Connections: Central States becomes member of certified EO

Tontitown-based metal manufacturer Central States Inc. has become a member of Certified Employee-Owned (Certified EO), a certification program for American employee-owned companies. Central States is 100% employee-owned by its 1,400 employees.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by Certified EO for our commitment to fostering a culture of ownership and empowerment at Central States,” chief financial officer Chad Ware said. “This collaboration will help us provide invaluable resources and education to both our current and future employee-owners, ensuring they are well-informed and engaged in our shared mission to educate and inform them no matter where they are on their journey to financial freedom.”

To become a Certified EO member, companies must complete a certification process to demonstrate that their employees own at least 30% of the business exclusive of company founders, access to ownership is open to all employees and the concentration of ownership is limited.

“We’re excited to have Central States as our newest member,” said Thomas Dudley, CEO and co-founder of Certified EO. “Employee ownership changes the relationship between the company and employee. It’s a win-win-win for the employees, the business and the community. As one of the fewer than 1 in 200 American companies eligible to join Certified EO, Central States stands out in promoting the power of employee ownership. They’ve joined a growing community who are reshaping how businesses operate.”

Central States has 13 locations nationwide, with two manufacturing plants set to open in 2025.

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Banking
Jentry Jones
Rogers
Employer: Generations Bank
Title: senior vice president, senior business development officer
Previous employer: Post Holdings
Previous title: vice president of retail strategy

Construction
Chris Pelton
Bentonville
Employer: Antique Brick & Block
Title: architectural sales representative
Previous employer: Acme Brick
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Education
Alex Vasquez
Bentonville
Employer: NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Title: chief of staff and executive director of government and public relations
Previous employer: Walmart
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Health Care
Leah Cossey
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Employer: PACE of the Ozarks
Title: advanced practice registered nurse
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Courtney Miller
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Employer: Northwest Health, Northwest Medical Plaza – Springdale
Title: family medicine physician
Previous employer: Bayfront Health
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Joseph Wells
Bentonville
Employer: Northwest Health, Northwest Medical Plaza at Sugar Creek
Title: family medicine physician
Previous employer: University of Oklahoma Health and Science Center
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Danielle Larson
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Employer: Washington Regional Medical System
Title: director of value based programs
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Nonprofit
Ashley Wheeler
Fayetteville
Employer: Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Arkansas
Title: CEO
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Arts & Entertainment
Jennifer Jackson
Bentonville
Employer: Walmart
Title: senior vice president, enterprise strategy, merger and acquisition partnerships
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Organization: Walton Arts Center

Michelle McAuliffe
Bentonville
Employer: Walmart
Title: vice president of merchandising, furniture
Appointment: board of directors
Organization: Walton Arts Center

Rick Thorpe
Fayetteville
Employer: University of Arkansas
Title: deputy athletics director
Appointment: board of directors
Organization: Walton Arts Center

Mark Kinion
Fayetteville
Employer: self-employed
Title: business development consultant
Appointment: board of directors
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Hospitality
Jon Allen
Rogers
Employer: Onyx Coffee Lab
Title: co-founder and co-owner
Appointment: board of directors
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AWARDS
Banking
Eileen Jennings
Fayetteville
Employer: Arvest Bank
Title: director of community lending and investment for Arvest Opportunity Fund
Award: 2024 Emerging Leader Award
Organization: American Bankers Association

Health Care
Linda McGhee
Fayetteville
Employer: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Family Medical Center
Title: family medical physician
Award: Dr. Tom Bruce Arkansas Health Impact Award
Organization: Arkansas Center for Health Improvement