Runway Group LLC https://runwaynwa.com/ Making Northwest Arkansas the Best Place to Live Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:32:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://runwaynwa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-Runway-Favicon-AR-32x32.png Runway Group LLC https://runwaynwa.com/ 32 32 Runway Group Co-Founder Tom Walton to be New CEO https://runwaynwa.com/runway-group-co-founder-tom-walton-to-be-new-ceo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=runway-group-co-founder-tom-walton-to-be-new-ceo Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:32:17 +0000 https://runwaynwa.com/?p=5262 Runway Group Chief Executive Officer Chris Seay will retire as CEO effective at the end of March, the company has announced. Runway co-founder Tom Walton will step into the role as CEO. 

Seay has served as CEO since October of 2021, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer for the holding company, which makes investments in real estate, outdoor initiatives, hospitality and other businesses.

“I’d like to thank Chris for his commitment to our organization in getting Runway’s oriented for success,” Walton said. “We are positioned well for the future, and we wouldn’t be here today without his leadership.”

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Chris Seay to Retire as CEO at End of March

Runway Group Chief Executive Officer Chris Seay will retire as CEO effective at the end of March, the company has announced. Runway co-founder Tom Walton will step into the role as CEO.

Seay has served as CEO since October of 2021, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer for the holding company, which makes investments in real estate, outdoor initiatives, hospitality and other businesses.

“I’d like to thank Chris for his commitment to our organization in getting Runway’s oriented for success,” Walton said. “We are positioned well for the future, and we wouldn’t be here today without his leadership.”

In an internal announcement Monday, Seay shared the following message: 

“The time has come to step away from my role as Runway CEO. Today, I am announcing my retirement effective in late March. The past few years have been a wonderful experience and I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to help build, shape, and elevate Runway. And it has been a privilege to help guide investments in the people and the places to help make Northwest Arkansas an extraordinary region to live, work and play. Most importantly, it has been an honor to work with each of you. I am proud of our work together and who we, as a company, have become. I am deeply grateful that you chose to share a part of your lives with me – thank you.”

Other leadership roles within the company have also been announced. Krista Cupp will lead Runway’s Community Impact team as Chief Community Officer. Cupp helms a newly created platform designed to make community investments in Bentonville and its adjacent communities. She joins Runway’s operating-business leaders including Blue Crane CEO Jared Faciszewski; recently hired Thaden Field GM Kelly Deeds; and Ropeswing Hospitality President Emanuel Gardinier as Runway’s external-facing leaders.

“I’m excited to serve as CEO and energized by our possibilities,” Walton said. “With the continuity of a talented and trusted senior leadership team, I know we are just getting started.”

Chris Seay Bio: 

Chris Seay has served as CEO of the Runway Group since October 2021. Prior to his current role, he served as Runway’s COO.

Chris began his career as an attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana. Reorienting from law to business, Chris joined Wal-Mart Stores’ international accounting & finance team and worked with its foreign affiliates in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and China and, later, as advisor to and acting CFO of Wal-Mart’s retail venture in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he and his wife, Kim, lived. Following his time at Walmart, Chris co-founded and was principal of the SEAYCO Group, a Bentonville, Arkansas-based real estate development company that specialized in the development of commercial shopping centers throughout the United States.

Chris and Kim share a hobby farm with an unruly assortment of dogs, cats, sheep and goats in Bentonville. They enjoy the beauty, the people and the hilly, woodsy and watery places of OZ.

Tom Walton Bio:

Tom Walton is the co-founder of Runway Group, a Bentonville, Arkansas-based holding company committed to making Arkansas the best version of itself. Runway investments include real estate, outdoor initiatives, hospitality and aviation. He is also Chairman of the Walton Family Foundation Home Region Program. In 2023, he was appointed to the Natural State Advisory Board. As part of the Natural State Initiative, the board was created to further establish Arkansas as a leader in the outdoor economy and a destination for outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.

Born and raised in Bentonville, Tom spends his time giving back through regional investments and philanthropy. Through Runway, personal support, and the Walton Family Foundation’s Home Region Program, Tom plays an important role in revitalizing Northwest Arkansas’ downtown areas with a desire to create collaborative spaces for the region’s growing population.

Tom is a graduate of Northern Arizona University and resides in Bentonville with his wife, Olivia, and their children.

About Runway Group

Runway is a holding company founded in 2017 making investments in real estate, outdoor initiatives, hospitality and businesses. Steuart Walton and Tom Walton grew up in Bentonville and believe that active, better-connected communities build a more vibrant, joyful place to live and work.

 

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Blue Crane ventures into Bella Vista with $33.9M acquisition that includes Sugar Creek Center https://runwaynwa.com/blue-crane-ventures-into-bella-vista-with-33-9m-acquisition-that-includes-sugar-creek-center/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blue-crane-ventures-into-bella-vista-with-33-9m-acquisition-that-includes-sugar-creek-center Fri, 08 Mar 2024 20:36:10 +0000 https://runwaynwa.com/?p=5246 Bentonville real estate developer Blue Crane completed a real estate acquisition for approximately 54 acres in Bella Vista in three separate deals totaling $33.9 million, laying the groundwork for future developments. The property acquired lies east of U.S. Highway 71 Business and includes the 9.5-acre, 48,000-square-foot Sugar Creek Shopping Center, a multi-tenant shopping center anchored by a grocery store, Allen’s Food Market. The remaining land is north and east of the shopping center.

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Bentonville real estate developer Blue Crane completed a real estate acquisition for approximately 54 acres in Bella Vista in three separate deals totaling $33.9 million, laying the groundwork for future developments. The property acquired lies east of U.S. Highway 71 Business and includes the 9.5-acre, 48,000-square-foot Sugar Creek Shopping Center, a multi-tenant shopping center anchored by a grocery store, Allen’s Food Market. The remaining land is north and east of the shopping center.
“Growing up here, Bella Vista was my backyard,” Tom Walton said. “We loved exploring all the nooks and crannies of this special place. As the region becomes a premier destination for cycling, golf and outdoor recreation, we want to preserve Bella Vista’s tradition of connecting people to nature through our investments locally.”
Read MORE.

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Ozarks at Large: Bentonville’s Thaden Field, Fly OZ Club observe Women in Aviation Week https://runwaynwa.com/ozarks-at-large-bentonvilles-thaden-field-fly-oz-club-observe-women-in-aviation-week/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ozarks-at-large-bentonvilles-thaden-field-fly-oz-club-observe-women-in-aviation-week Fri, 08 Mar 2024 17:17:21 +0000 https://runwaynwa.com/?p=5244 Desi Eddy and MK McKinley from Thaden Field talked with KUAF 91.3 Public Radio about the Women of Aviation Week hangar party taking place Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the exhibit hangar. Attendees can enjoy snacks and refreshments, race pedal planes, draw in the chalk art area, get up close and inside aircraft, chat with pilots, and join in national contests like the Inspiration Challenge and Pink Paper Plane Challenge.

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Desi Eddy and MK McKinley from Thaden Field talked with KUAF 91.3 Public Radio about the Women of Aviation Week hangar party taking place Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the exhibit hangar. Attendees can enjoy snacks and refreshments, race pedal planes, draw in the chalk art area, get up close and inside aircraft, chat with pilots, and join in national contests like the Inspiration Challenge and Pink Paper Plane Challenge. Be sure to enter to win a FREE discovery flight. Listen HERE.

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Bentonville named Top-10 in Southern Living’s ‘The South’s Best Cities on the Rise’ https://runwaynwa.com/bentonville-named-top-10-in-southern-livings-the-souths-best-cities-on-the-rise/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bentonville-named-top-10-in-southern-livings-the-souths-best-cities-on-the-rise Wed, 06 Mar 2024 21:28:57 +0000 https://runwaynwa.com/?p=5242 "Often referred to as 'the town that Walmart built,' this Arkansas hotspot is riding a strong and rising tide. It has become a veritable cultural center, with museums like the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary. An expanding culinary landscape has fostered buzzy ONYX Coffee Lab and restaurants like Conifer and The Hive. It’s no wonder everyone’s talking about Bentonville."

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“Often referred to as ‘the town that Walmart built,’ this Arkansas hotspot is riding a strong and rising tide. It has become a veritable cultural center, with museums like the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary. An expanding culinary landscape has fostered buzzy ONYX Coffee Lab and restaurants like Conifer and The Hive. It’s no wonder everyone’s talking about Bentonville.”

Read MORE for the full list!

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Vernon Named to “50 Over 50” List https://runwaynwa.com/vernon-named-to-50-over-50-list/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vernon-named-to-50-over-50-list Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:16:23 +0000 https://runwaynwa.com/?p=5238 Gary Vernon II, Runway Group's Director of Outdoor Recreation and Trail Innovation, was named to Arkansas Money & Politics' “50 Over 50” list.

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Gary Vernon is the director of outdoor recreation and trail innovation for Runway Group in Bentonville and is considered one of the leading experts in developing mountain bike trail systems.  His work over the past decade has been supporting the vision of Steuart and Tom Walton by overseeing design and construction of more than 600 miles of world class mountain bike trails and growing around the state of Arkansas and other locations. His work includes the OZ Trails region of northwest Arkansas, as well as the Arkansas State Parks monument trail projects. In 2019, he was the recipient of the American Trails Chairman’s Award for advancing trail design and changing the landscape for trail systems. His role has recently expanded to include other forms of outdoor recreation that include creating world class climbing, paddling and other outdoor recreation experiences.

Read MORE.

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Coalition of Hip Hideaways Launches to Advance Thoughtful Growth Across Country https://runwaynwa.com/coalition-of-hip-hideaways-launches-to-advance-thoughtful-growth-across-country/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=coalition-of-hip-hideaways-launches-to-advance-thoughtful-growth-across-country Wed, 07 Feb 2024 14:50:21 +0000 https://runwaynwa.com/?p=5233 Northwest Arkansas, Colorado Springs, Greater Chattanooga and Missoula today launched the Coalition of Hip Hideaways, a collective of distinct, likeminded communities across the country that are collaborating to accelerate thoughtful growth in all forms. This coalition represents a significant milestone, developed by the Northwest Arkansas Council, and builds on the success of Northwest Arkansas’ Life Works Here campaign, which aims to build awareness and appeal for the region.

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Northwest Arkansas, Colorado Springs, Greater Chattanooga and Missoula today launched the Coalition of Hip Hideaways, a collective of distinct, likeminded communities across the country that are collaborating to accelerate thoughtful growth in all forms. This coalition represents a significant milestone, developed by the Northwest Arkansas Council, and builds on the success of Northwest Arkansas’ Life Works Here campaign, which aims to build awareness and appeal for the region.

Read MORE.

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5 Locations With the Best Quality of Life for First-Time Homebuyers https://runwaynwa.com/5-locations-with-the-best-quality-of-life-for-first-time-homebuyers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-locations-with-the-best-quality-of-life-for-first-time-homebuyers Wed, 24 Jan 2024 21:25:48 +0000 https://runwaynwa.com/?p=5226 Buyers in Bentonville will have plenty of affordable homes to choose from. Inventory levels are high in the area and the median listing price is well below the national level, according to Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst for Realtor.com. “It’s home to the Walmart headquarters which means that job opportunities and economic growth abound,” she said. “Nearby to the Ozark mountains, Bentonville offers both economic stability and access to picturesque nature.”

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Buyers in Bentonville will have plenty of affordable homes to choose from. Inventory levels are high in the area and the median listing price is well below the national level, according to Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst for Realtor.com. “It’s home to the Walmart headquarters which means that job opportunities and economic growth abound,” she said. “Nearby to the Ozark mountains, Bentonville offers both economic stability and access to picturesque nature.”

Read MORE.

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Pea Ridge Ramble Brings 300 Gravel Cyclists Together https://runwaynwa.com/pea-ridge-ramble-brings-300-gravel-cyclists-together/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pea-ridge-ramble-brings-300-gravel-cyclists-together Sun, 07 Jan 2024 21:30:32 +0000 https://runwaynwa.com/?p=5228 Approximately 300 gravel cyclists showed out in force on Sunday, Jan. 7, for the Arkansas R3 Pea Ridge Ramble Ride. Riders completed a 30- or 36-mile route, which stopped at the Pea Ridge R3 hub, as well as Pea Ridge City Hall. Mayor Nathan See met gravel cyclists and talked about his vision for the future of gravel riding in Pea Ridge.

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Pea Ridge Ramble R

 

Approximately 300 gravel cyclists showed out in force on Sunday, Jan. 7, for the Arkansas R3 Pea Ridge Ramble Ride. Riders completed a 30- or 36-mile route, which stopped at the Pea Ridge R3 hub, as well as Pea Ridge City Hall. Mayor Nathan See met gravel cyclists and talked about his vision for the future of gravel riding in Pea Ridge. Everyone enjoyed coffee and donuts from local establishments (Ember Mountain Coffee and Super Donuts), and the event concluded at The HUB Bike Lounge, where special pricing was offered to those participating in the day’s activities.

The Pea Ridge Ramble was an excellent example of how gravel cyclists can make an impact on small businesses.

 

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Blue Crane gets green light for 160-acre cycling haven in Bentonville https://runwaynwa.com/blue-crane-gets-green-light-for-160-acre-cycling-haven-in-bentonville/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blue-crane-gets-green-light-for-160-acre-cycling-haven-in-bentonville Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:59:30 +0000 https://runwaynwa.com/?p=5218 On Dec. 5, Bentonville city planners granted a conditional use permit to Bentonville developer Blue Crane for its “Bentonville Cycling Center” project. The outdoor recreation facility is proposed for approximately 160 acres. The land is north of Interstate 49, west of Slaughter Pen Road and south of Ford Springs Road.

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On Dec. 5, Bentonville city planners granted a conditional use permit to Bentonville developer Blue Crane for its “Bentonville Cycling Center” project. The outdoor recreation facility is proposed for approximately 160 acres. The land is north of Interstate 49, west of Slaughter Pen Road and south of Ford Springs Road.
Read MORE.

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Recent study illustrates how the arts help power Northwest Arkansas’ economy https://runwaynwa.com/recent-study-illustrates-how-the-arts-help-power-northwest-arkansas-economy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=recent-study-illustrates-how-the-arts-help-power-northwest-arkansas-economy Sun, 10 Dec 2023 21:20:36 +0000 https://runwaynwa.com/?p=5220 Researchers determined that the region’s nonprofit arts and culture industry and their devoted audiences generated $232.6 million in economic activity in 2022. New reports by the national nonprofit Americans for the Arts included the findings. The study was completed in conjunction with Northwest Arkansas nonprofit Creative Arkansas Community Hub & Exchange (CACHE), Arkansas Arts Council and Arkansans for the Arts.

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Researchers determined that the region’s nonprofit arts and culture industry and their devoted audiences generated $232.6 million in economic activity in 2022. New reports by the national nonprofit Americans for the Arts included the findings. The study was completed in conjunction with Northwest Arkansas nonprofit Creative Arkansas Community Hub & Exchange (CACHE), Arkansas Arts Council and Arkansans for the Arts.
Read MORE.

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