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El Dorado Manufacturer Named Arkansas Business of the Year

Published

1 year 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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El Dorado Business Leader Madison Murphy to Receive Statewide Leadership in Free Enterprise Award

Published

1 hour ago

July 21, 2026

Sandy Sanford

Madison Murphy being honored as tourism person of the year at the Governor's Conference on Tourism. Photo from GoElDorado.com

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Throughout his career, Madison Murphy has earned a reputation as one of Arkansas’ most respected business leaders, with decades of service spanning corporate leadership, education, philanthropy, and the arts. This fall, that legacy will be recognized on a statewide stage.

The El Dorado native has been named one of two recipients of the Leadership in Free Enterprise Award, presented by Economics Arkansas, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing economic and personal finance education across the state.

Murphy graduated from Hendrix College in Conway in 1980 with a degree in economics and business administration before returning to El Dorado to begin his career with Murphy Oil Corporation as a junior accountant. He quickly advanced through the company’s ranks, serving as a junior auditor and associate auditor before accepting international assignments in London, England, with Murphy Eastern Oil and in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Murphy’s Ocean Drilling and Exploration Company.

Despite opportunities abroad, Murphy chose to return home in 1988, joining Murphy Oil as vice president of planning. Over the years, he held several executive leadership positions, including treasurer, chief financial and administrative officer, and ultimately chairman of the board. He continues to serve as a member of the Murphy Oil Board of Directors.

Beyond Murphy Oil, his leadership has extended across Arkansas’ business and civic landscape. Murphy served for a decade on the Arkansas Highway Commission, spent more than 11 years on the board of BancorpSouth, and also served on the board of Deltic Timber Corporation.

He is a founding member of the Murphy Arts District (MAD), co-owner of Presqu’ile Winery, president of the Murphy Foundation, and has served as chairman of the board of Murphy USA since the company’s 2013 spinoff from Murphy Oil.

Economics Arkansas selected Murphy for the Leadership in Free Enterprise Award in recognition of his commitment to promoting the principles and success of free enterprise throughout Arkansas.

Formerly known as the Arkansas Council on Economic Education, Economics Arkansas equips PreK-12 educators with the training and classroom resources needed to teach economics and personal finance. The organization believes that preparing teachers creates a multiplier effect, allowing generations of Arkansas students to gain practical financial knowledge and a stronger understanding of the marketplace.

Murphy will be honored during the organization’s annual awards ceremony on Nov. 4 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. Also receiving recognition that evening will be Walter Hussman Jr., chairman of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Tickets for the event are $125 and may be purchased online or by calling 501-682-4230.

Featured

Murphy-Pitard Jewelers Joins Downtown El Dorado’s Christmas in July Celebration

Published

4 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Jax Sanford

EL DORADO, Ark. – Christmas is coming early to historic downtown El Dorado as Murphy-Pitard Jewelers invites the community to celebrate the Christmas in July festivities, taking place Thursday, July 23, through Saturday, July 25.

Following the success of last year’s event, Murphy-Pitard is bringing the celebration back with an even greater focus on festive fun, holiday planning, and the excitement of brand-new jewelry arrivals.

Throughout the three-day event, customers will have the opportunity to get a first look at the store’s newest collections, recently hand-selected at market, while shopping the best selection before the holiday season begins.

“The response to Christmas in July last year was incredible, and we couldn’t wait to bring it back,” said Amanda Pitard, owner of Murphy-Pitard Jewelers. “It’s such a fun way to celebrate with our community, introduce the new pieces we found at market, help customers start their Christmas wish lists early, and remind everyone it’s never too early to start planning for the holidays. Whether you’re beginning your Christmas shopping or simply enjoying the festivities downtown, we hope you’ll stop in and celebrate with us.”

Guests can enjoy holiday treats, festive decorations, Christmas music, and plenty of Christmas cheer while exploring the store’s newest arrivals. Murphy-Pitard Jewelers is proud to join the Downtown Business Association and Main Street El Dorado, celebrating Christmas in July as downtown businesses spread holiday cheer with festive activities and create a fun shopping experience throughout historic downtown El Dorado.

Customers are encouraged to create their Christmas wish list during the event for a chance to win a $500 Murphy-Pitard Jewelers shopping spree through a special Christmas in July Wish & Win giveaway.

For the first time, Murphy-Pitard Jewelers is introducing a special Christmas layaway program during Christmas in July. The three-day offer allows customers to reserve gifts with 0% down, NO interest, and five equal monthly payments, making it easy to plan ahead for the holidays while securing the store’s newest arrivals. (Restrictions apply. See store for complete details.)

Additional highlights include Santa Savings, featuring select merchandise specially marked for the event, as well as a visit from Summer Santa on Saturday.

Murphy-Pitard Jewelers’ Christmas in July will take place during regular business hours:

Thursday- Friday, July 23- July 24: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information about Murphy-Pitard Jewelers, visit the store in historic downtown El Dorado, call (870) 863-8818, or follow Murphy-Pitard Jewelers on Facebook for event updates and sneak peeks of the newest arrivals.

News

Chamber To Hold Business Hour On Tuesday

Published

1 day ago

July 20, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO – Business leaders, entrepreneurs and community members will have an opportunity to expand their professional networks this week during the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce’s July Business Hour.

The monthly networking event will be hosted by South Arkansas College on Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. at the college’s Health Sciences Building, located at 401 W. Wesson Street in El Dorado.

The Business Hour is designed to bring together Chamber members and local professionals for an informal hour of networking, conversation and relationship building. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour SouthArk’s Health Sciences Building while connecting with fellow business leaders, community partners and area professionals.

Chamber officials say the event is a chance for attendees to make new business connections, strengthen existing relationships and stay engaged with the local business community. The networking event is open to Chamber members and those interested in becoming more involved in the area’s business community.

News

South Arkansas Communities Receive More Than $1.5 Million In Funding

Published

1 day ago

July 20, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Communities in Union, Ouachita and Columbia counties will receive more than $1.5 million in state grant funding as part of a statewide investment announced Monday by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

The funding is part of more than $12.5 million awarded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Rural Services Block Grant and Rural Community Grant programs to support infrastructure improvements, public facilities, fire protection and community development projects across Arkansas.

Locally, Junction City in Union County received a $498,635 Community Development Block Grant, while Louann in Ouachita County was awarded $499,999 and McNeil in Columbia County received $499,606 through the same program.

Additional funding was awarded through the Rural Community Grant program. The Junction City Volunteer Fire Department received $15,000, Mount Holly Volunteer Fire Department received $12,705, Chidester was awarded $10,990.50, and the Town of Emerson received $14,986.26.

Gov. Sanders said investing in local communities helps improve quality of life while supporting long-term growth across the state.

“Arkansas’ success starts with our local communities,” Sanders said. “These funds help local leaders build the places that bring neighbors together, improve quality of life and build on what Arkansans already know: there is no better place in America to live, work and raise a family than the Natural State.”

Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Clint O’Neal said the grants provide communities with resources to strengthen infrastructure and expand economic opportunities.

The Community Development Block Grant program helps fund projects such as public facilities, senior centers, childcare centers, health facilities, drainage improvements and economic development initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Rural Services Block Grant and Rural Community Grant programs provide funding for projects including community centers, fire stations, fire equipment, parks, walking trails and storm warning sirens.

In total, the state awarded 88 grants totaling $12,522,736 to cities, counties and rural communities across Arkansas. Locally, the awards will support community improvements, public safety and infrastructure projects throughout Union, Ouachita and Columbia counties.

News

El Dorado Native and Arkansas Business Leader Emon Mahony Jr. Dies at 85

Published

1 day ago

July 20, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — El Dorado native and longtime Arkansas business leader Emon Mahony Jr., whose leadership at Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp. and decades of public service helped shape communities across the state, has died at the age of 85. TalkBusiness.net first reported Mahony’s death.

Mahony, who was born in El Dorado on May 5, 1941, built a distinguished career spanning business, government and conservation before returning to his hometown after retirement to manage his family’s timber, oil and natural gas interests.

He served as president of Fort Smith-based Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp. (AOG) from 1977 to 1996 and remained chairman of the board until 1998. During his tenure, Mahony helped transform the company into a customer-focused utility while also becoming one of the Fort Smith region’s most influential civic leaders.

Perhaps his most enduring legacy was his leadership in expanding Lake Fort Smith, a project that secured the region’s long-term water supply. Mahony championed the effort to raise the lake’s dam and win voter approval for a half-cent sales tax that helped fund the more than $200 million project.

Completed in 2006, the expansion tripled the reservoir’s capacity, increasing water storage from about 8.4 billion gallons to nearly 28 billion gallons while more than doubling daily water production from 21.5 million gallons to 45.5 million gallons. The project also led to the creation of the modern Lake Fort Smith State Park, which features cabins, hiking trails, campgrounds, a marina and visitor facilities.

Throughout his career, Mahony held leadership roles on numerous corporate and public boards. He served on the board of what was then City National Bank in Fort Smith, was a longtime director and former chairman of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, and served on the board of Alltel Corp. before the telecommunications company was acquired by Verizon in 2009.

Mahony also dedicated years to public service. He worked as a senior aide to longtime U.S. Sen. John McClellan from 1968 to 1975, served on the Arkansas-Oklahoma River Compact Commission, was appointed by Gov. David Pryor to the Arkansas Soil and Water Commission, and later became part of Gov. Mike Beebe’s transition team. He also served as one of the first members of the U.S. Marshals Museum board of directors.

Beyond business and government, Mahony was a passionate conservation advocate. He served as a trustee of The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas, supported the creation of the one-eighth-cent conservation sales tax benefiting the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and worked to establish conservation easements protecting natural ecosystems.

On Sunday, former Gov. Mike Beebe remembered Mahony as “a good friend and great Arkansan.”

Former colleagues also reflected on Mahony’s leadership and mentorship.

Mike Callan, who served as AOG president from 2008 to 2014, said Mahony hired him in 1984 and remained his mentor and friend for more than four decades.

“He was my boss for 12 years, my mentor and friend for 42 years,” Callan said. “One of his many traits I admired was that when we discussed any subject he had already thought about it more than anyone else involved.”

Fred Kirkwood, who retired from AOG earlier this year after a 40-year career, credited Mahony with changing the company’s culture by emphasizing customer service at a time when that philosophy was uncommon in the utility industry.

Attorney Ben Shipley III, whom Mahony recruited to AOG as vice president and general counsel, said Mahony consistently encouraged community involvement and always focused on projects that benefited the public.

David Olive, founder of Catalyst Partners and a longtime Fort Smith attorney, said Mahony’s greatest gift was improving every community he served.

“Emon Mahony’s legacy is that he had the ability to make communities better wherever he lived,” Olive said. “His contributions were immense and the Fort Smith area is better because of the time he lived here.”

According to his obituary, Mahony was preceded in death by his parents, Emon Armstrong Mahony Sr. and Mabel Farmer Mahony; his brothers, Mike and Jodie; daughter Terry Donathan Julian; and son Paul Donathan.

He is survived by his wife, Kay; daughter Liza Nevenhoven and husband Scott; son Emon Ossian Mahony and wife Esther Teo; son Trent Donathan; and eight grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Young’s Funeral Directors in El Dorado. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at First Presbyterian Church in El Dorado.