The creation of the Outlook Conway event and this publication came from a desire to help people understand the size and make-up of the Conway area economy. A part of that process involves collecting and sharing data and trends.
Outlook and this publication definitely do that. But you gain an equally important level of understanding when you narrow down to the individual businesses. Our “presenting” and “economic” sponsors exemplify four different qualities that represent the best of the area economy.
Dynamic and Regional
The Conway and central Arkansas economy is dynamic and regional in influence. Landmark CPAs was formed in 2018 when two firms with more than 60 years experience combined to create one of the state’s largest comprehensive accounting firms. With established legacies in Texarkana, Fort Smith and Little Rock, Landmark CPAs serves clients in multiple states throughout the region.
Committed and Community Minded
Smith Ford has been selling cars and satisfying customers in central Arkansas for more than 100 years. But for just as long, this five-generation, family-owned business has been building a city. From helping form our public utility during the Great Depression to having four generations of Chamber of Commerce board leaders — the Smith family demonstrates the commitment and influence of locally owned businesses.
Growing
For decades Conway has been closely associated with — almost defined by — growth. Conway Regional Health System is the largest player in what might be Conway’s fastest-growing industry — health care. With more than 1,200 employees and a $40 million expansion planned for 2019, Conway Regional is establishing Conway as a health care destination.
Emerging and Entrepreneurial
Conway and central Arkansas have the deserved reputation as a great place to start your business. With an abundance of young, educated talent and an incredibly low cost of doing business, entrepreneurs are an increasingly important part of our economy. H+N Architects is only three years old, but this woman-owned startup has already turned the corner as a premier architecture firm in Conway. The firm is founded on the philosophy of designing with meraki, defined as “doing something with creativity, soul, and love — leaving a piece of yourself in the work.” What a perfect description of the passion it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur.
We invite you to learn more about our economy by looking at the trends and insights within this publication. But the numbers are only revealing what we know to be true: our economy is only as strong as the individuals and businesses leading it
In Conway, that’s a good thing.
Sincerely,
Brad Lacy
President and CEO, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce
See more about Conway’s economic growth at Outlook Conway.
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