The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Arkansas Business Publishing Group of Little Rock to launch a new program to honor the significant contributions of Arkansas women in business, politics, philanthropy and other fields.
Details about the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame will be unveiled at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the chamber’s conference center at 100 Main St. in North Little Rock.
Terry Hartwick, president and CEO of the chamber, said the project, nine months in the making, is designed to honor Arkansas women who have helped shape Arkansas’ history and well-being.
“It’s for people to show and the state to know the impact that women have had on this state,” Hartwick said.
The hall will induct new members every year. Its members can come from all walks of life and include pioneers, philanthropists, educators, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, business leaders and political figures.
The chamber plans to begin taking nominations early next year. An outside committee will vet the nominations and announce the inaugural class in the summer. An event to celebrate their induction will follow.
More details are expected at next week’s event.
Mitch Bettis, president of Arkansas Business Publishing Group, said partnering with the chamber to create the Women’s Hall of Fame fits with the company’s history of recognizing contributions women have made across the state.
Among those efforts: the Top 100 Women in Arkansas, which was an annual event and publication created by ABPG CEO Olivia Myers Farrell. In 2002, Top 100 Women led to the founding of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, a nonprofit that promotes philanthropy among women and helps women and girls achieve their potential.
The chamber intends the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame to be a “momentous” venture that will educate and inspire Arkansans.
“It’s all about what women have done to impact the well-being of the state,” Hartwick said.
ABPG is a niche-publishing company that produces more than 20 publications, including magazines and websites. Its products include Arkansas Business; Little Rock Family, a monthly parenting magazine; and Little Rock Soirée, a monthly magazine covering nonprofits, fashion, food and events in Little Rock.
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