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El Dorado Manufacturer Named Arkansas Business of the Year

Published

4 weeks ago

March 11, 2025

Staff Reports

EL DORADO – For a majority of American industries, the COVID-19 Pandemic changed everything. Many of the stories say, those changes were for the worse. Bottle-necked supply chains, transportation issues, accounting quagmires, the list of reasons businesses and entire industries failed during the Pandemic and subsequent shut downs is immense.

There’s a Knock at the Door!

For Walter Tyson & Stephen Kelley, the worldwide pandemic presented its issues but while listening past the excuses and reasons to fail, they heard a knock at the door. Answering that knock, they met a new friend named Opportunity. Prior to COVID, the 40 year old pipe manufacturing company had transitioned into an operation making high quality polyethylene drums, pails, feeders and containers for industrial products. For example, containers to hold things like grease, lubricants, oil and cleaning solutions. However, the majority of that market was being controlled by a small handful of players globally. When those mega-suppliers could not meet the demands still being placed on the market from companies like Exxon-Mobil, Shell Lubricants, and others; that’s when the phone rang at the El Dorado, Arkansas based PCI, Polyethylene Containers Inc. “We had an opportunity to begin supplying containers to companies that one or two suppliers had a stranglehold on for years.” Walter Tyson, CEO of PCI said. “We were signing agreements to provide containers that we didn’t have the capacity to turn immediately.” Stephen Kelley, Chief Financial Officer said in the same interview. “We had robotic machines coming over on a ship and our deadlines were closing quickly.” Kelley continued. Both Tyson and Kelley said they could not have been successful without employees who took on the load and new robotics.

“It costs more to do the right thing!”

During a tour of the 300,000+ square foot facility, it became obvious, every one of the nearly 150 employees we encountered had a smile on their face. Unusual, if you buy-in to what the talking heads and business pundits say. People who claim that industry employers are exploiting their employees for little pay, long hours and few benefits, would do themselves a favor with a quick visit to PCI. During our visit, we had the opportunity to visit with an employee. She was not upper management, she was not part of the family, but she was an absolute cheer-leader for the company and what they do. It is clear, PCI employees take great pride in being on a team with their employer. Of course, a contributing factor could be that they each share in a part of the profits. Productivity, eliminating waste, following safety protocols all means more dollars in their pocket every month! 100% of the remaining profits (left over after employee sharing) are reinvested back into technological investments in the company. PCI has a stated vision of becoming, “The World’s Most Customer Focused Container Company” and the employees at PCI seem to take that vision seriously. Another reason could be, the employees know they are producing some of North America’s only containers made up of post-consumer recycled material, leaving a mark of responsible environmental management and future sustainability. “Look, it costs more (money) to do the right thing. But that is simply who we are!” Kelley said.

“Underrated”

Giving remarks during the acceptance speech after being named Business of the Year by Arkansas Business, Tyson said, “It’s a struggle, you know, you guys who are out there in the industry understand. But, it’s all about the people. And you know, Stephen and I, we are working. But our job is more about capital allocation, where the money is going to be spent. But Mark Childs (Senior Vice President) is the one who runs the business for us and he grinds every day.” Tyson went on to say that representing South Arkansas was a point of pride for his team. “You know, South Arkansas, a little underrated. I mean all of these Little Rock, Springdale, Fayetteville companies, Northwest Arkansas gets all the credit for growth in the state’s business. But we are still working, we are still doing it.” His speech was then interrupted by raucous applause, cheers and whistles from the crowd.

What’s Different About PCI and What’s Next?

PCI prides itself on their faith based values. They are also very quick to point out they are a family run business and veteran owned. The company says, “PCI is a veteran-owned, family-run business that brings together some of the world’s foremost specialists in container technology and materials handling. Our independence means that we can commit time and resources to developing advanced solutions that keep us—and you—leading, not following. We actively pursue research, development, testing and learning to seek out new materials, processes, and products to serve you better.” Tyson said the company has sustained an 84% growth year over year in an industry that averages less than 2%. Tyson also said, although they are only in the first quarter of this year, they have procured contracts which guarantees them no less than 73% growth for this year.

CONGRATULATIONS TO PCI on a well deserved reward. If you would like to see Tyson’s acceptance speech, you can find it here.

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Hampton woman arrested after high speed pursuit

Published

3 hours ago

April 9, 2025

Grant Merrill

HAMPTON – A Hampton woman was arrested Sunday, April 7, after leading officers on a high-speed pursuit that began in Calhoun County and ended in Union County, according to a press release from the Hampton Police Department.

Lt. McMahen with the Hampton Police Department was conducting traffic enforcement under the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) when he observed a white Dodge Ram pickup traveling south on U.S. Highway 167. The vehicle passed Lt. McMahen and then abruptly moved in front of his patrol unit. At that point, the officer noticed the truck crossing the white line and the highway shoulder.

Lt. McMahen attempted to initiate a traffic stop, activating his emergency lights and siren. The driver refused to pull over, prompting a pursuit. Speeds during the chase reportedly reached 108 miles per hour as the vehicle crossed into Union County.

The Arkansas State Police and Union County authorities were contacted for assistance. As the suspect approached North Tate Road from the south, Arkansas State Police took the lead in the pursuit. Troopers then executed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) maneuver, causing the vehicle to spin out into a ditch.

Officers apprehended the driver, later identified as Kaite McMahan of Hampton. She was arrested on multiple charges, including:

Fleeing by conveyance of a vehicle
Battery in the 2nd Degree
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
Terroristic Threatening

McMahan also received citations for additional traffic violations. No injuries were reported during the incident.

News

Flooding Worsens As Ouachita River Rises To Historic Levels

Published

5 hours ago

April 9, 2025

Grant Merrill

Floodwaters spread across the Ouachita Baptist University campus in Arkadelphia on Monday. (PHOTO: Dr. Wesley Kluck)

CAMDEN – The Ouachita River is approaching water levels not seen in decades, leading to significant flooding in Ouachita and Calhoun counties. Officials report that the river at Camden is expected to crest near 43 feet late today, surpassing the 1987 flood levels and marking the highest crest since 1968.

At 42.5 feet, residential flooding is already occurring in parts of both counties, and numerous road closures have been reported. This stage mirrors the December 1987 flood, which was previously the highest on record since the construction of regional flood control reservoirs.

In Arkadelphia, the Ouachita River recently crested at 27.95 feet, placing it among the top ten recorded crests and the highest since 1969. That year, the river peaked at 28.02 feet, making the current rise especially significant in the historical record.

The Ouachita River has a history of major flooding. In May 1968, the river crested at 43.08 feet in Camden, causing widespread damage. The most severe flood on record occurred in 1945, when the river reached 44.8 feet. These past events highlight the seriousness of today’s rising waters.

The flooding has already led to road closures and the inundation of homes in low-lying areas. Emergency responders are actively monitoring the situation and are prepared to implement further safety measures as needed. Residents have been urged to follow all official guidance, including potential evacuation orders.

With sunny skies and mild weather expected in the coming days, there is some hope that river levels may stabilize soon. Still, communities along the Ouachita River are being reminded to remain cautious and alert, as upstream water flow and any future rainfall could further impact conditions.

News

Residents Urged To Report Flood Damage To Receive Assistance

Published

5 hours ago

April 9, 2025

Grant Merrill

CAMDEN — As floodwaters from the Ouachita River continue to affect homes and neighborhoods across Ouachita County, local authorities are asking residents with water inside their homes to report the damage.

According to an announcement from the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Department, residents whose homes—not just yards, shops, or septic systems—have taken on floodwater are encouraged to call either the Sheriff’s Office at 870-231-5300 or the Camden Police Department at 870-836-5755. Those who report damage will be added to a list for potential state assistance with cleanup and repair costs once flood recovery efforts begin.

Authorities stress that this assistance is only for homes that have been breached by water and not for surrounding property damage.

Officials are also strongly warning residents not to return home until it is safe to do so, emphasizing that roads may still be dangerous or impassable. “Many residents may not realize the extent of the damage until the water goes down,” the department said. “Please help spread the word.”

The Ouachita River is expected to crest at historic levels near 43 feet in Camden—higher than the 1987 flood and the worst since 1968. With more rain possible in the coming days, emergency management teams are closely monitoring conditions and prioritizing safety.

Residents are encouraged to stay in contact with local authorities, avoid flooded areas, and use caution when assessing damage once waters recede.

News

DRA Grants Top El Dorado City Council Agenda

Published

5 hours ago

April 9, 2025

Staff Reports

EL DORADO – The El Dorado City Council will convene for its regular business meeting on Thursday, April 10, with a brief but potentially impactful agenda that includes two resolutions related to Delta Regional Authority (DRA) funding.

The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at City Hall, following the customary prayer and Pledge of Allegiance at 4:55 p.m.

Among the new business on the agenda is a resolution that would authorize the city’s chief elected official to sign an application for DRA funds. The Delta Regional Authority provides federal funding and technical assistance for economic development and infrastructure projects in economically distressed areas of the Mississippi River Delta region, including southern Arkansas.

A second resolution will propose designating a local non-profit agency to serve as the administrator for any DRA grant funds the city may receive. While the specific agency has not been named in the draft agenda, such appointments are typically made to streamline grant compliance and project oversight.

No items of unfinished business are currently scheduled, and the council is expected to approve minutes from the previous meeting before moving on to the new business items.

City officials have not yet released details about the specific project or initiative tied to the potential DRA grant application, but more information may be provided during the meeting or in subsequent updates from city staff.

The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

News

Local Leaders Join Statewide Effort to Recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month

Published

5 hours ago

April 9, 2025

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Local leaders and community advocates gathered on the steps of the Union County Courthouse today to officially declare April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, shining a spotlight on the urgent need to protect and support vulnerable children throughout South Arkansas.

The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce joined members of the South Arkansas Children’s Coalition (SACC) for the reading of the proclamation, honoring the tireless work of those on the front lines of child abuse prevention and recovery services.

“Witnessing the dedication of the SACC team, who stand on the front lines combating child abuse, leaves us in awe,” the Chamber stated following the event. “Their work is both vital and challenging, addressing the harsh realities faced by vulnerable children in our community.”

As a member organization of the Chamber, SACC has built a reputation for advocacy, crisis intervention, and family support services throughout Union County and surrounding areas. Their mission includes not only immediate response and support but also education and long-term solutions to prevent abuse before it happens.

“This month, and every month, we stand in support of their mission to prevent child abuse and provide essential services to affected families,” the Chamber continued.

Throughout April, SACC and its partners will lead a series of awareness activities and encourage residents to get involved—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about the signs of abuse and how to report concerns.

Community members are encouraged to visit SACC’s website and follow their social media pages to stay informed and discover ways to help make a difference.

“Together, we can foster a safer environment for all children in South Arkansas,” the Chamber said.

For more information about local child abuse prevention efforts or how you can contribute, contact the South Arkansas Children’s Coalition or the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.