Governor Beebe's weekly column and radio address: Preparing For New Beginnings

I have approached each new year in this office with optimism and anticipation, and 2010 will be no exception. I recognize that the past 12 months have been tough for many Arkansans, but every January brings with it new beginnings.

I was fortunate to be a part of a celebration of new beginnings recently, when 48 adults proved that the challenges they have been dealt in life are no deterrent to achieving their educational goals. These courageous Arkansans came together in Hot Springs from all over the State to live, learn, and work together at the Arkansas Career Training Institute (ACTI). Faced with physical and emotional disabilities, these citizens were determined to do whatever was required to become contributing members of the workforce. They each completed a residential, vocational-training program through the Rehabilitation Services Division of the State Department of Career Education. Equipped with new skills and the confidence to enter a variety of fields, some will enter the food-service industry, others sales and marketing, and still others will work in construction or automotive maintenance or repair. But all are ready and eager to pursue fulfilling careers, wherever their futures take them.

Charles T. Cross, President & CEO, Cornerstone Bank, has announced the appointment of Ms. Autumn Hudgins to Assistant Vice President/Marketing Director for all bank markets.  Ms. Hudgins will oversee the bank’s overall marketing and advertising initiatives as well as brand development, public relations, product promotions and bank sponsorships and community relations.

Autumn, who has been with the local bank since August 2003, has most recently been the Administrative Assistant to the President & CEO and will office at the bank’s Financial Center on Highway 62 in Eureka Springs.   (Photo Submitted)

KTHS Photo
Jamie Correia, County Clerk, and County Judge Sam Barr were ecstatic over passage of the
2010 Budget by J.P.'s, Tuesday.  The budget required a majority vote of 8 to pass, and all J.P.'s present voted 'Yes' to passage.  They were Tom Riddle, Joe Mills, Ron Flake, Harley Barnum, Don McNeely, Morris Pate, Todd Walker and Budget Chair Frank Renner.  Absent was Larry Swofford, Shannon Griffith and John Howerton.  The 2010 budget shows a total projected revenue of $5.2 million dollars.