Springdale, Ark.—Oct. 29, 2016 —Tyson Foods, Inc. announced a $750,000 donation to The Jones Center in Springdale, Arkansas, for the interior renovation and expansion of its fitness center and food court area. The renovated area will be named the “Tyson Foods Fitness and Food Wing.”
The announcement was made at The Jones Center’s signature gala, Big Night. The gift will be used to add more than 2,800 square feet to the fitness center, a studio exercise classroom, new café, “al fresco” and private dining space, and an updated west entrance. The gift launches phase two of The Jones Center’s interior renovation. Construction will begin in early December and is expected to be complete in approximately six months.
“This gift will allow the center to offer amenities and programming that will meet the Northwest Arkansas’ growing, diverse needs, as well as a growing downtown workforce in Springdale,” said Ed Clifford, CEO/president of The Jones Trust. “Our partnership with Tyson Foods will be transformational for us as the company transitions about 400 employees to downtown. We want to create a place that a young professional workforce will want to be. Together, our organizations will continue to improve the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas for everyone.”
As an anchor on the east side of Springdale’s Downtown Revitalization project, The Jones Center is looking toward the future and is appreciative of the longstanding support from Tyson Foods. From the center’s inception, Tyson Foods has helped it achieve the vision and mission set forth by founding philanthropist, Bernice Jones, through annual operating gifts as well as a pledge of $2 million toward The Jones Center Endowment Fund in 2014. Tyson Foods contributions have helped create a sustainable future for The Jones Center.
“We’re so proud to continue our support of The Jones Center and the tremendous impact it has on our community,” said Russell Tooley, executive vice president, continuous improvement for Tyson Foods, and a member of The Jones Trust board of directors. “These new amenities add to the legacy and the future of The Jones Center as a crown jewel for Northwest Arkansas.”
The Jones Center Interior Renovation Project
In the early fall, The Jones Center began a multiple-phased interior renovation. Phase one included a state-of-the-art conference center, the Harvey Jones Memorial Foyer and two breakout classrooms opening in early 2017. This is key space that will host day and evening events. Additional phases will include a refreshed lobby, improved directional signage, and an updated South Concourse to include a historical founders’ display honoring the legacy of entrepreneurs/philanthropists Harvey and Bernice Jones, as well as the contributions of other prominent Northwest Arkansas families. The Jones Center hopes the renovations will attract more families and organizations with an inviting community and recreational space available to all in Northwest Arkansas.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Sara Lee®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells® and State Fair®. It’s a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 130 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. The company currently has approximately 113,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
About The Jones Center/Jones Trust
The Jones Center is a one-of-a-kind 220,000-square-foot facility that provides multi-generational social, education, business, and recreational opportunities to an estimated one million visitors annually. The Jones Center opened in 1995 as a legacy gift from local philanthropist Bernice Jones.
The Jones Trust has been a leader in nonprofit excellence in Northwest Arkansas, helping to create a vibrant and sustainable future for the region. The Trust, through collaboration, cooperation, and community visioning, is committed to serving the region by utilizing the values and standards set by local philanthropists Harvey and Bernice Jones throughout their lives. The Trust’s mission is to bring people together to serve families, and strengthen communities, making it a better place to live.
The Jones Trust, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, owns and manages four entities in the region – The Center for Nonprofits at St. Mary’s in Rogers, and three facilities in Springdale - The Center for Nonprofits at the JTL Shops, The Harvey Jones Education Building, and The Jones Center. The Jones Trust houses approximately 80 nonprofits in its facilities. The Jones Trust is governed by eleven trustees representing the entire Northwest Arkansas region.
Contacts:
Kelly Kemp-McLintock, CFRE Derek Burleson
Chief Advancement Officer Public Relations Manager
kkemp@jonesnet.org derek.burleson@tyson.com
(479) 756-8090, ext. 2119 (479) 290-6466