In this week's episode, Rex sits down with Create Conway's founder, Jessica Crum, and its Executive Director, Katie Wilson, to discuss the growing arts scene in downtown Conway as well as the city's thriving arts community.The conversation begins with an overview of Conway's art scene and how Create Conway's focus is to "put creatives on display."

Jessica, a Pine Bluff native who moved to Los Angeles, Calif., for a time as a fashion and graphic designer, moved to Conway in part to help build and develop an arts district and culture in the heart of the city. Katie, a performing artist and painter, is equally passionate about brining the community's art scene together and building a support system for regional artists. Both mention that part of the reason for the city's thriving arts scene is tied to the city's nickname, "the City of Colleges."

Much of the focus of this episode is on Create Conway's Conway Art Walk, a monthly festival held on the first Friday nine months out of the year for both aspiring and established artists that features vendors, performers, live music and, of course, artists. In an effort to promote the Conway Art Walk, which has been a staple of the downtown and community for several years, Jessica invites Rex to "get his hands dirty" and visit the festival to showcase all that Conway has to offer to citizens and visitors alike. In fact, Jessica and Katie mention that the Art Walk is unique in that it appeals to "a mix of young and old."

The duo also tell Rex how the Art Walk was inspired by a similar event in Fayetteville, and not only allows visitors entertainment and art, but also serves as an important revenue generator for one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. In short, the event has greatly helped with Conway's regional and statewide popularity, which is due in part to its reputation as a regional hub for artists, and attracts approximately 2,000 visitors each month that the festival is held.

Also discussed in this episode is how the Art Walk has a ripple effect for the retailers that participate in the event as well as storefronts and businesses in the city's downtown area, the newly renovated Studio in Downtown Conway – which features a museum-grade gallery that showcases the works of regional artists – and Jessica provides a descriptive overview of "the best way to do the Art Walk" for new visitors.

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This week, Rex is once again joined by old friend and frequent guest Skip Rutherford, the initial president of the Clinton Foundation and former Dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. On this episode, however, the duo largely avoid a conversation about politics or education in favor of an in-depth look at recent information released by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Arkansas State Data Center on population trends across the state. 

The first part of the discussion includes an overview of recent statistics released by both organizations, one indicating an overall increase in urbanization across the state, and another set of data stating that, over a one-year time period – from July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024 – the state saw substantial population growth in several specific counties in Northwest and Central Arkansas in particular, while many other counties in outside of these areas also experienced some population growth. 

According to Rex and Skip, Arkansas' population is now 49 percent urban, although that growth continues to be focused in counties such as Benton, Washington (Northwest Arkansas), Faulkner, Conway, Saline (Central Arkansas) and Craighead county in northeast Arkansas. The duo mention how these trends affect both industry and business as well as affordability and livability, although a decline in certain parts of the state has led to what Rex describes as a "hollowing out of the middle class." 

Specific to this conversation are the ways in which many small communities, including Bella Vista, Pea Ridge, Highfill and Tontitown, are rapidly becoming suburbs due to urbanization in the surrounding cities and towns. But Skip is quick to point out that, as has been inthe case recently in Northwest Arkansas, population growth can also lead to challenges such as wastewater issues and a rising cost in housing. 

In the remainder of the episode, Rex and Skip also touch on towns that are slated to become high population centers in upcoming years, problems with rural health care, and cities and towns such as Pine Bluff and El Dorado that continue to show a decline in the number of residents. 

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In this episode of the podcast, Randy Zook, President and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, returns to the show to converse with Rex about various aspects of workforce development, manufacturing and production, and the growing industrial sectors in the state. 

As an old friend and longtime associate of the host's, the conversation covers a number of topics related to the Arkansas' workforce and economic developments. To begin, the pair discuss how the state's GDP currently ranks in the top 10, although finding and maintaining skills-based workers, such as those in manufacturing and construction, remains a challenge. However, Randy and Rex chat about the rise in vocational education in the state, which has led to an increase in the use of new technologies and skills-building, including virtual reality programs to assist with heavy and cumbersome machinery. 

From here, the discussion shifts to a more in-depth look at the increase in the number of young people attending vocational schools – 60 to 70 percent by Randy's estimate – and how many companies are now willling to underwrite college education for those who begin at vocational schools. According to Randy, new state legislation has allowed for more business opportunities in smaller and rural communities in Arkansas, which will lead to a greater need for skilled workers.

Also discussed in this episode are the ways in which Central Arkansas rebounded from the covid-19 pandemic, especially with developments at the Port of Little Rock and the new Amazon facilties, while other parts of the state, such as towns in eastern and northeast Arkansas, are seeing a boom in steel manufacturing and production, with southern Arkansas' lithium industry continuing to expand. 

The central question of this conversation for the duo is, "How can Arkansas attract a new, highly skilled workforce that has a desire to relocate and live in The Natural State?"

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In this week’s episode, Rex sits down with Tad Bohannon, CEO of Central Arkansas Water, to discuss the region’s most valuable natural resource: water. From watershed preservation to infrastructure upgrades, the pair’s conversation dives into the strategic steps being taken to secure water quality and quantity for future generations.

Tad explains how Central Arkansas Water intentionally operates far below federal contamination limits to ensure exceptionally high-quality water for customers across the region. Renovation of the Wilson Treatment Plant is one part of a broader plan to maintain that quality well into the future.

The conversation also explores Lake Maumelle’s critical role in supplying water to Central Arkansas. Once remote, the lake is now surrounded by residential development, prompting the organization to take a more proactive role in buying surrounding land, preserving forest buffers, and implementing controlled burns to protect water quality. Tad underscores the importance of treating water stewardship as a generational responsibility — pointing out that lakes can degrade over time if not carefully managed.

Looking toward the future, Tad and Rex discuss how Arkansas’ abundant water supply gives the state a competitive edge in attracting large employers, especially water-intensive businesses. With water crises increasingly plaguing other areas of the country, Central Arkansas is positioning itself as a destination for sustainable economic growth. Tad emphasizes that water should never be the reason a business doesn’t choose to come to Arkansas, and that it’s Central Arkansas Water’s job to ensure that remains true.

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In this week’s episode, Rex sits down with entrepreneur Andy McNeill and State Rep. Matt Duffield, R-Russellville, co-hosts of the Free Arkansas podcast, to discuss how open dialogue and practical policymaking could shape the state’s future. Through their Free Arkansas podcast, the pair aim to challenge the status quo by fostering conversation, examining the state’s rankings across key sectors and identifying tangible steps toward progress.

Matt, who entered public service to be of help to his community, underscores the need to refocus on foundational issues, such as budgeting, infrastructure and effective governance in shaping public policy. The conversation also touches on the growing influence of national politics in local debates, with Rex, Matt and Andy arguing for a renewed emphasis on Arkansas-specific solutions to community and statewide issues.

Looking toward the future, Matt and Andy point to Arkansas' natural assets, affordability and cultural values as key elements for long-term growth in a post-pandemic economy. From the steel boom in northeast Arkansas to outdoor tourism in the northwest portion of the state, the trio discuss what it would take to usher in an economic golden era. The conversation includes the consideration of factors such as community development, healthcare access and broadband internet expansion as critical steps toward progress. Ultimately, the three agree that a more vibrant, stronger Arkansas begins with better conversation and dialogue.

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On this episode of the podcast, Rex sits down for an in-depth discussion with one of his longtime religious mentors and a man he says many refer to as "Arkansas' pastor," Rex Horne, the outgoing executive director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. With Horne's decades-long career as a prominent Baptist leader, educator and administrator, the two cover a range of topics related to faith, ministry and leadership in this installment of the podcast.

The conversation begins with Horne's explaining his recent decision to step down as overseer of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, an announcement released to the public in April, and why he believes now is the right time for the Convention to take on new leadership. Horne, who began his tenure in October 2022 after retiring from a career in ministry and higher education administration, tells Rex that "institutions go through transitions" and understands that organizations occasionally need new oversight and direction.

Next, Horne shares his thoughts on why mainstream Christian denominations are becoming "something from the past" and his belief that generational changes and different interpretations of the Bible have played a significant role in the evolution of churches and church attendance. The conversation then transitions to Horne's nine year tenure as president of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, where he learned about higher education and serving as a university leader by listening to and learning from the university's faculty, staff and students.

Finally, Horne describes his experiences growing up in the Baptist faith in southern Arkansas, which led to his "call to ministry," including his time growing and expanding Little Rock's Immanuel Baptist Church from 1990 to 2006. In this influential role, Horne tells Rex about serving as President Bill Clinton's spiritual advisor and overseeing a $40 million building project that resulted in the church's relocation to a much larger facility on North Shackleford Road. Horne has now returned to pastoring, and the conversation concludes with a brief discussion on how he is leading Hope Church in the city's Hillcrest neighborhood, which allows him to continue to be "someone who wants to make a difference," as he describes it.   

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One of Rex’s old friends and longtime Arkansas politician Jim Keet returns to the podcast this week to discuss several topics relevant to Jim’s multifaceted career and, in particular, the businessman’s longstanding history in the restaurant business.

Rex and Jim’s conversation begins with an overview of their joint involvement in Arkansas’ Republican party at a time when Democrats ruled the state. This part of the chat focuses on the Springfield, Missouri-native’s time in the Arkansas House of Representatives and Senate as well as his 2010 run for state governor. But Keet has spent much of his professional time over the years “in and out of the hotel business,” as he describes it, and developing restaurants alongside his sons and sister-in-law. Over the years, Jim has played a significant role in helping establish a number of well-known restaurants and chains in the state, including the Wendy’s franchise.  

Much of the second part of their discussion concerns Jim’s development of the businesses in Breckenridge Village, an outdoor shopping center with eateries situated off Little Rock’s North Rodney Parham Road. Jim characterizes Breckenridge Village as a “catalyst for revitalizing Midtown,” and talks about the damage caused to the center on March 31, 2023 when the center was greatly damaged by an EF-3 tornado that tore through the city. However, since that time, Jim talks about the progress made as part of the redevelopment of Breckenridge Village and the forthcoming businesses slated to enter that location, including but not limited to a new movie theater that includes a bowling alley with a variety of food options. 

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On this week’s episode, Attorney General Tim Griffin joins Rex to talk about his office’s move into the newly renovated Brooks Building in downtown Little Rock. Formerly known as the Boyle Building, the historic structure was renamed in honor of Griffin’s late friend and colleague, former Chief Deputy Attorney General Bob Brooks. 

Tim explains how the project reflects conservative values, such as saving taxpayer money through home ownership as opposed to long-term renting, while also celebrating the preservation of a historic structure designed by State Capitol architect George Richard Mann. The conversation then turns to workplace culture, and Tim describes how the building’s open layout, natural light and historic character create a more collaborative and energizing environment for employees. He emphasizes the importance of in-person work, stating that remote setups can not replace the productivity and shared culture that is fostered in a physical location. 

Tim and Rex explore how the building represents more than just a new office. Rex sees it as a catalyst for revitalizing downtown Little Rock, especially around the Capitol, where many buildings remain vacant or underused. He points to nearby investments – such as the recent renovation of the Central Arkansas Library's downtown location, upgrades to facilities at Central Arkansas Water and the tech park’s growth – as proof that momentum is building in investing in the metro area. The pair agree that a strong capital city is vital for the state’s overall health and reputation.

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In this week’s episode, Rex sits down with Stephanie Streett, Executive Director of the Clinton Foundation, to chat about the organization's role in transforming downtown Little Rock over the past two decades. Since opening in 2004, the foundation has helped generate $4.9 billion for the local economy and several cultural, educational, and artistic opportunities in the city.

The two also discuss the center’s future plans and expansions, such as the new Hillary Rodham Clinton Wing of the Clinton Presidential Center, which Stephanie says will feature the largest non-presidential archive in history and a new policy institute to inspire future leaders. Rex also highlights how the Clinton School of Public Service’s expansion into the newly acquired Heifer International campus will help transform Little Rock's East Village into one of the South’s most exciting neighborhoods.

Stephanie also stresses the importance of collaboration between the Clinton Foundation, the National Archives-run Clinton Presidential Library, and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service in helping to preserving the Clinton archives, while also creating more opportunities for civic and community engagement throughout the state and beyond. 

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On this week's episode of the podcast, Rex is joined by Chris Moses, President and CEO of Moses Tucker Partners, and the company's Vice President of Development, George Friedmann, to discuss the importance of new real estate developments and opportunities in and around the Little Rock metro, with a particular focus on the city's downtown area. 

The conversation begins with a lengthy chat about Moses Tucker's involvement in the recent renovation of Little Rock's historic Boyle Building, the new headquarters for state Attorney General Tim Griffin. Rex, Chris and George spend much of this part of the discussion on the significance of the location, which "opened in 1909 as the State Bank Building and served as Little Rock's second skyscraper, standing at at 12-stories in height. Chris and George discuss challenges associated with the recent renovation of the Boyle Building, including environmental issues as well as their attempt to maintain the structural integrity of the facility in the process. 

This leads to a broader discussion on how the Boyle Building has and can continue to serve as part of the metro's downtown epicenter and its relationship to Little Rock's Downtown Master Plan, which includes revitalizing many buildings, neighborhoods and public spaces in the heart of the city. Chris and George emphasize the need for more business development in and around the State Capitol as well as the importance of public-private partnerships for purposes of funding new real estate projects. 

Other topics touched on in this episode include fundraising for building renovations and expansions, as well as the need for additional rehabilitation of attractions in the arts and culture sector, such as those recently implemented by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the future expansion of the Clinton Presidential Center. 

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