Tell us your career path.

I graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a degree in marketing.  After spending a year searching for employment and contemplating relocating, I answered an ad in the newspaper and five years later, I am still with the NLRVB. Currently, I am the sports marketing representative.

North Little Rock and Central Arkansas have several unique attractions to offer.  From the sports perspective, it is Burns Park.  Measuring in at 1,700 acres, it is one of the largest municipal parks in the country.  Burns Park has two 18-hole golf courses; two 18-hole disc golf courses; baseball; softball complex; 17 soccer fields; and 27 tennis courts (6 indoor).  We have hosted the US Youth Soccer Regional and National Championship, National 12’s Tennis Championship and other tournaments in Burns Park.   

What are some of the perceptions of Arkansas?

Arkansas is known as the Natural State and rightfully so.  The state's natural beauty and its history are showcased and preserved in the 52 Arkansas parks and museums, six National Park Service sites, three national forests covering more than 2.9 million acres and more than 200 camping and recreational areas.

Working for the bureau is fun and exciting, but finding time can be tough.  We all have different roles but being a small office, we are always helping each other.  Our community depends on us, so we typically join several committees.

How do you measure success?

Giving my all to help someone or a group to the point they can’t thank you enough and they leave with a smile and good experience. 

You are entering your third year of Marketing College.  What does Marketing College mean to you, and why did you decide to finish the certification process?

The knowledge you gain from Marketing College is priceless, and I use it daily. However, STS Marketing College isn’t just about the information you receive.  It’s about the relationships you build and knowing that you can call your fellow classmates if you have any questions.  Completing Marketing College puts the exclamation point on what I have learned and what this industry is about: relationships and passion for the community in which you live. 

To someone just starting out in tourism, what piece of advice would you offer?

Once you get into this industry, it’s like being in one big family. So ask others what they are doing in their communities and how to handle things that come up because we all face some of the same problems.     

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

As a kid, I wanted to grow up to be a professional football player. 

Name three CDs you would not want to part with?

Tupac’s “All Eyes on Me”; T.I.’s "Urban Legend" and Prince’s “Purple Rain.” I hope the Prince LP doesn’t give my age away. 

You may reach Shannon Harris at SHarris@northlittlerock.org

For more information on North Little Rock: http://www.northlittlerock.org.