Hot Springs’ Arlington Hotel hires former chamber CEO Jim Fram

Jim Fram has been named vice president of development for the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa in Hot Springs, according to an announcement from its parent company, Sky Capital Group.

Fram will work together with potential investors in addition to local, state and federal officials and other partners to secure funding for a renovation the hotel says will cost $30 million that is now underway. Fram will also serve as the public relations manager and spokesman for the project, according to a press release from the hotel.

Fram’s work history in economic development and chambers of commerce leadership spans three decades. He served as the president and CEO of the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Hot Springs Metro Partnership from 2013 to 2017.

He has led organizations in Harrison; Little Rock; Killeen, Texas; Lincoln, Neb.; and Bartlesville and Tulsa, Okla. Through his work within those chambers, he was involved in “major hotel development projects” in Lincoln, Bartlesville and Tulsa, according to a press release.

Fram is a Certified Economic Developer and Certified Chamber Executive.

Sky Capital Group purchased the Arlington Hotel this past July. CEO Al Rajabi said in the press release: “We are very excited to have Jim Fram on our team that is laser focused on bringing this Hot Springs historic, iconic structure back to the glorious status it provided travelers and visitors in its heyday.”

The 94-year-old hotel has nearly 550 rooms and suites, according to the press release.

Several rooms were closed last year because of safety warnings from the city but have reopened.