City of Searcy Honored with Don A. Zimmerman Pinnacle Award and Named a Trendsetter City
The City of Searcy has been recognized with two major honors from Arkansas Business. Searcy has been named a 2024 Trendsetter City, winning in two categories—Education & Workforce Development and Tourism Development & Creative Culture. Additionally, Searcy received the prestigious Don A. Zimmerman Pinnacle Award, the highest honor given as part of the Trendsetter City Awards program.
The Don A. Zimmerman Pinnacle Award is presented annually to one city that stands out among all Trendsetter winners for demonstrating the most innovative and impactful approach to addressing community needs. Searcy earned this recognition for its Family Resource Center, an initiative by the Searcy School District. Located in a trailer that is movable to different locations in the district, the center provides toiletries, food and other essentials, including access to a washer and dryer, to students and their families who are in need of assistance and resources. By helping to meet the basic needs of students experiencing housing insecurity, the district is helping students to focus on learning and succeed in their goals.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Don A. Zimmerman Pinnacle Award,” Mayor Mat Faulkner said. “This recognition reflects the heart of our community—our commitment to supporting families, investing in our youth, and working together to make Searcy an even better place to live. The Family Resource Center is a testament to what can be accomplished when we prioritize the well-being of our residents.”
In addition to the Zimmerman Award, Searcy was named a 2024 Trendsetter City, earning recognition in two key categories:
Education & Workforce Development – Awarded for the Family Resource Center
Tourism Development & Creative Culture – Recognized for the Eclipse Mural Tour, a unique initiative created in partnership with the Searcy eclipse committee, Art Alley, and Creative Group of Arkansas. This self-guided tour used QR codes to connect visitors with local mural artists’ stories, enhancing Searcy’s downtown art scene while celebrating the eclipse.
The Trendsetter City program, presented by Arkansas Business, honors municipalities across the state that lead by example through innovative programs that enhance quality of life and promote sustainable economic growth.