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?"

 Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners. 

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.

Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners. 

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. 

Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners. 

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.

Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners. 

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. 

Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners. 

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. 

Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners. 

On this week’s episode, Rex and author Kat Robinson dive into all things Arkansas barbecue as they discuss her latest book, The Arkansas Barbecue Traveler, which required Kat to visit and research over 400 barbecue spots across the state. The book is the first in a series she plans to write exploring the state’s rich barbecue culture.

Rex and Kat break down the diverse styles of Arkansas barbecue, shaped by generations of cultural influences. Kat shares how she traveled across the state — chasing recommendations and following the scent of smoke — to uncover hidden gems.

The two trace the deep roots of Arkansas barbecue, with Kat pointing to Native American cooking traditions that were recorded by 16th-century Spanish explorers. They also dig into what Kat calls Arkansas' “barbecue revolution,” highlighting the wave of pitmaster innovations happening in restaurants and food trucks across the state. 

Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners. 

On this week's episode, Rex is joined by Lee Watson, founder and CEO of the Forge Institute, to discuss how his organization is helping Arkansans understand cybersecurity risks and better leverage economic opportunities in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Lee emphasizes the growing sophistication of adversaries using AI to enhance their attacks, and outlines the Forge Institute’s efforts in raising awareness through workforce development, STEM education and cybersecurity training programs.

Lee explains how the Forge Institute supports Arkansas’s defense industry by connecting small businesses, startups, and researchers with military partners through programs like the Atomic Anvil and Phoenix Accelerator. Rex and Lee also discuss the importance of building stronger economic and defense-related programs in the state focused on AI, drones, and electronic warfare to ensure cyber resilience in defense systems.

Finally, Rex and Lee stress the need for stronger collaboration between elected officials, industry leaders, and education systems to drive technological growth. They emphasize the importance of preparing a tech-literate workforce through K-12 and higher education while also advocating for increased research and development funding for universities to fuel innovation in Arkansas.