Recorded via zoom, program coordinators Muriel Wiley (3Cs - Little River, Howard, Sevier counties), Brandon Mathews (Ozark Foothills - Izard, Fulton, and Sharp counties) and Hazelle Whited (Ozark Foothills), team up for the last time to reflect on the CREATE BRIDGES work they feel so blessed to be a part of over the last 18 months. Though CREATE BRIDGES will continue to be a part of the two regions, the program coordinator portion of the program comes to an end on November 30, 2021. From favorite podcasts to work that will continue forward on the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Community, Professional, and Economic Development unit website, the trio has developed a legacy of solutions that will help the four sectors of entrepreneurs so important to rural Arkansas: Retail, Accommodations, Entertainment, and Tourism. This last podcast summarizes what will continue forward and more work that could be developed to additionally help businesses.Brandon, Murriel, and Hazelle thank our great leadership, at UADA, Julianne Dunn and Stacey McCullough, and the Regional Steering Committees (RSC) of each region, for this unique opportunity to impact businesses in a direct way. CREATE BRIDGES RESOURCESuaex.uada.edu/createbridgesuaex.uada.edu/createlift

In 2017, Casper was on the centerline of the 2017 Eclipse, where 21,000 people descended for spectacular viewing of the eclipse that could be viewed over one-third of the state. In 2024, two-thirds of Arkansas will have the chance to be host to Eclipse viewers as both CREATE BRIDGES regions will be on or within miles of the centerline. What does this mean to our rural communities?On this episode of Small Business, Big Rural Impact, Hazelle Whited takes the podcast over Zoom to Caper, Wyoming, to visit with Brook Kaufman to recap her recent visit to CREATE BRIDGES communities where she presented the “All too real truths about preparing your community for an eclipse.” In this light and casual conversation, Brook reiterates how the 2024 Great American Eclipse can be the once-in-a-lifetime tourism event for many rural Arkansas communities and shares Casper’s experiences leading up to and after the eclipse. Hazelle, in-turn, shares with Brook the immediate impact and follow-up for additional meetings her presentation sparked among communities considering a regional coordinated effort similar to the structure of the 2017 Wyoming Eclipse Festival. Come join us on this episode of CREATE BRIDGES, Small Business Big Rural Impact. Brook Kaufman is the Brook is the CEO of Visit Casper, where she leads the charge to grow the local visitor economy and serves as a member of the Natrona County Commission. While she works on a variety of events year-round, one of the most memorable was the Wyoming Eclipse Festival in 2017. Through Brook's leadership, her community embraced the total solar eclipse, garnered significant media coverage, increased destination awareness and welcomed tens of thousands of travelers from around the world. The Eclipse data Brook mentions in this podcast can be found at https://visitcasper.com/eclipse.CREATE BRIDGES in Arkansas – Celebrating REtail, Accommodations, Tourism and Entertainment by Building Rural Innovations and Developing Growth StrategiesRegions: Ozark Foothills (Fulton, Izard, Sharp counties) and 3Cs (Sevier, Little River, and Howard counties)More information on CREATE BRIDGES can be found at https://uaex.uada.edu/createbridges

Program Murriel Wiley takes us back to the 3Cs (Sevier, Howard, and Little River counties) for a sit-down with guests Nelson Ramirez and Lorena Esquivel.Lorena is a bilingual business owner who recently started a translation services company, and she also helps translate on the radio and for local businesses. She spends her time helping with food pantries and community services with her church, Iglesia el Centro Cristiano de De Queen and is a mother of 4.  Nelson is a father and the manager of cricket wireless, and his family owned a local restaurant called “La Chiquita” in De Queen for more than 20 years. He also serves as a member of The Sevier Chamber of Commerce, works as a property Developer and rental house owner, and he is founding member of a local non-profit group called The Minority Affairs Council.In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, we are highlighting the Spanish-speaking business owners of Sevier County and discussing all the contributions they have made to our community.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage month, we are highlighting the Spanish-speaking business owners of Sevier County and discussing all the contributions they have made to our community, therefore this episode is in Spanish with a translation in English to follow.  "Estás escuchando la seria de podcasts CREATE BRIDGES "Arkansas Small Business: Big Rural Impact". Mi nombre es __Diego Martínez__ y soy el anfitrión invitado para este episodio especial. Puede que reconozcas mi voz del programa matutino "Radio Cristiano" en KDQN AM en De Queen. Hoy estamos hablando con los líderes locales Nelson Ramírez y Lorena Esquivel. Lorena es propietaria de un negocio bilingüe que recientemente comenzó una empresa de servicios de traducción, y también ayuda a traducir en la radio y para negocios locales. Ella pasa su tiempo  ayudando con despensas de alimentos y servicios comunitarios con su iglesia, Iglesia el centro Cristiana de De Queen y es madre de 4 hijos.   Nelson es  padre y gerente de cricket wireless, y  espropiedad de la familia de un restaurante local llamado "La  Chiquita" en De Queen desde hace más de 20 años. También es miembro de la Cámara de Comercio de Sevier, trabaja como propietario de una propiedad Developer y rental house, y es miembro fundador de un grupo local sin fines de lucro llamado The Minority Affairs Council.

Brandon Mathews takes the mic on this episode with a literal mom and pop duo in Mammoth Spring, AR. Penny and Kenny Bohling own and operate PennyLoafers, a self-proclaimed coffee shop with New Orleans style beignets, coffee, and a few other offerings you wouldn’t expect to find like the “world’s famous Rueben, biscuits & gravy, and the largest Belgium waffles Brandon has ever seen. Kenny and Penny are incredibly welcoming people, and have hearts of service which is highlighted in the second half of the episode. We also discussed going big in business isn’t always the best option and can limit some of the flexibility you want as a small business owner, or that creating good customer service and experience is just as important as your final product or service. It was summed up best with “It’s about the people.” Whether you are in the food industry, the service industry, or work remotely across a tri-county region, there is something to take away from Penny and Kenny’s story. PennyLoafers Facebook: https://facebook.com/PennyLoafers-113814873816012Website: https://pennyloaferscafe.comPhone: 870.710.1341Address: 131 S 2ndStreet Mammoth Spring, AR 72554CREATE LIFT: https://uaex.uada.edu/create-liftCREATE BRIDGES RESOURCES: https://uaex.uada.edu/createbridgesresources

Murriel Wiley from the 3Cs sits down with Patrick from KDQN who has served Southwest Arkansas as an entertainment, news and information source for more than 50 years. The station first launched in *1956 and continues to provide live coverage of high school sports, trivia, prize giveaways, advertising opportunities for small businesses and up to date local news and community resources. Also known as number one country, this station brings popular and fun music for country fans and has specialty shows like the *Sunday night oldies segment. Additionally, KDQN also brings praise and worship to the airwaves with the Sunday morning church presentations broadcasted from local congregations in the area. Beyond 92.1 FM, Bunyard Broadcasting also boasts two sister stations operated out of the same building in De Queen, as both KILX 102.1 The Good Path plays Christian music for a family friendly feel and Radio Cristiana, 104.1/KDQN AM serves the Hispanic community with Spanish music and a fun local morning show.

Hazelle Whited, CREATE BRIDGES Coordinator for the Ozark Foothills, enjoyed a robust conversation with owner Wendy Hutchins of the Thirsty Cowgirl in Ash Flat. Following the opening of the sister store in Melbourne, Arkansas in September 2020, the Ash Flat store that opened May 2021 has proven to pace better than expected despite the uncertainty of the pandemic. What is certain is the vibrant atmosphere, easy going style, and commitment to customer service immediately felt when a client walks through the door.  Even though Wendy is constantly on the move, she takes time to share some behind the scenes of the Thirsty Cowgirl from product offerings to flavor creation, opening in the midst of COVID to the great staff that contributes to the stores' success. One can step in thinking they are just getting tea, but may come out with just so much more.Thirsty Cowgirl75D Remington PlazaAsh Flat, AR 72513870-29-7733https://www.facebook.com/thirstycowgirlnutritionhubKATZ nutrition HUB701 E. Main Stree, Suite CMelbourne, AR 72556870-373-3952https://www.facebook.com/katznutritionhub/

Today’s Guest features Gloriaann Sanders, Executive Director of the Calico Rock Museum and Visitor’s Center, who also serves on the CREATE BRIDGES Regional Steering Committee. The Museum and Visitor’s Center includes several programs such as the Calico Rock Artisans Cooperative, the Tomlinson Art and Science Center, the History Center, Arkansas Main Street of Calico Rock, and The Marketplace Antique Store. When the Center opened in 2007, it had 500 guests annually. Now, it boats 1,000 – 2,000 guests a month. Gloriaann shares how the Museum and Visitor’s center has been an anchor for Main Street development, increased tax revenue for the city and Izard County, and has been catalyst for businesses moving back downtown. The community is now working towards launching an entertainment district that will feature more outdoor activities, dining, and events. Gloriaann said that people don’t accidently end up in Calico Rock, that’s why the community is focused on becoming a destination with activities for the whole family. If your community is interested in downtown revitalization, creating an entertainment district, or improving quality of life, this episode will open your eyes to new ideas and how to act on them.   Keywords: museum, visitors center, calico rock, izard county, create bridges, main street, tourism, entertainment, art, artists, community http://www.calicorockmuseum.com https://www.facebook.com/calicorockmuseum  calicorockmuseum@gmail.com  105 Main St. Calico Rock, AR 72519 870-297-6100 Additional Resources The Marketplace - https://www.facebook.com/The-Marketplace-101437491356205 Explore Calico -  http://www.explorecalico.com Calico Rock Main Street - http://www.calicorockmuseum.com/main-street.html

Visiting the 3Cs region, Program Coordinator Murriel Wiley visits owner Tario Danby with  Angie’s snow hut to talk about how his specialty business stays cool under all the pressure of business ownership, community involvement, and COVID-19. In addition to creating shaved ice, delicious smoothies, slushes, rolled ice cream and hometown customer service, this sweet place has been operating in Southwest Arkansasfor more than 20 years and looking at opening a third location. Featuring thousands of flavor combinations, appearances at local events, a social media presence, seasonal hours, and a great date night opportunity, Angie’s Show Hut is an example of how one small business can serve a community in many ways.

In this episode, Hazelle Whited from the Ozark Foothills takes a journey with owner-operator, Jennifer Duer, owner of the South Fork Resort in Saddle, Arkansas. Jennifer shares the early beginnings from purchasing the business in 2018 to operating the 4 in 1 business through COVID, as well as her process to putting together the details as she puts the South Fork Resort up for sale. This float trip experience will help entrepreneurs hear the real life challenges to consider when purchasing a business, what it takes to survive obstacles, as well as what work is needed when getting ready to sell a business. South Fork Resort7230 AR-289Mammoth Spring, AR 72554870-895-2803http://southforkresort.com/

On this episode, Brandon Mathews visits with Mike Falco, president and CEO of Bank of Salem in Salem, AR and Pat Behrndt, owner of Crown Point Resort in Horseshoe Bend, AR.Mike and Pat spotlight the power of local investment, the impact it can have on the community, and why tourism and entertainment are so critical to the economy of the Ozark Foothills. Pat discusses challenges they faced during the pandemic in 2020, how he and his staff overcame them and shares his vision of a Crown Point Resort that can attract families from all walks of life including four-legged friends. Mike discusses the banks involvement in Pat’s expansion and outlines what a bank need will need to invest in business project. He shared a list of benefits you can expect from partnering with a local bank over a national bank. He also shares how the economic development of one business can have a positive ripple effect for others.

Back in the 3Cs, Murriel Wiley takes us to DeQueen, Arkansas, to meet with Cass Stanford, the new owner of Riverside Machine. The shop provides Sevier County with custom made knives, a cool local tourism stop, milling, drilling, sawing and welding services, along with once-a-month community knife-makers meetings and fellowship plus so much more. Riverside Machine holds a historical value in the area and the products created in-house are often designed for folks who live beyond the region, and the state. In order to continue serving Southwest Arkansas and keep growing as a company, the business ownership changed hands from one generation of knife-makers to the next and a story of local succession emerged.201 W. Stillwell AvenueDeQueen, AR 71832870-642-7643https://www.riversidemachine.net/

Recorded in the restaurant dining room just a couple of hours before opening, Hazelle Whited had a chance to sit down and capture a great interview from the co-owners of this cool new restaurant, Millies, located on main street in Cave City just across from City Hall. This hip spot is a gathering for locals but a must stop for tourists and regulars from outside the area. From the formation of owning a restaurant, to the community support leading up to the Grand Opening on Saturday, May 22, Brooke Walling and Sarah Musik share the importance of perseverance, faith, and good support systems through the trials of just getting a restaurant open in a historic building to wondering if COVID-19 will prevent them from ever moving forward on this dream. As the interview comes to a close, Brooke and Sarah share the touching inspiration behind the name and spirit of the restaurant, and why the retail store helps as a fundraiser for Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Welcome to this episode titled #MeetMeAtMillies. Millie's207 South Main Street, Suite ACave City, AR 870-916-2198https://www.facebook.com/milliesrestaurantfamily/

Brandon Mathews takes his turn at the microphone to talk with Luke Gibson, co-owner of But First, Coffee Drive-Thru in Ash Flat, Arkansas. Luke and his wife Shelbi opened the store in 2019, just months before the pandemic hit. With COVID-19 shutting down so many small businesses, Luke shares how they adapted and survived to have a growing small business in the community. Luke Gibson Co-ownerBut First, Coffee Drive-Thru680 Ash Flat DriveAsh Flat, AR 72513https://www.butfirstcoffeedrivethru.comFacebook: @butfirstcoffeedrivethru

On this episode, Murriel Wiley in the 3Cs talks with Amelia Moore of Picalily Flowers and Gifts in Nashville, Arkansas, who shares her story about becoming a small business owner in rural Arkansas. Amelia's passion for what she does, the people that are part of the team, and why she invested into the renovation of a building on main street that is over 100 years old comes through as she shares just how rewarding this journey continues to be. This is another great episode of owning and running a business in rural Arkansas.Picalily Flowers & Gifts218 South Main StreetNashville, Arkansas 71852870-845-2738https://www.picalilyflowers.net/

In this Episode, Brandon Mathews is joined with Kim Break of Areawide Media to share how partnering with local media to for advertising is still beneficial especially in rural Arkansas. From a business success story to ideas on how local media is relevant to helping distribute information for workforce development and skills training in the area, there is much to talk about in this episode. Also, Kim encourages businesses and individuals to call the local paper even if they are not sure if what they have to say is newsworthy. www.areawidenews.comnews@areawidenews.comPO Box 248 Salem, AR 72576870-895-3207

On this episode of CREATE BRIDGES, Hazelle Whited and Murriel Wiley team up in Sevier County to talk with the folks of Smart Phone EMT, owner Esteban Ochoa with one of his "co-workers" Kelly Goins. Not only does this episode cover the importance of communication across different generations, and different languages, it also provides some insight and inspiration to making a business successful through caring about employees first so they can genuinely care about people. (We even get a couple great sound effects from Kelly's child from time to time AND a quote from the movie Joe Dirt ;-) We think you will enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed making it. Smartphone EMT Repair                               Smartphone EMT Repair858-A East Collin Raye Drive                     3408 Richmond RoadDe Queen, AR                                                     Texarkana, TX 870-642-7376                                                    903-255-0559

On this week’s episode, Brandon talks with Small Business Owner and Entrepreneur, Dylan Smith, founder and owner of Stateline Barbershop located on Main Street in Mammoth Spring Arkansas.  Years in the making, Dylan thought owning a barbershop would stay a dream. Yet, now he has been open for more than a year and business is good, despite the pandemic. Dylan shares what it’s like to start a business, the process to getting funding and literally building from the ground up. He discusses some of the ways he markets himself and taps into the local and tourist economies. And, just like all businesses, Dylan speaks about some of the challenges he has faced and what he would have done differently knowing what he knows now. SocialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/StateLineBarberShopLLCContact870-283-2244420 Main St.Mammoth Spring, AR 72554

On this Episode of CREATE BRIDGES, Hazelle Whited, program coordinator for Ozark Foothills, crosses the state to interview Keisha McKinney -  3Cs Region Steering Committee (RSC) member, CREATE LIFT contributor, and fan of the CREATE BRIDGES podcast. In this episode, the duo discusses how CREATE BRIDGES shares the story of rural business owners through the work of the Regional Steering Committees, the creation of the workforce training certificate program, and this podcast.  Keisha McKinneyMcKinney Media3C's RSC Member/CREATE LIFT Contributorlinkedin.com/in/keishamckinneyHazelle WhitedUniversity of Arkasnas Division of Agriculture Community Professional Economic DevelopmentCREATE BRIDGEShwhited@uada.edu501-743-2209For more information on CREATE BRIDGES visit uaex.uada.edu/createbridges.For more information on CREATE LIFT visit uaex.uada.edu/create-lift

On today’s episode, Brandon Mathews is joined by Cathy Drew, Executive Director of Ozark Gateway Tourist Council, and Gloria Sanders, Executive Director of the Calico Rock Community Foundation and Museum and Visitors Center.  A host of topics were discussed including the benefits of being a member of Ozark Gateway, why the whole community needs to be on board when it comes to promoting an area; opportunities for reaching markets outside of Arkansas, and some new programming launching in the region soon. Ozark Gateway Tourist CouncilFacebook: facebook.com/ozarkgateway/Twitter: twitter.com/ozarkgatewayWebmail: ozarkgateway.comPhone: 870-793-9316  Calico Rock Museum and Visitor CenterFacebook: facebook.com/calicorockmuseum/Twitter: twitter.com/rockcalicoWebmail: calicorockmuseum.comPhone: 870-297-6100