Speaker 1: 0:43

Hello and welcome. We are so excited to be here. My name is Danielle Keller and I am one of the hosts and founders of the People of Northwest Arkansas podcast, along with Danielle Shaw, and today we are in Go Rogue Studios here in Bentonville in front of a live audience for the very first time ever. We're really excited to have them here.

Speaker 2: 1:06

Yeah, Thank you for being here. So for those of you that don't know, Danielle and I we started this podcast about a year ago and before that we had met many, many years ago. Neither of us are from the area. I'm from Dallas. She's from what part of California?

Speaker 3: 1:27

You think I would know this by now it's okay.

Speaker 2: 1:29

Northern California. Both our daughters, or your son actually was in Mother's Day Out and we just bumped into each other and we started talking and she was working on a documentary film and I did voiceover work, so I ended up doing the movie reel for her. And then we also started working together just on other projects, and so we started meeting up at coffee shops just to go over details and we just kept talking to random people because she has never known a stranger. I am not that way. I'm like an introverted extrovert, so I can turn on when I need to, but I'm always like in the zone. So we would just continually hear people's stories. And I've heard that if you're an old soul, people tend to tell you their stories. I don't know if that's true, but she must be, because people would just spill their guts.

Speaker 2: 2:17

And we were just so inspired by this and we were like how can we create a platform for people to share their stories that maybe don't have that, maybe the courage to share it on their own, or don't have a way to do it? And so we kind of had the resources to do so and we thought why don't we start a podcast and share these stories? And I think our intention was to just connect people. In a post-COVID world, I think people really crave that in-person connection and so we were like, let's start a podcast and if we can leave one person feeling heard, understood or just learning something from someone else why they're here, why they're staying here because that's happening a lot, I know I don't want to ever leave and so that's kind of our why.

Speaker 1: 3:01

Yeah, that is definitely our why. I think that stories are very important to me. I have a background in film and documentary film, and so, as Danielle was saying, that is something that I love. I love hearing people's stories. I love that we have this platform where we can amplify the voices of people living here in our community, here in Northwest Arkansas, stories that are going to inspire and encourage and connect with our audience, and so we're just really excited about the guests that we get to have.

Speaker 1: 3:29

We have met guests randomly. Some have been recommended to us, some have reached out to us saying, hey, we would love to be on your podcast, and some are just people that we know because we live right here in this community, and so I think that that is something that's really powerful and special to this area. We love that we get to share these unique and creative and just incredible stories. Everyone has a good story to tell. All of you in our audience today, you all have a great story to tell, and we're going to hear about Mayor Orman's story, but, yes, that is kind of the point of what we're doing here.

Speaker 2: 4:04

And so, for those of you that may not know and I'm sure most all of you do, Mayor Orman has served as the mayor of Bentonville for the past six years, is currently running for reelection and she has lived in Bentonville for over past six years. Is currently running for re-election and she has lived in Bentonville for over 20 years with her family and, prior to being elected as the mayor, she worked in the marketing industry for over 20 years and served two terms on Bentonville City Council. She serves on multiple boards and committees and she's a very influential person in our community, but aside from that, she is a wife, a mother and a person who enjoys all that Northwest Arkansas has to offer. So let's put our hands together. Welcome Bentonville, Mayor Stephanie Orman.

Speaker 1: 4:51

You're welcome. Well, thank you, stephanie, or Mayor Orman, thank you for being here today. We love to start off our podcast asking our guests what brought you to Northwest Arkansas, whether you were born and raised here or you moved here. So tell us a little bit, and tell our listeners kind of, what brought you here.

Speaker 4: 5:11

Well, I am a?

Speaker 4: 5:11

U of A grad, so we were in the area and then we had moved to Springfield, missouri, really next door, just outside of Springfield, and really for my husband's career and when we'd been married for a few years and we really wanted to get to a place where, really for his career initially and he's in CPG so we thought the Walmart world and for him the vendor world here would be a area that we could raise a family in and stay here with.

Speaker 4: 5:42

So a lot of times in the corporate world you have to move every two years to kind of be able to go out the door, and for us we wanted to find an area that hopefully he had that opportunity, but we could also raise a family and be able to keep them in the same school for their school years. And so we now have a senior at VHS so we've been here, she's been through the school system and a freshman at VHS. And so I always say we were a vendor family that actually tried to get to Bentonville for those reasons and we wanted to stay here and it's been an amazing journey for us as we moved here and we also had family in the area too, so that's a big draw, too, whenever you're thinking about raising your family. And again, for us, trying to stay in an area that we knew was going to be community-oriented and family-oriented, that having existing family here was important to us as well.

Speaker 2: 6:42

Oh yeah, it's so hard not having family here. I always say I'm like a buoy in the ocean, but we've built a community. I often call my friends. I have some in the audience that have definitely taken my daughters when I needed a little help. But it is family oriented and I think that's a big reason why we stayed and didn't want to go back to the big city.

Speaker 1: 7:03

Yeah, I want to ask how old was your daughter when you your senior, when you first moved to Bentonville?

Speaker 4: 7:08

Oh, I had her here so literally, we've had both of our kids here and the old hospital. It's not a hospital anymore. So that's how far back we go.

Speaker 1: 7:19

So you've seen and watched a lot of change happen here in this area.

Speaker 4: 7:23

Absolutely, and for me my career was in marketing, advertising, and I had a little bit of flexibility of how to do that. But I did drive for several years back and forth to Springfield doing work in that area. But again, getting to Bentonville was intentional for our family and we've been able to, like I said, accomplish that and raise a family here and keep them in the same area. Is she planning to go to the U of A? You know what she actually is.

Speaker 2: 7:49

Oh, yes, go Hogs.

Speaker 4: 7:52

Go Hogs? Yes, especially after this weekend. Right, they're on fire. Yeah, they are on fire.

Speaker 1: 7:58

I know.

Speaker 2: 7:59

Yeah. So one thing I wanted to know was what point kind of solidified your decision to run for mayor you?

Speaker 4: 8:07

know, when we moved here, both my husband and I really just got engaged with the community. We both went through leadership, benton County so and that really sort of opened our eyes, especially to local government. And then again I was in advertising and marketing and working with business owners and one of my passions within the marketing industry is to is testimonials and telling the story of the business right. And so those businesses, especially the small businesses I work with, they are very engaged with their community and so telling that story.

Speaker 4: 8:42

Even most of my career was in sort of automotive marketing, but I'm never a hard sell marketing person, I'm a let's tell the testimonial why is this product the best product for you? And so just that's sort of my nature of Tell that Story. So getting engaged with the community and learning the story of the city and how, on a daily basis, the city's employees interact with us and really touch us every day, whether it's through roads, whether it's through you know's through you know electric water, sewer, police, fire, whatever it might be. Um, I actually got engaged with my poa neighborhood, poa, and just trying to find out how we come together as a neighborhood and resolve issues and learn that our streetlights are um maintained by the city of bettenville.

Speaker 4: 9:32

So that was some of the first conversations. Again just got interested. I ran for city council my first go around and lost, but it was a great experience. I mean, I know that. You know it seems cliche to say that, but honestly I learned a lot through that and I just continued to show up at city council meetings, even losing the race, and just continued to learn about the city, eventually ran a second time and won and then served two terms on city council and then the previous mayor was not going to run this last time ago and I decided to run for mayor.

Speaker 2: 10:12

Wow. I think that shows that, no matter what you're trying to do, a failure doesn't always have to be seen as something bad. I try to tell my kids that because my daughter didn't get a student council, and I was like, don't let it defeat you Absolutely. Just if you really want it, eventually you'll get there. And so I think that's an important lesson to learn is never give up. My husband always tells the kids our family never gives up, so I hope that we brainwash them enough that they'll always remember that.

Speaker 1: 10:43

Keep brainwashing those kids.

Speaker 2: 10:45

Yeah, in a good way, not bad way, not bad way.

Speaker 1: 10:51

That's really exciting. What about, like? Your upbringing or your personal life has made an impact or an influence on how you approach governance? Like, what does that look? What has that kind of been your experience with?

Speaker 4: 11:09

So my leadership style is definitely collaborative and I think that the Bentonville community, and really Northwest Arkansas, is just the epitome of that and when there is an issue or something to work through, the collaboration that comes into place. And so that's really that's how I see our community, that's how I think we solve most all of our concerns or issues in the city. And again, I think my passion for community and just I think as mayor I really try to listen to both sides, that's my role, and then you find that that pathway forward where that common ground is, and that's just sort of how I think the entire city of Bentonville operates.

Speaker 4: 11:52

And when we come together I always say we're better together and that's helping me forward. I love that too, and just backing up, because I always say're better together and that's helping me forward.

Speaker 1: 11:57

Yeah, I love that. I love that too, and just backing up, because I always say, let's back up.

Speaker 2: 12:00

She always backs up. Let's back up she's always backing up.

Speaker 1: 12:04

I really loved what you said about coming from the marketing world and, as we're talking about our podcast, and how stories are so important and people are so important, and I think hearing that and hearing you say that is really cool, like just that you take that background and you were saying something about working with car sales. She just bought a new car but announcing it to the world. It's would just try. I will say yes probably.

Speaker 2: 12:39

I said I was not a hard sell.

Speaker 4: 12:39

Oh, you're not a hard sell, I like to tell the testimonial of why and how it helped somebody. So I said I was a little different in the automotive problem.

Speaker 1: 12:50

But I like that. I like that you're saying that you're not a hard sell, because I think what I do is I work in marketing. So that is what I do, and so something that I think is really important is that story and what's the story of the brand and what's the story behind what it is. So if you have those testimonies and you have people that are saying, hey, this car is good I mean even thinking back to last week, literally Danielle thinking about what car she was going to buy and just hearing she's like okay, what kind of cars have you heard are good. And so I think that those testimonies and when you hear people and so that's really cool that that is not only your approach to marketing but then your approach to life and that sort of thing, and I would say facts and data right so it's hard to argue with both of those.

Speaker 2: 13:36

Yeah for sure, I totally agree with that. Yeah, okay. So in terms of who you look up to, who would you say as a female leader? And this could be, it doesn't have to be someone, maybe that's political, it could just be, you know, like for me, um, nancy grace roman. She's having a new telescope named after her. She's really they're calling the mother of Hubble. I think she is an amazing person. I really look up to her and she's pioneering a name for women, just in astronomy and astrophysics, and so I think that's really cool. I am myself not that, but I love that she's doing that. So I'm just kind of curious who you look up to and think is a pioneer as a female?

Speaker 4: 14:22

So there's so many local females that I think are doing amazing things and I wanted to start there, but then I thought there's too many of them to mention, so I'll go more on probably more of a national level.

Speaker 4: 14:56

So I'll go more on probably more of a national level.

Speaker 4: 14:57

Mary Barra she's the CEO of GM and she's actually just surpassing 10 years with them, and so you think about the automotive industry, not typically a female industry, but the way the integrity she puts into her job and the way she goes about how she accomplishes things, I think is just something really to watch. She's earned the respect and I think that's one of the things she says is that she doesn't walk into the room thinking that she's the female in the room. She walks into the room thinking she's done her research and her education and she's going to be able to make her point and hopefully do that also in a collaborative way. And that's a little bit of my style. I want to make sure that we've got the data and the facts and so that we can go present that to the public, but I also want that collaboration to come along with it. So she's one that I like to watch. She also is very. She talks a lot to young ladies about STEM and making sure finding careers in that pathway.

Speaker 2: 15:38

Yeah, they need more girls in STEM, I think.

Speaker 4: 15:44

And just there's. I don't know. You just kind of have to, I think, maybe research her and see some of the ways that she handles herself and again to be in that industry. That is definitely not, you know, a female industry and have that type of respect and I think, ceos I think the average is about 7.2 years and she's just she's surpassing 10 years in an industry that females are not always at the top of, so that is a long time.

Speaker 2: 16:10

My husband had the chance to hear her speak and it was a lot of different CEOs in this group and she spoke and he said that she was absolutely the most well-spoken. He just admired her tremendously and, like you said, in that industry, that's a tough industry too. So I love that that's amazing.

Speaker 1: 16:26

All right, so we're going to get a little personal, not that personal.

Speaker 3: 16:30

I'm just kidding.

Speaker 2: 16:33

Just bringing up the tension a little bit. This is like after podcast hours. We ask some questions, okay, after dark with Mayor.

Speaker 1: 16:39

Orman.

Speaker 2: 16:40

Oh my God, I'm just kidding.

Speaker 1: 16:44

Maybe that's next Pretty lighthearted, personal, but just with all the things that you're doing and all the ways that you're involved and being a mom, what are some of the things that you do to unplug and relax and kind of enjoy this area and this community?

Speaker 4: 17:00

So one of the things I like to do is run, although I will say Mike Rush says you know, never say you're not a runner. I do say I'm a jogger, and then he gets on to me every time I say that. But I really enjoy our trails and I think, for me about a three-mile run and put a usually a podcast on, and so I'm listening and learning the same time. That's sort of how I unplug. I do have, like I said, a freshman and a senior, so my kids are really important. They're very active in sports and different activities and so for me, unplugging involves, you know, family time and being with them and just watching them grow up and encouraging them. So those are probably my two primary things that I do to unplug. I will say, if you want to be mayor of Bentonville, it's a 24-7 job and so you just need to know that going in, because we have an amazing active community and we're always trying to do, you know, respond to people and make sure that they're taken care of in the city.

Speaker 2: 18:01

What's on your playlist when you're running if you're not listening to podcasts?

Speaker 4: 18:04

You know, honestly, I listen to podcasts Really. I love educational and motivational and it's across the board. Everything you know all listening to city building podcasts, to any, to motivational, to faith podcasts that are that motivate me.

Speaker 2: 18:24

I'm kind of like that too, like I need, I need to feel like I'm like being entertained by a show or something or learning something. Yeah, so I get that. Yeah, okay, so favorite quote. I always like to ask this because I think it tells a lot about a person what quote they kind of go to or what they keep telling their kids, and their kids are like okay mom, if it were easy it would already be done, and that's really the philosophy in the city of Bentonville.

Speaker 4: 19:01

You know, a lot of times we can there's a talking point out there but getting down into the details of a policy or you know what is what's the real concern? Bringing people together around an issue and moving something forward. I think it's like I said sometimes it sounds easy but it's really not. There's a lot of work into everything that we do at the city and especially because my boss is everybody in the public and actually, as public servants, that's how we should operate. So it's important to understand the context of something, to really get all the information, the data and the facts of something and then go to work on how you put it in place and you do it. We see, sometimes the devil is in the details. Right, you've got to put the time and effort into that to be able to move things forward.

Speaker 2: 19:56

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Speaker 3: 20:40

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Speaker 2: 21:14

So fast and I meant to ask you, since you've lived here for so long I've been here about eight years, how long have you been here?

Speaker 1: 21:20

I've been in Bentonville for nine plus years, Northwest Arkansas over 15 years.

Speaker 2: 21:27

So a lot has changed, even since I've lived here Selfishly. I like that Bentonville is growing because I like big city features and I, kind of you know, think that other transplants might agree. I know the locals have a different thought maybe on that. But where do you see Bentonville in the next decade?

Speaker 4: 21:46

Where do you see Bentonville in the next decade? So I think Bentonville becomes more and more on the map of being a city that grows. Well, you're going to see industries. We've already seen supply chain and logistics explode here, you know, from a technology standpoint, startup standpoint, our angel investor atmosphere here is amazing. So I also think there's the outdoor recreation and that's also something you know. Those industries are something we're intentional with city planning as well. Right, we have a parks initiative. We have a bike and pet initiative, a trails initiative around that. You're also, I think last week you saw a big announcement in healthcare, right. So when you start to think about what is a really well-rounded city, those are some of the industries, some of the things that people, if they want to continue to live in an area, those are things that they're really looking for. So I think it's just going to be really exciting to be a part of it and we're going to.

Speaker 4: 22:45

We're working hard to keep that charm of Bentonville, because that is there is there is something that is a little bit magical or a little bit secret sauce to keep in that charm and community feel. And there's some intentionality behind the planning, in those we want to make sure we're creating gatherings, spaces where people can connect. I mean, that's that's at the heart of my passion, for the city is creating those spaces and making sure that we have a welcoming city, that people hear each other's stories and I always say, you know, I think what the city does really well and it's really the community is that they want everyone that comes here to be successful. It's not about me or you know, the mayor or anything. It's about people coming here and being connected and being successful. So I just think you're going to Bentonville is going to be a place that you want to be and you're going to want to call it home.

Speaker 1: 23:39

Yeah, absolutely, I love calling it home and I love all the amenities and the parks, and I'm actually kind of a fun story for our listeners. I first met Mayor Orman at a well, actually, let me back up. So my son was in first grade at the time and he comes home from school one day and he's like Mommy, mommy, did you know that our mayor is a woman? And I was like, yeah, I actually did, buddy, and he was so excited that we had a female mayor and that he was learning about local politics, which I thought was super fun in local government and the first grade. I don't remember learning about government in the first grade Way to go Apple Glen Elementary, which then I later found out that our kids were in the same school at that time. But he is actually here in the audience too. I wanted him to come because he just is really special to me and I also have a daughter, but he's my firstborn and he just was really excited to hear that we were interviewing you as well.

Speaker 1: 24:43

But we were at the ribbon-cutting grand opening of Citizens Park behind the community center and I remember he was like, mom, mom, that's the mayor, that's the mayor over there. And I was like, yeah, that's her, that's her. And so we like walked up I don't know if you remember this, it was, it feels like forever ago. He's in sixth grade now and we walked up and and I was like let's go meet her. And he was like we can meet her, you know. And I was like, yeah, we can meet her. And so we went and we met her and they were just like, oh my gosh, this is the coolest thing ever. And so it was.

Speaker 2: 25:20

And now he's here. And now he's here, I know, look at him, he's so cute.

Speaker 1: 25:26

We're definitely going to need to get a picture afterwards, but, yeah, so that's something that I know for my family is really important is that they are aware of what's going on in our community, and so one of our other questions would be like how are you, what advice would you give to young people, whether they're in first grade or in 12th grade?

Speaker 2: 25:48

Aside from working 24-7. Aside from working 24-7.

Speaker 1: 25:51

Maybe don't tell them that part. Don't we all work 24-7 kind of.

Speaker 2: 25:56

I mean as mom, if you're a mom yes or a dad.

Speaker 1: 25:59

Yes or a dad. But what would be some advice you would give to somebody who, or somebody, a younger person, especially in our community, who's interested in getting into what's happening here with our government in Northwest Arkansas and specifically Bentonville.

Speaker 4: 26:14

I would definitely say get engaged. So find where your passion is and get engaged. So I love that you brought them out too. That was actually our ribbon cutting for our inclusive playground right.

Speaker 1: 26:25

Yes.

Speaker 4: 26:25

Yeah, you know, getting the community input for that particular playground I think was it's just it was really important and we're really intentional in the city of Bentonville about community input and so, as a youth in our city, we want to hear from you, and so, whether it's we're doing a new park design and showing up to those community input sessions, whether it's serving on, we do have a youth council that I started.

Speaker 4: 26:54

We also have a community council and so I really encourage students to go through that program. Each month we introduce them to a different department in the city of Bentonville and really hope that they develop that relationship. There's also a youth and citizens police academy. So going through those programs to really get to understand and just really develop a relationship with the different departments in the city of Bentonville. But as far as engaging with you know, on a mayoral political side of it or a race, you know, I think you just have to decide what, where is your passion, and find someone that connects you to your passion. And that's what I would just say. And don't be afraid to step out and knock on somebody's door and say you know what I want to serve in this area, I want to be passionate. So I will tell you that that is something that I really encourage at the City of Bentonville. Like, tell me something you want to be involved with and let's get you connected to that program.

Speaker 4: 27:57

So you know, for the city it's, you know, parks and Rec or library. We have a great teen library advisory board, so many different ways to. But we also have a program we started that's community service and community needs, and so what we do is connect service organizations with some of our nonprofit organizations, and it kind of started because people were calling my office saying, hey, is there somewhere I can volunteer? How can I help? And I wanted to make sure that we were connecting them to organizations and that I say my one requirement is to come to the meeting and when I send somebody to you, you make sure that you touch base with them and you get them doing something in your organization and you make sure that you feel, make sure that they feel connected to your organization and so you know, finding that passion and reaching out and saying, hey, I want to step in and be a part of this and don't be afraid to do that.

Speaker 1: 28:49

Yeah, don't be afraid, I love that message, that's a great message for even people who aren't younger but who are older and running for different um spots to be on city council. It's never too late, right? Yeah, it's never.

Speaker 2: 29:03

It's all, was it judge judy that said that like it's like never too late, yeah you can be. It wasn't it, I think it was. I think she said like it's never too late, you can be any age and start a business or run for mayor, or I mean I think you do have to be a minimum there. There is a minimum age for running for mayor. But yeah, you can be any age and pursue your passions.

Speaker 2: 29:24

And I think you're right. It's about getting plugged into what matters to you, because I know if I'm working on something and my heart's not in it, forget it. Like I think I have undiagnosed ADHD. Like I cannot focus on anything. She knows this, yes, but it's OK.

Speaker 2: 29:42

I actually want to back up this time and just talk about youth sports for a minute, because I don't know if it was like this when we were kids, but I don't remember it as being this intense as it is now, and I have some friends in the audience that understand youth sports. Like I'm starting to get a taste of that with a 10 year old. My life, my personal life, you know the time I have with my husband it's starting to dwindle down like really small amounts of time that I have at the end of each day. So how like? So you have two children and they both play sports. They do.

Speaker 4: 30:12

My daughter's a senior and she's not this year.

Speaker 3: 30:18

This is the first year she hasn't been involved with it. She's focusing, she's in the Ignite program at HSU.

Speaker 4: 30:20

She's focusing on kind of education and where she wants to go next year in college. But my son does and has been very active in travel, baseball and all sorts Travel sports, oh man. But you know, I mean I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Speaker 2: 30:35

I wouldn't trade it for the world. Oh yeah, but sometimes you're like sorry, you have to eat in the car. You're not eating, Like that's, like, that's what it is right. Like, do we have to eat another meal in the car? Yes, you do, Can you?

Speaker 4: 30:45

tell we're in the throes of it, right now you just have to get it done and you know, like I said, I wouldn't change it for the world.

Speaker 2: 31:02

I'm good to know we're alike in that way, because I am often shoving things into either my office or closet and I'm like, don't open that closet because like things will come tumbling out. And my mom told me the other day you're not very organized, are you? And for some reason that like really offended me, even though it's true. Yeah, I don, are you, and for some reason, that like really offended me, even though it's true. Um, yeah, I, I don't.

Speaker 1: 31:19

It's like a, it's an organized mess, as like I have organized chaos, chaos, yeah, that's what I like to call it organized chaos.

Speaker 2: 31:27

But you're right, it's worth it and we only have them for a short time and so, yeah, you gotta cherish those. Um, we went to a leadership uh lunch the other day and and the speaker was talking about making those little daily moments, those good moments, and I really liked that, because you always feel like when I get to this point, then this will be right, I'll be happy if I can, just but, and then sometimes your kids are like mom, mom, mom, and you're like, okay, you know, I'm going to carve out this little moment for us to have like a really nice time together. And so I like what you said about that, like you wouldn't trade it, you enjoy it, and it sounds like they're both. You know you're supporting them, nurturing their own interests.

Speaker 2: 32:06

And so that's the most fulfilling part, yeah.

Speaker 4: 32:09

And you know, I think they both love what they're doing right, and so I just want to encourage them to continue with it, as long as they love it.

Speaker 1: 32:17

Yep, that's awesome. Last question we ask this of every guest what is your favorite thing about Northwest Arkansas? I guess this is, you know, really putting you on the spot because you could name a restaurant if you wanted to.

Speaker 4: 32:28

Well, I know, that's risky, that's mayor.

Speaker 2: 32:32

That's the answer hours.

Speaker 4: 32:34

Culinary scene in Bentonville and honestly like it just depends on what type you're looking for from a restaurant standpoint, you know, I do truly think it is the community.

Speaker 4: 32:45

It's what it really when you go into other. And now, what's fun is we have cities calling us and saying you know what is the secret sauce of Bentonville? And coming in and actually visiting us. And we you know I meet, we have a community leaders meeting that we all meet together and we try to, you know, come together on concerns or different projects in the city and so really, and then, like I said, all of our projects come from community input and I also say, as the city, we're your last point of contact on probably one of your worst days, usually because we have police, fire, water, sewer, electric. So our job is to be that entity that helps solve your concern. And so you know, like I said, for me it's about just our community members. Every day they're stepping up We've went through pandemics, tornadoes. They continue to step up. Our city employees continue to step up and it's truly because of the community and it's because they care.

Speaker 2: 33:46

Yeah, I feel like Bentonville is not only resilient, but resilient in keeping the culture that is here. That's something that I really noticed. I'm like a proud Texan at heart, but I think I'm an Arkansan now because I really love all that is here. Did we get that recorded?

Speaker 1: 34:04

You did. You can send that to my husband. Don't send it to my family.

Speaker 2: 34:09

Don't tell my family.

Speaker 1: 34:10

I'm telling everyone in Dallas I'll edit that out for my Texas people.

Speaker 2: 34:13

I love that Benville is really adamant on keeping its culture, keeping the charm, and that's what I really like about it, because it's so easy to get lost in the big city. It's hard to. I don't know that I ever felt like a community when I lived in the city like too much. I mean, you have your little micro areas, but there's a vibe here, there's energy here. It's all really good. I love the natural and then the vibrancy of the city and the opportunity too. I have to say that we've met so many people that are not here for Walmart or CPG. They're actually here doing really cool things, like small businesses, just random things you would never think of, and I feel like the city does a good job of creating that draw here, and so that's just. That's just my take on it, on bentonville, that's what we want to hear.

Speaker 2: 35:04

So yeah, ditto ditto.

Speaker 1: 35:07

No, I, I definitely agree with that. So, but for the sake of time, I would say ditto is there anything else that we didn't cover?

Speaker 2: 35:15

you feel like that our audience should know about you, or what?

Speaker 4: 35:20

you're doing. Hopefully, what came across is just, you know that there's a sincere passion for the city of Bentonville and also the way we go about making decisions. We're very, like I said, community input driven, but we're also very data driven, so that we are gathering that information. So when we need to make a case to our community whether it's going to for a bond extension so we can produce the type of large infrastructure projects that are needed as we grow here, or it's creating a new park with donated private land and making sure that we get the amenities in there that the community tells us that they, they want to see, and I think we, um, the city as a whole, does a really good job of all of that, and so hopefully that comes together in a package um with the city of bettenville. That, again, people, they, they honestly tell me all the time that they love to live in our city. And that's, mayor, that's what you want to hear.

Speaker 2: 36:21

Yes. And where can our listeners, our followers? Where can they follow along with you? Where can they find you online?

Speaker 4: 36:27

So connecting with the city. Obviously, the city of Bentonville has a website Ormondformayorcom is my website and so I'd love to hear from you. I always say call me, tell me. Whatever your concern is or any input you have, I'm usually going to invite you into my office and say let's sit down together and let's find a resolution together, and that's how we operate. That's awesome, that's great.

Speaker 2: 36:53

Well, thank you for coming on the show today. We really enjoyed having you and I hope to again. All right, thank you coming on the show today. We really enjoyed having you and I hope to again, all right, thank you. All right, thank you. Okay, that concludes the show today. We're going to do a little meet and greet, where any burning questions that you have?

Speaker 2: 37:13

or just comments, or anything that you just want to talk to her about, maybe schedule time to come to her office? You can do that. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, facebook, people of Northwest Arkansas. We will be posting this on Wednesday this week, so if you follow us along, we will let you know as soon as it's live, and then any other updates and future guests. You can find us there. And oh, we want to thank you all for coming too. I know it's early on a Monday. We want to thank our sponsors, go Rogue Studio today for having us. Thank you, brian and Lucas. Thank you, and our producer, brock Short, with Brock Entertainment. I'm pretty sure everyone knows Brock, everybody knows Brock. And then Confident Coffee for the beverages keeping us awake today. Our other sponsors First, community Bank and NWA Body Balance. So thank you all.

Speaker 3: 38:07

People of Northwest Arkansas with the two Daniels Produced by me, brock Short of Civil Republic Productions. Please rate, review and like us on any podcast platform where you listen. For more information about today's guests and the show, please check the show notes. Thanks for listening.