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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 Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

23 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — A 39-year-old El Dorado man is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Union County District Court on Friday after being taken into custody following a lengthy police standoff earlier this week.

According to the El Dorado Police Department, Gary Lee Moore was arrested Tuesday morning after officers responded to a reported aggravated assault and spent more than an hour attempting to negotiate his surrender.

Authorities said officers were first called to South Arkansas Regional Hospital at approximately 6:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving information about a suspected aggravated assault. Investigators reported that the victim told officers Moore had threatened her life and warned that he would kill any law enforcement officers who attempted to intervene.

Following the report, officers went to a residence in the 2700 block of Mount Holly Road to locate Moore.

Police secured the area around the residence, including shutting down a portion of Mount Holly Road, while ensuring no other individuals were inside the home. Crisis negotiators then began efforts to persuade Moore to surrender peacefully.

According to police, negotiators used verbal commands and communicated with Moore several times by telephone during the standoff. Despite those efforts, Moore repeatedly refused to leave the residence.

After negotiations proved unsuccessful, the El Dorado Police Department’s SWAT team implemented tactical measures that ultimately prompted Moore to exit the home.

Moore was taken into custody without further incident.

He has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threatening, resisting arrest and several additional charges.

Moore remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Union County District Court on June 5.

The investigation remains ongoing.

News

Youth Festival Of The Arts Set For This Weekend

Published

23 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, — Young artists from across South Arkansas will have an opportunity to display their creativity and connect with the community during the upcoming Youth Festival of the Arts on Saturday, June 6.

The event, presented through a partnership between the South Arkansas Arts Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Union County, will take place from 10 a.m. until noon at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 1201 N. West Ave. in El Dorado.

Organizers describe the event as a one-of-a-kind children’s art marketplace designed to celebrate and support young artists while encouraging creativity and artistic expression.

The festival will transform the indoor Lanxess Gym at the Boys & Girls Club into an art fair featuring artwork created by children and youth from throughout the region. Community members will have the opportunity to view the artwork, meet young artists and show their support for the next generation of creative talent.

The event is part of an ongoing effort by both organizations to provide artistic opportunities for local youth and help foster an appreciation for the arts in South Arkansas.

SAAC and the Boys & Girls Club have partnered on numerous programs focused on arts education, and organizers say the Youth Festival of the Arts is designed to give young creators a platform to share their work while building confidence and developing their artistic skills.

Community members are encouraged to attend and help support the area’s emerging artists.

Event Details

What: Youth Festival of the Arts
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Union County, 1201 N. West Ave., El Dorado
Hosted By: South Arkansas Arts Center and Boys & Girls Club of Union County
Admission: Open to the public

The event offers families a chance to celebrate creativity, encourage young artists and enjoy a morning dedicated to the arts in El Dorado.

News

Juneteenth Celebration Set For June 19th

Published

24 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Families from across South Arkansas are invited to gather for a day of celebration, education and community as the Justice League hosts its annual Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on June 19 at the Murphy Arts District Amphitheater.

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amphitheater and will feature food, entertainment, activities for children and community engagement opportunities designed to bring residents together while promoting peace and unity.

Organizers say attendees can enjoy free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, live entertainment and free T-shirts while supplies last.

The event is presented by the Justice League and made possible through support from title sponsor Clean Harbors.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Although Lincoln’s proclamation officially declared enslaved people in Confederate states free on Jan. 1, 1863, enforcement depended on the presence of Union troops. In many parts of the South, slavery continued until federal troops arrived and enforced the order.

The announcement in Texas marked one of the final acts of emancipation in the United States and became a day of celebration among formerly enslaved people and their descendants.

Over the decades, Juneteenth grew from local community gatherings into a nationally recognized observance. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Today, communities across the country celebrate the holiday with festivals, educational programs, cultural events, parades and family gatherings that honor freedom, resilience and African American history.

Bringing the Community Together

Organizers of the El Dorado event say the Family Fun Day is designed not only to celebrate Juneteenth but also to encourage positive community engagement and promote efforts to reduce violence through education, fellowship and outreach.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in the festivities.

Event Information

What: Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day
When: June 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Murphy Arts District Amphitheater, El Dorado
Admission: Free
Activities: Food, frozen treats, vendors, bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, entertainment and more

The event is open to the public and welcomes families throughout the region to celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of community together.

News

“Calling The Hogs” Event With Chuck Barrett Set For Tonight

Published

24 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Razorback fans will have a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most recognizable voices in Arkansas sports tonight as “Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth” comes to the Murphy Arts District.

The special event, scheduled for June 4 inside the First Financial Music Hall, will feature legendary Arkansas Razorbacks play-by-play broadcaster Chuck Barrett, whose voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in Razorback athletics.

Barrett will share stories from his years behind the microphone, offering fans a unique look at the people, moments and memories that have shaped Arkansas sports. The evening is expected to include tales from the broadcast booth, locker room stories and insights into some of the biggest games in Razorback history.

Serving as master of ceremonies will be longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson, who will help guide the conversation and add his own blend of humor and perspective throughout the program.

Guests will also enjoy a catered dinner provided by Madhouse 101. Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m. before the evening’s program gets underway.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring together sports fans, community members and supporters of Arkansas athletics for an entertaining night of storytelling and fellowship.

Tickets are $50 per person, plus applicable fees and taxes. Seating is limited.

The event will be held tonight at the First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District in downtown El Dorado.

Event Details

What: Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth
When: Tonight, June 4
Where: First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District, El Dorado
Dinner Service: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person plus fees and taxes
Seating: Limited availability

News

Farmers Market On The Square Celebrates Growers Month

Published

24 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Main Street El Dorado is inviting families to kick off June with fresh produce, local vendors and a creative activity for children during this week’s Farmers Market on the Square.

As part of Growers Month, the market will welcome local artist Pam Vernon for a free watercolor class designed especially for children. The class will take place Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering young artists an opportunity to explore their creativity while learning the basics of watercolor painting.

The activity is free and open to children attending the market with their families.

The Farmers Market on the Square is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon on Jefferson Avenue near the Union County Courthouse in downtown El Dorado. The market features a variety of local growers, farmers, artisans and vendors offering fresh produce, homemade goods, plants and other locally sourced products.

Main Street El Dorado officials say Growers Month is a celebration of the farmers and producers who help supply fresh, locally grown products to the community throughout the season.

Families are encouraged to come early, shop the market and participate in the watercolor class while enjoying a morning in downtown El Dorado.

The event provides a fun and educational opportunity for children while supporting local growers and small businesses that make the Farmers Market a community favorite each summer.