2010 Luncheon Featuring President Bill Clinton

A luncheon featuring President Bill Clinton was held August 11, 2010 at the Holiday Inn Springdale Convention Center benefiting Economics Arkansas.  Over 950 people attended the luncheon, which net $75,000 to support economic education programs and training in Northwest Arkansas and the state.

The Northwest Arkansas Campaign Committee led this fundraising effort and included Campaign Chair and board member Jim Walton of ARVEST, and his team members: Bob Boehmler, Donny Story, Nellie Goodman, Robbie Wilkinson, Richard Winesburg, Twila Witt, and Robert Spears.  Special advisor to the Committee: Community Volunteer Ann Henry who assisted securing President Bill Clinton as the keynote speaker. 

The luncheon was kicked off with a Welcome by Jim Walton, followed by Recognition from John Tyson, Chair of Tyson Foods, Inc. and Presenting Sponsor for the event.  Board Chair Jim Fourmy and Executive Director Sue Owens provided an Overview of the organization, and Board President Dr. Laura Bednar offered supportive comments about Economics Arkansas from her perspective as a former Superintendent and from the Arkansas Department of Education.  Dr. Bednar introduced Springdale teacher Lisa Taylor and her two students who spoke about being involved in Economics Arkansas programs.   Governor Mike Beebe brought greetings and an update on Arkansas education to the guests prior to President Clinton’s address.   

The guest list included: Alice Walton, Former U.S. Senator David Pryor, Former U.S. Representative John Paul Hammerschmidt, U. S. Senators Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln, State Representative Uvalde Lindsey, Senator Shane Broadway, State Treasurer Martha Shoffner, Maria Haley Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, plus Nan Morrison, CEO of the Council for Economic Education in New York, Madison Murphy, President of the Murphy Foundation, and John Brown III, President of the Windgate Foundation.  In addition, higher education was represented with the University of Arkansas Chancellor David Gearhart, Northwest Arkansas Community College President Dr. Becky Paneitz, and John Brown University President, Dr. Chip Pollard.    

Please click here to see the Event Program Agenda and our Sponsors.