Forty Under 40: Jim Petty

Jim Petty believes a positive attitude is a “must have” for long-term success. He was recently awarded the Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry award from the Arkansas Society of CPAs. The Hector native has been with ERC Properties Inc. in Barling for 12 years. Before that, he served as a CPA for BKD LLP in Fort Smith for five years after he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville in 1987.nHe was a controller with ERC for two years before he was promoted to vice president of finance and administration. He spent one year as the president of ERC Development Group before assuming his current position in 2000.nHe is proud to be a part of the evolution of ERC from a small-family business to a 500-employee corporation.nPetty recalls a teacher at Arkansas Tech University, “Mr. Lemley,” as a mentor because, he said, Lemley “exemplified professionalism in every aspect of his life.” n”He truly made a difference in a lot of people’s lives just by being Mr. Lemley,” Petty said. “He taught me the value of persistence, patience, sincerity and happiness.”nPetty is involved with the area’s Boys and Girls Clubs.