NWA Life

1,400+ Corporate subsidary offices $ 57,911 Median household income (2019 State of the Northwest Arkansas Region Report) 1,364 businesses added from 2012 to 2017 in Northwest Arkansas (2018 State of the Northwest Arkansas Region Report) 10 • nwa life • 3.29.2020 Get Real value in BENTON COUNTY 479-273-7786 • 479-524-8400 • www.afbic.com BENTON COUNTY FARM BUREAU 1601 SW A St • Bentonville, AR 72712 2125 E Main Street • Suite 13 Siloam Springs, AR 72761 *Southern Farm Bureau® Casualty Insurance Co. *Farm Bureau® Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc. *Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS ARMLNP40215 479-273-2220 • 1-800-495-2220 Commercial – Residential Licensed in AR, MO and OK Locally owned and operated Bonded and insured for your protection The fast track Northwest Arkansas is home to three Fortune 500 companies (Walmart, Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt). Those companies have all made significant contributions and commitments to a strong future here. Walmart, for example, is building a world- class new headquarters in Bentonville. Tyson Foods opened a new technology hub in downtown Springdale in 2017. J.B. Hunt has made multiple expansions in the region in recent years. In all, there are 30 companies here with annual revenue exceeding $100 million including Simmons Foods of Siloam Springs. Walmart suppliers with offices in the region include Procter & Gamble, Mondelez International, 3M, General Mills, Disney, Coca- Cola, Kimberly Clark, Johnson & Johnson, Hershey and about 1,450 more. The positive effect of this healthy economy is multifold. The region has an amazing record of attracting, growing and retaining world- class talent. It continues to attract a diverse workforce, and a large number of white- collar workers. High-quality jobs abound in healthcare, logistics, retail, education, technology, banking, hospitality and more. The per capita personal income is about 14% higher than the national average. Retail therapy Families with disposable income drive the consumer market, drawing a huge array of retail stores and restaurants to the area. When it comes to retail therapy, Northwest Arkansas has plenty to offer in the large and small shopping malls, downtown squares, craft fairs, antique and second-hand stores, small boutiques and beyond. Residents can shop 'til they drop in a large variety of shopping venues, from upscale department stores and retail chains to one-of-a-kind vintage shops. The area is home to artists and craftspeople, so there are plenty of unique and handmade goods to be found as well. Many communities in Northwest Arkansas have preserved and renovated their downtown districts, turning once shuttered structures into enticing destinations for shopping, dining, events and more. The squares are ideal places to stroll and spend the day because of all the activities that take place there. The Bentonville and Fayetteville squares, as well as downtown Springdale, Rogers, and Siloam Springs each feature a farmers market and a host of other special events throughout the year. And, when you get hungry or thirsty from your shopping stroll, there are enticing options for local food and cocktails nearby. On the first Thursday of the month and the first Friday of the month for example, Fayetteville and Bentonville's town squares transform into exciting festivals. Fayetteville's First Thursdays are all about art, featuring over 40 visual artists working in all sorts of media surrounded by live music, food trucks, and a beer garden. Bentonville's First Fridays are essentially the same thing, but without the artistic element. Both offer kids' activities, making the first market day's events perfect for the whole family. There are also plenty of other community and downtown events in every NWA locale. CONTINUED FROM 8 2 nd Best Metro area for minority entrepreneurs (Fast Company, 2016) H

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