In this episode of In The Arena with Mindy McAlindon, host Mindy McAlindon interviews Dana Schlagenhaft, Executive Director of Downtown Bentonville Inc. (DBI), who shares her passion for enhancing Bentonville’s downtown experience through community events like the farmers market, Christmas parade, and the A Street Promenade, set to open in November.
A Bentonville native with a diverse background in journalism, retail, and marketing, Dana emphasizes DBI’s mission to preserve the city’s small-town charm and culture amidst rapid growth, acting as the “keeper of the culture” with inclusive, family-friendly events and storytelling through the TV show Downtown Now. Highlighting partnerships with the City of Bentonville and initiatives like a documentary on a historic bank robbery, Dana envisions a downtown for “everyone,” ensuring accessibility and community connection, as celebrated in this heartfelt conversation about Bentonville’s vibrant future.
Mindy McAlindon represents Arkansans in the10th House district. She continues to fight for parental empowerment, strong schools, lower taxes and securing Arkansas' quality of life. Outside of politics, Mindy is a Vanderbilt and Indiana University alum who works as a Brand and Marketing Strategist. Mindy resides in Benton County, AR with her husband and their four children.
