P.O. Box 3447
Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone (501) 682-4230
Contact Us
P.O. Box 3447
Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone (501) 682-4230
Contact Us
2026 LIFE Honorees

2026 Leadership in Free Enterprise Awards

Economics Arkansas will present the 2026 Leadership in Free Enterprise Awards to Walter E. Hussman, Jr. and R. Madison Murphy on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The award honors those who contribute to and promote success in the free-enterprise system.  

 

photo of Jimmy Moses

Walter E. Hussman, Jr.

Chairman, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; Chairman WEHCO Media, Inc.

Walter E. Hussman, Jr. is Chairman of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Chairman of WEHCO Media. A third-generation newspaperman and media leader, Hussman spent decades guiding the growth of one of the nation’s most respected family-owned media companies while championing free enterprise and a free press. The recipient of numerous honors for his leadership in journalism, business, and public service, Hussman has devoted his time and talents to advancing education, supporting youth development programs, and strengthening civic life in Arkansas. His contributions to journalism, business, and community leadership have left an indelible mark on the state and beyond.

 

photo of Dave Stickler

R. Madison Murphy

Chairman, Murphy USA, Inc.; President, The Murphy Foundation; Co-Founder, Presqu’ile Winery

R. Madison Murphy is Chairman of Murphy USA, President of The Murphy Foundation, and owner of The Sumac Company, a diversified business with timber, real estate, and agricultural operations. He is also co-founder of Presqu’ile Winery. Over a career spanning more than 45 years, Murphy has provided leadership to major public companies while helping shape economic development and philanthropy across Arkansas. His service as Chairman of the Arkansas Highway Commission, Chairman of the Hendrix College Board of Trustees, and leader of numerous civic initiatives reflects a lifelong commitment to entrepreneurship, stewardship, and community leadership.

 

Event Details

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

424 W Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Download the sponsorship form here. Sponsors who commit by July 31 will be listed in mailed invitation.

Sponsorships and individual tickets ($125 per ticket) can be purchased online, over the phone by calling 501-682-4230, or by check*. 

*Economics Arkansas, PO Box 3447, Little Rock, AR 72203

 

Thank You Donors

  • ABA logo
  • AR Capital Corporation logo
    AR Capital Corporation logo
  • ADE logo
  • ASD 2022 logo
  • ARVEST logo
    ARVEST logo
  • Bank of America logo
    Bank of America logo
  • First Security Bank
  • Murphy Foundation 200 x
  • R.E. Lee Wilson Trust
    R.E. Lee Wilson Trust
  • Stephens
    Stephens
  • Tyson
    Tyson
  • Walton Family Foundation 200 x 86
P.O. Box 3447
Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone (501) 682-4230
Contact Us
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