Ballet Arkansas, Desert Rose, Horizon OrthoRehab Clinic, Ltd., Made to Manifest, LLC, North Little Rock History Commission, Wirt's Jewelers

Chad Williams,

Ameriprise Financial, Baldwin & Shell Construction Co., Bank OZK, Baptist Health Family Clinic-Lakewood, CJRW, Cranford Construction Company, Dow Building Services, East Harding Construction, IBERIABANK, John Brown University, Jolly Family Dentistry, J.W. Nutt Company, Nabholz Properties

Each month we'll be featuring a chamber member woman-owned business for their impact in our community. For March, we have chosen iRealty Arkansas, owned by Kristen Kennon.

How long have you been in business? iRealty Arkansas has been in business since 2013.  

What is your favorite part about having your business in Central Arkansas? I grew up in Central Arkansas so I love getting to serve the community that helped shape me.  I am originally from Jacksonville and have lived in North Little Rock for 7 years.

How did you get started? After we had our first son in 2012, I decided to look for a career where I had more flexibility in my schedule.  I was the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Jacksonville and I was ready for a change.  With a masters in Sports Administration, I was searching for a business that was within my scope of knowledge. My husband suggested real estate and we decided I would try it. I became a Realtor, then broker and then in 2016, I purchased my company, iRealty Arkansas where I had worked since getting my license. At the time, we had an office in LR and Benton and about 30 agents. We currently have 7 offices with almost 200 agents and have sold over 1 billion dollars in Real Estate.  

What are the biggest challenges you face as a business owner in general, or as a woman? One of the biggest challenges I face as a business owner and mom is balance. I was very reactive when I first started in real estate.  I would jump anytime anyone needed anything.  I now work really hard to have a harmonious home/work balance by setting boundaries and prioritizing the things that are important to me.  It is definitely a balancing act that I have to intentionally work on.  

Do you have any important advice you could share to another person or woman who wants to start their own business? Do it! I have made many mistakes along the way. I have invested money or time into things that drained my energy or lost money but each time I learned something about business or myself and how to make better decisions 

US Senator Tom Cotton

"Join us for a chat with Senator Tom Cotton as he discusses the biggest challenges facing our country"

Do you have questions for Senator Cotton? Please send them to Elyse before the luncheon and we will do our best to get them answered.

The Chamber Staff will be enjoying lunch from Lindsey's BBQ and Hospitality House and we encourage you to do the same! Let's support one of our favorite local chamber member restaurants. They will be offering a Jumbo Beef or Pork Sandwich with Slaw, 1 Side and a Drink, $9 for Pork or $10 for Beef + tax.

Join North Little Rock Young Professionals for our first in-person event of the year! We'll be celebrating St. Patrick's Day on the NLRCVB Skydeck. Drinks and light snacks will be provided.

In-Person Table of Four & Ten Virtual Tickets: $500

The Arkansas Scholars program is a program of the Arkansas Business and Education Alliance supported by the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. Students are required to meet a set of criteria that will prepare them for both the workplace and additional education after high school. The Chamber is asking its business members or individuals to partner in this great achievement. 

Scholarship Sponsor - $1000

Please contact Ashley Hight for more details.

Join Us!

The Community Council hosts quarterly, informative, networking lunch meetings that are attended by military leaders, community leaders, local legislators and business owners. Typically, meetings are held at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock and are for members only. This month, The Council would like to invite anyone who is interested to join the meeting!

If you would like to become a member in the future, please reach out to Ashley Hight for more details.

Members of the Community Council have a few special privileges and benefits at Camp Robinson including use of the golf course, canteen, special invitations to banquets, promotion ceremonies, civic leader flights on C130 aircraft and various other events conducted by military components represented at Camp Robinson. The Community Council also supports the local community and military initiatives by making several charitable donations throughout the year.