"Each year the COB Alumni Chapter recognizes two Business Executives of the Year and this year we are very pleased to honor Mr. Ronald L. Bowen and Mr. William I. Rainwater," said Susan Naylor, CoBAC Board President. "During the selection process these outstanding individuals shared two common characteristics - for many, many years they have, quietly, made a huge impact on their own industries, as well as their communities," Naylor continued. "We hope that this community joins us as we celebrate their contributions."

Ronald Bowen represents City Water and Light as their 6th manager in the 90th year of the utility. Ron began his career at CWL in 1969 while working towards a degree at Arkansas State University. He graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering. Also in 1971 Ron was promoted to Engineer and in 1975 was promoted to Chief Engineer after obtaining the Registered Professional Engineer designation.

Mr. Bowen is a true public servant. He is a member of the American Water Works Association, Water Environment Federation and the American Public Power Association. In addition, Ron is the President of the Arkansas Municipal Power Association, and is a board member of the Southwestern Power Resources Association. Locally, he is a board member for the Jonesboro Economic Development Corporation, is Vice Chairman of Jonesboro Unlimited, and past Chairman of the Board of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce. In addition to other national and local organizations, Ron is involved locally with economic recruitment and industrial expansion. Ron is also involved with the United Way of Northeast Arkansas as this is CWL’s preferred charity, raising over $1.2 million in the past 25 years.

In 2001, Ron received the Southwestern Power Administrators Award of Merit for extraordinary volunteer efforts in joint Southwestern and Corp of Engineers hydro projects. Closer to home, Ron was presented with the Jonesboro Unlimited award of appreciation for leadership, effort and cooperation in securing the Nestle’ USA project.

Ron and his wife, Sherry, attend Central Baptist Church, have two children, and are awaiting the birth of their fourth grandchild.

Bill Rainwater is a native of Lawrence County. He attended Hendrix College, the Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Arkansas where he earned two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Industrial Management and the other in Civil Engineering.

Bill served our nation through the United States Army Air Corps and the United States Navy. Early in his career Bill operated cotton gins and grain elevators in Northeast Arkansas and has farming interests in the Delta. He also developed and operated hotels (primarily Holiday Inns) in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Tennessee. Bill has served on various family developed bank boards in Northeast Arkansas until the recent merger with Regions Bank.

Serving in the community is a passion for Mr. Rainwater. He has been involved in not-for-profit healthcare institutions as well as serving to preserve our natural resources on local, state, and national levels. Bill has been involved in various leadership positions of city and county government as well as the First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro. He serves or has served on the boards of Arkansas Forestry Commission, Jonesboro City Water and Light, Hendrix College, St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center, University of Arkansas Campaign for 21st Century Steering Committee, and University of Arkansas Board of Advisors.

Bill has been honored by Walnut Ridge as Citizen of the Year, Jonesboro Rotary Club for the "Service Above Self Award," Sigma Chi Fraternity "Order of Constantine" and "J.W. Fulbright Recognition Award," and St. Bernard’s Healthcare for the "Above & Beyond Award," and most recently is being honored by the St. Bernard’s Healthcare Foundation.

Mr. Rainwater is married to Angeline Rainwater and has two children and four grand-children.

Mr. Alan McVey, Executive Direction of the Delta Center for Economic Development will deliver a short keynote message.

(Reservation deadline was Wednesday, Oct. 17)

CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION: DAWN LAYER - 870.336.1336