Wayne Ridout
Ridout learned about hard work and entrepreneurism at an early age from his father: When he was ten, his parents opened a café and bait shop in Des Arc. Ridout began working at that time. His mother ran the restaurant, and the family ate almost all of their meals there.
“We worked from 4 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.,” Ridout said. “It was hard work. We worked all holidays except for Christmas.”
Larry Crain
The Young Professionals Network (YPN), a committee organized by the Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce, recently began Searcy Heroes: A Professional Development Series. The group welcomed Larry Crain of Crain Automotive and Crain Media as the first speaker in the series.
Searcy Heroes
The YPN is beginning a new professional development series in 2008 called Searcy Heroes. Many of our Searcy neighbors have attained statewide, regional and national success.
YPN enjoys successful 2007
The YPN enjoyed a successful 2007.
The group has established a quarterly YPN Exchange. The YPN Exchange gives a chance for members to tour a local business and learn what it offers the community. Members also get a chance to network while enjoying a light lunch. The 2007 YPN Exchanges were hosted by Think Advertising, Exit Realty, Charlie’s Auto Paint and Body, and Searcy Radio Group.
New Committee
The Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce recently began a new committee: The Young Professionals Network (YPN). The YPN will provide professional development, social activities and service opportunities.

