Who:
Jonathan Bricker
Regions Bank Commercial Banking relationship manager
What:
The World Trade Center Arkansas (WTC AR), is a nonprofit dedicated to actively promoting economic development and advancing Arkansas’s global trade footprint. The WTC AR recently presented its Unsung Champion of the Year Award to Bricker.
Denise Thomas, the CEO of WTC AR, who nominated Bricker for the award, notes the honor celebrates a community leader whose steadfast dedication and behind-the-scenes support have been instrumental in helping WTC AR achieve its goals.
“We developed the Unsung Champion because of people like Jonathan,” said Thomas. “When his name was mentioned, our staff and board members said, ‘Oh, he’s perfect for this.’
“Jonathan’s personality is servant-leadership,” added Thomas. “He’s a bridge builder. He’s always trying to find a way to be collaborative for the greater good of all parties involved.”
Thomas experiences that collaboration firsthand through the work she and Bricker have done planning educational workshops, developing marketing and branding initiatives, even facilitating trade together.
“All the things we do, we’ve done together,” she said.
But Wait, There’s More:
Since 2021, Bricker has also chaired the Arkansas District Export Council, an organization promoting and supporting international trade activities and awareness throughout Arkansas. The nonprofit fosters connections and provides educational resources to Arkansas businesses of all sizes.
“Our job involves teaching businesses how to become exporters,” said Bricker. “We host educational webinars throughout the year and put out a newsletter every month. We’ve had people join from all over the world. We’re filling a need and providing value, in Arkansas and far beyond.”
Why It Matters … in Arkansas:
“Ninety-four percent of the world’s marketplace is outside the United States, so, if you’re only selling product in your small town in Arkansas, the thought is you’re missing the boat,” explained Bricker.
“The work these organizations do involves a local economic aspect as well because manufacturers in these towns benefit from higher-paying wages, which workers reinvest in their communities.”
And for Regions:
“There’s a District Export Council for every state the Regions footprint covers,” said Bricker. “My role with the Arkansas DEC has helped solidify my market awareness, increase my subject matter knowledge and build relationships. I really lean on the bank’s Global Trade team, and I give kudos to Regions for having the solutions and services other banks in our market don’t have to help global businesses.”
A Moment Delivering All The Feels:
Bricker was surprised to learn his manager, Commercial Banking leader and Northwest Arkansas market executive, Jaclyn Henderson, had reached out to invite his wife and two daughters to attend the WTC AR event where he was being honored.
“I look over and see my oldest daughter standing there,” he recalled. “I said, ‘Adelaide, what are you doing here?’ Then, I saw my youngest daughter and my wife. It totally caught me off guard.”
“I had this little blurb I wanted to share at the event,” Bricker added. “When I looked out into the crowd and saw my family, I saw Jaclyn, I saw Stan (Rodgers) and other people throughout the community I’ve built a relationship with these last four to five years,” it just hit me. I thought, ‘Whoa.’ I didn’t see that coming with the emotions taking over with my family being there.”
His Daughters’ Reaction to the Honor?:
“They were mad at me,” said Bricker. “Millie, my youngest, said, ‘Dad, if you get an award again, you need to let us know about it.’”
What this Recognition Means:
“It’s pretty humbling receiving this award,” Bricker said. “I’m still trying to come up with the right way to convey how much it means to me. But this is not about one person. It’s really dedicated to the entire Arkansas District Export Council and all the economic developers throughout the state that help increase global trade.”
Spoken just like an Unsung Champion.