(Editor’s Note: Each year, Arkansas Business partners with the Arkansas Municipal League to present the Trendsetter City awards, which recognize exceptional initiatives underway in municipalities across the state. Large, medium and small-sized cities were honored in six categories: Diversity and Inclusion; Education/Workforce Development; Infrastructure and Water; Public Works/Environmental and Green Management; Technology and Security; and Tourism Development/Creative Culture. Below is one winner’s story. For more, click here.)
Tourism Development/Creative Culture
Honorable Mention • Under 5,000
Population: 207 | Mayor: Stephanie White | County: Lonoke | Region: Central
The Challenge
The small farming community of Keo is only 25 minutes from Little Rock but is worlds away from the fast pace and busyness of city life. The town has experienced a significant population decline, the loss of its flagship institution, Morris Antiques and, subsequently, the loss of community identity, brand and sales tax revenues. This small town has struggled with community engagement, volunteerism and community identity.
Keo’s own Charlotte’s Eats and Sweets made the bourbon pecan pie served at Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ Inaugural Ball.
The Solution
A group of 20 volunteers formed the Keo Collective to create opportunities to rally the community, boost tourism and develop a new identity. Nestled among almost 500 acres of pecan groves, Keo’s mayor has proclaimed the town “The Pecan Capital of Arkansas,” and the city hosts the Arkansas Pecan Festival on the first Saturday of December to celebrate the harvest and increase education and awareness of the specialty crop.
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