Jonesboro, AR (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Sept. 13, 2024 – Jonesboro native and Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) Chairman Alec Farmer got quite the surprise on Friday morning when Craighead County Judge Marvin Day declared Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, as “Alec Farmer Day” during an event at the Embassy Suites in Jonesboro.
The event was part of the three-day September meeting of the County Judges Association of Arkansas, where Farmer was asked to be a special guest speaker.
The proclamation acknowledged his extensive efforts and contributions, offering a great opportunity for community and state members to express their gratitude and appreciation.
Day presented Farmer with the official proclamation in acknowledgment of his over 25 years of volunteer work and leadership.
According to a press release from the Craighead County Judge’s Office, Craighead County was proud to recognize Farmer for his remarkable dedication and service to the county and its community, noting that he has exemplified unwavering commitment to public service. His career and voluntary contributions span numerous boards and commissions at both local and state levels, showcasing his dedication to improving the quality of life for the residents of Craighead County and beyond.
It also noted that throughout his service, Farmer has been a committed advocate for community betterment, dedicating countless hours to various initiatives aimed at fostering growth and progress within the city, county, and state. His work has impacted many, reflecting his genuine passion for the welfare of his fellow citizens.
He and his wife Carole live in Jonesboro and together they have four daughters, where he is the operator of Farmer Enterprises, Inc., a family-owned property investment and management company.
During the presentation, Day teared up as he noted the differences Farmer made in the community over the years.
“Our paths have woven back and forth for years, and he became a close friend of my dad’s,” he recalled. “They had one common goal. They wanted this place to be the best there is, and that’s all they ever did.”
As Day read the proclamation, he noted that Farmer graduated cum laude from Arkansas State University, and earned his Juris Doctorate before beginning work at Farmer Enterprises, Inc.
He also noted that he has served and currently serves on several boards at the local and state level, including Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, EC Barton Company, and the original member of the Arkansas Agricultural Board, serving as chairman of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. Farmer has also served as a special commissioner on the Arkansas State Police, serving four years on the Jonesboro City Council and chairing the city council’s finance and public works committees. He also served on the Jonesboro Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, and most recently, completing ten years of service to the Arkansas Highway Commission, completing his term as chairman.
“The last 25 years have brought tremendous growth and change to the city of Jonesboro, Craighead County, and the State of Arkansas,” Day continued. “Mr. Farmer has consistently and tirelessly volunteered countless hours toward the betterment of our city, county and state.”
First District Congressman Rick Crawford said he had watched over the years in Northeast Arkansas and what folks like Farmer and others have done and continue to do to make it such a dynamic economy and such a great community.
“Alec has worked in so many ways to make this a better community,” Day said after the presentation. “As his time on the Highway Commission is coming to an end, we felt that he deserves the recognition for his efforts that have benefited all of us.”