kibitz: (chat) with Kelly Johnson, A.A.E. - Airport Director/NW Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA)

This week we were able to catch-up and chat with Kelly Johnson, A.A.E. - Airport Director/NW Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA). 


We are grateful for her taking time to tell us about Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport's (XNA) plans, growth, and predictions.



XNA (Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport) continues to expand and grow - can you tell us about some of the recent and planned expansions?

In 2011 the airport completed two major projects-the addition of an 11 gate upper level concourse ($21.5 million dollars) and the construction of an alternate landing surface (38.5 million dollars).


What trends has XNA seen the most growth in this year?  Increase of travelers, flights, specific flight destinations, etc?

The economy has a tremendous impact on our business. The uncertainty of the financial health of business' and our government creates a situation where people pull back from expenditures.  For these reasons XNA has experienced a fairly flat year where passenger growth is concerned.  This coupled with the fuel cost to the air carriers (which increase ticket prices) has limited our ability to convenience our airline partners to add new capacity and destinations at this time.

How many people fly in and out of XNA each year?

About 1.1 million people get on and off planes at XNA annually.

We have heard rumored plans of building more transportation routes to the airport.  Do you know of anything in the works?  How would that benefit NWA?

A roadway to the airport is one of our ongoing projects.  The route is expected to receive environmental clearance early next year and we will work to develop a financial plan to make construction of the new roadway a reality.  A direct route to XNA would benefit a customer's in ease getting to the airport and traffic mix.  The existing roadways traffic mix includes farm equipment, school buses etc.

What are the greatest challenges XNA faces with infrastructure?

The greatest challenge we face is lace of an aviation bill from Congress.  The majority of our large projects are directly tied to Federal Grants.  The last aviation approved by Congress expired 4 years and three months ago.  The FAA is now operating under the 22nd continuing resolution which expires January 31st.  It is very difficult to construct multi-million dollar projects with 3 or 6 months funding at a time in a climate where you may or may not receive that funding.

As an aside, the Grants the airports' receive are funded by a 7.5% ticket tax each passenger pays when they purchase their ticket.  I share this because we want to make sure the public understands that the Grants airports' receive are not funded from general revenues, they are funded by only those people who use the aviation system.

kibitz: (chat) with Mayor Bob McCaslin - Mayor of Bentonville, Arkansas

This week we were able to chat with Mayor Bob McCaslin, Mayor for Bentonville, Arkansas.

We appreciate all he does to make Bentonville such a wonderful place to live and work.  Thank you for taking time to chat with us this week!







What have you seen as far as job creation in Bentonville this year?

The City does not track jobs but we do track utility customers. Utility customers continue to grow at an annual rate of  +/- 3%.

What do you predict in terms of growth for 2012?

We are projecting 2012 growth at 3%.

How is the Crystal Bridges Museum effecting the Bentonville economy?

The economic impact of Crystal Bridges will take some time to quantify. Intuitively, we all know that the museum will create additional hospitality revenues for the City and NW Arkansas.

What other museum attractions can we expect to see on the horizon?

The free market will find its own way here – as demand surfaces, the supply side will step-up. It is likely that galleries and art associate commerce will begin to appear as the museum becomes a destination for regional, national and international travelers.

 How is the Splash Park and ice skating rink effected the downtown business development?

The unique Bentonville Square and its many planned activities continue to draw visitors from area cities and beyond. The 2nd season for the outdoor ice rink is expected to be as successful as the opening season which saw more than 10,000 participants enjoy this unique amenity.


Would you attribute most business growth this year to be from large-scale industry or small business?

Bentonville has enjoyed sustainable growth in residential construction and the small business sector.


What are some of the most exciting developments going on right now in Bentonville?

The renovation of East Central from the Square to SE “J” Street will create a beautiful and unique gateway into what many say is one of the most ideal downtown squares in the United States. We have parks renovations, improvements and additions  taking place throughout our City. The recently completed Downtown Activity Center allows visitors and citizens to enjoy adult wellness activities including bicycle rentals. The DAC offers maps and suggestions for either walking or cycling tours of our beautiful trail system.

How is the infrastructure keeping up with the growth?

The City has made an intentional effort to invest in the infrastructure that will draw investment and visitors to our  town. We have street improvements underway and plans for others in various stages of design and implementation.

kibitz: (chat) with Trish Kalbas-Schmidt, Marketing and Training Director for the University of Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center

This week we had an opportunity to chat with Trish Kalbas-Schmidt, Marketing and Training Director for the University of Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center.  She is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing training and educational activities for small business owners in Northwest Arkansas. Trish also coordinates media relations and marketing efforts on behalf of the SBDC and its’ training seminars in an effort to cultivate lasting relationships with potential supporters such as commercial loan officers, local chambers of commerce, and community professionals.

What does the Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center do in Northwest Arkansas?

As part of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center state wide network, we serve new and existing businesses through consulting, training, market research and innovation-based business assistance.  Our office serves the following counties: Benton, Boone, Carroll, Madison, Marion, Newton, Searcy, and Washington.

How many businesses do you help each year regionally and state-wide?

In our office we meet with over 250 entrepreneurs each year. 

What trends have you seen in small business growth in our area?  Are there any specific sectors that seem to be increasing more than others?

The current trend seems to be service based businesses (i.e. food and retail). The technology and healthcare industry are growing at a strong rate.

What challenges or obstacles do you think Northwest Arkansas will face in the coming years to maintain its growth rate, and continue to be a business destination?

Leveraging NWA as a desirable place to do business.  We are a diamond in the rough, people don’t realize all this area has to offer.  We need to sell/leverage all the incredible resources such as our education, industry and growing cultural experiences, along with the workforce that is available.

What is the best advice you would give to someone wanting to start a business in Northwest Arkansas?  

Be prepared.  Understand both the risks and rewards that are associated with owning your own business.  Leverage the great resources that are available to you to learn as much as possible before moving forward with the process.

                                   

Trish, thank you for taking time to chat with us this week!  We are very grateful for your insight and all you do the the Northwest Arkansas community!



kibitz: (chat) with Kerry Jensen, Executive Director for Main Street Rogers

This week we had the opportunity to chat with Kerry Jensen, Executive Director at Main Street Rogers.  Many thanks to Kerry for taking time to kibitz with us about all the amazing things going on in Downtown Rogers.

Kerry, we hear Downtown Rogers has some exciting things in store this season - what can you share?

Well, there are many exciting things, but one of the most exciting is something we as an organization are rolling out in January, our new slogan/campaign for 2012: 

Shop, Dine, & Explore

We have spent the past couple years working on how we wanted to identify our "downtown" in the community.  We aren't a "typical" downtown.  We are a historic district that offers amenities, shops, and attractions that are totally different than anything else in the nation.  This past year we have been making sure that we make small improvements to things such as making sure all our sidewalks are stroller-friendly, revamped some of the intersections, preserving some of the original infrastructure of brick and mortar in the roads, and historic preservation through economic rebuilding.

We now feel we are ready to share our district in a much more deliberate way with the rest of this region and state.

What have you seen in terms of businesses opening in downtown this year?

We have a great business mix, with well over 93% of all buildings being occupied with a variety of unchained merchants.  I often joke with members in the community, that if something were to happen and everything west of 8th Street (71B) was suddenly gone, we would still have a fully functional town in the downtown district.  With twenty-five restaurants, a pharmacy, a grocery store, gas stations, clothing, hardware, etc. the list goes on and on.  In 2010 alone, we had twenty-six new businesses open, and many more have opened already this year with eight more businesses on the drawing board to open before year's end.

We are a walkable area and we are very dense.  One of the other benefits that I really enjoy is the fact that we are not a square.  We are a lot bigger than a little downtown square.  We are truly a historic district, which allows us to add much more unique and diverse businesses, attractions, and residence options.

What are some of the fun-facts about Downtown Rogers that are worth spending some time exploring?

Well, there are several really great things that are worth spending days exploring.  Let me first say, the thing we want to encourage most is that everything we do in Downtown Rogers is aimed at being family-friendly and many things are pet-friendly also.  I would love to invite you to come and spend a day leisurely exploring with your family. 

Some of the things you may not have known is that we in fact have three museums here in Downtown Rogers:  Rogers Historic Museum, the Daisy BB Airgun Museum, and most secretive a Fireman's Museum (where kids can actually touch and take pictures with the fire truck - something that I do not know of any other museum to allow). 

We also have approximately 125 events each year for the entire family from Twilight Walks, to the Goblin Parade, to Picnics in the Park, Car Shows, International Festivals, etc.  We also have our annual Christmas Parade coming up December 5th that you will not want to miss!


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Many thanks to Kerry for taking time to chat with us this week.  We also want to congratulate him for receiving the honor of being selected to host "Destination Downtown" for 2012.  This is a big honor as it is only hosted in Arkansas once every three years and members from "Downtown's" all over Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and beyond will travel to Northwest Arkansas for an annual summit.  Congrats, Kerry!  Keep up the wonderful work!

kibitz: (chat) with Kathy Deck, Director, Center for Business and Economic Research, Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas

This week we were honored to kibitz: chat with Kathy Deck, Director, Center for Business and Economic Research, Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas

Kathy, a nationally recognized Economist, was very gracious in sharing her insight on what we can expect to see in the coming months and years here in Northwest Arkansas.





What economic trends are you seeing here in NWA (as far as business development, job creation)? 


Job creation has been the story of the economic success of Northwest Arkansas since the 1990s.  However, since the onset of the most recent recession, Northwest Arkansas has struggled to regain its job creation momentum.  From January 1990 to the onset of the recession in November 2007, employment growth averaged just over 500 jobs per month.  Since November 2007, however, the region has lost 8,900 jobs and except for a brief period at the beginning of 2011, there have been continuing modest year-over-year employment losses.


How does Northwest Arkansas compare nationally in terms of growth? 


Northwest Arkansas continues to outshine the rest of the United States in terms of unemployment rate, having a rate that has consistently been around 2 full percentage points lower than the nation. Employment losses were larger on a percentage basis for the nation, but Northwest Arkansas is being a bit slower to see employment gains on a year-over-year basis than the United States as a whole. 


What is your prediction for the coming 1-2 years in terms of economic development in NWA? 


Northwest Arkansas will struggle with weak national macroeconomic conditions over the next year or two, but should begin to see modest job gains on a year-over-year basis.  The implementation of the Northwest Arkansas Council’s economic development strategic plan will provide some positive impetus to the economy.  Also, modestly improving national conditions will help with consumer confidence, which is vital to Northwest Arkansas’ economic health.



Many thanks to Kathy for taking time to chat with us this week.  We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Stay tuned for next week's kibitz!

kibitz: (chat) with Chung Tan, Manager of Economic Development for the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce

This week we had the wonderful opportunity to "chat" with Chung Tan, Manager of Economic Development for the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.





Chung has been a tremendous resource for us, and we are SO impressed by all she does to make Fayetteville a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

We are happy to share her expertise on Fayetteville with you.


What growth have you seen in Fayetteville in 2011?

Growth in number of cars registered, growth in number of jobs, growth in number of new students enrolled in U of A, growth of multi-family residential projects.

What growth do you expect to experience for 2012 and beyond?

The economic recession is supposedly over but there continues to be a hangover.  Once consumer confidence comes back, growth will follow.  As for Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas will continue with its trend of having an increase in student enrollment.  Cosmopolitan Hotel is about to be sold to new owners who planned to tear down the building to the foundation and build back up.  Once this is done, we will have an additional of about 200 rooms and space for meetings and conventions.  This will drive the conventions and hotel business in Fayetteville. 

The AMP is getting ready to spend over $3 million for renovation and expansion.  When this is completed, we are expected to draw new programs and concerts to Fayetteville where in the past was not possible because of inadequate space.  Walton Arts Center is still in the development stage for a 600 seat theater.  This new building will be an asset to attract more shows to Fayetteville and the overflow effect is an increase in food and entertainment revenues.  The City of Fayetteville is in planning now for a multi-story parking garage around the entertainment/downtown area.  Once this is up and running, it will be another asset that will resolve our current problem of lack of parking.  Subsequently, it will make the district more attractive to new businesses and patrons.


With many improvements being made to parks, trails, and recreation - what added value does this give Fayetteville businesses and residents?

This is a great value to the quality of life in Fayetteville.  The parks, trails, and recreational facilities are assets for us when we attract new workers to Fayetteville.  The US population especially the Gen Ys, in general, is moving towards sustainability, better health, balance of work-play, and going back to nature.  Fayetteville and NWA can offer all these to new and existing residents.  These assets are used by local employers when they try to hire workers especially professionals from outside to be willing to work in Fayetteville.


What role does the University of Arkansas play on long-term business growth in Fayetteville?

The U of A is one of the most important economic engines for Fayetteville.  Increasing students means more needs for housing, automobiles, gas, food, and other essentials.  The sporting events, graduations, move-in days, etc. bring visitors from out of towns.  Again, more hotel nights, entertainment, gas, and food.   Because of Chancellor Gearhart’s foresight, he challenges, drives, and provides the necessary infrastructure so that professors work with students and other partners to move innovative products and services to market.  The research technology park is the incubator for turning ideas to commercially viable products and services.  The result in new start-up companies.  U of A is the pipe-line for new companies. 


Would you attribute the growth in Fayetteville this past year to an increase in small business openings or an increase in large industry and their vendor supporters?

Growth in Fayetteville is fueled by both home grown and out of town businesses.  In general, more than 85% business openings have less than 10 employees. 


What challenges or obstacles do you think Fayetteville will face in the coming years to maintain its growth rate, and continue to be a business destination for the region?

The lack of space will be our challenge.  Fayetteville is pretty much built out.  We are looking into infill now and later redevelopment will become more important.

Many thanks to Chung and the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce for all they do for Northwest Arkansas!  Stay tuned to next week's kibitz.

kibitz: (chat) with Jill Wager, Corporate Relations Manager of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

This week we had an opportunity to visit with Jill Wager, Corporate Relations Manager of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.  Like many in Northwest Arkansas, we are thrilled about its' opening this week, and were very grateful for the opportunity to "kibitz" with them this week:


With the opening of the long-awaited Crystal Bridges right around the corner, what can Northwest Arkansas expect opening week?

We are delighted to open the doors of Crystal Bridges this week to share the remarkable art, architecture, and nature.  Those who have joined as Original Members have the opportunity for a sneak peek on November 9th, two days before our public opening.   On November 11, we will celebrate our opening with a ceremony on the downtown Bentonville Square at 11:00 am and welcome all to join us.  We are asking the community to reserve timed tickets through the end of the year and, as always, there is no entry cost as admission is sponsored by Walmart.  Many guests are thinking ahead to the holidays and reserving tickets for their visiting families.


How many jobs were created with the opening of Crystal Bridges?

Crystal Bridges expects to employ 130 persons plus security staff.  Any person interested in employment may view job postings on our website.

With the announcements of the 21c Hotel and expansion of the Walton Arts Center to Bentonville, do you feel that this will soon become an arts hub for our state and region?

The opening of Crystal Bridges and the expansion of Walton Arts Center augments the cultural resources in our region and state.   Northwest Arkansas will be part of a large regional arts community including Tulsa, Kansas City, and Little Rock.  21c Museum Hotel will be an integral part of the art experience and is certain to offer outstanding guest experiences.  While plans are still underway, the Children's Museum of Northwest Arkansas will also add interest for our youngest residents and guests.

Crystal Bridges features a Community Showcase which is a unique exhibition space showcasing important colleague institutions and their permanent collections.  This transitional space shares the story of Northwest Arkansas and its history with regional residents and out-of-region guests.  When the Museum opens it will be displaying objects from:  University of Arkansas Museum, Museum of Native American History, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, Pea Ridge National Military Park, Rogers Historical Museum, and Walmart Visitor Center.


What collections can we look forward to this year?

Crystal Bridges has acquired a stunning collection of American art spanning five centuries that is premiering as the inaugural exhibition, Celebrating the American Spirit.  Approximately 450 works are arranged chronologically and thematically so that guests can, in a sense, walk through the history of the United States as they peruse our galleries.  The experience begins in the Colonial period with portraits of our founding fathers and ends with current modern and contemporary works.  Celebrating the American Spirit is sponsored by three American iconic companies - General Electric, Coca-Cola, and Goldman Sachs.

Guests will also want to visit Wonder World, an exhibition of contemporary works from our permanent collection.  Wonder World brings together twenty-five contemporary works by established, mid-career, and emerging artists from Crystal Bridges' collection in a special exhibition organized around the themes of perception, representation, illusion, nature, and history.



Many many thanks to Jill for taking time to chat with us this week.  We know this is an extremely busy time for them, and we are excited for what is to come!

Their website - http://www.crystalbridges.org/