Community Leaders

In this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Dana Schlagenhaft, Executive Director of Downtown Bentonville Incorporated (DBI), a private, not-for-profit organization uniquely positioned as a driving force to build and promote a welcoming, secure and lively downtown Bentonville. Established over two decades ago, DBI has played a key role in revitalizing the city and making it a place that people are eager to visit, discover and share with others.

Downtown Bentonville Inc. works to activate downtown spaces through expertly executed events, advocating for current and future downtown businesses and amplifying the voices of all Bentonville residents. Events include the Bentonville Farmers Market and Virtual Farmers Market, First Friday, the Art Market, the City of Bentonville’s Lighting of the Square, the Bentonville Christmas Parade, Market at Record, New Year’s Eve celebrations, Bentonville Toyland, Shop the Block, and Downtown Bentonville Art and Culinary Week. Additionally, DBI hosts a live show Sundays on KFSM Sundays called DWTN Now where Dana and her co-host, Aaron Nolan, highlight the unique stories of Downtown Bentonville.

During the episode, Dana shares her fascinating journey and her role in bringing to life the festive community events. She also expands on Downtown Bentonville Incorporated’s mission, the unique spirit of the Greater Bentonville Area community and her thoughts on Bentonville’s vibrant future.

In this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Mayor Bill Edwards of the City of Centerton, a community focused on a wholesome lifestyle, cultural history, environmental preservation and nurturing local business growth. Since the 2020 U.S. Census, Centerton’s population has grown more than thirty-five percent, vaulting it to the twentieth largest city in Arkansas.

Centerton’s population has grown from 9,500 to nearly 25,000 residents during Mayor Edwards’ pivotal fourteen years at the helm. During that time, Mayor Edwards has prioritized adding amenities that strengthen quality of life. Among these amenities are outdoor recreation opportunities including parks, pavilions, splash pads, a sports facility and walking trails–and now, a community center.

During the episode, Mayor Edwards describes his journey of transitioning from a career at J.B. Hunt to his first foray into politics as on the Centerton City Council to Centerton’s top leadership role–and he shares insights into how the city is evolving by blending progress with preservation. You’ll also hear what exciting initiatives underway, like the new Community Center, and how the City of Centerton collaborates with the surrounding Greater Bentonville Area and Northwest Arkansas region as a whole.