Bella Vista Business Association Directory

When we spoke to JB Portillo this past fall, she was rushing off to get into costume as Mrs. Peele, for her work as a docent at the Peele Mansion. It's just one of the many volunteer gigs she's taken on since moving to Bella Vista and retiring from the corporate world. Some of her current volunteer titles include: president of the Master Gardeners of Benton County, planning commissioner for the city of Bella Vista, treasurer for the Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists and guide at the Frank Lloyd Wright House at Crystal Bridges. Maybe the thing that keeps JB busiest though, are her roles as treasurer, producer and show host for BVCTV. In addition to being a "professional volunteer," JB describes herself as a "closet actress." at's why, she says, working for Bella Vista's community TV station was a perfect fit for her. JB hosts her own 30-minute show, "Bella Vista and Beyond," which airs the third Wednesday of the month. e show's purpose is to keep people informed and introduce some of the interesting folks around Northwest Arkansas. "What I love about it is the chance to find out about Bella Vista," JB says. "We're so unique. ere are people here, who, you can't imagine what they've done in a previous life. What I do is look for unusual, unique, incredible individuals. And get them to come on my show." e show (and the station) broadcasts from the Missouri line to Fayetteville. It's available on Cox and U-verse and also on You Tube. In addition to live local shows like JB's, there is a full line up of syndicated shows, children's shows, classical music and more. "We record the men's chorus and church services," JB points out. "We do the local Garden Show. e bulletin board always runs. ere is something on there all the time." Many of the shows are filmed in the BVCTV studio on Forest Hills Blvd., but they also do live filming and remotes. "We take crews out, we film events and do roving cameras," JB says. "If there's a special show or entertainment and we have a crew, we go out and film that. For instance, we filmed the Garden Club's garden party last year." BVCTV films all the POA board meetings, and also produces a show called Mayor's Rap in the mayor's office, where JB says she always gets an up close and personal view of Mayor Pete Christie's crazy socks. JB records "In the Know" aer every POA meeting. During the show, Tom Judson and JB go over what happened at the meeting and they dispel a rumor. e show is broadcast on the POA website and on the BVCTV website. If folks have a corporate or other event coming up that needs coverage, BVCTV will cover it for a small donation. e station is a 100% volunteer operation, and is especially in need of volunteers and donations for new equipment, since they're looking to make the switch to more high-definition and streaming technology. "We are just looking for people who are interested. You don't have to have a background in television." JB points out. "We are looking for graphics people, camera people, directors, sound board, people who are great with fundraising, anyone who can bring a new skill or a focus. Anything and everything. And we'll train you." e station's youngest volunteer is 14. He started when he was 10 and now directs several shows each week. And the oldest is in his 90s. "He's our TV announcer," JB notes. "And he has the best voice ever." JB gets a firsthand look at the way businesses impact our city, as she films the city council meetings for BVCTV, "so I know everything that's going on." JB is involved in the mission of BVBA to keep networking going among area businesses. "We try to give them access to tools to help their businesses," she says. "For instance, bringing someone in from the Small Business Association, sharing talents and resources. e focus is to lean on each other. ere's synergy there." And, JB is passionate about Bella Vista and its people. "ere's such variety here. We're not international, but there are people from everywhere. e people are amazing," she says. "We're the upper south. People think Bella Vista is a retirement community. But it's not. Not anymore." "ere's so much beauty," she continues. "I love nature, and the opportunity to do anything you want to do. If there's not a group for it, make a group. And if you do want more, there's close proximity to Tulsa, Kansas City, Little Rock, Memphis and more." Bella Vista Community Television 1801 Forest Hills Blvd. Bella Vista, AR 72715 Office hours: Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon Phone: (479) 855-4040 Facebook: @BVCTV Find the current schedule and more information at: bellavistatv.org Programming on Cox Cable Channel 222 and U-Verse Channel 99. Also at https://www.youtube.com/user/ BellaVistaCommTV Bella Vista Community Television (BVCTV): Keeping Bella Vista informed By Karen Rice | BVBA Directory 10 | 2020 Bella Vista Business Association Directory

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