipeline as well as encourage businesses to reach out to be future guests on this podcasts. Join the us in what is a typical work session where we talk about you, our businesses and employees, and how we can continue to support you. #createbridgesAR, #Small-Business-Big-Rural-Impact, #ruralAR

For more information about CREATE BRIDGES, visit uaex.uada.edu/createbridges or reach out to Brandon at [email protected], Murriel at [email protected], or Hazelle at [email protected]. 

On this episode, we travel back to the 3Cs region to hear from Murriel Wiley as she explores the importance of community parks in rural Arkansas. From sports tournaments and live concerts to 4th of July celebrations, the Nashville city park in Howard county Arkansas is a gathering place that is a lifeblood for the community which in turn helps small businesses. In this interview with Director Mark Dale, CREATE BRIDGES explores the park's top-notch facilities that spark life and nurture tourism in this small town.

On this last episode of 2020, we pick-up on the rest of the interview with Cline Hall and Cody Whitten of Generations Pro Rodeo. In this conclusion, we continue our discussion about the Entertainment industry, their philosophy to work through obstacles and Cline shares with us a BIG surprise announcement on the future goals for the rodeo in Ash Flat. We are glad you are with us on this journey of celebrating and encouraging businesses in rural Arkansas, and we look forward to talking with more of you in 2021. 

In this two part Episode to close out 2020, Principals of Generations Pro Rodeo, Inc., Cline Hall and Cody Whitten sit down with us to share their journey operating an Ag-Tourism Entertainment business in Ash Flat, putting on rodeos locally and nationally with the goal of going to the NFR as a stock contractor. This fun and candid conversation will give understanding on what it takes to put on a rodeo and how is relatable to any small business. Part two will be released on Dec. 31 to carry us to 2021. 

In this episode of the CREATE Bridges Podcast, 3Cs Program Coordinator Murriel Wiley talks with Mallory Bailey about how businesses make a difference to other businesses and the region especially in rural communities when they are actually a part of it, not just in it.

In this episode, Brandon Mathews visits with Laura Sackett Clute, principal broker and owner of Ozark Gateway Realty, and discusses the relationship between employer and employee housing needs, questions to consider before owning and operating a vacation rental, and how realtors can make connections between entrepreneurs and property owners to fill empty spaces and provide goods and services to the community.

In this episode, we visit with Mayor of Cave City, Arkansas, Jonas Anderson, who gives us a great perspective on how his active role with #CaveCityArkansas and AR Municipal League involvement are among several important components to the progress of small businesses, tourism and economic development in the community.

Recorded in the UA Cossatot Studios in DeQueen, Arkansas, this episode explores how branding, social media marketing, and good old fashioned barbeque has made Big Gilley's in Ashdown, Arkansas, a must stop for anyone that enjoys a good plate of the smoky treasure. 3C's Program Coordinator, Murriel Wiley, and host Loren Hinton,  is joined with owner Matt Gilley as he shares his journey to the famous "Arkansas Twanky" and the hard work it takes to get there.

Ever wonder why big city professionals would leave the bustle for small rural Arkansas? Do you know what to expect from small rural businesses that will be different from urban city retailers? In this episode we will hear from Jeff Penn, owner of Chow on the Square in Cherokee Village and Marc Herring, proprietor of Ozark Classic Craft Mall on Hardy Main Street about their journey from the big corporate world to owning their own businesses in the quaint towns of north central Arkansas. 

Guest Host Chad Whiteaker sits down with Program Coordinators Murriel Wiley, Brandon Mathews, and Hazelle Whited for a glimpse into the purpose of Create Bridges, how it came to be, and the goals set forward to help small businesses of rural Arkansas start, retain and grow.