I Am Northwest Arkansas®

To see the complete Show Notes from the original podcast episode CLICK HERE!Mentioned in this episode:Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

This is a special episode of the podcast. We will be back with regularly scheduled programming next week. In the meantime, please listen to this one from the heart.Mentioned in this episode:Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

About the Show:“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”GandhiAt least for the last 150 years, education has been an essential part of society. Every industrialized nation puts a high value on education and credentials.  One thing that is probably lost on most Americans is that higher education isn’t always the goal for all. Only one-third of the US population has a college education, while two-thirds have a High School Diploma.  Many individuals have been priced out of higher education due to the cost and commitment required.  Still, some are left out because they never finished High School. About 10% of the U.S. Population never finishes High School.  In our research on this subject, we discovered that this statistic alone could be incentive enough to encourage those to get their GED. The stakes for those that don’t get a High School diploma are undoubtedly high.According to a recently released CDC Study, “Again and again, the trends across educational levels indicate that adults with no high school diploma or GED are consistently at the greatest risk for the leading causes of disease and death.”If you are part of this group, our goal is not to bring you down or shame you. It’s quite the opposite. We want to encourage you that it is never too late to get your GED and improve your life skills in many areas.  We recently sat down with Jessica Ferguson and Ahu Johnson from the Stephen M. Percival Adult Education Program to learn more about available Adult Education and learning options. This Adult Education program is part of the Fayetteville Public School System. They offer Adult Education classes for those that want to get their GED, Citizenship, ESL, Job Training, and Workplace classes. The options are endless, and the opportunities are there for people in Northwest Arkansas to improve their situation through the classes offered by the Adult Education program.  All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Fayetteville Public SchoolsWebsite for Fayetteville Public SchoolsFayetteville Public Schools on TwitterFayetteville Public Schools on InstagramFayetteville Public Schools on FacebookFayetteville Public Schools on YouTubeFHS TV - Fayetteville High - YouTubeThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

About the Show:In this short episode of the podcast, we reflect on the importance of Memorial Day and we talk about the history of the holiday and why it is such an important holiday of reflection and sacrifice here in the United States.We also shared a Memorial Day poem from Lenore Hetrick. OUR MEMORIES by Lenore HetrickIf we remember those who are goneThen they live again.They are here once more, they smile and speak,Just as do living men.So let's give our thoughts to the brave,Upon this Memorial Day.In spiritual fellowship, let us speak,And listen to what they say.For a soldier who died for his country must knowMuch that he could tell,And if we caught the message it mightServe us oft and well.So in our memories, let the deadLinger often and long.Recollections of that kind live,And are like a springtime song.All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. Important Links and Mentions on the Show* NoneThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

About the Show:In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with musician and live music expert, Brian Crowne to discuss the growth of the Music venue scene here in Northwest Arkansas. Brian and his family have owned George's Majestic Lounge on Dickson St for more than two decades. And, if that wasn't enough he purchased the AMP in the early 2000s and proceeded to help make Northwest Arkansas a regular stop for music acts both big and small.Brian’s goal all along with the purchase of the AMP was to create, “ A small town vibe with world-class amenities!”It looks like he has done just that, attracting a lot of big names to the Northwest Corner of the State. So many great acts have performed at the Walmart AMP, including Primus, The B52s, The Charlie Daniels Band, Hank Williams Jr., Earth Wind & Fire, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Darius Rucker, Willie Nelson, Mary J. Blige, Steely Dan, Santana, Dave Mathews Band, Toby Mac, and several comedians including Kevin Hart, and recently Jim Gaffigan. Brian shares the thinking and process of running a music venue here in Northwest Arkansas. It’s not an easy job dealing with performance artists, but Brian has had a lot of practice taking good care of his employees and the talent that comes to the area.  Learn about the origins of the AMP. For instance, the original location was the parking lot of the Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville before it moved up to its current space in Rogers just off I-49, and more importantly, how Brian teamed up with one of the largest companies in the world, Walmart to expand and improve the venue.All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Walmart AMPWebsite for Walmart AMPWalmart AMP on TwitterWalmart AMP on InstagramWalmart AMP on FacebookWalmart AMP on YouTubeThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

About the Show:One of the things we've found doing this podcast is that Northwest Arkansas has plenty of room for economic growth. We live in the shadows of some large and iconic companies, but this area of the “Heartland” is also home to entrepreneurial development. We often think of this type of growth happening in bigger cities on the coast somewhere or in Silicon Valley. But this entrepreneurial growth and development are happening right here in Northwest Arkansas, and if you happen to live in this part of the country, you are witnessing it. Our guests on this podcast episode are a perfect example of how start-up growth and ingenuity can happen at a high level right here in Northwest Arkansas. AcreTrader is a company harnessing the asset class of Farmland in new and unique ways. What was once the focus of larger companies and investment groups has now been brought into the mainstream investment space where individuals can "invest directly in farmland and support the business of farming. " Carter Malloy, CEO, and Garrott McClintock, COO, sit down with us to share the origins story of AcreTrader. They both grew up on and around farms and how that experience informed their venture to marry Agriculture and Land together in service and product that leverages technology and investment opportunities for both Main Street and Wall Street. All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for AcretraderAcretrader on TwitterAcretrader on InstagramAcretrader on FacebookAcretrader on LinkedInThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:In this Special Episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast, we feature Larissa Ramey, a local artist and graduate student in the MFA program at the University of Arkansas.She is hosting an art workshop (STOOP TALK) on May 15, 2022, collaborating with Lakisha Harper Bradley at MYTBYDESIGN studio and other local artists.This event hopes to spread the word about Black creatives in Northwest Arkansas through community and creativity.Description of Workshop:STOOP TALK is a collaborative event for community members to have a fun-filled Sunday afternoon working with local artists and sharing their crafts. There will be ceramics, painting, photography, printmaking, and zine demos to learn about art in a safe space to talk creatively, eat, laugh, and be with one another! The event will be at MYTBYDESIGN studio in Fayetteville from 12:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, May 15th,2022.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

About the Show:One of the first things I did when I visited Northwest Arkansas was to check out the trail system everyone spoke about.The Razorback Greenway, as it is affectionately known, winds its way through the four major cities in NWA, Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville, and several other smaller towns, including Bella Vista, which sits right on the border of the Southwest corner of Missouri.More than 150 miles of trail connect all of these great cities and towns and serves as an outlet for everyone that calls Northwest Arkansas home and those who come to visit to ride their road or mountain bike.There is so much to see and do in Northwest Arkansas, and the trail system here gives you the ability not to be so car dependent.We sat down with Matt Mihalevich, Trail Coordinator for the City of Fayetteville, to learn more about how the trail system was created and the plans for the future.            All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Matt MihalevichWebsite for City of Fayetteville ArkansasCity of Fayetteville Arkansas on TwitterCity of Fayetteville Arkansas on InstagramCity of Fayetteville Arkansas Government on FacebookMatt Mihalevich on LinkedInMatt Mihalevich on YouTubeThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

About the Show:Hayne Begley makes a lot of Biscuits. More than 400,000 and counting as of the recording of this podcast episode. He has an exciting story of taking one of the iconic food staples of the South, the southern biscuit and elevating them to another level by creating some tasty biscuit sandwich combinations on his food truck. Initially based in Central Arkansas, Hayne recently moved his primary food operations from Little Rock to Bentonville with one employee.  Like a lot of people that end up here in NWA Hayne has found his welcome to be warm and supportive. The local foodies are excited to try his biscuit creations and even food truck competitors have rolled out the red carpet and welcomed him.  The Delta Biscuit Company is poised for growth, and we expect to see those fantastic biscuits in a brick-and-mortar restaurant soon. If you love a fluffy, great-tasting biscuit, you need to check out the Delta Biscuit Company. Your taste buds and your stomach will thank you!All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Delta Biscuit CompanyWebsite for Hoff Sauce & PepperWebsite for Delta Biscuit CompanyDelta Biscuit Company on FacebookDelta Biscuit Company on InstagramThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

About the Show:What do you do with 95,000 Acres and 135+ miles of a river? You create the Buffalo National River and Park. The first National River in the United States was established in 1972. You hear the expression, “Are you going to float the Buffalo?”. You may not fully understand that question for the uninitiated, but for many locals here in Northwest Arkansas, that question takes on a different meaning. Most of the Spring is the best time to float the Buffalo but just about any time of year is a great time to visit this majestic area that covers five rural counties and feeds the White River, which ends at the mighty Mississippi.  We sat down with Terrie Martindale, Board President of the Buffalo National River Partners, and Cassie Branstetter, a U. S. Park Ranger. We discussed the history of the Buffalo National River and the role that the Buffalo National River Partners play as a steward in making sure that the Buffalo National River Park is pristine for all to enjoy.  All of this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Cassie BranstetterEmail Terrie MartindaleWebsite for The Buffalo National River PartnersThe Buffalo National River Partners on InstagramThe Buffalo National River Partners on FacebookWebsite for The Buffalo National RiverThe Buffalo National River on FacebookThe Buffalo National River on InstagramThe Buffalo National River on TwitterInternational Dark Sky Association This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com