PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Planned building renovations are nearing completion and new signage is being installed starting this week for the Little Rock regional office of Pine Bluff-based Simmons Bank. Two years ago this month, Simmons purchased the former Acxiom Corp. headquarters building in downtown Little Rock where more than 200 staff now office. Approximately 150 additional associates are scheduled to move to the River Market location by the end of May. The building purchase is part of Simmons' ongoing efforts to maximize systems and logistics for its expanding banking operations in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.
“Simmons continues to increase our banking operations in new areas of the country, but many of our centralized services remain in Arkansas where we were founded,” said George Makris, Jr., Simmons First National Corporation chairman and CEO. “We are committed to growing and investing in the state.”
Since the building was purchased in March 2017, Simmons has recruited new top talent to the state while remodeling and enhancing training and communications facilities, offices and other building services in the River Market area of Little Rock.
The project will qualify Simmons for the state’s Advantage Arkansas and Tax Back incentive programs available through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) once the city council passes a resolution.
“Simmons is among the many Arkansas-based business success stories with deep roots in our state and significant impact within and beyond its borders,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “Simmons will serve as an example of how to bring new life and talent to a location that's growth-friendly.”
“It's gratifying to see Simmons take a well-planned building and campus in the heart of our vibrant city and make it a regional hub just an hour from its corporate headquarters,” Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. said.
"My goal for Pulaski County is to help create and sustain a stable county structure that provides exceptional services and incorporates the latest technology, and having Simmons dedicate people, facilities and resources here, in addition to its long-standing commitment to Jefferson County, supports that goal as well as business opportunities and offerings in central Arkansas and the state," Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde said.
Makris went on to say Simmons’ goal is to be a vital contributor to all of the communities it serves and among the best places to work in the country. The renovations and enhancements to the downtown Little Rock regional building will serve the company's growing staff in the city, many of whom are able to bike and walk to work or use the 500-spot parking deck, gymnasium, outdoor basketball court, dining facilities and park with walking trails. Additionally, as banking and financial services sectors rely more than ever on technological innovations, the River Market location is just a few blocks from the Little Rock Technology Park and other vibrant businesses and industries.
About Simmons Bank
Simmons Bank is an Arkansas state-chartered bank that began as a community bank in 1903. Through the decades, Simmons has developed a full suite of financial products and services designed to meet the needs of individual consumers and business customers alike. Simmons has grown steadily to approximately $16.5 billion in assets (as of Dec. 31, 2018) and today operates approximately 200 branch locations throughout Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Simmons is the subsidiary bank for Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC), a publicly traded bank holding company headquartered in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. For more information, visit http://www.simmonsbank.com/.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
CAROLINE P. MAKRIS
Simmons Bank
VP/Manager Marketing & Communications
501.944.0518 (mobile)
caroline.makris@simmonsbank.com