Why Quality of Place is Important. Our third installment in 2021 of our popular Power Up Little Rock series, sponsored by Arvest, will be held on Thursday, August 5, 12-1 p.m. Thank you to our partner sponsor, Delta Dental of Arkansas, and our supporting sponsor, Mainstream Technologies.

Success in the past was measured in purely economic terms — jobs created, rising incomes and wages, the number of corporate headquarters, or the number of high-tech industries a city had, but place-making efforts across the US and the world have emphasized having quality daily life.

Quality-of-place amenities were once thought of as an afterthought. Now we know that amenities — not just restaurants and bars, but the whole package of great museums, theaters and the arts — play a key role in bringing economic growth. Arts and culture help fuel our state's economy and economic impact studies have proven time and time again that there's an inextricable link between the creative industries in a community and that community's economic development, job recruitment and tourism.

What makes our region stand out!

Meet Our Panelists

Michael Fothergill
Executive & Artistic Director
Ballet Arkansas

Michael began his dance training in central Iowa at the Betty Hill Dance Studios, and continued his study of classical ballet under the guidance of Robert Thomas and Miyoko Kato-Thomas of the Robert Thomas Dancenter. He was a full scholarship recipient of the Milwaukee Ballet School, Boston Ballet School, and the School of American Ballet, and following an early graduation from high school, Michael accepted an invitation to further his studies with American Ballet Theatre in New York City. While in New York.

Within the last 15 years, Michael’s choreography has been performed across the United States, Japan, Iceland, Australia, France, Romania, Dubai, Spain, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, and his work was highlighted on film within the international documentary “Dance the Dream at 50” produced by acclaimed filmmaker Richard Karz. Michael began his relationship with Ballet Arkansas as a finalist in the Ballet Arkansas Visions Choreographic Competition in the winter of 2017, and following a 7-year stint as principal dancer and choreographer with the Alabama Ballet, he was appointed Executive and Artistic Director of Ballet Arkansas in July of the same year. Since that time, Michael has revitalized the organization's programming and operations, allowing for the doubling of its gross operating budget and an exponential expansion of its programming. Ballet Arkansas is now ranked as one of the Top 100 Professional Ballet Companies in the United States by that Dance Data Project and was rated Best Performing Arts Organization in Arkansas in 2018 and 2020 by the readers of the Arkansas Times - runner up in 2019.

Since moving to Arkansas, Michael has lectured at UA-Little Rock, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Walton Arts Center, and at UA-Pulaski Technical College's Center for Humanities and Arts.He consults in the areas of public relations, fundraising, brand management and program development, and is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Americans for the Arts. In 2020, Arkansas Money & Politics recognized Michael as one of the Top 100 Professionals in Arkansas. Beyond his many endeavors in the arts, Michael enjoys spending time exploring the world with his lovely wife, Catherine, and relaxing with a good book.

Dr. Victoria Ramirez
Executive Director
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Dr. Victoria Ramirez began her tenure with AMFA in 2019 and is leading the institution’s next chapter of reimagination and the opening of the new building. Dr. Ramirez has over 25 years of experience, serving as Director of the El Paso Museum of Art and the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. Prior, she worked in art museum education at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, finding joy in teaching children and adults art history and appreciation.

Samuel Ellis
Owner/Senior Guide
Rock Town River Outfitters

Samuel Ellis grew up in Little Rock. The city's central location allowed him to spend summers traveling to the Ozark Mountains for canoeing and kayaking trips. He fell in love with the water and, in 2011, decided to move to Colorado excelling as a guide for a commercial white water rafting company, specifically on Class III and IV rapids in Browns Canyon. It was during that time when he realized there was so much more to the Arkansas River than it just being a beautiful sight best viewed from the shore. When Samuel returned to Little Rock and found himself surrounded by a thriving city, working and living the city life, he was still magnetically drawn to the river. He embarked on a mission to kayak and explore the Arkansas River as it is here in Arkansas. The calmer waters and wide channels provided a stark contrast to the rapids and chutes in Colorado, but his explorations were just as exciting! Samuel decided to start Rock Town River Outfitters so everyone could experience the awe and excitement he feels while paddling on the Arkansas River. The primary goal is for the Arkansas River to become an accessible recreational destination where families can safely play in the waters that have shaped our city. The river is not something to fear, but rather something to respect and enjoy.

Power Up Little Rock is a quarterly series that highlights important economic development trends, issues, and developments within the region and the state. Local business leaders are featured through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and presentations. Chamber members, especially those who invest in MetRock Forward, will have the opportunity to network with peers and hear from experts on issues that affect the region's economy.

For sponsorship information, please contact Stacy Wilson at 501.377.6004 or swilson@littlerockchamber.com.

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