Hutchinson kicks off tour in Rogers and Fort Smith, names Carroll to AEDC

Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson and soon-to-be First Lady Susan Hutchinson held their first two pre-inauguration events in their “home” regions of Northwest Arkansas and Fort Smith, with the Gov.-elect using the events to announce top appointments and speak about his future role as the state’s chief executive.

His most recent appointment was Tuesday night during the Fort Smith event where it was announced that Fort Smith businessman Mike Carroll would be appointed to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Carroll is the senior partner of Fort Smith-based accounting firm of Beall Barclay & Co., and also served on Hutchinson’s gubernatorial transition team.

“Fort Smith is a critical part of our state’s economy and its success as a whole. The potential for economic growth and job creation here and across Arkansas is incredible, and it is imperative that we put good people in place to help facilitate that growth. This is why I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Carroll to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission,” Hutchinson said in a statement. “I have no doubt Mike’s success and experience in the private sector will greatly benefit the AEDC, and, what’s more, his perspective and knowledge of the Fort Smith area will help in achieving our economic goals.”

ROGERS AUDIENCE
More than 200 people attended the function in Rogers where Hutchinson announced three appointments from the Northwest Arkansas region, his home off and on since he grew up in Springdale. Jim Von Gremp was reappointed to the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees; Philip Taldo was appointed to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission; and Neff Basore was appointed to the Arkansas State Police Commission.

Hutchinson said he went to high school with Taldo and he looks forward to the contributions Taldo, a small business owner, Realtor and real estate developer will make to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Hutchinson also recognized his former classmates from Springdale High School who were in attendance at the Rogers dinner. He thanked them for their support over the years noting that they was still a lot work to be done as he takes office next week.
"I have to make 250 appointments by Jan. 31, so we will hit the ground running next week as we look forward to serving this state," Hutchinson said.

One of his top priorities is increased technology requirements for all Arkansas school children. Hutchinson said his reappointment of Von Gremp was made because of the critical work the university system is undertaking to expand technology learning and the importance that plays in a thriving economy.

Hutchinson said for years Northwest Arkansas has wanted and needed more representation in Little Rock, a day which has finally arrived. Hutchinson, who makes his home in Rogers, said he will continue to look at Northwest Arkansas professionals for other appointments in the coming days.

"Susan and I are keeping our home in Rogers, even though we will be moving to public housing next week, Hutchinson joked.

He also commended Arkansas' First Lady Ginger Beebe for her work to help renovate and maintain the Arkansas Governor's Mansion for public events.

FORT SMITH MESSAGE
In Fort Smith on Tuesday night, Hutchinson addressed around 300 who gathered at the Fort Smith Convention Center. He noted that he and Susan lived in Fort Smith for 19 years where they raised a family. He thanked the Fort Smith area supporters who “won with us and lost with us” during previous elections. As he did in Rogers the previous night, Hutchinson said he hope to better represent Fort Smith in Little Rock, and promised to “think of Fort Smith when leadership is needed” in Little Rock.

Hutchinson said the November election, in which Republicans gained solid control of the Arkansas Legislature and all Constitutional offices, was a message from Arkansans that they “wanted a more conservative government.” The other side of that message, Hutchinson said, is that Republicans now “have a responsibility for leadership” and will be accountable as to how they govern.

The pre-inauguration events include a stop Jan. 7 in Jonesboro, and Jan. 8 in El Dorado.