Exploring Bentonville, One of the Fastest Growing Cities in America, with Mayor Stephanie Orman
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)
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)
Previous Episode
Sculpting the Future: Mayor Nathan See’s Vision for Pea Ridge
Summary
On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell spends time with Pea Ridge Mayor Nathan See. Nestled beside Bentonville in Northwest Arkansas, Pea Ridge balances its rapid development with its rich history. In addition to being the gateway to Pea Ridge National Military Park, the city is located in close proximity to world-class businesses such as Walmart, J.B. Hunt and Tyson Foods. It is just 40 minutes from the University of Arkansas and is surrounded by outdoor recreation and cultural amenities just a few minutes away, including the picturesque Beaver Lake and the globally acclaimed Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Join James and Mayor See as they explore the trajectory of Pea Ridge’s expansion, both current and future, under the mayor’s visionary leadership.
Thanks for tuning in!
Show Notes
Timestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.
(0:59) Introduction to Mayor Nathan See
(6:49) The Story of Pea Ridge’s Growth
(10:06) Who Is Moving to Pea Ridge, Arkansas
(15:24) How Living in Pea Ridge Helps People Live Their Best Lives
(19:58) #LiveWorksHere Story
(23:29) About the Community Development Institute
(30:02) Collaborations between Pea Ridge and Bentonville
(34:09) Closing Questions
Links
Bentonville Economic Development
Quotes
“Pea Ridge is a thriving community that has great opportunities for growth, family values and community involvement. That’s what we piece together as our scope of what we’re trying to go after as far as vision. That’s who we are, and that’s who we strive to be.” - Mayor Nathan See, (1:31)
“We want everybody to come in and be a part and be accepted into our city no matter their culture or their background or anything else. We want them to have a place to play at our parks and we want them to have a place to enjoy their families and friends and come together as a community at our community events.” - Mayor Nathan See, (11:03)
“Bentonville has great things going on from the murals to the mountain bike trails to sculptures, and that’s stuff we’re trying to bring to Pea Ridge.” - Mayor Nathan See, (30:35)
Next Episode
Creating a More Sustainable Future in Cycling with Gnargo Bike Co.
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)
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