This past week I had the pleasure of visiting a longtime friend in Colorado. She and I initially met in preschool, then she transferred schools and we lost touch for a while before reconnecting in our teen years. I am deeply grateful for her friendship and for the opportunity now to visit new places and explore the world further while learning about the city she currently calls home. 

During my trip, we visited Rocky Mountain National Park, saw lots of beautiful wildlife (birds, deer, chipmunks and prairie dogs), went swimming in a reservoir and also ventured into Denver to go a concert. It was a great mix of outdoor adventure and city life. 

It’s strange to think that we were graduating from college in Arkansas just four years ago, and now we’re on different sides of the country from one another, but I’m glad we’ve kept in touch and continue to grow closer each year. 

Forging relationships that are strong enough to withstand physical distance is not an easy feat. However, this skill becomes increasingly valuable as operations and communications continue to trend toward digital growth. Being able to grow your partnerships and audience beyond city and even state lines opens doors for many new possibilities. 

One example of a business covering great distances to expand to new markets is Skyeton’s announcement of its first U.S. facility coming to Cumberland County. The Ukrainian-based drone manufacturer is officially expanding into America’s Can-Do City. (See page 14) 

Keeping an open mind to change and new perspectives allows for growth in ways that previously would have gone unnoticed. As I celebrate my fourth anniversary with the Journal on Aug. 8, I am proud of all of the new connections I have made and the knowledge I have gained. To move here without knowing anyone and find community was not an easy task, but it has been deeply rewarding.

The world is so much bigger than the small Arkansas town I come from, and I’m glad to continue to be able to see more of it each year.