The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Arkansas Business Publishing Group of Little Rock, launched the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame on Wednesday.
It’s been a project almost a year in the making for Terry Hartwick, president and CEO of the chamber.
“I want it to be about the impact women — whether a mother, wife, sister, first lady or senator — made on the betterment of the state of Arkansas,” Hartwick said at a luncheon at the chamber building in downtown North Little Rock.
Mitch Bettis, president of Arkansas Business Publishing Group, said partnering with the chamber on the hall fell in line with the history of the company in recognizing contributions of the women of Arkansas. Bettis cited the Top 100 Women publication and event created by ABPG CEO Olivia Myers Farrell in the 1990s, which honored led to the founding of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, a nonprofit that promotes philanthropy.
“The fact we have a chance to partner with the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and build a lasting tribute to the female leaders of this state, is really a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” Bettis said. “When (Hartwick) brought this idea forward, it was an easy ‘yes’ for us.”
The luncheon unveiled details about the program, which seeks to honor significant contributions of Arkansas women in business, politics, philanthropy and other fields.
The hall will induct new members each year. Nominations are welcome from individuals and organizations. Nominees are not limited to a certain field or accomplishment and can include pioneers, philanthropists, educators, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, business leaders and political figures. Nominees can include contemporary or historical women.
Nominations can also be made for a group or class of women jointly associated with a significant event or moment in history.
Once nominations are submitted, a selection committee will vet nominations and announce the new class. The selection committee will be comprised of 5-9 members with statewide representation. Members of the selection committee will be appointed by the AWHF board.
The chamber will begin accepting nominations for the inaugural class March 18. The judges will reveal the first set of honorees on June 22. An event to celebrate the inaugural class is set for Aug. 27.
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