Ribbon Cuttings, Jobs, Deals, Community Events and more – the Benton Chamber newsletter is packed!!

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You are invited to the following ribbon-cutting event.
We hope you will come out and support the following Chamber members!
Friday, May 16, 2025
10:30 am – Archer-Knight Health & Wellness
112 W Sevier St. – Benton 

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You are invited to the following ribbon-cutting event.
We hope you will come out and support the following Chamber members!
Friday, May 30, 2025
11:00 am – West Side Pharmacy & Compounding – Military
1525 Military Road – Benton

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You are invited to the following ribbon-cutting event.
We hope you will come out and support the following Chamber members!
Friday, June 6, 2025
11:00 am – Pretties & Grace, LLC
102 N Market St. – Benton

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You are invited to the following ribbon-cutting event.
We hope you will come out and support the following Chamber members!
Friday, June 20, 2025
10:30 am – Davis Branding Company, LLC
Benton Chamber office – 607 N Market St. – Benton

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You are invited to the following ribbon-cutting event.
We hope you will come out and support the following Chamber members!
Friday, June 27, 2025
11:0 am – Sage Health
1800 North Reynolds Road – Bryant

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You are invited to the following ribbon-cutting event.
We hope you will come out and support the following Chamber members!
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
11:00 am – Family First Realty, LLC
500 Progress Way, Suite 508 – Bryant

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You are invited to the following ribbon-cutting event.
We hope you will come out and support the following Chamber members!
Friday, July 11, 2025
10:30 am – Jenny Carson Travel
Benton Chamber office – 607 N Market St. – Benton 

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Job Postings

For a complete list of Job Postings, visit: http://bentonchamber.chambermaster.com/jobs/
If you have a job posting you would like to be included, you can email the information to Melinda Vergona at [email protected]

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2025 Magic Springs Discount Partner Store
Magic Springs
We’re excited to let you know that Magic Springs Theme & Water Park opens for the season this Saturday, May 3rd!  We’ve updated your custom Discount Partner Flyer for the 2025 season — attached and ready to share with your team.
With season passes starting at just $64.99 (including free parking) and early bird tickets for just $31.99 through May 31st, now is the perfect time to buy and make the most of all the fun, concerts, and special events ahead.
We encourage you to: Share the flyer via email | Post it in your breakroom or staff area | Remind your team to buy early and save!
Bonus! If your team ever wants to plan a group outing to the park, we offer catered group events for 75+ guests — a great way to celebrate, bond, or have fun in the sun together. Just email us for more info.
Don’t forget to check out MagicSprings.com for: Our full concert lineup | Special events | Park hours, FAQs, and more
Questions? Need help? Want group outing info? We’re here for you — email us at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing your team at the park this season! Click Here for the flyer.

Member Announcements

Is a Clinical Study Right for You?
SanRo Clinical Research Group
SanRo Clinical Research Group may have a study that is right for you.
Enroll in a Clinical Research Study today!
Know someone who might be interested in participating in a paid clinical trial? You could receive $50 per referral. Call today for more details.
501-512-2080 | www.sanro.org | 305 Corporate Center Drive, Bryant, AR 72022

Sage Health Bryant May Calendar of Events and Weekly Events
Sage Health
Sage Health in Bryant shares their monthly event calendar. Click Here for full calendar.
1800 N Reynolds Road, #8 – Bryant
Ageless Grace – Move. Laugh. Repeat! Tuesdays at 10:30 am. RSVP at 501-746-0818. Click Here for the flyer.
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Silver Sneakers – Move for your health! Thursday at 10:30 am. RSVP at 501-746-0818. Click Here for the flyer.

Saline County Library Partners with Local Organizations to Support Community
Saline County Library
This summer, the Saline County Library Benton branch is hosting several free events supporting the community and celebrating prom season.
Baby Prom: Friday, May 9 from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM at the Benton branch
Patrons ages 5 and under and their caregivers are invited to the library to dance and play together, dressed in their nicest clothes. The event will feature dancing, bubbles, a ball pit, and positive socialization opportunities for young children. The event is sponsored by Chicken Salad Chick, which is donating free cookies for all attendees.
Blood Donation Drive: Saturday, May 10 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Benton branch
Adults 18 and older who are eligible to give blood are encouraged to drop in at the Benton branch and donate and help local hospitals and patients. No registration is required, but a simple health screening will be administered by the American Blood Institute to assess eligibility.
Pet Adoption & Donation Drive: Saturday, May 17 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Benton branch
The library is partnering with Benton Animal Services to care for animals and help find dogs their permanent home. There will be a number of animals outside the library in the parking lot to meet. Adoption fees are waived for dogs adopted at this event. In addition, the library is asking all patrons to donate pet food, toys, and blankets to assist the shelter.
University of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service (UAEX)
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service (UAEX) has offices in all 75 Arkansas counties. Partnering with the Saline County library, UAEX aims to teach the public the latest research-based recommendations for family wellbeing. The Benton branch will host a number of upcoming classes on cooking and canning. All classes are free to the public and require registration. Patrons may register online at https://salinecountylibrary.libcal.com/calendar/events.
• Food Fundamentals: Knife Skills – Tuesday, May 20 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Canning Salsa – Thursday, May 22 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Canning Jams & Jellies – Thursday, June 12 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Food Fundamentals: Meal Planning on a Budget – Wednesday, June 18 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Canning: Pressure Canning Basics – Thursday, June 26 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Food Fundamentals: Air Fryer Basics – Protein – Tuesday, July 8 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Food Fundamentals: Preparing Quick and Healthy Meals – Tuesday, August 12 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
The Saline County Library has been serving the residents of Saline County since 1931 and has three locations: Benton, Bryant, and East End. Each location provides wireless access computing as well as desktop computers for guest use and several other non-traditional items such as video games, cake pans, small tools, and more. The Saline County Library also provides a variety of events and community outreach programs. For a full list of services and upcoming events, visit www.salinecountylibrary.org or call 501-778-4766. For more information about our programs at the library, including our hours for each location, visit www.SalineCountyLibrary.org.

Upcoming Intro to Canning Class
Saline County Extension Agency
We are excited to announce the Intro to Canning Workshop Series at the Saline County Library. You can use the links below or scan the QR codes to register for one or all classes you would like to attend.
Canning Salsa: https://salinecountylibrary.libcal.com/event/14490751
Canning Jams and Jellies: https://salinecountylibrary.libcal.com/event/14490823
Canning: Pressure Canning Basics and Updates: https://salinecountylibrary.libcal.com/event/14490859
For more information, please contact us at the Saline County Cooperative Extension Office at 870.303.5672

 

Bryant Youth Association Announces Strategic Partnership with Jake Arey Mortgage Team to Combat Child Hunger and Support Youth Development
Bryant Youth Association
Bryant, AR – April 29, 2025 – The Bryant Youth Association (BYA) is proud to announce a new partnership with Jake Arey Mortgage Team, a local leader in the mortgage industry and a passionate advocate for community well-being. This partnership marks a shared commitment to reducing child hunger in Saline County and strengthening vital youth programs, including Boys II Men and Girl United.
Jake Arey’s mission goes beyond home loans—his heart is in building stronger communities. With a deep-rooted love for Saline County and its future generations, Jake is stepping up not just as a sponsor but as a mentor and active supporter
of BYA youth initiatives. His efforts will directly enhance mentorship opportunities, life skills training, and nutritional support for children and teens in need. Click Here for the Full Press Release.

Saline Health System Names New CNO
Saline Memorial Hospital 
BENTON, Ark. (April 28, 2025) – Saline Health System has appointed Jackie Wilkerson as chief nursing officer, effective April 21.
Wilkerson, a registered nurse, has almost 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership roles, including associate chief nursing officer at HCA Tristar Centennial Medical Center, associate administrator at Saline Health System, and market chief nursing officer at Sovah Health.
“We are so excited to have Jackie step into this important leadership role,” said CEO Char Boulch.  “She is an exemplary leader with a tremendous amount of both clinical experience and operational expertise. Her commitment to patient care, physicians, employees and the community is evident in all that she does, and I know that she will help us further advance our mission of making communities healthier.”
Wilkerson said she is happy to be back at Saline Health System, where she helped lead the hospital toward reaching several important milestones while serving as associate administrator and quality director from 2020 to 2023. For example, in 2021, the hospital earned its Joint Commission accreditation for the first time in 12 years and also earned its first A grade in patient safety from the Leapfrog Group.
As chief nursing officer, Wilkerson said her primary focus is going to be on nurse recruitment and retention. As a market chief nursing officer at Sovah Health, she established a nursing residency program with a recruitment average of 50% of local colleges with an 85% retention of new graduate nurses over a two-year period.
“Coming back home to work with the wonderful team at Saline is a huge blessing,” Wilkerson said. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation that already exists and helping the leadership team look for even more ways to improve the overall health and well-being of this community.”
Wilkerson holds a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Harding University in Searcy, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Education from Harding University.
As a certified professional in patient safety (CPPS), she is deeply committed to ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and quality care. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Organization of Nurse Executives, Arkansas Organization of Nurse Executives, Arkansas Nursing Association, American Nursing Association, and American College of Healthcare Executives.
“Jackie is a great fit for our hospital,” said Rhonda Sanders, chair of Saline Memorial Hospital’s board of trustees. “We have been so impressed with her experience and knowledge, as well as her genuine care for people. We are really looking forward to working with her to lead the hospital forward.”  Click Here for the Press Release.
About Saline Memorial Hospital
Saline Health System, a part of LifePoint Health, is made up of Saline Memorial Hospital, a 177-bed acute care facility, and Saline Clinics, a network of primary care and specialty clinics. The hospital is accredited through The Joint Commission for meeting quality and safety standards, the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI, the MBSAQIP as a bariatric surgery center, Optum in the Bariatric Centers of Excellence network, CARF as a rehabilitation center and the AASM as a sleep center. Saline Memorial Hospital is also proud to be recognized as a Leapfrog Grade “A” Hospital for its commitment to patient safety and quality care. For more information about Saline Memorial Hospital, please call 501.776.6000 or visit SalineMemorial.org. For more information about LifePoint Health, visit LifePointHealth.net.

2025 Saline County Executive Association – Scholarship Application
Saline County Executive Association
Presented by the Saline County Executive Association.
The Saline County Executive Association (SCEA) has established a scholarship program to assist a full-time student who has accumulated 24 hours or more of higher education at an Arkansas college, university or vocational school (private or public). The scholarship is also open to graduate students. The scholarship will be paid in the fall 2025 semester.
The number of scholarships and their value will vary depending on the need, the number of applicants, and the quality of applications. Scholarships will range in value from $500 to $2,500.
Deadline: June 3, 2025 – must be postmarked by Tuesday, June 3, 2025, to be considered.
Incomplete packets will not be considered, no matter the date of postmark.
To obtain an application packet, email salinecountyexecutiveassoc@gmail.com with Scholarship in the subject line. No packets will be mailed out.
Please use salinecountyexecutiveassoc@gmail.com for any correspondence necessary for the scholarship process. Click Here for the flyer.
Send completed applications to: Saline County Executive Association, Attn: Scholarship Committee – 2903 Vice Road, Bryant, AR 72019. Packets must contain all requested information.

Introducing Our Fastest Internet Speed Plans Yet
Comcast Business
Comcast Business is committed to continuously upgrading our network. That’s why we’ve introduced our fastest Internet plans ever – now you could qualify to get up to 3x the speed at no additional cost.*
Click Here for the flyer.

Audition Announcement – Royal Players Presents Jekyll & Hyde
Royal Players
The Royal Theater announces auditions for their fall production of JEKYLL & HYDE- THE MUSICAL sponsored by Little Rock Allergy & Asthma Clinic.
Play Description: Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller, Jekyll & Hyde is the gripping tale of a brilliant mind gone horrifically awry, set to a powerful pop-rock score by Frank Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. Takes place in the 1880s London. In an attempt to cure his ailing father’s mental illness by separating “good” from “evil” in the human personality, talented physician Dr. Jekyll inadvertently creates an alternate personality of pure evil, dubbed Mr. Hyde, who wreaks murderous havoc on the city of London. As his fiancée Emma grows increasingly fearful for her betrothed, a lady of the night, Lucy, finds herself dangerously involved with both the doctor and his alter ego. Struggling to control Hyde before he takes over for good, Jekyll must race to find a cure for the demon he has created in his own mind. Click Here for the flyer.
Auditions: Saturday, June 7th, Saturday is 10 AM to noon and then from 2 PM to 4 PM
Callbacks: Sunday, June 8th
Auditions will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 200 N. Market Street, Benton, AR, in the upstairs Choir room (Please use the entrance on Conway Street)

The Saline County Library Aims for Twenty Thousand Facebook Followers
Saline County Library
THE SALINE COUNTY LIBRARY AIMS FOR TWENTY THOUSAND FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS IN PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN, OFFERING PRIZES FOR PARTICIPANTS
The Saline County library currently has over 13,000 followers on the social media platform, Facebook. In the coming months, the library aims to increase its following to 20,000 in a new promotional campaign.
The promotional campaign, titled “20 By Summer” encourages patrons to like, comment, and follow the Facebook page, as well as share it with their friends. Upon reaching regular milestones (at 14,000, 15,000, 16,000, 17,000, 18,000, 19,000 and 20,000 followers on Facebook), the library will have prize drawings. Anyone who has commented on any post containing the hashtag #20BySummer will be entered into the drawing.
“20 By Summer” begins April 13th. On June 2nd, the library will begin its annual Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging patrons of all ages to read for 40 days during summer and attend free library events to earn a t-shirt and other prizes.
The Saline County Library has been serving the residents of Saline County since 1931 and has three locations: Benton, Bryant, and East End. Each location provides wireless access computing as well as desktop computers for guest use and several other non-traditional items such as video games, cake pans, small tools, and more. The Saline County Library also provides a variety of events and community outreach programs. For a full list of services and upcoming events, visit www.salinecountylibrary.org or call 501-778-4766. For more information about our programs at the library, including our hours for each location, visit www.SalineCountyLibrary.org.

Stop the Presses, It’s a Newsie Double Feature! Newsies AND Newsies, Jr. are Coming to the Royal Stage This Summer
Royal Players
Stop the presses, it’s a Newsie Double Feature! Newsies AND Newsies, Jr. are coming to the Royal Stage this summer. Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
Audition information for NEWSIES, JR.:
The Young Players will perform Newsies, Jr. at the historic Royal Theatre July 24 – August 3, 2025, under the direction of Daphne Shoppach, with music direction by Bee Golleher, and choreography by Annslee Clay, with producer Carissa A. Lumpkins. Newsies, Jr. Auditions are for grades K-9th (completed grade in May/June 2025). Rehearsals will start in May. Absolutely NO conflicts will be accepted beginning July 19, 2025.
Newsies, Jr. auditions will be held by appointment on Friday, May 2, from 6-9 p.m. If you are unable to attend Friday, you may attend an open call Saturday, May 3, from 10 – 11:30 a.m. or 1 – 5:30 p.m. at Birch Tree Communities, 1502 Mary Kay Blvd, Benton, AR 72015. Audition material will be emailed after the audition form is received. Call backs will be held on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m., Birch Tree Communities, 1502 Mary Kay Blvd, Benton, AR 72015. If called back, please come prepared & dressed for a dance call as well.
To sign up to audition, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/JfZ388mN9YQv2g2SA
To secure an appointment time on Friday, please click here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B054EAFA923ABF85-56052858-newsies
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Audition information for NEWSIES:
The Young Players will perform Newsies at the historic Royal Theatre August 7-17, 2025, under the co-direction of Tony Clay & Annslee Clay, with music direction by Bee Golleher. Annslee Clay will also serve as the Choreographer. Newsies is produced by Carissa A. Lumpkins.
Newsies auditions are for grades 8th -12th (completed grade in May/June 2025). Rehearsals will start after July 4, absolutely NO conflicts will be accepted beginning Aug 2, 2025.
Newsies auditions will be open call on Saturday, May 3 at Birch Tree Communities, 1502 Mary Kay Blvd, Benton, AR 72015. Drop in anytime from 10 -11:30 a.m. or 1-5:30 p.m. Those auditioning should prepare 32 bars of a song and provide the tracks. Call backs will be held on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. at Birch Tree Communities, 1502 Mary Kay Blvd, Benton, AR 72015. If called back, please come prepared & dressed for a dance call as well.
Click Here for the flyers.
To sign up to audition, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/tV2X1WqkeLjDhN8M6
(Roles are listed in the audition form.)

Summer is Right Around the Corner – Starting in May, We Will Be Running Our Wet Space Walk Units!
Space Walk of Middle Arkansas
Summer is right around the corner! Starting in May, we will be running our units wet!! Don’t wait too long to book for your summer event! Click Here for the flyer.
Call 501-847-9325

Double Board-Certified Expert in Pain Management; George J. Arcos, D.O., Joins Arkansas Spine and Pain
Arkansas Spine and Pain
Double Board-Certified Expert in Pain Management Joins Arkansas Spine & Pain LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (TBD) — Arkansas Spine and Pain has announced George J. Arcos, D.O., will join the practice, bringing his more than 30 years of experience in interventional pain medicine to the team.
Inspired by his childhood family physician to pursue a medical career, Dr. Arcos has dedicated his life to helping patients find relief from acute and chronic pain.
“My mission has always been to restore quality of life through compassionate, evidence-based care. I look forward to working with a team that shares that same vision to bring that care to Arkansans,” said Dr. Arcos.
Arcos is double board-certified in anesthesiology with a subspecialty certification in pain management by the American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology. He was also elected as a
Fellow of the American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists.
“We are incredibly honored to welcome Dr. Arcos to our clinic,” said E. Scot Davis, CEO of Arkansas Spine and Pain. “His proven leadership in pain medicine, commitment to innovation, and dedication to patient care are exactly what we strive for every day.”
Arcos completed a two-year pain medicine fellowship in a military training program at the USAF Regional Hospital in Homestead, Fla., and was awarded the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal for contributions in pain medicine.
Dr. Arcos is currently accepting patients at Arkansas Spine and Pain’s Conway location but will also provide office hours in Jacksonville and Little Rock.
For more information about Arkansas Spine and Pain, visit ArkansasSpineAndPain.com. Click Here for the flyer.

Downtown Benton Farmers Market Season April 5 – October 25
Benton Parks & Recreation
April 5 – October 25 | Saturday Markets – 8:00 am – 1:00 pm | 125 W Ashley St. – Benton
For more information or to be a vendor, please contact Brandon Spurlock – Special Events Manager | [email protected] or 501-860-9063. Click Here for the flyer.

Schedule your Next Amazing Trip
Jenny Carson Travel
1. Greek Island Adventure: https://bit.ly/3FE6kdW 
2.  Christmas on the Danube: https://bit.ly/JennyChristmas2026 
ONLY 8 rooms remaining. Call Today!
3.  Scotland with Jenny.pdf Click Here for the flyer.
4. Australia.pdf Click Here for the flyer.
How to sign up: Sign up online – Scotland or Australia
Call 1-800-438-7672 with Group Leader name: Beth Mathys for Australia and Jenny Carson for Scotland
Set up a time for someone to contact you – https://calendly.com/groupsreservations and use the Group Leader name: Beth Mathys for Australia and Jenny Carson for Scotland
*****Enroll using 2 or 3 if you are planning to room with someone but paying separately.
Beth Mathys – 501-317-5517 | Jenny Carson – 501-943-8484 – www.JennyCarsonTravel.com.  Travel with us!

Saline Local Spotlight
Chris Ragan Design
Introducing the Saline Local Spotlight—the premier 9” x 12” community postcard designed to give local businesses maximum exposure in Saline County! This full-color, double-sided postcard will be mailed directly to 10,000 homes and businesses, reaching over 20,000 potential customers. With only 18 exclusive ad spots per mailing, your business will stand out—no competitors, just you in your industry! Plus, we take the hassle out of advertising by including a FREE ad design with unlimited revisions. Don’t miss this opportunity to be featured in the first-ever Saline Local Spotlight and get your brand in front of thousands. Spots are limited—secure yours today! Click Here for the flyer.
Visit salinelocal.com/spotlight for details.

American Flag Retirement Box
Boy Scouts of America Troop 99 
The Boy Scouts of America Troop 99 is now offering an American flag retirement box at the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce at 607 N Market Street, Benton.
Any old, torn, or faded American flags can be dropped off to be properly retired by the troop. Click Here for the flyer.

Benton Parks Offers Something For All Ages & Abilities! 
Benton Parks & Recreation
Benton Parks and Recreation has something for all ages! Click HERE to search all open activities.
Below is a complete list of all open activities. Email [email protected] for further questions about any activity.
Benton Sharks Swim & Dive Team (Ages 3-18) Flyer – CLICK HERE
Canoe Race (Ages 12+) Flyer – CLICK HERE
Hooked on Outdoors Fishing Derby (ALL AGES) Flyer – CLICK HERE
Jiu Jitsu (Ages 5 to Adults) Flyer – CLICK HERE
Junior Group Tennis Lessons (Ages 5-18) Flyer – CLICK HERE
Private Tennis Lessons (Youth & Adult) – CLICK HERE
Rhythmic & Dance Classes (Ages 3-12) Flyer – CLICK HERE
Speed & Explosion Class (Ages 6-15) Flyer – CLICK HERE
Underwater Easter Egg Hunt (All Ages) Flyer – CLICK HERE
School of Swim – Level 1 (6 months – 4 years), Level 2 (3 to 18 years) – Private (any age) Multiple scheduled options – Click Here for the flyer.
Contact Adam Nelsen at [email protected] or 501-776-5970.
Swimming Without Limits – is an inclusive program within the Benton Sharks Swim Team program that focuses on kids with disabilities and teaches them how to swim. The goal is to get them to compete side by side with the Sharks and practice together as a team. For information on scholarship opportunities, contact [email protected]. Click Here for the flyer.

Arvest Empowered Workshops
Arvest Wealth Management
Personal Finance Education presented by your partners at Arvest.
Arvest Bank is committed to empowering our community members with the education and inspiration they need to build a bright financial future. Arvest EmpowerED workshops give participants the confidence to take the next smart step in their financial journey.
Reach out today to tell me about your group. We’ll plan the perfect event!
Topics include Banking, Budgeting, Credit & Debt, Homeownership, Small Business, and Saving & Investing. Click Here for the flyer.
Chera Moore, Client Advisor
(501) 379-7909 office | (501) 478-9164 cell | [email protected] | AR Ins. Lic.# 20482324

Space Walk of Middle Arkansas 5-N-1 Inflatable
Space Walk of Middle Arkansas
Call now to reserve our 5-N-1 inflatable. Click Here for the flyer.
For more information, call 501-847-9325.

Spacious 1 & 2-bedroom Floor Plan Apartments
The Greens at Hurricane Creek, The Fairways at Hurricane Creek, and The Lakes at Hurricane Creek
Each apartment has a washer and dryer, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a business center, tanning beds, and residential golf privileges.
On-site Management & Maintenance. Open 7 days a week. Click Here for the flyer.

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