83rd Annual Meeting
Presented by:
Guest Panelists
Randy Zook
President/CEO
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
Randy Zook, President and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, has a rich background in business, previously leading Atlantic Envelope Company as CEO. He's also served on the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Currently, he contributes to various boards, including the Arkansas Public School Resource Center and Economics Arkansas. Randy and his wife, Diane, have three children and five grandchildren.
Danny Games
Director of Business & Eco Dev
Entergy of Arkansas
Danny Games is the Director of Business & Economic Development for Entergy Arkansas. Based in Little Rock, Entergy’s team of economic development professionals focuses on assisting the state and local communities in becoming more competitive for attracting new businesses and supporting existing businesses throughout the Entergy Arkansas service territory.
Stephanie Isaacs
Director
Arkansas Office of Skills Development
A native of Batesville Arkansas, Stephanie joined the Office of Skills Development as Associate Director in 2015 during its inception. She was instrumental in setting the mission and goals of this new agency. In her role as Associate Director, she managed the OSD training grants, and served as project manager for large scale workforce projects. In October of 2023, Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald appointed her as the Director of OSD. Her mission and the mission of OSD is to increase economic prosperity by developing a strong Arkansas workforce.
Award Winners
Joy Prater
Terry Stambaugh Special Merit Award
Joy Prater has been a leader in the Harrison philanthropic charge. Prater is entering the retirement season after serving as the executive director of Ozark Share and Care since 1993. She has served on the staff since August of 1989. The organization was founded in October of 1988. Prater has been responsible for the move of Ozark Share and Care from the Northvale Shopping Center to the present location on the bypass. Prater has taken great pride in being able to recruit quality volunteers to the organization. She may be more proud of being able to retain volunteers. During her leadership, Prater started Santa Shares, a dental clinic and the Sharing Kitchen. She is a passionate advocate for the underprivileged.
Mike Nabors
Jim Devito Tourism Award
Without much fanfare, Mike Nabors has been a leader in Harrison and Boone County tourism. Dating back to the 1980s, Nabors opened a bed and breakfast. His Mountain Pine Cabin on Gaither Mountain has hosted guests from across the United States and from several countries. This historic cabin was built as a barn before the Civil War in the Gaither valley. Nabors had the barn taken apart and moved to a bluff overlooking Cecil Cove. His love of the community is expressed with sharing the natural beauty of Boone County. Nabors has worked with Jim Devito which makes his recognition of receiving this award a true honor.
Neighbor’s Mill, Cafe & Bakery
Main Street Business of The Year
Opening the oversized doors of Neighbor’s Mill Bakery and Cafe leads patrons on an exploration of taste and smells. The made-from-scratch American breads are the backbone of the bakery and cafe. With more than 25 varieties of bread, customers can delight family and friends with a delicious staple. The restaurant has been featured in Southern Living Magazine and has customers that drive for more than an hour to have lunch in the charming establishment. The idea of the restaurant had been in Mike and Karin Nabors mind for half a century when they purchased the 100+year old gristmill they still use today. Opening in August of 2000, the cafe has become a backbone in the Harrison restaurant scene.
Tammy & Brian Lemon
Agri-Business of The Year
Phillip Brian, Tammy Jo and their four children — Coy, Cooper, Presley and Coda are the agriculture business people of the year. Farming is a full-time occupation for the Lemons, who manage a turkey farm, beef, goats and honey bees. The Lemons have been in agriculture for more than 30-years. The family farms nearly 1,500 acres. They own approximately 600 acres and lease another 880 acres. The family raises 225,000 turkeys annually. Those birds turn into 3.4 million pounds of meat annually. With more than 300 head of cattle, the family is one of the largest beef producers in northern Boone County. The family also raises meat goats.
Pippin Wholesale
Prime Business of The Year
Pippin Wholesale has been a fixture in the Harrison community since 1916. The company has more that 100 years of serving customers with exceptional service. This commitment to service has grown the company to a regional player in wholesale production distribution. Pippin continues to grow its business with competitive prices and superior customer service. The company meets the needs of motels, resorts, hospitals, schools, prisons, and many other entities. Pippin provides its customers with top-quality, brand-name products and quick delivery. Pippin Wholesale is ready to serve our area for another 100 years.
BCEDC
Non-profit of The Year
The Boone County Economic Development Corporation was formed in 1957 after the passing of Act 404 of the 1055 General Assembly. This granted the counties across Arkansas the ability to develop industrial parks in communities. The BCEDC had foresight and purchased the Fitton Farm to develop the land into a place where industries could grow and provide jobs and growth in the city of Harrison. Through the organization, Cloud Corporation became the first business to locate in the Industrial Park. The BCEDC has built a spec building and that is now occupied by Johnson Manufacturing. The organization has worked to bring Hobby Lobby to the community. Developing the WIN (Workforce Initiative Network) program, students were encouraged to select a path into the workforce. The organization donated $700,000 toward helping fund North Arkansas College’s $8,000,000 CRMI Center.
boy scout units of Harrison
Jerry McFarland Outstanding Youth Award
In 1910 when the Boy Scouts of America was established, no one anticipated the impact that the organization would have on communities. The Scouts in Harrison and Boone County have had a major impact on those they serve. Through Scouting for Food, nearly two tons of food was donated to pantries in the area. The Scouts participated in the Wreaths Across America Project at Rose Hill and Maplewood cemeteries. Eagle Scout projects have led to etiquette signs at parks, picnic tables and benches for Camp Jack and a flag retirement box at Camp Jack. The troops do several veteran appreciation activities; putting out flags around the Harrison square for holidays; laying brick at the War Memorial; volunteering for philanthropic organizations. There are 40 cub scouts and 45 boy scouts. There are 40 adult scout volunteers in the community.