The Sam M. Walton College of Business and the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame Board announce four exceptional business leaders as the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame class of 2024:
- John L. Conner Jr., President, Holden-Conner Company
- Gary C. George, Chairman, George’s, Inc.
- Eric Jackson, Senior Vice President, Oaklawn
- Dhu C. Thompson, Owner, US Irrigation; former Owner/President, Delta Plastics and Revolution Bag
“These four individuals represent the best of Arkansas business, and their contributions have had a profound impact on our state and their own industries, said Brent D. Williams, interim dean of the Walton College. “They are visionary leaders and dedicated advocates for their communities. I am confident that their stories will inspire current Walton College students and generations of Arkansas business leaders to come.”
The honorees will be recognized for their contributions to the agriculture, poultry, sustainability and entertainment industries in Arkansas and the region in an induction ceremony at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock on Feb. 16, 2024.
Jason LaFrance, Walton College alumnus and president of Dale Capital Partners, chaired the selection committee of 11 business leaders who reviewed nominations and selected the inductees. Criteria for selection includes the significance of the impact made as a business leader, the concern demonstrated for improving the community and the display of ethics in all business dealings. Living inductees must be over the age of 60.
The Arkansas Business Hall of Fame is housed in the atrium of the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Enterprise Development at the Walton College on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville.
For information about tables, tickets and event sponsorships for the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a black-tie optional event, contact the Walton College Office of External Relations, Donald W. Reynolds Center for Enterprise Development #217, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701-1201, call 479-575-6146, or email abhf@walton.uark.edu.
Since 2013, Lori McLemore has served as the marketing and communications officer for
the Sam M. Walton College of Business. In this role, she writes press releases and
features articles to promote the work of students, faculty and staff. Prior to working at Walton College, she worked as the director of web strategy and operations for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the national headquarters for 3,500 Boys & Girls Clubs. She was part of the core team to establish an intranet site for Clubs around the globe and the public internet site for the national nonprofit located in Atlanta.
Lori holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Auburn University ... and loves BOTH the Arkansas Razorbacks (Woo Pig!!) and the Auburn Tigers (War Eagle!!)
