Thursday Kudos: CJRW, Entergy Recognized Nationally

CJRW and Entergy are recognized for their work in leading publications, ASU hires a new chancellor for its Newport campus, and a Little Rock construction firm is rebranding.

ADWEEK’S ‘TOP SHOP’
Advertising industry trade publication AdWeek has named Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods (CJRW) as the “Top Shop” in Arkansas. In its September 16, 2013 edition, AdWeek identified its selections for the leading agency in each state.

The publication said:

Every state has “that agency.” The one you can’t help but admire, or envy. The one where you’d like to work – or if you’re lucky, where you do work. The one that’s hard to beat. The one that critics moan is overrated. The one that, more often than not, just gets it right.

In its article entitled “The United States of Ad Agencies; Our Picks for the Top Shop in Each State,” AdWeek said its methodology was a combination of head count, notable clients, and reputation.

“We are gratified to receive this honor from a prestigious publication such as AdWeek,” said Wayne Woods, chairman and CEO of Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods. “This is a reflection not just of the professionals we have on our staff, but also of our clients and their willingness to develop and execute great creative and communications strategy.”

ENTERGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
For the sixth consecutive year, Entergy Corp. has been named one of the nation’s Top 10 utilities in economic development by Site Selection magazine.

Entergy said in 2012 it helped attract more than $26 billion in projects that could create up to 10,000 jobs in its service region, which includes Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and parts of Texas.

The recognition comes in the September 2013 issue of Site Selection magazine and online at www.siteselection.com. In its list of economic development highlights from the previous year, Site Selection praised Entergy for its Site Selection Center website, which saw a 20 percent increase in visitors in 2012.

Site Selection chose the top utilities using the following criteria: analysis of corporate end-user project activity in 2012 in that company’s territory and submitted materials from utilities; website tools and data; innovative programs and incentives for business, including energy efficiency and renewable energy programs; and the utility’s own job-creating infrastructure and facility investment trends.

“Successful economic development is always a team effort, and every year Entergy partners with a number of entities across our service area to attract new business, retain existing businesses and help companies grow,” said Mike Maulden, director of external affairs, Entergy Arkansas, Inc. “As Entergy celebrates 100 years of helping build Arkansas, we are encouraged that our participation makes a positive impact on our state’s economic future, and will continue to provide leadership and investment to help strengthen local economies and bring jobs to our communities.”

THE CONE GROUP
James Cone Construction, a Little Rock based commercial construction company, has changed its name to The Cone Group.

“For almost 60 years, our focus has been on finding and implementing the smartest building solutions in order to bring our clients a greater level of satisfaction,” said Jimmy Cone, President of The Cone Group. “Our new name recognizes that our strength lies in the group, not just one person. It’s about our strong team of experts who use intelligent construction and common sense techniques to accomplish the goals of our clients.”

The company is still owned by the Cone family.

To complement the name change, the company will launch a new website this fall and rebrand through other communications efforts, it said.

ASU-NEWPORT NAMES NEW CHANCELLOR
Arkansas State University System President Dr. Charles L. Welch announced the selection of Dr. Sandra Massey as the second Chancellor of ASU-Newport.

Massey has served as vice chancellor for academic affairs at ASU-Newport since 2011 and will succeed Dr. Larry Williams, who retired as chancellor in August. The appointment follows a three-month search process that attracted 46 applications for the position. She will begin her duties immediately.

In her current role at Newport, Massey serves as chief academic officer, Higher Learning Commission liaison officer, and a member of the ASU-Newport Chancellor’s Executive Council.

Previously she was an administrator at Tulsa Community College Northeast Campus, serving as provost from 2005-2010 and a dean of student services from 2003-2005. Her work included providing leadership for a partnership between the college and the Tulsa Fire Department for a $30 million training facility; providing vision and leadership to create the college’s air traffic control program; and creating a concept for a Center of Excellence in Energy Innovation that received funding through the U.S. Department of Commerce and recognition as Oklahoma’s Center for Excellence in Energy.

Massey, a native of Jonesboro, received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Arkansas State University. She received her doctor of education degree in occupational and adult education from Oklahoma State University.