(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: 200 (Census Bureau, 2022) | Mayor: Stephanie White | County: Lonoke | Region: Central
The Challenge
Keo in central Arkansas saw its tourism and community identity decline after the closure of Morris Antiques, a popular local institution. The town struggled with decreased visitor numbers, volunteerism and community engagement. Keo’s small population and remote location in south Lonoke County made it difficult to attract tourists and revive the local economy, which relied on its historical character and unique attractions.
The Solution
To revitalize Keo’s identity, the Keo Collective rebranded the Keo Pecan Festival into the Arkansas Pecan Festival in 2023. The rebranding boosted attendance from 500 in 2022 to over 2,500 in 2023, featuring 75 vendors and 14 food trucks. The festival celebrated Keo’s heritage as The Pecan Capital of Arkansas, drawing visitors and creating new tourism initiatives like the Pie Ride cycling event.
The city worked with Thrive Inc. on pecan-influenced branding for T-shirts, billboards, business cards and, in spring 2025, on the city’s water tower.
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