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Larry Bittle 2022 recipient In 1970, Larry Bittle had the opportunity to start a State Farm agency in Fayetteville or assume an existing one in Richardson, Texas. He knew that Fayetteville was where he wanted to live and eventually raise a family. At the age of 22, he made the choice to open his agency in Fayetteville. Although it was difficult at times, he said it's a decision he has never regretted. Bittle said that Fayetteville was a much differ- ent place back when he started out and he feels fortunate to have witnessed and possibly been a part of its growth. "Back then, my office on North College was practically the end of the road, with the only thing north of me being Herman's Ribhouse and the 71 Drive-In Theatre that is now Fiesta Square," he said. At the time, Wes Gordon was president of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and spoke to Bittle about becoming a member. "The cost was a real stretch for me at the time but taking his advice to get to know the business structure of Fayetteville, and the people who had created it, was some of the best advice I received at the time," Bittle said. The Chamber provided the hub for much of what he learned early on about Fayetteville and its leaders, and he felt humbled and amazed to be in the company of individuals he had long admired. "Many of those were mentors to me and helped me build my business by steering me, shaping me, and inspiring me to always give back to the community that supports you. It was invaluable to be a part of that when I started, and it still is today," he explained. "The diverse committee structure of the Chamber provided me with the conduit to forge town and gown relationships that led to many accomplishments for Fayetteville that I was lucky to be a part of." In 1986 and 2010, Bittle served as chairman of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. In 2008, he was inducted into the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation Hall of Honor. He was past treasurer of the University of Arkansas Alumni Association; past president and 45-year member of the Northside Rotary Club; past pres- ident of the Fayetteville Country Club; and past board member of NARTI (now Hope Cancer), Arvest Bank in Fayetteville and Signature Bank of Arkansas. His service with Fayetteville Public Schools includes chairing the Citizens Advisory and Technology committees and the millage drive that brought fiber-optic technology to Fayette- ville's public schools. He organized and chaired the Holiday Hoops Basketball Tournament that began in 1995 and ran for 12 years. Bittle stated that he is happy to have wit- nessed Fayetteville's growth over the years. An asset that he feels has been instrumental in the area's growth is Beaver Lake. "Most once-successful communities across the country have had curtailed growth and lack of progress due to the lack of a clean and abun- dant water supply," he said. "We must take care of this invaluable asset and remember it is key to our continued quality of life." Bittle believes that Fayetteville's strongest quality is its vitality. "Whether you are a college student at the U of A or attending a Razorback athletics event; a retiree enjoying the trails and lakes; a diner at one of our many locally owned restaurants; partying on Dickson; attending a production at the Walton Arts Center or the U of A Performing Arts Center; listening to great music from the Symphony to the Cate Brothers; attending youth sporting events; or fishing, hunting and hiking … it's all here and it's all attended by optimistic and energetic people who love living in Fayette- ville," he stated. "I'm so glad I chose Fayetteville!" 17 Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce

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