The Northwest Arkansas Council marked its 35th anniversary during the 2025 Annual Meeting on Nov. 12 at the Heartland Whole Health Institute in Bentonville, where more than 250 people gathered to celebrate three decades of collaboration and progress that have helped shape one of the nation’s most successful regions. The evening opened with live music from the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas and a display by University of Arkansas engineering student T. J. Williams, whose Minecraft recreations of local landmarks added a creative touch to the reception.
Council President and CEO Nelson Peacock reflected on the organization’s founding in 1990 and the regional cooperation that continues to drive its mission. “Our founders believed we could accomplish more as a region than any of us could alone,” Peacock said. “That belief turned a handful of communities into one of the most dynamic regions in the country.”
This year’s Annual Report, themed “Back to the Future,” commemorates the Council’s 35-year legacy while highlighting current initiatives that will shape Northwest Arkansas for decades to come. The report outlines efforts such as Growing Home NWA, a regional growth strategy helping cities and counties plan together for housing, transportation and open space, and Groundwork, the Council’s housing initiative focused on expanding attainable housing. It also highlights continued work to strengthen the region’s economy through entrepreneurship, workforce development and business recruitment, as well as efforts through EngageNWA and Health Care Vision 2030 to support belonging and improve access to care.
The Council honored the legacy of the late Uvalde Lindsey, whose leadership helped establish the regional airport, strengthen highway infrastructure and shape the collaborative culture that continues to define Northwest Arkansas. A tribute from former XNA Executive Director Scott Van Laningham recognized Lindsey’s lifelong commitment to regional progress.
The evening featured a panel discussion titled “Then and Now: Generational Leadership and the Future of Northwest Arkansas.” Walton Enterprises CEO Rupal Poltack moderated the conversation with Mark Simmons and Todd Simmons of Simmons Foods. The discussion explored the early spirit of regional cooperation, how leadership has evolved across generations and why long-term planning remains essential as the region continues to grow.
The Council also honored Mark Simmons, chairman of Simmons Foods, with the Honorary Lifetime Membership Award in recognition of his decades of leadership and service to the region. A founding member of the Council, Simmons has long championed the collaborative approach that helped Northwest Arkansas grow into a thriving economic and community hub. His steady leadership at Simmons Foods and his commitment to the region have made a lasting impact.
“Your work, your generosity and your example have made a lasting impact on Northwest Arkansas,” presiding co-chair Nick Hobbs said as he presented the award. “You have helped define what steady, humble leadership looks like.”
The program concluded with the transition of presiding co-chair duties to University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles Robinson. Robinson has led significant gains in enrollment, student success and industry partnerships at the university and will help guide the Council’s priorities as the region continues to grow. He thanked outgoing presiding co-chair Nick Hobbs for his leadership and emphasized the importance of maintaining the collaborative spirit that has defined the Council for 35 years.
As the Council enters its next chapter, the 35-year milestone serves as both a reflection of past progress and a commitment to building a stronger, more connected region for generations to come.
