Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Tarpley lauds small town living at banquet

"There is something about living in Gurdon, Ark. that gives that great feeling of Americana", said Chamber of Commerce keynote speaker Billy Tarpley at Tuesday nights annual Chamber Banquet.

The banquet was originally scheduled for February, but was cancelled due to inclement weather. However, several Gurdon and Clark County residents turned out for the event.

Tarpley, who was born and raised in Gurdon, is the executive director of the Arkansas Dental Association. Tarpley spends his time lobbying for better dental care in Arkansas.

"State Representative Tommy Roebuck should be up here making a speech. He is a hero. He has to make major decisions each day and spends a lot of time working for the people of Arkansas," said Tarpley. He then thanked Roebuck for being present at the banquet.

Tarpley commented on the yellow ribbons being placed around town to show support for our troops in Iraq. "However it saddens me to say, I heard a city in New Jersey has outlawed the placement of yellow ribbons to support the troops. I am glad Gurdon has great American pride," Tarpley added.

Tarpley said he felt privileged to have been asked to speak at the banquet by Anita Cabe. "I have known Charles and Anita for many years and I must say I have never seen them have a harsh word towards one another. They work together and spend all their time together and not once have I seen them react negatively towards one another."

Tarpley then began to expound on his views of having a Chamber of Commerce.

"Chamber's feel stressed, especially with everything taking place in this country right now. Some are struggling to attract and retain new members at this time.

"However, I know Gurdon, and Gurdon believe's in leaving things better than they found it.

"I feel in order to help our town we should better prepare our youth for better jobs. Step up with each succeeding generation. I believe it makes all the difference in the world for a young woman to graduate high school, attend college and wait until they are 21 years of age until they have their first baby. More will make something of themselves and not end up in poverty. It makes me very sad to know only two of three people in Arkansas have their high school diploma.

"I believe Gurdon can grow. I believe if we had a 40-acre business park we could attract industry. We have Interstate 30 running through our back door. We have easy access to trains. The only problem we have could be our water supply. However, I feel we are working on this issue, according to Mayor Clayton Franklin," said Tarpley.

Tarpley also said there was one thing he new Gurdon did not need and that was a landfill. The crowd applauded Tarpley on this statement.

Tarpley said he knew how hard it was sometimes to shop at home however, he tries to do so as much as possible.

"If we buy everything from Wal-Mart, we are paving someone else's streets," Tarpley said.

Tarpley said he feels if Gurdon had new housing areas, people would want to move here. "If we had some new cul-de-sacs with nice new affordable housing it would make a difference. I don't mean to step on any toes here, but no one ever built a strong community on government housing."

Tarpley said Gurdon citizens should ask themselves "Are we the kind of people that add value to a town?" Tarpley said if everyone would take pride in their town and try to add value it would make a difference.

On a final note, Tarpley talked about the effects of war on a small town. "We must pray. We must pray for everything and everyone."

Tarpley then read a passage written by the Apostle Paul talking about the city of Ephesus.

"I hope we stand," said Tarpley as the crowd said amen.

The banquet was brought to an end by an impromptu performance of America the beautiful by Tarpley and Winnie Clark. The audience stood and sang along with them.

Laurie Pilgreen, Chamber president spoke about her past two years of service and thanked all the people who have helped her throughout her run as president.

"I am sad to say we are soon going to lose Theresa Hayes as our secretary. She is moving to Maumelle. She has really helped me and I don't know what we will do without her. However, Michelle Anderson will be taking her place," said Pilgreen.

Pilgreen presented a plaque to US Bank and her sister Connie Wells for being the Chamber Member of the Year. Wells gladly accepted the award.

Pilgreen also took time to recognize the Gurdon Street Department and Jimmy Caldwell for all the effort it places in keeping Gurdon clean and attractive.

Pilgreen said, "Jimmy and his crew work so hard each year around Christmas time to make sure our little town looks good. It makes me proud to see all the lights and decorations we have and the pride they place in putting them up. It is a lot of hard work to check all of the bulbs and place everything where it needs to be."

Cabe presented the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the year. However this year the citizen of the year was actually a couple.

Cabe presented Clarence and Martha Haltom with the award.

Cabe said, "You can't honor one of them without honoring the other. They are both just as genuine as they come. They are always helping someone out and are very active in the First United Methodist Church of Gurdon."

Clarence is retired from International Paper and Cabe Land Co. Martha is a retired teacher of the Gurdon School district.

In their retirement both spend time working in the community and taking pride in helping others.

They both participate in the Meals on Wheels program for seniors. They deliver warm meals to those who are unable to prepare them for themselves or are shut in.

The Haltoms thanked Gurdon for the award and was pleased to accept it.