Nominees for Man of the Year
Greg Bearss
A community leader and the founding pastor of LakePointe Church, Greg Bearss wants to make a positive impact on the community.
The mission of LakePointe centers on serving the community. As Bearss and LakePointe began to grow, opportunities to serve the community began to develop. Stomp Out Hunger was started by Bearss as an initiative to eradicate hunger in the area. Bearss also oversaw the creation of The Hope Movement, a nonprofit organization designed to help women coming out of addiction.
Casey Bright
A native of Hot Springs, Casey Bright currently serves as chief executive officer of Quapaw House Inc. Bright has 15 years of experience in behavioral healthcare management, including both mental and substance abuse services.
Under Bright’s direction and leadership, Quapaw House provides services to over 700 people each day within the largest substance abuse treatment organization and system in the state.
Morgan Golden
A life-long resident of Hot Springs, Morgan Golden serves as pastor at Lake Valley Community Church. He and his wife, Rhonda, were catalytic founders of the church.
Golden loves the business community and believes that it is the “tip of the spear” for community development, poverty alleviation and social justice. Lake Valley commissioned him to serve with Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic to help alleviate and prevent poverty in Garland County by teaching the Bridges Out Of Poverty frameworks.
Bob Martorana
Bob Martorana retired as the sixth general manager of the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa. A 45-year veteran of the hotel industry, he has held multiple positions in various locations with the Marriott, John Q. Hammons Hotels and Peabody Hotel Group.
He is a past president of Arkansas Hospitality Association and Downtown Merchants Association. He currently serves on the Hot Springs Chamber Board of Directors as well as the current chairman of Visit Hot Springs Advertising and Promotions Commission.
Bill Solleder
Bill Solleder is the director of marketing at Visit Hot Springs. In addition to the overall marketing strategy of the city’s tourism industry, Solleder produces the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Hot Springs Fishing Challenge, Movies at the Market, Running of the Tubs, Spa-Con and numerous other community events.
Solleder founded Low Key Arts, the Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival, Hot Water Hills Music & Arts Festival, Arkansas Shorts - A Night of Short Film, Inception to Projection Filmmaking Program and led the way for KUHS-LP 97.9FM Community and solar powered radio to the airwaves.
Joseph Hicks Jr.
Joseph Hicks Jr. has been store manager at TJ Maxx for the past 12 years.
Growing up in retail, Hicks’ love for people began at the age of 12 when he worked for free for his father and mentor. He loved carrying out products for people and opening doors when customers came in.
A 25-year resident of Hot Springs, Hicks has a passion for community and people.