Monticello Live

In a joint effort to increase educational tools, advanced skills and procedures, and  self-help tools for small and established businesses in Southeast Arkansas; Kay McKeown Brown (BKB Associates) and Chad McGriff Advanced Consulting (CMAC) have signed a five year  multi-faceted partnership agreement to promote, build, and encourage business in this corner of Arkansas flourish and give back to the community.

“Its about educating and understanding the situation of southeast Arkansas that brought both Chad and I to the agreement that it was time that businesses network better in the region, and those that wants jobs, better skills, and are willing to put in the effort will be able to find and earn a living in this area.” said Brown. She is currently a resident of Fayetteville but grew up in Drew County and has family that she regularly visits which is what kept her tuned into the needs of many in the Delta. “Im a southeast Arkansas farm girl, we were raised to make do with what we had and make it better by working harder and efficiently. I was one of those that worked smarter not harder, figuring out the best way to accomplish the task that way time and energy could be spent in other areas of my life.” Brown stated.

Almost two years ago, Brown opened Key Employment Services in Monticello. The parent company being BKB Associates her company in Fayetteville, the goal was to help companies find qualified workers and workers to find good jobs.

While on a company visit, Brown met McGriff who at the time was the Marketing Director for Drew Foam. At the meeting Brown and McGriff discussed the southeast Arkansas as he had recently moved back to Star City after traveling as part of a vacation sales team. McGriff calls Star City and Monticello home as he attended both schools, family live in Star City, and he graduated from  Monticello High School and UAM. “I move away for a few years working on some random new adventure presented to me, and then I end up back at home. Every time I come back, I feel there is a reason and now I know that reason is to help wherever I can with the business environment and labor force of this region.” said McGriff.

With Brown’s 45 years in the business arena and McGriff’s 20 years in several different areas of expertise, these two have set out a business plan and strategy that at present consist of the next five years. “There are so many avenues we want to take this venture, and luckily we have partnered with some amazing businesses, community leaders, and foundations. We aren’t just going to find workers, drug test them, and get them a temporary position… we are going to develop them, bring in new opportunities, and participate in this community that help foster the skills and knowledge we bring to the table now.” McGriff sad with a smile, “we spend more time these days at work and with our coworkers than we do at home with family and friends…so I think it’s about time we balance out our lives so that we enjoy every minute of it.”  Followed McGriff’s statement by saying: “I work with him everyday, trust me he keeps the laughing going and the excitement and energy alive.”

As of right now, Key Employment Agency which was located on Highway 425 has moved to their new location to better equip itself for the changes. The new offices are located in the Harris Service Station the old  service station adjacent t to the Drew County Museum, 366 South Main Street in Monticello most recently Ross Law Firm. A name change of the business is in the works as the offices will be the hub for several partnerships and businesses creating a one stop shop career center. The new company will focus on business management aspects (human resources, payroll, benefits, strategic concepts and planning, labor laws) and worker recruitment and education; along with these integral parts, drug testing, paternity screening, on-the-job training, empowerment programs, economic development, corporate and individual travel, are just to name a few.

Because of the timing of the move, during the holiday season, a grand opening will not be scheduled until after the first of the year however, the doors are open for business on a limited schedule for the remainder of 2018 with office hours,  Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m.to NOON with a on-call service for after hours mobile drug testing or needs of the companies already working with Key Employment. There will be an Open House with refreshments during the Christmas Parade for a quick stop in to say Hello and enjoy the festiveness of the community. For more information about the services offered for workers through employment and education please stop in and visit our office during business hours, if you are a company or individual that would like to work with or develop a partnership or are in need of the business services please contact  Chad at 870-628-1808

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