The Bentonville Beacon
Bentonville Economic Development | Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce
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Top 10 The Bentonville Beacon Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Bentonville Beacon episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Bentonville Beacon for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Bentonville Beacon episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
2023 NWA Tech Summit Live Part 1: Featuring Sapna Ramachandra, Tiffany Benitez, Brent Blecha, Kayla Norris, Paul Rowe, Jasmine Rara and G.B. Cazes
The Bentonville Beacon
11/20/23 • 65 min
Summary
Join host James Bell in this special four-part series of The Bentonville Beacon podcast featuring live-recorded conversations at the 2023 Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit with the thinkers and doers shaping the future of global tech in Bentonville. The NWA Tech Summit is the Heartland’s premier technology conference and serves to enhance, prepare and diversify the local Northwest Arkansas economy. Now in its tenth year, the event is hosted by the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce, and is supported by nearly 100 partners, including Walton Family Foundation, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Verizon, Salesforce, T-Mobile for Business, Zebra, Scott Family Amazeum and Arvest. These episodes bring together voices from the event to share their company’s stories, personal insights and unique #BecauseBentonville moments that define the community’s character. Tune in as we explore the innovations and experiences that are fostering a culture where technology meets the essence of Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas!
Show Notes
(1:15) Introducing Sapna Ramachandran
(3:13) About Kitestring Technical Services
(7:12) Sapna’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(11:45) Introducing Tiffany Benitez
(13:12) About the Women in Technology of Northwest Arkansas
(20:47) Tiffany’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(22:41) Introducing Brent Blecha
(23:22) About Retail Aware
(25:14) Brent’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(29:33) Introducing Kayla Norris
(31:05) About Marketing Main Street
(34:32) Kayla’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(37:43) Introducing Paul Rowe
(39:27) About Source Allies
(42:54) Paul’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(47:22) Introducing Jasmine Rara
(51:39) Jasmine’s NWA Tech Summit Experience
(57:41) Introducing G.B. Cazes
(1:01:59) G.B.’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(1:03:48) Closing Thoughts
Links
Bentonville Economic Development
Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit
Women in Technology of Northwest Arkansas
Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce
Quotes
“I think what describes for me the essence of Bentonville is the entire experience of these last ten years put together. It has been heartwarming because for somebody like me, a woman of color who comes from thousands of miles apart, who has no family, no friends, no support system here to come and feel accepted, the local people and everybody around here have accepted me with open arms. And that speaks volumes of this place. It tells me you don’t have to be a certain color or race to be accepted because there are good people everywhere, and it wouldn’t have happened anywhere except [Bentonville].” - Sapna Ramachandran, (7:12)
“This is day one [of the NWA Tech Summit] and I’m already blown away. The amount of community that’s here, the amount of connection, the amount of vendors, and the way we can plug into our community and really see full force in conference form what all we actually have living in this Northwest Arkansas [and Bentonville] area.” - Tiffany Benitez, (19:13)
“[The NWA Tech Summit] has been amazing. Anytime you can talk to the number one retail company and some of the people surrounding it, the people that have gone before you that know how to get in there and some of the really cool things they’ve done, is incredible.” - Brent Blecha, (24:22)
“Whenever I had made the decision to leave corporate and work for myself, I went to Bentonville and I started looking for businesses in Bentonville to collaborate with and say...
Igniting Innovations: Engaging with Fuel's 2023 AI/ML Cohort - Part 2
The Bentonville Beacon
11/13/23 • 59 min
Summary
In this special two-part series on The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell continues an engaging discussion featuring members of Fuel’s 2023 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Accelerator cohort. They spotlight Fuel's 12-week enterprise-ready accelerator program, which pairs seed- and growth-stage tech startups with key enterprise partners to fast-track the adoption of practical technology solutions. The program emphasizes operational value training over traditional venture capital pitch coaching. This episode highlights innovators from around the globe in the AI and ML sectors, along with their companies from various industries. Conversations include Dexter Caffey from Smart Eye Technology, Andrew Bart of AlgoFace, Mike Romeri at Analytics2Go and Kevin Butler from Edify.ai, who showcase their companies, their experiences through the Fuel Accelerator and their #BecauseBentonville stories, painting a vibrant picture of entrepreneurial growth and community connection.
Show Notes
(1:12) Introduction to Dexter Caffey and Smart Eye Technology
(2:20) Dexter’s surprise connection to Pharaoh Ramesses III
(3:09) About Smart Eye Technology
(6:22) Dexter’s Experience with Fuel and Bentonville
(11:14) Dexter’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(12:55) Introduction to Andrew Bart and AlgoFace
(14:10) About AlgoFace
(16:57) Andrew’s Experience with Fuel and Bentonville
(25:34) Andrew’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(28:14) Introduction to Mike Romeri and Analytics2Go
(31:03) Mike’s Experience with Fuel
(32:32) About Analytics2Go
(34:40) Mike’s Experience with Bentonville
(36:32) Mike’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(38:00) Introduction to Kevin Butler and Edify.ai
(42:36) About Edify.ai
(44:23) Kevin’s Experience with Fuel
(51:27) Kevin’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(54:24) Introduction to Grace Gill
(56:05) The Evolution of Fuel
(57:35) Fuel’s Application Process
(58:39) Closing Thoughts
Links
Bentonville Economic Development
Quotes
“I had no intentions of moving [to Bentonville] when I first came here...but then I noticed that when you’re here in Bentonville, it’s a relationship town. It’s about building relationships. So I recognized that through the program and told my wife we’re going to be moving to Bentonville.” - Dexter Caffey, (10:19)
“I’m looking to open an office [in Bentonville]. I’d like to have a presence here. That is very much on my immediate radar from both a talent acquisition perspective as well as the exposure to the Walmart epicenter and how unique it is to have that kind of sponsorship to the community.” - Andrew Bart, (21:41)
“I’m sure I’m not the first one to say that the environment [in Bentonville] is a lot more professional, more experienced, and more innovative. It’s just a series of superlatives where you don’t expect someplace in Northwest Arkansas to bring together a group of innovative people from all over the world that can get things done.” - Mike Romeri, (35:39)
“[Bentonville] is the sort of place where if you put yourself out there and ask for some help, people are more than willing to do so. It’s obviously part of the mission and it’s been extremely helpful for our company...and it’s really opening up doors and leading to sales.” - Kevin Butler, (45:40)
Igniting Innovations: Engaging with Fuel's 2023 AI/ML Cohort - Part 1
The Bentonville Beacon
11/06/23 • 52 min
Summary
In this special two-part series on The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell kicks off the first episode with an engaging discussion featuring members of Fuel’s 2023 AI/ML Accelerator cohort. Joined by Fuel's Director, Darian Harris, and Entrepreneur in Residence, Tom Douglass, they spotlight Fuel's 12-week enterprise-ready accelerator program, which pairs seed and growth-stage tech startups with key enterprise partners to fast-track the adoption of practical technology solutions. The program emphasizes operational value training over traditional venture capital pitch coaching. This episode highlights innovators from around the globe in the AI and ML sectors, along with their companies from various industries. Conversations with Somya Munjal of Youthful Savings, Keith Fix and Brent Blecha of Retail Aware, and Kannan Udayarajan of Siemba highlight their companies, experiences at Fuel Accelerator, and their #BecauseBentonville stories, painting a vibrant picture of entrepreneurial growth and community connection.
Show Notes
(0:56) Introducing Darian Harris, Tom Douglass and Fuel’s AI/ML Cohort
(8:49) Darian’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(12:21) Introducing Somya Munjal and Youthful Savings
(15:16) Somya’s Experience with Fuel and Bentonville
(19:20) Somya’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(21:43) Introducing Keith Fix, Brent Blecha and Retail Aware
(29:12) Keith and Brent’s Experience with Fuel and Bentonville
(35:01) Keith and Brent’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(39:16) Introducing Kannan Udayarajan and Siemba
(41:06) Kannan’s Experience with Fuel and Bentonville
(47:46) Kannan’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(51:06) Closing Thoughts
Links
Bentonville Economic Development
Quotes
“I really think art is a very powerful tool for innovation and creativity, and I think the influx of art [in Bentonville] is really going to bring those creative minds to this area and really provide an opportunity for growth.” - Somya Munjal, (17:20)
“Bentonville has just been so fun, and it’s been a little bit of a surprise in terms of the community aspect of it. The ability to do business here and connect with folks on a personal level, as well as just on an accessibility level, has been great. I think that tied with the entire Fuel team—they’ve made great connections and gone to bat for us, and the programming is great, and the people are great. It’s been a good experience for me.” - Keith Fix, (30:31)
“It’s the ecosystem that makes Fuel very unique. The curriculum is one part of it, but the ecosystem around it—the people who are delivering the courses or the mentors that have been put around the program or the general networking events that have been established so that startups who come here get the ability to go out, mingle with these people and build their own authentic, genuine one-on-one relationships—that is just amazing. I haven't seen that kind of effort in any other program that we’ve been a part of.” - Kannan Udayarajan, (44:41)
Pedal-Powered Tales with Scott Fitzgerald of Buddy Pegs
The Bentonville Beacon
10/30/23 • 53 min
Summary
On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell sits down with Scott Fitzgerald, Founder and CEO of Buddy Pegs, for a captivating conversation venturing into the whimsical world of cycling–a discussion that traverses an imaginative landscape where storytelling meets the spokes. Through Buddy Pegs, Scott and his team craft enchanting tales and hands-on experiences that not only teach kids to ride bikes but also bring families together through joyous play and adventure. Throughout the episode, James and Scott discuss Buddy Pegs’ cycling programming, Bentonville’s unique cycling and entrepreneurial opportunities, Scott’s time at Thaden School and how he uses storytelling to inspire the next generation of riders.
Show Notes
(0:56) Introducing Scott Fitzgerald and His Passion for Mountain Biking
(9:14) How Buddy Pegs is Shaping the Future
(17:29) Bentonville’s Unique Cycling Opportunities
(26:03) Scott’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(28:46) Thaden School
(33:14) How Scott Uses Storytelling to Get Kids on Bikes
(38:28) Light-Hearted Questions
(44:18) Advice Questions
(48:18) Connecting with Scott and Buddy Pegs
(49:49) Closing Thoughts
Links
Bentonville Economic Development
Scott Fitzgerald, [email protected]
Quotes
“It really dawned on me when we were thinking about why we want to get more families on bikes and more kids on bikes. It’s all in the vein of trying to help make the world a better place for future generations. And we believe really strongly that kids who grow up with a close connection to the outdoors and a close connection to their family become the leaders we want to see in the future. They’re the citizens we want to see in the future. They’re the neighbors we want to have in the future.” - Scott Fitzgerald, (9:55)
“We immediately started to get connected to people here [in Bentonville] who would lean in and listen to what we were saying and be excited about it, and then give us five more names of people we should talk to. And then I’d text those people, and they would text back, and then we’d be having coffee the next day...If you need help here in Bentonville—especially from an entrepreneur standpoint—the help is there, and people will take your call, and they’ll meet you for a coffee and give you advice.” - Scott Fitzgerald, (18:55)
“We realized through so many of those conversations that we really needed a foundation for programming to get kids on bikes. So Buddy Pegs does have the storytelling and media side of it, and it has the direct programming side of it.” - Scott Fitzgerald, (37:10)
From the State Capital to the Mountain Biking Capital: Greater Bentonville's Role in Arkansas's Growth and Prosperity with Secretary Hugh McDonald
The Bentonville Beacon
10/23/23 • 46 min
Summary
On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Arkansas Department of Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald for a fascinating conversation about the state’s economic growth initiatives and the role Greater Bentonville plays in the state’s success. The Arkansas Department of Commerce’s mission is to champion economic opportunities through strategic initiatives and an equitable regulatory environment that attracts and grows businesses, safeguards consumers, enhances workforce quality and energizes the state’s infrastructure, creating a better quality of life in Arkansas. Throughout the episode, James and Secretary McDonald discuss Arkansas’s diverse economy, the importance of supporting its small businesses and entrepreneurs, the state’s booming outdoor recreation industry and much more.
Show Notes
(0:57) Introducing Arkansas Department of Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald
(3:23) Arkansas’s Diverse Economy
(6:43) How Bentonville Can Inspire the Rest of Arkansas
(9:28) Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship in Arkansas
(15:14) Arkansas’s Booming Outdoor Sector
(19:25) Workforce Development
(23:00) Economic Development Initiatives across the State
(26:17) Creating a Unified, Prosperous Arkansas
(31:38) Secretary McDonald’s #Because Bentonville Story
(34:12) Closing Questions
Links
Bentonville Economic Development
Arkansas Department of Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald
Arkansas Department of Commerce
Quotes
“If you look around the state [at] all the activity that’s been happening. Northwest Arkansas—it’s been a twenty-plus year phenomenal story of growth, from Fortune 500 companies entrepreneurs.” - Arkansas Department of Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald, (5:21)
“Quality of life is just as important to be able to attract the right kind of talent, no matter where you are in the state. And I think the Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas [area] probably recognized that sooner than most folks in Arkansas. People talked about it all over the state, but you guys actually did it and made it a concerted strategy and put a lot of resources behind it.” - Arkansas Department of Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald, (7:46)
“I’ve always supported regionalism. Whether you’re in Little Rock, Northwest Arkansas or Northeast Arkansas, you cannot do economic development right if you’re focused on your boundaries.” - Arkansas Department of Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald, (26:57)
“Let’s try to bring down our barriers. Don’t get sidetracked with artificial boundaries, but break down silos. Work together in a partnership. Find, collaborate and solve big problems. You just can’t solve big problems if you’re doing it by yourself. You’ve got to find partners to do big things.” - Arkansas Department of Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald, (37:05)
Shifting Gears: Living Life By Bike with Tom McMullen and Rapha
The Bentonville Beacon
10/16/23 • 31 min
Summary
On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell sits down with Tom McMullen for a rousing conversation about Rapha’s role in Bentonville’s exceptional bike culture. Tom is the Managing Director for North America at Rapha, the world’s finest cycling clothing brand, which relocated its North American headquarters from Portland, Oregon, to Bentonville, Arkansas, a few years ago. Throughout the episode, Tom and James discuss Tom’s recent move from London to Bentonville, Rapha’s expansion into mountain bike apparel and living life by bike in Bentonville.
Show Notes
(0:53) Introducing Tom McMullen and Rapha
(4:38) Living Life by Bike in Bentonville
(7:18) Rule of Three
(11:50) Tom’s Impression of Bentonville
(17:55) Tom’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(20:00) Tom’s NWA Favorites
(23:34) Rapha’s Future
(25:18) The Importance of Visiting Bentonville
(27:39) Light-Hearted Questions
(29:38) Closing Thoughts
Links
Bentonville Economic Development
Quotes
“Bentonville is a manifestation of living life by bike...I’ve visited Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Berlin, and then after that, [it’s] probably Bentonville in terms of cities that you genuinely live life by bike. And that’s about recreation, but [it’s] also about transport, leisure with family and friends, and being able to get around. It’s a blueprint in my eyes for mobility and society going forward—that the bike becomes a key component for getting around, for having fun and living everyday life.” - Tom McMullen, (4:52)
“Someone moved from Los Angeles and said that there’s more going on from an investment point of view in Bentonville than there is in other cities around the world. So I think it’s been a pleasant surprise [to] me that it’s not just a sleepy town. In Northwest Arkansas, there’s loads going on, and it’s very diverse, which has been amazing.” - Tom McMullen, (12:33)
Healthcare’s Frontier: Attracting Global Medical Innovations with Jeff Stinson and HealthTech Arkansas
The Bentonville Beacon
10/02/23 • 46 min
Summary
In this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Jeff Stinson for a compelling conversation about Bentonville’s unique culture and how it helps businesses thrive. Jeff is the Director of HealthTech Arkansas, which is driving innovation for Arkansas health systems through internal innovation programming and accelerators for medtech, healthtech and therapeutics that attract accomplished startup founders from around the world. A long-time leader in the Arkansas entrepreneurial ecosystem, Jeff recently relocated to Bentonville, where he gets to live, in his words, a charmed day-to-day experience. Throughout the episode, James and Jeff discuss how HealthTech Arkansas is facilitating healthcare innovation by focusing on clinical engagement, Northwest Arkansas’s rising whole health sector and Jeff’s life transformation in Bentonville.
Show Notes
(0:54) Introducing Jeff Stinson and His Connection to Bentonville
(4:41) HealthTech Arkansas: An Innovation Catalyst
(11:21) The Benefits of a Virtual Accelerator
(13:32) BioAR and SymBiosis’s Affect on Bentonville
(16:37) HealthTech Arkansas Success Stories
(18:59) The Benefits of Being in Bentonville
(27:39) Jeff’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(31:34) Fun Questions with Jeff
(36:03) The Future of Healthcare Innovation
(42:31) What’s Next for HealthTech Arkansas?
Links
Bentonville Economic Development
Quotes
“The thing that makes us different is that we built our entire program around clinical engagement. So we think we are one of, if not the only, program in the country that guarantees hospital pilot projects and clinical trials for startup companies.” - Jeff Stinson, (5:25)
“We present [our cohort] to our clinical trial sites here in the state of Arkansas and facilitate those clinical trials, and really it’s a great way for us to bring these advanced therapeutics into the state...Too many times, when Arkansans want to participate in these advanced clinical trials, they have to go get on a plane and go to Houston or Dallas or Chicago. So to the extent we can bring more of those into the state, we’re increasing access to care for Arkansans.” - Jeff Stinson, (10:24)
“What I have found moving to Northwest Arkansas...the accessibility is unbelievable. The people that I can meet with and talk to here who are in a position to move the needle for us—there’s no way you could have better access than you can in Northwest Arkansas to people who can make a difference in what you’re doing.” - Jeff Stinson, (20:35)
“[Moving to Downtown Bentonville] has been the most transformative thing in my life. I feel like when I walk outside every day, people sprinkle fairy dust over my head. It’s just a charmed day-to-day existence. ” - Jeff Stinson, (23:30)
“[Bentonville] could not be a more magical place. The friends I’ve made here in four or five months—it’s just fantastic...It’s just a really great place to embed yourself in the social scene, meet people and make friendships.” - Jeff Stinson, (29:47)
Creating a More Sustainable Future in Cycling with Gnargo Bike Co.
The Bentonville Beacon
09/18/23 • 55 min
Summary
In this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell sits down with Elysia Contreras Springer and Zach Springer for an inspiring conversation about Gnargo Bike Co., which they founded in 2022. Gnargo Bike Co. is a trailblazing e-bike startup that seamlessly blends the charm of classic frames with modern electric functionality. The brand is reviving the timeless allure of vintage bikes, transforming them into state-of-the-art electric cargo bikes, while maintaining a commitment to a regenerative supply chain and prioritizing upcycling and sustainability. With a mission rooted in reducing waste, celebrating nostalgia and promoting eco-conscious transportation, Gnargo Bike Co. is more than a brand—it’s a movement towards a more sustainable future in cycling. Throughout the episode, the trio discusses Gnargo’s innovative and sustainable business model, the benefits of living and working in Bentonville, and Zach and Elysia’s experience with local entrepreneur support organizations, including the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP), Builders+Backers Northwest Arkansas and more.
Show Notes
Timestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.
(0:56) Introducing Zach Springer and Elysia Contreras Springer
(10:51) Gnargo Bike Co. and Collaborating with 816 Bike Collective and Pedal It Forward
(15:45) Operating a Family Business
(18:50) Zach and Elysia’s Experience with GORP and Builders + Backers NWA
(30:43) Bentonville’s Booming Outdoor Recreation Industry
(33:33) Zach’s Advice to Business Leaders Considering Bentonville
(35:40) Balancing Work and Play in Bentonville
(38:01) #BecauseBentonville Stories
(42:43) Connecting with Gnargo Bike Co. and Other Fun Questions
(48:27) The Importance of the Circular Supply Chain
(53:23) Closing Thoughts
Links
Bentonville Economic Development
Quotes
“Within each of these community bike shops is access to a really deep part of these areas in the United States where it’s not the people that you might find at your normal bike shop, but it’s the people that are truly the advocates of cycling. And if we can have those people as the Gnargo advocates throughout the United States, it fosters this grassroots mentality that we’ve started here...” - Zach Springer, (14:33)
“The first thing to think about when coming to Bentonville is to be humble and kind. I always listen first, and I think, with a place like Bentonville, where you have so many passionate people, both with their careers [and hobbies]—as a business leader, it’s really important to hear from those customers before we go in with any kind of ego or something like that.” - Zach Springer, (33:53)
“It’s more like an all-around experience of going through the town on a bike and [seeing] so many familiar faces...I have never lived anywhere that has had that before. I’ve lived in a lot bigger metropolitan areas where the density [makes it] hard to know people everywhere you go...But people are out and engaged in their community, and I love that about Bentonville, and that’s so much of what makes it attainable, too, because you are part of the community that you are building.” - Elysia Contreras Springer, (38:31)
Exploring Bentonville, One of the Fastest Growing Cities in America, with Mayor Stephanie Orman
The Bentonville Beacon
09/05/23 • 38 min
Summary
On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell engages in a lively conversation with Bentonville’s Mayor, Stephanie Orman. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville seamlessly blends its global prominence with the charm of a welcoming, tight-knit community. As Bentonville celebrates its 150th anniversary, its unwavering commitment remains–fostering progressive growth while continuing to uphold and further elevate its high quality of life.
Recognized as one of America’s fastest growing and most dynamic cities, Bentonville is distinguished as the cradle of Walmart – the world’s largest retailer and Fortune 1. Additionally, Bentonville and the broader Northwest Arkansas region are home to over 1,400 corporate offices, encompassing every recognizable retail brand. Remarkably, the area also boasts a presence of roughly 400 of the Fortune 500. Yet, the heart of the business community remains with small businesses, complemented by a thriving startup ecosystem.
Among its gems, Bentonville proudly hosts the internationally renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, breathtaking natural scenery and an extensive network of trails that have solidified its title as Mountain Biking Capital of the World. Join James and Mayor Orman as they delve into Bentonville’s exceptional lifestyle, its unparalleled global ties and community ethos that shapes Bentonville into a wonderful place to live, work and play.
Thanks for tuning in!
#Bentonville150
Show Notes
Timestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.
(0:58) Introduction to Mayor Stephanie Orman
(4:06) From City Council to Mayor
(6:32) Bentonville’s Remarkable Growth
(12:37) Bentonville’s Future Growth Plans
(14:41) Making Bentonville’s Growth Sustainable
(17:00) The Welcomeness of the Bentonville Community
(27:37) #BecauseBentonville Story
(30:50) Stephanie’s Favorite Thing about Being Mayor
(35:49) Closing Question
Links
Bentonville Economic Development
Quotes
“We find a way to make it happen. And it’s not just city government, we work with a lot of entities, but we have an amazing community here, and amazing partnerships that keep things going and moving. And when we see a roadblock, we figure out how to make it work.” - Mayor Stephanie Orman, (8:02)
“We have so much desire in our community to make the quality of life as high as it can be. We have the opportunity to seek some of those partnerships. So that’s really how we’re able to produce the type of projects within the city that you see.” - Mayor Stephanie Orman, (13:43)
“When people ask, what’s the secret sauce of Bentonville? I say it’s that we don’t just rely on the city government when we have a concern or problem. Our community is coming together. Hopefully, the city government is a big player in that, but we’re not the only player that wants to see it be successful.” - Mayor Stephanie Orman, (15:02)
“Go on the square and talk to people that are just visiting or maybe just moved here, and the first thing they’re going to tell you is just how welcoming the community is. And that’s really nothing the city is doing, that is the message of those who have lived here forever...we want you to love Bentonville like we do.” - Stephanie Mayor Orman, (17:05)
2023 NWA Tech Summit Live Part 2: Featuring Charu Thomas, Toby Teeter, Payton Lenz, David Sanders, Clayton Woodruff and Rachel Hobert
The Bentonville Beacon
11/27/23 • 61 min
Summary
Join host James Bell in this second episode of a special four-part series of The Bentonville Beacon podcast, featuring live-recorded conversations at the 2023 Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit with the thinkers and doers shaping the future of global tech in Bentonville. The NWA Tech Summit is the Heartland’s premier technology conference and serves to enhance, prepare and diversify the Northwest Arkansas economy. Now in its tenth year, the event is hosted by the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce, and is supported by nearly 100 partners, including Walton Family Foundation, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Verizon, Salesforce, T-Mobile for Business, Zebra, Scott Family Amazeum and Arvest. These episodes bring together voices from the event to share their company’s stories, personal insights and unique #BecauseBentonville moments that define the community’s character. Tune in as we explore the innovations and experiences that are fostering a culture where technology meets the essence of Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas!
Show Notes
(1:12) Introducing Charu Thomas
(3:32) About Ox
(5:48) Introducing Toby Teeter
(6:59) Bringing Biomanufacturing Workforce Development to NWA
(11:53) Association of University Research Parks 2024 International Conference in Bentonville
(17:00) Toby’s NWA Tech Summit Experience
(19:56) Toby’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(22:25) Introducing Payton Lenz
(23:38) About Ledger
(27:14) Payton’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(29:41) Introducing David Sanders
(30:53) About EconoVention
(33:30) David’s NWA Tech Summit Experience
(34:52) David’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(37:53) Introducing Clayton Woodruff
(39:33) About Confiz
(40:20) Clayton’s NWA Technology Summit Experience
(41:12) Clayton’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(43:25) Introducing Rachel Hobert
(47:04) About Hivers & Strivers Capital
(55:15) Rachel’s NWA Summit Experience
(56:54) Rachel’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(1:00:05) Closing Thoughts
Links
Bentonville Economic Development
Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit
The Collaborative - Bentonville
Quotes
"When I first moved [to Bentonville] I didn’t know what to expect...Moving here from Atlanta was a leap of faith not knowing what the environment would be like. And I was so thrilled and pleasantly surprised by how kind and warm everyone was. And of course, with the immense talent across retail and supply chain from Walmart, Tyson, J.B. Hunt and the 1,300 suppliers and vendors that support them, it became home." - Charu Thomas, (3:32)
“Next year, Bentonville and Fayetteville are going to host The Association of University Research Parks International Convention...This is an opportunity for The University of Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas to show out and discuss best practices when you’re talking about creating a place where innovation happens. There’s a special thing happening in Northwest Arkansas and the world is starting to understand what’s happening here.” - Toby Teether, (12:11)
“It’s a [Bentonville] community hub, right? It’s not just an office building. It’s not just a meeting location. Not just an event space. It’s a space where people can truly come and gather and be part of something bigger than themselves. And that goes back to what Ledger is solving. It’s this whole ecosystem around bringing the community in, but also pushing people out into the community as well. So it creates this nice little ecosystem of these casual collisions and these companies being created.” - Payton Lenz, (23:45)
“I really like the feel of Bentonville, the attitude of the people and the flavor. And I’m sure this year’s [Northwest Arkansas Tech Summit] is going to be exp...
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The Bentonville Beacon currently has 124 episodes available.
What topics does The Bentonville Beacon cover?
The podcast is about Entrepreneurship, Business Management, Startup, Podcasts and Business.
What is the most popular episode on The Bentonville Beacon?
The episode title 'Cultivating Access to Opportunities with Robert Burns of the Walton Family Foundation' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Bentonville Beacon?
The average episode length on The Bentonville Beacon is 44 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Bentonville Beacon released?
Episodes of The Bentonville Beacon are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Bentonville Beacon?
The first episode of The Bentonville Beacon was released on Feb 25, 2022.
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