Category: Small Business

Morrilton — Small City. No limits.

Posted on 06/03/20

Our vice president of government relations, Jim Dailey, made a recent trip to the City of Morrilton and visited with Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer. This charming, historic city in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley is located in Conway County, just 50 miles northwest of Little Rock and about 20 minutes from Petit Jean State Park.

Mayor Lipsmeyer has been in office since 2015 and has dedicated himself to improving housing, employment, and business opportunities in Morrilton. Some of the city’s major employers include Green Bay Packaging, South Conway County School District, Walmart, and the University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton.

Watch the video

The residential real estate market in Morrilton is booming. One of the newest subdivisions has already sold every home built so far and further development is still in the works. Lipsmeyer is proud of this small town and the sense of community it offers its residents and visitors alike. The historic downtown includes the Rialto Community Arts Center, a venue for stage performances, concerts, and other events. Their first Thursday Farmer’s Market will reopen this Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. as a drive-thru market on the 100 block of Commerce.

On your next trip west on interstate 40, take a break and spend some time in Morrilton. Small city. No limits.

US Congressman French Hill holds town hall discussion live on Facebook

Posted on 04/07/20

Yesterday afternoon US Congressman French Hill joined Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston for a town hall discussion held live on Facebook with central Arkansans. Participants were able to ask questions in real time. Highlights include information regarding the federal tax rebate eligibility, benefits available to the suddenly unemployed, interest and repayment of federal student loans, and relief for homeowners and renters.

The CARES Act provides a reprieve until July 25, 2020 from eviction for renters residing in properties with federally backed mortgage loans. Renters affected by the Covid-19 public health and economic crisis living in multifamily properties financed by federally backed mortgages are eligible for relief from eviction if their landlord receives loan forbearance.

Flake & Kelley is currently assisting clients, landlords, and tenants to determine eligibility and complete necessary applications. If you would like to speak to one of our agents or property managers, please contact us.

SBA to Provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Coronavirus Related Economic Disruptions

Posted on 03/26/20

SBA released a summary providing valuable information regarding basic filing requirements, eligibility information, and lender deferral information for small businesses and financial institutions suffering economic disruptions related to the Coronavirus outbreak. Applicants may apply directly to SBA’s Disaster Assistance Program. Free assistance also is available from any SBA partner. To find the office nearest you, visit: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance

More information concerning SBA and its programs.

COVID-19: PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE from ICSC

Posted on 03/26/20

ICSC, International Council of Shopping Centers, released a webinar yesterday summarizing Public Policy in response to Covid-19. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act aims to boost the economy with over $2 trillion in relief to individuals and small businesses with increased unemployment benefits and tax breaks.

The Senate passed the CARES Act, and the House is set to consider the stimulus bill on Friday. It is then up to the President to sign the bill into law.

ICSC is a 70,000-member network whose mission is to ensure the retail real estate industry is broadly recognized for the integral role it plays in the social, civic and economic vibrancy of communities across the globe. Currently, ICSC is actively monitoring the coronavirus outbreak on behalf of the retail real estate industry and its members. More information regarding updates and resources are available on the ICSC website.

Start-Up Story: By Design

Posted on 02/12/20

If you work in or around Simmons Tower, chances are good you’ve seen the small salon, By Design, in the southeast corner of the lobby. Cassy Harrelson has owned and operated the salon since 2009, but she’s been a part of the business for much longer than that. In 1995 she became a part-owner but sold her half of the business when she moved to California in 2000. Lucky for us, she moved back to Arkansas in 2009, bought the business outright, and has been running the popular downtown salon ever since.

Cassy is a certified nail technician with decades of experience, but when she began her journey, she might not have predicted just where she would end up. Her whole career started when she decided that she wanted to try to learn how to do her own nails. She really liked this new hobby and seemed to have a knack for it, so she began doing manicures for friends and family out of her own home. When she realized that she could actually go to nail school and get officially licensed, it just seemed like the most natural choice. So that’s just what she did, but she didn’t start working in a salon right away. Cassy was a stay at home mom for many years and was able to run her nail business out of her home. She had never even worked in a salon until she started at By Design in 1995 and just look at her now!

Cassy loves working downtown. The heavy foot traffic around the building keeps things interesting and helps her stay connected with her customers. Plus, most stylists have to work on Saturdays, but not Cassy. Because the building closes on the weekends, she doesn’t have to keep regular salon hours and she’s grateful for the freedom that brings.

By Design is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., though they are flexible to accommodate customers. Services provided include haircuts and coloring, extensions, styling, waxing, and of course, manicures and pedicures! Walk-ins are almost always welcome, but appointments are encouraged. So next time you need to spruce up a bit for that business meeting or dinner right after work, Cassy and her team at By Design have you covered.