Underwritten by:
With more than 1,000 business and community leaders in attendance each year, Annual Meeting is the largest business event in Conway. The event features a CEO-level speaker, an awards ceremony, and special announcements.
2022 Annual Meeting Program
Real World Conway Intro
Welcome
Houston Davis, University of Central Arkansas
Recognition of Sponsors
Cate McConnell, 2022 Chairman of the Board, Smith Ford
Big Brother
Special Announcement
Invocation
Rev. Cornell Maltbia, True Holiness Saints Center
Dinner
Romain Wedge Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette, Pan Seared Chicken with Mushroom and White Wine Reduction, Wild Rice Pilaf, and Green Beans
Lemon Blueberry and Chocolate Brownie Cardamom Trifle
CALI Presentation
Pete Tanguay, Rock Pond Pros
Outstanding Businesses Recognition
Nonprofit
Hospitality
Retail Business
Large Employer
Small Business
Real Housewives of Conway
Special Announcement
Special Guest Steuart Walton
in conversation with Melissa Dunbar-Gates
Outstanding People Recognition
Business Executive
Young Business Leader
Lloyd Westbrook Good Neighbor
Bachelorette
Special Announcement
Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award
Faulkner County Judge Jim Baker
Closing
Welcome
Houston Davis, University of Central Arkansas
Recognition of Sponsors
Cate McConnell, 2022 Chairman of the Board, Smith Ford
Big Brother
Special Announcement
Invocation
Rev. Cornell Maltbia, True Holiness Saints Center
Dinner
Romain Wedge Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette, Pan Seared Chicken with Mushroom and White Wine Reduction, Wild Rice Pilaf, and Green Beans
Lemon Blueberry and Chocolate Brownie Cardamom Trifle
CALI Presentation
Pete Tanguay, Rock Pond Pros
Outstanding Businesses Recognition
Nonprofit
Hospitality
Retail Business
Large Employer
Small Business
Real Housewives of Conway
Special Announcement
Special Guest Steuart Walton
in conversation with Melissa Dunbar-Gates
Outstanding People Recognition
Business Executive
Young Business Leader
Lloyd Westbrook Good Neighbor
Bachelorette
Special Announcement
Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award
Faulkner County Judge Jim Baker
Closing
Guest Speaker

We are pleased to welcome Steuart Walton as this year’s special guest. Steuart is the co-founder of Runway Group, a holding company that invests in real estate, hospitality and other businesses in Northwest Arkansas, and the founder and chairman of Game Composites, LLC., a company that designs and builds small composite aircraft. Steuart serves on the board of directors of Walmart, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. In 2020, Steuart was appointed Chairman of the Arkansas Economic Recovery Task Force to lead the re-opening of businesses in the wake of the state’s COVID-19 crisis response. He previously worked in London for Allen & Overy, LLP, and Walmart’s international division, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. Steuart holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Colorado Boulder and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Born in Bentonville, Arkansas, Steuart’s philanthropic efforts support his hometown and state.
Annual Meeting Sponsors
Underwriter
Presenting Sponsors
Awards Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Speaker Reception Sponsors
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Awards Reception Sponsor
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Floral Sponsor
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Beverage Sponsor
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Gold Sponsors
Centennial Bank
Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland + Legends Resort & Casino
Colliers
Engage Management & Salter Construction
Ensono
Events Rental and Floral
First Arkansas Bank and Trust
First Service Bank
Kutak Rock
RE/MAX Elite
Rogers Group
Simmons Bank
Smith Ford
Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland + Legends Resort & Casino
Colliers
Engage Management & Salter Construction
Ensono
Events Rental and Floral
First Arkansas Bank and Trust
First Service Bank
Kutak Rock
RE/MAX Elite
Rogers Group
Simmons Bank
Smith Ford
annual meeting AWARDS
An awards ceremony recognizing individuals and businesses that have made a difference in Conway over the past year is one of the highlights of Annual Meeting.
Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award
The Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award is the Chamber’s highest form of recognition. Established in 1957, this award is presented annually to an individual or group who has rendered special service for the benefit of the community. Candidates have demonstrated an active leadership role for the betterment of the community through their involvement in business, civic and social service organizations.
Lloyd Westbrook Good Neighbor Award
Established in 1973, the Lloyd Westbrook Good Neighbor Award is presented annually to an individual who has given of his or her time and talents. Candidates are known for going beyond the call of duty to help others. The nominee exemplifies outstanding public service to the Conway area.
Business Executive of the Year
The Business Executive of the Year Award recognizes the owner, executive or president of a business who has displayed outstanding performance in either an individual or collaborative endeavor. The nominee is a driving force behind the company and works to maintain an enriched business climate and an enhanced quality of life in Conway.
Young Business Leader of the Year
The Young Business Leader of the Year Award recognizes a community business leader, age 40 or younger, who has helped create a more vibrant business and social environment for all of Conway’s residents.
Business of the Year
The Business of the Year Award recognizes businesses for their continued growth, innovation and community involvement. It is the premier honor to the best overall business in Conway and is presented in the following categories: Outstanding Nonprofit, Outstanding Hospitality, Outstanding Retailer, Outstanding Large Employer (100 employees or more), and Outstanding Small Business (99 employees or fewer).
The Guy W. Murphy Distinguished Service Award is the Chamber’s highest form of recognition. Established in 1957, this award is presented annually to an individual or group who has rendered special service for the benefit of the community. Candidates have demonstrated an active leadership role for the betterment of the community through their involvement in business, civic and social service organizations.
Lloyd Westbrook Good Neighbor Award
Established in 1973, the Lloyd Westbrook Good Neighbor Award is presented annually to an individual who has given of his or her time and talents. Candidates are known for going beyond the call of duty to help others. The nominee exemplifies outstanding public service to the Conway area.
Business Executive of the Year
The Business Executive of the Year Award recognizes the owner, executive or president of a business who has displayed outstanding performance in either an individual or collaborative endeavor. The nominee is a driving force behind the company and works to maintain an enriched business climate and an enhanced quality of life in Conway.
Young Business Leader of the Year
The Young Business Leader of the Year Award recognizes a community business leader, age 40 or younger, who has helped create a more vibrant business and social environment for all of Conway’s residents.
Business of the Year
The Business of the Year Award recognizes businesses for their continued growth, innovation and community involvement. It is the premier honor to the best overall business in Conway and is presented in the following categories: Outstanding Nonprofit, Outstanding Hospitality, Outstanding Retailer, Outstanding Large Employer (100 employees or more), and Outstanding Small Business (99 employees or fewer).
Past annual meeting speakers
In addition to the awards, Annual Meeting features a CEO-level speaker. Past speakers are below:
2021: Paul Saleh, Gainwell Technologies
2020: Chad Engelgue, Acxiom Corporation
2019: John W. Allison, HomeBanc Shares and Centennial Bank
2018: Governor Asa Hutchinson, State of Arkansas
2017: J.K. Symancyk, Academy Sports + Outdoors
2016: John James, Acumen Brands
2015: William Wilson, Jim Wilson & Associates
2014: Steve Mueller, Southwestern Energy
2013: Scott Howe, Acxiom Corporation
2012: Madison Murphy, Murphy Family Management
2011: Joe and Scott Ford, Westrock Capital Partners
2010: Johnelle Hunt, J.B. Hunt
2009: Michael J. Holston, Hewlett-Packard
2008: Harold Korrell, Southwestern Energy
2007: Governor Mike Beebe
2021: Paul Saleh, Gainwell Technologies
2020: Chad Engelgue, Acxiom Corporation
2019: John W. Allison, HomeBanc Shares and Centennial Bank
2018: Governor Asa Hutchinson, State of Arkansas
2017: J.K. Symancyk, Academy Sports + Outdoors
2016: John James, Acumen Brands
2015: William Wilson, Jim Wilson & Associates
2014: Steve Mueller, Southwestern Energy
2013: Scott Howe, Acxiom Corporation
2012: Madison Murphy, Murphy Family Management
2011: Joe and Scott Ford, Westrock Capital Partners
2010: Johnelle Hunt, J.B. Hunt
2009: Michael J. Holston, Hewlett-Packard
2008: Harold Korrell, Southwestern Energy
2007: Governor Mike Beebe