Link to Panopto File https://uada.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=28025261-44f1-41c4-8162-acc0016bfe55 1 00:00:02,530 --> 00:00:07,360 Come join us, explore the impact of small business here in rural Arkansas. 2 00:00:07,360 --> 00:00:13,000 What challenges would you face? Who can help you meet those challenges? How do you get in touch with others like you? 3 00:00:13,000 --> 00:00:20,640 This is Create Bridges, Arkansas, and we invite you to come cross these bridges with us. 4 00:00:20,640 --> 00:00:24,840 Welcome to another episode of Create Bridges, Small Business, Big Real Impact. 5 00:00:24,840 --> 00:00:31,560 With me in studio today are my fellow program coordinators, the fabulous Murriel Wiley, the awesome Brandon Matthews. 6 00:00:31,560 --> 00:00:40,530 And my name is Hazelle Whited and wanted to take you on a journey of the last six months of being a part of the Create Bridges 7 00:00:40,530 --> 00:00:50,760 program through the University of Arkansas extension office and also what we are looking forward to doing here in 2021. 8 00:00:50,760 --> 00:00:51,240 But first, 9 00:00:51,240 --> 00:01:00,660 let me kick it off to my cohorts and have them introduce themselves again for you and what regions we represent as we just kind of have a fun. 10 00:01:00,660 --> 00:01:08,370 Hopefully a informative, but yet a very charismatic episode like we always try to provide for you guys on this. 11 00:01:08,370 --> 00:01:13,140 Hey, by the way, it's our 10th episode, Brandon Murriel can you believe it's our 10th episode. 12 00:01:13,140 --> 00:01:18,220 Woah doesn't feel like it does not feel like it? 13 00:01:18,220 --> 00:01:23,460 No, I hope that means it's it was a good time with our guests, which I will let. 14 00:01:23,460 --> 00:01:30,900 Brandon, I'll let you start off and tell us just kind of remind us about you and the region that you were a part of. 15 00:01:30,900 --> 00:01:38,960 And just kind of a quick recap of what you experienced in the last six months with Create Bridges. 16 00:01:38,960 --> 00:01:44,000 I have the great fortune of working with Hazelle up in the Ozark foothills, 17 00:01:44,000 --> 00:01:48,830 one of the two program coordinators up here covering Fulton Izard and Sharpe counties. 18 00:01:48,830 --> 00:01:55,510 It's been terrific learning experience for me. I've only lived in the area now for about. 19 00:01:55,510 --> 00:02:01,000 Two and a half years. So getting a chance to travel. I've met a lot of different business owners. 20 00:02:01,000 --> 00:02:08,530 I've seen different types of business. I've seen new businesses open even during 2020, which has been a trying year for everyone. 21 00:02:08,530 --> 00:02:14,000 So that's been really exciting. But I'm probably most excited that my daughter gets to travel a lot with me. 22 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:22,420 Who's two to see these different businesses and see what rural Arkansas special up here in the north central area has to offer? 23 00:02:22,420 --> 00:02:30,910 So it's been great for me. Well, awesome. And if you get a chance to see Brandon, make sure he brings his beautiful daughter with him. 24 00:02:30,910 --> 00:02:34,420 You know, she's what makes him who he is. I will tell you, she is adorable. 25 00:02:34,420 --> 00:02:37,780 So, Murriel, will you let us know about what you do? 26 00:02:37,780 --> 00:02:43,490 Because you're actually many, many miles from us up here, and those are foothills. 27 00:02:43,490 --> 00:02:49,150 Yes. So I'm down here in what we call the three CS, which is the Castot River area region. 28 00:02:49,150 --> 00:02:55,090 That is Sevier, Little River and Howard counties. And I'm the regional program coordinator for those areas. 29 00:02:55,090 --> 00:03:02,770 And I've had so much fun getting to know the business owners and doing this podcast, especially making our engagement videos, 30 00:03:02,770 --> 00:03:07,720 all of the different events and activities and resources that we have coordinated and provided. 31 00:03:07,720 --> 00:03:13,600 And I can't lie at all. One of my most favorite things has been and interviewing some of the restaurant owners 32 00:03:13,600 --> 00:03:17,890 and finding out all about all the great cuisine that we have to offer in our region. 33 00:03:17,890 --> 00:03:25,510 I have, of course, had to sample all of the different types of food at the restaurants that I have visited. 34 00:03:25,510 --> 00:03:30,850 I mean, you can't just go in to drop off a holiday guide and then not also order takeout. 35 00:03:30,850 --> 00:03:38,740 So I have been enjoying all the deliveries, did delicious different types of food we have, whether it's barbecue, amazing Mexican food. 36 00:03:38,740 --> 00:03:44,320 I mean, I'm just here for it all. I mean, supporting these local businesses has been a blast for me. 37 00:03:44,320 --> 00:03:51,400 Yeah, we we talked about this the. So we have the lovely Julianne Dunn who gets to supervise us. 38 00:03:51,400 --> 00:03:55,360 And I know she's not been on any of the podcasts, but I know she listens so Julianne. 39 00:03:55,360 --> 00:04:02,380 We will have to bring you on one of these days. But she does talk about when she shares what we do on our podcast. 40 00:04:02,380 --> 00:04:07,480 She has mentioned that we talk about food a lot, but, hey, that's what brings people together. 41 00:04:07,480 --> 00:04:11,260 And that's actually what brings a lot of out of towners through our areas. 42 00:04:11,260 --> 00:04:14,260 You know, they they stop and they'll see a restaurant and they'll think, 43 00:04:14,260 --> 00:04:20,470 let's try that in our restaurants tend to be somewhat of a gateway to the things that we do. 44 00:04:20,470 --> 00:04:25,120 So. And as a reminder, you know, the the things that create bridges, 45 00:04:25,120 --> 00:04:34,330 actually part of our mission is to really focus on the retail, entertainment, accommodation and tourism businesses. 46 00:04:34,330 --> 00:04:42,070 Right. So the idea is that those folks are the lifeblood of rural communities. 47 00:04:42,070 --> 00:04:50,240 And what's interesting to me, Brandon and Murriel, is that since we've been able to work together is because we have Murriel as part of this team. 48 00:04:50,240 --> 00:04:57,790 I'm able to see truly like how different rural communities have to, you know, kind of the issues they have to address. 49 00:04:57,790 --> 00:05:07,470 And so that's been kind of nice because we've always said that rural communities have their own challenges and each community, 50 00:05:07,470 --> 00:05:09,700 you know, in different rural communities have their own challenges. 51 00:05:09,700 --> 00:05:16,660 So it's been nice to see what Murriel's challenges have been for her region versus what Brandon and I might experience for the Ozark foothills. 52 00:05:16,660 --> 00:05:23,760 Brandon, I don't know if you found that to be kind of something we learned over the last six months working with Murriel. 53 00:05:23,760 --> 00:05:28,770 Yeah, I have I have a new appreciation for the term rural. 54 00:05:28,770 --> 00:05:39,840 Well, you said it's a really generic term because rule in the hills up here is a lot different than down in southwest Arkansas or even southeast or, 55 00:05:39,840 --> 00:05:44,250 you know, tucked away east over on the other side of Crowleys Ridge, which is not too far from us. 56 00:05:44,250 --> 00:05:54,180 So, yeah. Different different struggles, different opportunities, but a new appreciation for what it means to be a rural community. 57 00:05:54,180 --> 00:06:01,200 Absolutely. And I think that is the what the thing that are that create Bridges Steering Committee, 58 00:06:01,200 --> 00:06:07,020 because they asked us to be a part of the process to solve some of the challenges in our communities. 59 00:06:07,020 --> 00:06:11,730 I think that has been something that has helped us, I think, to understand that, you know, 60 00:06:11,730 --> 00:06:16,500 rural communities are different even within themselves as being quote unquote, rural. 61 00:06:16,500 --> 00:06:22,230 And so as this program continues to get launched in other states, I don't think some of our listeners know this, 62 00:06:22,230 --> 00:06:30,720 that they're actually launching create bridges in other states that we can help contribute to their process as well. 63 00:06:30,720 --> 00:06:35,370 Understanding that they have their own unique challenges, that we may not understand, whether it's geographical, 64 00:06:35,370 --> 00:06:42,310 whether there's, you know, related to environmental things, you know, whatever those challenges are. 65 00:06:42,310 --> 00:06:49,380 You know, it's it's different for them. But some of the takeaways that we have, we can maybe give them a a ha. 66 00:06:49,380 --> 00:06:53,580 Oh, that'll work for us. Or that won't work, but something like it will. 67 00:06:53,580 --> 00:07:00,050 And so this process has not only helped our rural communities, but also other states as they roll out in their rural communities. 68 00:07:00,050 --> 00:07:07,310 Also, Murriel, I'd like to know from you, as you've heard, Brandon and I talk about the Ozark foothills quite often, 69 00:07:07,310 --> 00:07:14,250 you know, what are some of the unique challenges that you have in the three C's that maybe we don't experience? 70 00:07:14,250 --> 00:07:22,380 Yeah, so that's that's one of the ones that I have found specific to the severe county region and even a little bit in our Howard 71 00:07:22,380 --> 00:07:31,380 County region is our language barrier because we have a large Hispanic population and Spanish speaking business owners. 72 00:07:31,380 --> 00:07:36,960 And so trying to find ways to connect with those who do not speak the same language as us. 73 00:07:36,960 --> 00:07:43,980 And connecting with people who have something really great to offer, whether it is accommodations, retail, tourism or entertainment. 74 00:07:43,980 --> 00:07:47,850 But it's hard to, you know, connect with them when you don't speak the same language as them. 75 00:07:47,850 --> 00:07:52,260 So we've identified that as a challenge because I'm not sure that Ozark foothills 76 00:07:52,260 --> 00:07:57,810 has the same cultural diversity in terms of our Spanish speaking business owners, 77 00:07:57,810 --> 00:08:01,830 maybe in the same numbers that we do down here in severe county. 78 00:08:01,830 --> 00:08:07,050 So we've just been trying to find ways to develop strategies that we can connect with these business owners, 79 00:08:07,050 --> 00:08:13,560 identify what they need, what they're missing, what would help them, and how we can really support and uplift them. 80 00:08:13,560 --> 00:08:21,840 And we've found that connecting with our student ambassadors, with the local college and teaming up with bilingual young people, 81 00:08:21,840 --> 00:08:26,490 young people who have energy to hit the pavement and go around and visit the business owners 82 00:08:26,490 --> 00:08:32,460 and find out what they need and then translate that back to those who speak English for me. 83 00:08:32,460 --> 00:08:38,010 You know, I don't speak Spanish fluently epitomizing mentals, but I don't understand everything. 84 00:08:38,010 --> 00:08:44,160 So I need to learn it. And I need to also find people who speak it fluently so we don't have that language barrier. 85 00:08:44,160 --> 00:08:49,260 I feel like there's just certain areas of the state that have higher populations of different cultures. 86 00:08:49,260 --> 00:08:57,260 And we just try to make sure that even though there is a language barrier, it's not a barrier to us connecting and supporting those businesses. 87 00:08:57,260 --> 00:09:01,200 Well, it was really cool. Murriel, as you were talking about that, you know, what I was thinking is, 88 00:09:01,200 --> 00:09:05,190 is that this project is not unlike what businesses might have to go through, 89 00:09:05,190 --> 00:09:12,540 which is, you know, kind of identifying what we are lacking in and how to reach the businesses. 90 00:09:12,540 --> 00:09:14,460 And so businesses have to do that for their customers. 91 00:09:14,460 --> 00:09:20,100 You know, if they're if there is something there that may be causing that barrier, like you talked about, how do we overcome it? 92 00:09:20,100 --> 00:09:25,350 And, you know, and it may not be necessarily a learning an entire language, 93 00:09:25,350 --> 00:09:31,230 but certain keywords or having some documents that might speak that language. 94 00:09:31,230 --> 00:09:38,800 And I will tell you up here, having been a transplant, there's a there was a to me, a cultural language barrier. 95 00:09:38,800 --> 00:09:44,370 You know, in the beginning for me, I had to learn what some of these terminologies were, especially as related to AG. 96 00:09:44,370 --> 00:09:49,710 You know, I'm not a farmer. I'm not I don't you know, I didn't do cows until I moved here. 97 00:09:49,710 --> 00:09:53,430 Right. So, I mean, some of the some of the vocabulary, even for me, 98 00:09:53,430 --> 00:10:00,630 was so foreign that I had to look at individuals a couple of times that I have no idea what you're talking about. 99 00:10:00,630 --> 00:10:06,210 Will you please explain that to me? And I know I'm totally city, so hopefully you'll forgive me for that. 100 00:10:06,210 --> 00:10:11,100 But as a business owner, you know, you have to kind of understand what that is as quickly as you can, 101 00:10:11,100 --> 00:10:18,570 or at least get the either have people in place who know what you're talking about or, you know, kind of adapt because that's what we do. 102 00:10:18,570 --> 00:10:26,480 So I. I often think that what we're doing with Create Bridges is a mirror to what business owners will have to go through to try to, 103 00:10:26,480 --> 00:10:32,520 you know, to please their customers. Hey, Brandon. What kind of what have you enjoyed over the last six months? 104 00:10:32,520 --> 00:10:36,890 You know, the things that that maybe we put together, you personally put together for create bridges. 105 00:10:36,890 --> 00:10:43,510 You know what? Tell me tell us something that, you know, you've, like, been really, like, embraced and said, hey, this is great. 106 00:10:43,510 --> 00:10:49,880 Glad we're doing this. Yeah. So, you know, I think this is to the heart of create bridges. 107 00:10:49,880 --> 00:11:00,280 But. I never I've never had so much, I guess, access or opportunity to talk to business owners in here, like why they've started businesses. 108 00:11:00,280 --> 00:11:09,610 I got I got to admit, when we first got involved with create bridges, I expected every conversation. 109 00:11:09,610 --> 00:11:17,520 To basically be like. We need to, like every conversation, be about. 110 00:11:17,520 --> 00:11:21,550 How can I grow my business like fast and hard and you know that, you know, 111 00:11:21,550 --> 00:11:26,640 out of this, if it's just a mentality from moving from the city, moving out here. 112 00:11:26,640 --> 00:11:30,270 But what I come to realize is there are a lot of business owners that are here that are 113 00:11:30,270 --> 00:11:35,070 just just they're comfortable where they're at and they're easing into retirement, 114 00:11:35,070 --> 00:11:39,630 so to speak. There, you know, there's maybe still 10 years away from that, maybe fifteen. 115 00:11:39,630 --> 00:11:42,760 But they wanted to try something new. Want to try something different. 116 00:11:42,760 --> 00:11:51,450 And I think we forget sometimes that owning a business isn't always about maximizing profits or making it the biggest and best thing you can do. 117 00:11:51,450 --> 00:11:55,770 And that was that was something that I was really surprised by. 118 00:11:55,770 --> 00:12:03,120 I mean, I've heard that in every county and multiple one on one conversations with business owners that they want our help. 119 00:12:03,120 --> 00:12:09,270 They like what we're doing. And some do have that growth mindset, like how to open another store, how to open up location. 120 00:12:09,270 --> 00:12:13,200 What do I do to sell to more people online? How do I connect? 121 00:12:13,200 --> 00:12:18,990 We've got other people who maybe want more visibility, but they're not trying to open a second or third location what they do. 122 00:12:18,990 --> 00:12:26,400 So that's been really unique and interesting to me because I don't know if it's just that, 123 00:12:26,400 --> 00:12:30,030 you know, you think a business, I think a MBA and it's always that growth mindset. 124 00:12:30,030 --> 00:12:38,220 We don't hear a lot about, you know, having enough business to sustain your needs and what's right for your family. 125 00:12:38,220 --> 00:12:43,050 And a lot of these folks are like their family run businesses. I don't I don't think you hear about that too often. 126 00:12:43,050 --> 00:12:49,570 You know, if you go to Little Rock where I came from or my hometown of Fort Smith, I mean, they're there, but I can't tell you about any of them. 127 00:12:49,570 --> 00:12:56,580 And I can tell you about probably half a dozen of them here. Yeah, I think that connectivity with the businesses. 128 00:12:56,580 --> 00:12:59,160 Well, and we've talked about this in a couple of episodes. 129 00:12:59,160 --> 00:13:08,340 You know, that's what makes living in rural communities so unique versus like big urban cities sometimes is that we are able to be more connected. 130 00:13:08,340 --> 00:13:15,510 We know who our neighbors are and we all look after each other, you know, during some sad times and some celebrations. 131 00:13:15,510 --> 00:13:20,670 I know I started 2021, you know, not to get into too much detail, but, you know, 132 00:13:20,670 --> 00:13:30,570 we personally had some some situations occur and the outpouring of the community of even people I didn't know personally very well, 133 00:13:30,570 --> 00:13:35,910 you know, come out and give condolences and just, you know, reaching out. 134 00:13:35,910 --> 00:13:42,210 What can we do? I had more food show up at our business than, you know, I could have thrown a stick at. 135 00:13:42,210 --> 00:13:49,650 I mean, it was just I mean, amazing. You know, Joy and I have told you guys this, you know, we probably gained 40 pounds since, you know, our event. 136 00:13:49,650 --> 00:13:54,120 So, you know, so it's amazing to. And then we're just, again, just the outpouring of the community. 137 00:13:54,120 --> 00:13:57,750 And it's it it isn't necessarily unique. 138 00:13:57,750 --> 00:14:06,000 But for us, it definitely is heartwarming to really feel like we're part of a bigger family outside of, you know, blood. 139 00:14:06,000 --> 00:14:14,410 You know, this is sometimes thicker than than blood, I guess, because they choose to be a part of this community and they choose to be a part of us. 140 00:14:14,410 --> 00:14:20,670 So, Murielle, you know, you've got some interesting projects that you've been able to work on over there. 141 00:14:20,670 --> 00:14:27,060 And I know that you've also connected with some really neat people through the podcast and some other things. 142 00:14:27,060 --> 00:14:31,050 You know, kind of what what are you most proud of so far? 143 00:14:31,050 --> 00:14:35,280 Because we do have, you know, several more months ahead of us that we get to. 144 00:14:35,280 --> 00:14:39,670 We are blessed to be part of this project. And so what are you looking forward to? 145 00:14:39,670 --> 00:14:43,710 And let's start with what you've done and then what do you looking forward to? Yes. 146 00:14:43,710 --> 00:14:50,610 So some of the tangibles, the deliverables, as we call them, that we have cranked out include a holiday guide. 147 00:14:50,610 --> 00:14:56,310 And it was interesting because that was the first time I felt like we were doing something for the business owners instead of, 148 00:14:56,310 --> 00:15:01,110 you know, a lot of a lot of people will ask business owners for their help, 149 00:15:01,110 --> 00:15:04,950 you know, sponsor my kids little league team or can you donate to the county fair, 150 00:15:04,950 --> 00:15:08,280 but with create bridges where the group that is providing them with resources. 151 00:15:08,280 --> 00:15:15,360 So our holiday guide was something that we put together to give them ideas, suggestions, tips, tricks, 152 00:15:15,360 --> 00:15:23,330 things they could do to prepare for the holiday season from a retail standpoint and be able to also alter alternative selling. 153 00:15:23,330 --> 00:15:27,600 You know, maybe there's some businesses that have not even tried online selling, 154 00:15:27,600 --> 00:15:33,600 utilizing social media to promote their products or restaurants that need to do curbside delivery, 155 00:15:33,600 --> 00:15:39,480 take out prepackaged, you know, soups and taken bakes is what they call them, giving them some of those ideas. 156 00:15:39,480 --> 00:15:44,490 So that way they do together. That way they are prepared. 157 00:15:44,490 --> 00:15:51,840 And we just want to be the group that supports the businesses. And then, of course, also I just love this podcast. 158 00:15:51,840 --> 00:15:56,310 I feel like this podcast is something that benefits the average everyday listener who 159 00:15:56,310 --> 00:16:01,410 does not own a small business just as much as it benefits those small business owners. 160 00:16:01,410 --> 00:16:05,910 Anyone can listen to this, whether they have Spotify, Apple, their own breast, Buspar sprout, 161 00:16:05,910 --> 00:16:09,590 and they listen to this podcast and they're able to hopefully get a few laughs in. 162 00:16:09,590 --> 00:16:16,500 We'll also learn a lot about the behind the scenes of how to have a successful small business or tourism draws in a small town. 163 00:16:16,500 --> 00:16:23,220 You know, all the different things that we have discussed. I feel like those tangibles have been really exciting for me because it's something 164 00:16:23,220 --> 00:16:28,050 that we can physically hand business owners and community members alike and say, 165 00:16:28,050 --> 00:16:35,670 here you go. You know, this is something we've put together and it's specifically for you and for your use. 166 00:16:35,670 --> 00:16:41,550 So can I just interject there and say we have. 167 00:16:41,550 --> 00:16:48,190 And I'm sure you all experience this, too. When we go around and people like, so what exactly do you do or what do you have for me? 168 00:16:48,190 --> 00:16:54,160 And it's hard to explain what we have been able to put together. And I'm not saying that as like, oh, look at us, we're so great. 169 00:16:54,160 --> 00:16:58,400 But we do have a lot of resources for businesses. I mean, we've put a lot of work into this. 170 00:16:58,400 --> 00:17:02,320 We've had we've had quite a few. The businesses help us develop some of these. 171 00:17:02,320 --> 00:17:11,200 I mean, we have multiple, you know, video guides on how to get setup on like Facebook, TripAdvisor, 172 00:17:11,200 --> 00:17:17,320 Yelp, Google, my business, how to manage that and use the mobile app that comes with it as well. 173 00:17:17,320 --> 00:17:22,960 Those were all platforms that we thought were good tools. Maybe somebody doesn't need to be on all the platforms. 174 00:17:22,960 --> 00:17:25,870 We're not saying manage everything, but if you were interested in that, 175 00:17:25,870 --> 00:17:30,550 we were able to put that together in video and text file to be able to look and do that. 176 00:17:30,550 --> 00:17:38,320 We've partnered with Retail Minded and had a three part webinar series on how to get through the pandemic, 177 00:17:38,320 --> 00:17:42,250 how to maybe pivot and find customers in ways that you didn't. 178 00:17:42,250 --> 00:17:49,240 You know, looking at brick and mortar and how to transform that type of retail to a digital space or even do things differently locally. 179 00:17:49,240 --> 00:17:55,180 I mean, we talked about, you know, you think about delivery, but you never think about your local boutique making deliveries. 180 00:17:55,180 --> 00:18:00,510 But that was happening in some of our communities. It wasn't. We're mailing this to. 181 00:18:00,510 --> 00:18:05,670 You know, Memphis, Tennessee, or to Texarkana or or somewhere way off. 182 00:18:05,670 --> 00:18:10,830 But we were reaching the people who didn't feel safe to get out in our local community. 183 00:18:10,830 --> 00:18:13,920 That's another guide that's up. I mean, Arkansas.com 184 00:18:13,920 --> 00:18:20,400 We worked with Arkansas Parks and Tourism to host a webinar for our businesses and both communities. 185 00:18:20,400 --> 00:18:24,390 And I think that's a great free resource that if you were in the tourism, 186 00:18:24,390 --> 00:18:28,440 entertainment or accommodation or even in retail, if you're in any of those business areas, 187 00:18:28,440 --> 00:18:34,680 that's a platform that's one free to use to the state, is investing millions of dollars, 188 00:18:34,680 --> 00:18:39,450 advertising it and promoting it in other regions and markets and states. 189 00:18:39,450 --> 00:18:45,160 Next to Arkansas. So it's not very often that you hear the states giving you something back. 190 00:18:45,160 --> 00:18:48,660 Know always you know, you can argue about what am I getting for my tax dollars. 191 00:18:48,660 --> 00:18:53,670 I'm telling you, like you're getting something out of this one. It's been fun to work with them on that, too. 192 00:18:53,670 --> 00:18:59,180 And then, you know, each of us are out in the communities trying to have those one on one conversations and hear, 193 00:18:59,180 --> 00:19:04,680 you know, what are the other needs that pop up. So I just I just wanted to say, you know, 194 00:19:04,680 --> 00:19:10,140 there's a lot that we've done in addition to the podcasts continuing to highlight people, which I'm sure we'll get into later. 195 00:19:10,140 --> 00:19:19,760 But. And also to access those resources, if you don't know, you can go to uaex.uada.edu/createbridges.com 196 00:19:19,760 --> 00:19:25,070 , we'll put it we'll put it in the text line. 197 00:19:25,070 --> 00:19:28,640 I don't know why I'm here saying this, but just look at the show notes. We'll make sure it's in there. 198 00:19:28,640 --> 00:19:37,490 That's what all the cool podcasts are say go to. Well I think we're contractually bound Brandon. 199 00:19:37,490 --> 00:19:40,230 But you definitely bring up a good point, both of you do. 200 00:19:40,230 --> 00:19:46,700 I think that the the last part about having those one on one conversations with businesses, you know, 201 00:19:46,700 --> 00:19:50,690 once once the business got over the fact that we weren't trying to solicit them or we weren't, 202 00:19:50,690 --> 00:19:53,960 that's you know, it wasn't that we were trying to get anything from them. 203 00:19:53,960 --> 00:19:59,480 Like Merial pointed out, you know, oftentimes we as a business owner thinks of is that, you know, you're walking through my door. 204 00:19:59,480 --> 00:20:03,890 If you're not buying something, you're trying to make me buy something from you. 205 00:20:03,890 --> 00:20:10,130 But once that's, you know, the understanding and I think now we get more people understand we're here to help, 206 00:20:10,130 --> 00:20:13,190 you know, be able to have honest conversations about what their needs are. 207 00:20:13,190 --> 00:20:18,980 And through those conversations and an aha moment about, oh, well, that's something we hadn't explored yet. 208 00:20:18,980 --> 00:20:25,130 Maybe that's a good mechanism to get information out to you. That isn't what everyone's saying is easy. 209 00:20:25,130 --> 00:20:31,880 Things like Facebook. You know, there are, you know, especially up here in the rural communities are still people that don't have Facebook. 210 00:20:31,880 --> 00:20:39,350 So we need a defined they don't have email. And, you know, they depend on on their localities, on their governments, 211 00:20:39,350 --> 00:20:45,410 the mail system, you know, traditional ways that used to have news delivery systems. 212 00:20:45,410 --> 00:20:52,280 They still depend on those. And it was really Eye-Opening for me to remember. 213 00:20:52,280 --> 00:20:56,450 Oh, well, those are mechanisms that are still active in rural communities. 214 00:20:56,450 --> 00:20:59,270 And so we we need to not ignore them. 215 00:20:59,270 --> 00:21:05,810 Is there a better way to implement some of those or maybe just good old fashioned door to door and maybe that's what it takes. 216 00:21:05,810 --> 00:21:13,700 So I think having those one on one conversations I think makes our program even better 217 00:21:13,700 --> 00:21:19,640 because we are allowed to really interface with with the business owners and find out, 218 00:21:19,640 --> 00:21:23,300 you know, really what will help them. And that's what we're here for, right, guys? 219 00:21:23,300 --> 00:21:29,360 I mean, we've talked about this. We want we want you listeners to know if you're a business owner that hasn't reached out to us yet. 220 00:21:29,360 --> 00:21:34,220 Brandon, Murriel and I are extremely available. We would love to talk to you. 221 00:21:34,220 --> 00:21:43,730 We would love to get information about your business, really just to understand more of what you're doing and how we can help, 222 00:21:43,730 --> 00:21:49,670 because we promise you we don't think that our answers are cookie cutter. 223 00:21:49,670 --> 00:21:54,980 They may not work for you, but let's help you find what that answer is, because it may help somebody else. 224 00:21:54,980 --> 00:22:03,380 So, Murriel, you know what kind of like on that note of, you know, talking to businesses and says what other guests were you thinking of coming up, 225 00:22:03,380 --> 00:22:07,940 maybe at least for the next three months or so, if you know for the podcasts? 226 00:22:07,940 --> 00:22:13,190 So I think something that's been really cool, that's happening in severe county along with a little bit and over, 227 00:22:13,190 --> 00:22:18,380 and I'm Ashdown in Little River County and hopefully Howard County will get on board with this, too. 228 00:22:18,380 --> 00:22:23,770 It's the growing popularity of air b&bs and cabin rentals. 229 00:22:23,770 --> 00:22:31,700 And no Ashdown's already got some cottages. But really, because this is such a beautiful place, you've got these lakes to play off of. 230 00:22:31,700 --> 00:22:37,710 You've got these state parks in the local area. More and more folks are putting together air B&BS. 231 00:22:37,710 --> 00:22:39,950 Right. The accommodations industry. 232 00:22:39,950 --> 00:22:47,690 So as far as future podcast episodes goes, I'm really excited to kind of sit down and talk with, you know, some of these Air B&Bs, 233 00:22:47,690 --> 00:22:53,540 hotel managers, people who run these cottages and places that people can stay, 234 00:22:53,540 --> 00:22:57,980 because that's one of those things that really people need to know about. 235 00:22:57,980 --> 00:23:04,100 If you're going to plan a trip in this part of our state. You've got to have somewhere to saying you want to stay somewhere nice. 236 00:23:04,100 --> 00:23:07,490 And since the air b&bs are growing in popularity, 237 00:23:07,490 --> 00:23:12,920 I want to sit down with some of our air b&b owners and discuss, OK, how do you market your air b&b? 238 00:23:12,920 --> 00:23:18,290 Do you have a target, you know, audience or an ideal guest? How do you get people to even know about it? 239 00:23:18,290 --> 00:23:24,500 Where is located? Do you give them pamphlets and brochures about, hey, go shopping here, eat there. 240 00:23:24,500 --> 00:23:31,910 Check out the lake. I just really want to get an inside look at why air b&bs are getting so popular and 241 00:23:31,910 --> 00:23:37,040 how they have grown and become a really awesome feature in the southwest Arkansas area. 242 00:23:37,040 --> 00:23:42,580 So the accommodations industry is definitely one I want to focus on going forward. 243 00:23:42,580 --> 00:23:50,510 Well, great. I mean, and that's I think every rural community has, you know, those kinds of, you know, 244 00:23:50,510 --> 00:23:58,750 businesses that have the temporary lodging, because let's face it, there's not as many hotels in some communities. 245 00:23:58,750 --> 00:24:01,790 You know, there are in, you know, the larger ones. 246 00:24:01,790 --> 00:24:12,110 But we do find that 10000 people or less tend to have less opportunities for like the traditional type of accommodation. 247 00:24:12,110 --> 00:24:18,400 So. So that's a great one. So we're probably not getting a Marriott in the next 18 months. 248 00:24:18,400 --> 00:24:20,750 And we have some good places. But I mean, that's that's it. 249 00:24:20,750 --> 00:24:25,850 I mean, there are nontraditional and, you know, out here in Charlotte County, for example, you know, 250 00:24:25,850 --> 00:24:34,100 we'll have spring games at the ballpark and or basketball games over at the school district and all of a sudden. 251 00:24:34,100 --> 00:24:38,450 We're finding out that people are coming in from Memphis and they're they have no place to stay. 252 00:24:38,450 --> 00:24:46,010 They have to be forty five minutes away from where the venue is taking place in order to lodge overnight. 253 00:24:46,010 --> 00:24:51,320 And so to have some of these nontraditional lodging areas, you know, kind of come forward and say, hey, 254 00:24:51,320 --> 00:24:58,310 you know, this is where we're available, we can do this, you know, for your small, short time needs. 255 00:24:58,310 --> 00:25:02,420 Those are those are excellent resources to have. 256 00:25:02,420 --> 00:25:09,320 And so Brandon, I know that there were, you know, guests that you were kind of looking at for the future. 257 00:25:09,320 --> 00:25:14,480 Also, you know, if if we don't already have them slated, who would you like to talk to? 258 00:25:14,480 --> 00:25:19,390 Yeah, so one one that I think would be interesting to talk to is. 259 00:25:19,390 --> 00:25:22,130 And you kind of touched on this, talking about how people get their news. 260 00:25:22,130 --> 00:25:30,170 But I think talking to some of the local papers, maybe a local magazine who's ever publishing and maybe that traditional format, 261 00:25:30,170 --> 00:25:32,150 maybe there's some locally owned billboard companies. 262 00:25:32,150 --> 00:25:38,360 I know some here in our area feel like we need to, I think, talk to them and see how are they working, 263 00:25:38,360 --> 00:25:46,430 because they're doing the most from a print standpoint to to advertise, you know, if you're not working with them. 264 00:25:46,430 --> 00:25:50,330 You know, it's pretty much digital or people coming to your store to get the word out. 265 00:25:50,330 --> 00:25:56,660 So I'd love to hear from a few of them here what their take is, what opportunities they see for our communities. 266 00:25:56,660 --> 00:26:02,900 I know there's billboards on sixty three which runs through Fulton and Sharpe County. 267 00:26:02,900 --> 00:26:09,730 Right. They're almost up on the state line and at least on the intersection right at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. 268 00:26:09,730 --> 00:26:14,240 They're Missouri area. There's about 8000 to 10000 cars that pass there daily. 269 00:26:14,240 --> 00:26:21,380 People are seeing those billboards and a lot of commuters who come through 412 has a number of those. 270 00:26:21,380 --> 00:26:30,800 And 412 is a section that, you know, people are it's not uncommon to hear people leave in Paragould or Jonesboro stopping in at Hardy or Salem, 271 00:26:30,800 --> 00:26:38,120 maybe stopping at Ash Flat somewhere on there for lunch maybe. And then they're heading to to the lakes, you know, over just outside of mountain home. 272 00:26:38,120 --> 00:26:44,380 So there's a lot of people commuting through there as well. So I think getting a perspective from them would be really cool. 273 00:26:44,380 --> 00:26:50,770 Just just to hear, you know, what are they doing, what are they hearing? What kind of businesses do they want to represent in the area? 274 00:26:50,770 --> 00:26:56,470 If they could just wave a magic wand and say, this is what we want to be doing, what does that look like? 275 00:26:56,470 --> 00:27:04,840 Yeah, it's amazing. I never realized how much how, you know, the impact of billboards in rural communities, you know, still are. 276 00:27:04,840 --> 00:27:12,490 I know that in bigger cities we tend to overlook them. You know, there there's so many other ways to get information in larger communities that, 277 00:27:12,490 --> 00:27:17,020 you know, a billboard, there is something that's just in passing. 278 00:27:17,020 --> 00:27:21,580 But here I have found that billboards are effective and they they do work. 279 00:27:21,580 --> 00:27:29,320 You know, I've made comments to like some of the non-profits and said, you know, I remembered I remembered seeing you and thinking, oh, this is great. 280 00:27:29,320 --> 00:27:33,370 And then when I stopped seeing the billboards, I kind of forgot about them. 281 00:27:33,370 --> 00:27:42,790 And so there's something about messaging on static billboards that are truly effective in our communities, in a rural community, certainly. 282 00:27:42,790 --> 00:27:50,400 So, Brandon, that's a excellent. I think there'll be so if you are a you advertising billboard, media print what you know, 283 00:27:50,400 --> 00:27:56,130 we would love to talk with you about how you help rural communities get your their message out. 284 00:27:56,130 --> 00:28:01,720 You know, so come reach out to us. We'd love to hear it. I think radio to radio to absolutely. 285 00:28:01,720 --> 00:28:06,910 Which we do partner with the White River now out of Batesville. They have been an excellent partner of ours. 286 00:28:06,910 --> 00:28:14,980 And I want to at least acknowledge, you know, they they helped us immensely start this podcast and give us some training on on how to continue on. 287 00:28:14,980 --> 00:28:18,970 So we we definitely another thing about living in real communities, 288 00:28:18,970 --> 00:28:26,200 people will come out from all over the place and want to support businesses and our community members in such large ways. 289 00:28:26,200 --> 00:28:29,320 Certainly couldn't do it without all that help. 290 00:28:29,320 --> 00:28:37,570 You know, for me, one of the things I'd like to look at is and I am exploring it with a company out of Melbourne is a conversation about going, 291 00:28:37,570 --> 00:28:40,780 you know, nationally with their product, if not internationally. 292 00:28:40,780 --> 00:28:48,010 And so, you know, if you're a business that has been able to go out of state, do some interstate commerce, 293 00:28:48,010 --> 00:28:51,700 and especially if you've done some international commerce, you know, please come call us. 294 00:28:51,700 --> 00:28:56,650 I would love to learn more about what you've done and how that has changed. 295 00:28:56,650 --> 00:29:01,300 And quite frankly, you know, I'm sure that's affected your community in some way, shape or form. 296 00:29:01,300 --> 00:29:06,630 So I think those are really neat. So, yeah, give us a call. 297 00:29:06,630 --> 00:29:10,240 You know, about. About what you do. We want to hear. We think. 298 00:29:10,240 --> 00:29:15,520 We think you guys are great. So let us celebrate you on this on our podcast. 299 00:29:15,520 --> 00:29:17,710 We certainly would love to talk to you guys. 300 00:29:17,710 --> 00:29:26,320 Another large group that we haven't had a chance to talk too much about, our campground owners, those regular recreation areas. 301 00:29:26,320 --> 00:29:33,190 I know we have those in both areas, both communities. So hanging from them, maybe even the take from economic developers. 302 00:29:33,190 --> 00:29:36,970 You know, you talked about hotels and people coming. 303 00:29:36,970 --> 00:29:46,450 That's a voice we want to hear, too, because there are there are so many voices in so many parts that make tourism and just, 304 00:29:46,450 --> 00:29:50,530 you know, the regional rural economies work. And it takes a lot of people working together. 305 00:29:50,530 --> 00:29:56,070 So if you are hesitant to reach out about being on the podcast, like, 306 00:29:56,070 --> 00:30:03,940 at least just send us an email and we'll let you know if we can have you on the show or not. 307 00:30:03,940 --> 00:30:10,300 And chances are the answer is probably gonna be yes if you're doing something to support small businesses in rural communities. 308 00:30:10,300 --> 00:30:13,780 There's a good chance we want to hear from you. Yeah. And don't be shy about it. 309 00:30:13,780 --> 00:30:16,900 We're easy. Oh, my gosh. We'll sit there. Will make you laugh. I promise. 310 00:30:16,900 --> 00:30:20,530 And next thing you know, it's twenty five minutes later in this podcast is over. 311 00:30:20,530 --> 00:30:25,780 So, I mean. Yeah. Come come talk to us. You know, Murriel's great, too. 312 00:30:25,780 --> 00:30:30,910 She apparently hadn't realized how diverse you were. Murriel, you busted out the Spanish the way that you were. 313 00:30:30,910 --> 00:30:37,630 Oh, I like to think very long and all that counts. 314 00:30:37,630 --> 00:30:41,080 Well, and so we are working on a really cool project. 315 00:30:41,080 --> 00:30:46,870 So one of the things we have that we as part of our grant we address is also the workforce issues. 316 00:30:46,870 --> 00:30:55,300 Right. So. And through a survey with not only employers but also employees, 317 00:30:55,300 --> 00:31:03,850 there were certain skill sets that were identified that would be helpful, you know, in the jobs we do in the companies we own. 318 00:31:03,850 --> 00:31:11,920 And so we do a workforce training piece. What we're hoping to do a rollout, we're located right now for March timeframe. 319 00:31:11,920 --> 00:31:17,740 And we're super excited about Murriel. I know you guys are working some stuff at the with the UA Cosatot. 320 00:31:17,740 --> 00:31:23,930 And, you know, what kind of programs are you putting together for the workforce initiative? 321 00:31:23,930 --> 00:31:26,170 So there's going to be a few different classes. 322 00:31:26,170 --> 00:31:30,790 And what's cool is that, you know, they're all going to be video style so you can absorb on your own time. 323 00:31:30,790 --> 00:31:39,280 And we've even discussed possibly doing an assessment. Some of those classes are going to include, wow, customer service marketing for your business. 324 00:31:39,280 --> 00:31:43,150 I think photography for your business and Facebook. Right. 325 00:31:43,150 --> 00:31:49,420 So just learning. How the tools that already exists can work for you and your company. 326 00:31:49,420 --> 00:31:55,000 And then what's going to be cool about that? I'm so excited about this part because it goes along with what I mentioned earlier. 327 00:31:55,000 --> 00:32:01,930 Each one of those workforce development courses will be offered in both English and Spanish. 328 00:32:01,930 --> 00:32:05,410 So that way, if you don't speak, one is your first language. 329 00:32:05,410 --> 00:32:10,990 The other will be available so that you can absorb everything in the language that's more comfortable for you. 330 00:32:10,990 --> 00:32:14,620 And so that's what we've been trying to work on with create bridges in the three CS is 331 00:32:14,620 --> 00:32:19,450 that we don't leave anybody out with everything that we do if we do a holiday guy. 332 00:32:19,450 --> 00:32:25,630 We want an English and Spanish version. We do these workforce development videos, English and Spanish version. 333 00:32:25,630 --> 00:32:33,910 We're trying really hard to just incorporate and make it available so that everybody that, you know, wants to be included can be excellent. 334 00:32:33,910 --> 00:32:40,790 I'm so excited. I think the workforce pieces just I mean, it's been really fun to work with. 335 00:32:40,790 --> 00:32:47,530 And Brandon, I know that there are a couple components or, you know, groups that you were working with also on that. 336 00:32:47,530 --> 00:32:48,850 Yeah. 337 00:32:48,850 --> 00:32:58,870 So we're you know, one of the things we heard from employers and employees was that both saw an opportunity to grow and develop some essential skills. 338 00:32:58,870 --> 00:33:04,450 So, I mean, when we I guess traditionally we've called that soft skills. 339 00:33:04,450 --> 00:33:11,560 I think essential skills is a better way of putting it, because if you're not good in face to face interactions, 340 00:33:11,560 --> 00:33:17,590 if you're not good, you know, one on one with customers or clients, your business is not going to succeed. 341 00:33:17,590 --> 00:33:22,870 People will know and people won't want to spend their time there unless you happen to be the only person that exists. 342 00:33:22,870 --> 00:33:25,630 And then you're going to have a one star review and be struggling. 343 00:33:25,630 --> 00:33:32,950 But we're working on developing some courses that that help people just think through some of those things. 344 00:33:32,950 --> 00:33:39,430 And what it takes to be to present from employees perspective, 345 00:33:39,430 --> 00:33:49,060 to present the business you work for in the best light and from a business owner perspective, giving your employees the tools to succeed. 346 00:33:49,060 --> 00:33:55,570 Communication, you know, expectations being set between both. Those are really, really important. 347 00:33:55,570 --> 00:34:03,640 You know, from from training and how you train people on at your job to, you know, how you want to get feedback from them. 348 00:34:03,640 --> 00:34:08,520 You know, your your employees hear day in, day in and day out what is or isn't working. 349 00:34:08,520 --> 00:34:13,920 And if you don't have a way for them to feel safe and comfortable sharing that with you, 350 00:34:13,920 --> 00:34:16,450 they're going to be things that need to change that you're not going to take care of. 351 00:34:16,450 --> 00:34:22,360 So we're developing that and hoping looking forward to what we've got to come out of that. 352 00:34:22,360 --> 00:34:27,820 So it should be another good piece again that, you know, both employers and employees can benefit from. 353 00:34:27,820 --> 00:34:37,450 Yeah, and I know that we have one of the staff members from one of our local colleges here are also working on components for us. 354 00:34:37,450 --> 00:34:50,590 In addition to that, you know, essential skills piece, some advanced hospitality, understanding that really can be used across any industry. 355 00:34:50,590 --> 00:34:58,180 But, you know, kind of having because retail and restaurants and hospitality are they are big drivers for our communities. 356 00:34:58,180 --> 00:35:01,260 You know, again, more advanced programing is going to be coming out. 357 00:35:01,260 --> 00:35:06,790 And what's really neat is all of these programs we put together as a certificate program through Create Bridges, 358 00:35:06,790 --> 00:35:13,390 we are actually calling the program Create Lift because we're celebrating retail accommodations, 359 00:35:13,390 --> 00:35:17,710 tourism and entertainment by leading innovation through workforce training. 360 00:35:17,710 --> 00:35:26,650 So we are lifting our employee workforce as well as our businesses. 361 00:35:26,650 --> 00:35:32,590 So through Create Lift, which is a part of the Create Bridges program. 362 00:35:32,590 --> 00:35:37,890 And so I am so excited. I think, you know, Brandon and Murriel, 363 00:35:37,890 --> 00:35:46,420 that you agree with me that we have really seen some great opportunity of things that we've already developed through create bridges, 364 00:35:46,420 --> 00:35:52,150 businesses that I feel like have gotten something out of the work that we have done, 365 00:35:52,150 --> 00:35:55,720 but really, you know, covid kind of put some of that stuff on hold. 366 00:35:55,720 --> 00:36:02,770 And so we have an opportunity in twenty, twenty one to really launched these, you know, continue with these missions and move them forward. 367 00:36:02,770 --> 00:36:11,And I'm I'm really excited. And the fact that we know that we're here, at least for, you know, till almost the end of the year. 368 00:36:11,470 --> 00:36:19,840 You know, we have been told that if we want to stay, that we can and and I think staying to help you businesses and our community members, 369 00:36:19,840 --> 00:36:29,650 I think it's something that we absolutely want to do. And so, again, you know, Brandon Murriel, is there anything else that I'm missing? 370 00:36:29,650 --> 00:36:36,400 You know, besides just really wanting to cast that net out and grab people to come talk to us? 371 00:36:36,400 --> 00:36:41,880 Is there anything else that that our folks should know before we wrap up? 372 00:36:41,880 --> 00:36:46,090 For me, I'm just really thankful that our work has been extended. 373 00:36:46,090 --> 00:36:53,190 You know, I was under the impression originally this was going to wrap up with the program coordinators roles in October of twenty twenty. 374 00:36:53,190 --> 00:36:57,580 Then it was extended to December of twenty twenty. And now we're getting a whole nother year. 375 00:36:57,580 --> 00:37:01,530 So I just want to say thank you so much to those who've made that possible. 376 00:37:01,530 --> 00:37:08,590 And I'm just excited that we get to continue our work and keep supporting our small businesses in rural areas. 377 00:37:08,590 --> 00:37:17,160 All right, Brandon. Yeah. So you say, you know, I guess you hear a lot, you know, don't makes your personal and professional life. 378 00:37:17,160 --> 00:37:24,720 But one of the greatest things for me is that I have an opportunity to help build the communities that my daughter is going to grow up in. 379 00:37:24,720 --> 00:37:29,430 In a way that I don't think I'd be able to if we were still living in a larger city. 380 00:37:29,430 --> 00:37:37,980 And just to have that impact, to meet the business owners, some of which are going to be their children are going to be classmates to my child. 381 00:37:37,980 --> 00:37:43,380 They're going to be competing in whether it's band or sports or gymnastics or whatever, offering. 382 00:37:43,380 --> 00:37:47,220 I don't know what my my kids getting into horseback riding. 383 00:37:47,220 --> 00:37:52,650 I mean, there's there are trap teams at these high schools. Like that wasn't something I had just, you know, seeing that. 384 00:37:52,650 --> 00:37:58,650 But I digress a little. But I think just being able to, you know, 385 00:37:58,650 --> 00:38:07,810 invest in a personal way and in the community that my family and I've chosen to be in is just really, really incredible. 386 00:38:07,810 --> 00:38:16,690 Well, and I echo that sentiment, Brandon being a 12 year transplant to even Arkansas, let alone to a real community. 387 00:38:16,690 --> 00:38:24,130 For me, this has been an experience that I truly embrace and also am proud to say that I have found home. 388 00:38:24,130 --> 00:38:30,220 I can't envision myself being anywhere else and have lived in some, you know, in a lot of places. 389 00:38:30,220 --> 00:38:38,180 But certainly here I feel connected with individuals who didn't know anything about me. 390 00:38:38,180 --> 00:38:43,360 Over a dozen years ago. But now I've I will have allowed me to just really integrate and be a part. 391 00:38:43,360 --> 00:38:48,520 But that was a two way street. I had to do my part to integrate and be a part of this community as well. 392 00:38:48,520 --> 00:38:53,950 So I guess that's a reach out to anyone who might be looking to come out to rural communities. 393 00:38:53,950 --> 00:38:56,140 You know, there is a there is a give and take. 394 00:38:56,140 --> 00:39:03,700 But once you you know, if you're as invested into the community, you'll see that that community will invest in you as well. 395 00:39:03,700 --> 00:39:08,260 And that also goes with our businesses. Loyalty runs deep. 396 00:39:08,260 --> 00:39:12,180 But you definitely need to do your part and meet them halfway. 397 00:39:12,180 --> 00:39:16,030 So. And that's really everything. I think we. 398 00:39:16,030 --> 00:39:20,620 You know, this is what we talk about on a pretty regular basis. You have heard what Brandon, Murriel and I will. 399 00:39:20,620 --> 00:39:25,540 You oftentimes do you know, talk about when we talk about your businesses and your communities. 400 00:39:25,540 --> 00:39:30,280 It is a fun, engaging conversation about how we can help you. 401 00:39:30,280 --> 00:39:36,640 So really, come talk to us. We'll have our contact information in the summary. 402 00:39:36,640 --> 00:39:44,260 But we want to hear from you. We want to know how we can help. And as you have heard, we have a little bit more time to do so. 403 00:39:44,260 --> 00:39:48,520 We love coming up with ideas. I promise you, our supervisor, Julianne, 404 00:39:48,520 --> 00:39:54,340 always says we tend to come up with more work and then she says than you guys need to go take care of it. 405 00:39:54,340 --> 00:39:57,460 So give us more work. We would love to do that. 406 00:39:57,460 --> 00:40:08,170 But for today, this is the 10th episode of the Create Bridges podcast, Small Business, Big Impact, Murriel, Brandon and myself, Hazel Whitehead. 407 00:40:08,170 --> 00:40:13,240 Thank you so much for joining us. And we'll see you next time. 408 00:40:13,240 --> 00:40:20,630 For more information about this or any Create Bridges podcast or more about Create Bridges, Arkansas, visit us uaex.edu/createbridges. 409 00:40:20,630 --> 00:40:23. 410 00:40:23,070 --> 00:40:29,920 The Create Bridges Arkansas podcast is made possible by Wal-Mart ramp to the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, 411 00:40:29,920 --> 00:40:31,000 Cooperative Extension, 412 00:40:31,000 --> 00:40:47,334 Community, Professional and Economic Development, and with the cooperation of Spring River Innovation Hub and White River Now Productions.