Business View Magazine | March 2019

227 F rom its scenic perch at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Independence County boasts a rich history of progress. It all began in 1820, when Lawrence County was divided along the watershed between the Black and White River valleys, establishing a new county that was named in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence. Today, Independence County is one of the most progressive counties in Arkansas in terms of business, education, medical, economic development, public services, community initiatives, tourism/retirement, and infrastruc- ture. Its incorporated towns of Batesville (the county seat), Newark, Sulphur Rock, Oil Trough, Moorefield, Pleasant Plains, Magness, and Cushman are home to exciting events and ongoing projects that keep Indepen- dence County vibrant and thriving. In Arkansas, the county judge serves as the chief executive officer of the county govern- ment. In Independence County, that posi- tion has been held by Judge Robert Griffin since 2011. Business View Magazine recently spoke with Judge Griffin, and two of the county’s influential financial leaders: Found- er/CEO of First Community Bank of Batesville, Dale Cole; and CEO of Citizens Bank, Phil Baldwin. Together, those two banks have close to two billion dollars in deposits and greatly contribute to the remarkable success of Independence County. The following is an edited transcript of that conversation. What: Ninth oldest Arkansas County, est. 1820. Population approx. 37,000 Where: Northeast Arkansas Website: www.independencecounty.com AT A GLANCE INDEPENDENCE COUNTY, ARKANSAS