Siloam Springs Community Guide

18 | 2021 Siloam Springs community guide I n 1949, M.H. "Bill" Simmons founded a small poultry company in Decatur, AR in partnership with Frank Pluss. In 1952, they built their second poultry processing plant in Siloam Springs, which became the company's headquarters. Bill bought out the partnership and today, Simmons Foods is also an animal nutrition and pet food manufacturer and contributes to the Siloam Springs community as one of the largest employers in the city, with over 8000 team members spanning from here to Canada. Simmons has remained a family-run business for decades. Mark C. Simmons, son of Bill, is the current Chairman and former CEO. "Mark was at the helm of the company from the mid- 70s through 2012, and made an incredible impact on the Company's history, growth and its many contributions to the community," said Julie Maus, Director of Communications. Todd Simmons, son of Mark and grandson of Bill, joined the company in 1990 and now serves as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Vice Chairman. Since 1990, Todd has worked in various capacities of increasing responsibility throughout the company. As CEO, Todd recently guided the company through the largest expansion in its history, including a $300 million poultry production facility and a $60 million pet food operation. A Rich History and Culture "My grandfather's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation set a course that we continue on today," Todd says of his grandfather. "We are proud to carry on his legacy by building strong relationships through the business of making food for families and the pets we love." What started out as a poultry processing company began its evolution into a pet nutrition/food manufacturer as well when Bill, widely known as an innovator, had a mission to use the entire chicken, not just parts. In the spirit of waste not want not, he tried canning the entire chicken, but when that didn't end up panning out, he realized the rest of the chicken could be used to make pet food. is also allowed him to repurpose the canning equipment. Giving Back One of the many facets of the company that Todd is most proud of is the company's culture. "Our first value is to Put People First. When we take care of each other – with healthcare, education and job opportunities – we're enhancing the quality of life in our communities and supporting the local economy," he said. Healthcare One exceptional - and uncommon - aspect of Simmons as a company is that they provide comprehensive access to healthcare for its team members and their families through a network of Care Clinics, established in 2007. According to Julie Maus, the Simmons vision is "to improve the health and happiness of our team members through affordable, high-quality healthcare. On-site physicians, licensed nurses and x-ray technicians provide care at no cost to covered Simmons team members and their families." During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Care Clinics have proved especially beneficial. ey have provided no-cost access to testing and soon, vaccinations for team members. "Providing for the health and safety of our team members is always a top priority for us, but this year it's been more important than ever," Todd states. "[Our] Care Clinic right here in Siloam is dedicated to caring for our team members and their families. It's a benefit that makes us unique as an employer and one we're very proud of." Simmons also gave back through food donations. In addition to various community donations during the pandemic this past year, Simmons provided over 200,000 meals to team members over several months. ey also recognized their employees as essential workers by sending them home with 10-pound boxes of chicken, giving away 350,000 pounds. "When families come together around the dinner table with nutritious Simmons chicken, we're fulfilling the purpose of building strong relationships through food," Todd noted. Education Yet another way Simmons gives back is through education, via scholarships for its employees' children. In 1979, Mark Simmons created a memorial scholarship in his father's name, the M.H. "Bill" Simmons Memorial Scholarship Program, which over its history has awarded more than $1.2 million in assistance. e program is open to qualifying graduating seniors who plan to pursue vocational training or attend college aer high school graduation. Simmons also has strong relationships with local schools and universities. Simmons Foods: Re-investing in the community | By Rhonda Baber-Crone Founder W.H. "Bill" Simmons. (Courtesy photo)

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