PRAIRIE GROVE -- Dale Reed, who represents the face of Prairie Grove Telephone Company out in the business community, has resigned his position and will accept a new job Sept. 1 with Waco Title Co.
Reed is involved in many organizations in western Washington County through his work at PG Telco and also as a resident of Prairie Grove. He is a member of Prairie Grove City Council, chairman of Prairie Grove Planning Commission and president of Prairie Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.
Reed also participates in Prairie Grove Lions Club, Farmington Area Kiwanis Club and Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce.
Rick Reed, general manager with PG Telco, said Dale Reed's resignation took him by surprise but he is happy Dale Reed is receiving a new opportunity.
"I was pretty bummed out when he came in here and said he was resigning," Reed said last week, noting his feelings also are personal because Dale Reed is his nephew.
"We've leaned on him pretty hard to be the front man and to be the company representative on the front lines. He's the face of PG Telco to many people. He is PG Telco to a lot of the business community," said Rick Reed.
Dale Reed said he will continue in some of his positions in the community but has not made up his mind which ones.
When his term as chamber president expires, he will continue on the board as a past president. He is serving his third two-year term on the City Council and said he is not sure what he will do about City Council when it is time to file for re-election. His term expires at the end of 2016.
Reed graduated from Pea Ridge High School. He has been part of the Prairie Grove community since 1998 and has worked for PG Telco for 14 years. He started in the field as a technician and then became an installation repair supervisor. He has served as sales marketing manager since 2008.
His new position with Waco Title will be in business development in northwest Arkansas and central Arkansas. He said he is moving to a new position because of the opportunities it will provide.
"I've enjoyed being part of all three communities," Reed said. "PG Telco is a great company that has been serving the area for a long time. I'm leaving only because this is a great opportunity. I'll miss being as heavily involved but will still be involved."
His responsibilities will include customer relationship development and public relations.
"I'll be working with our customers making sure they get the services they want," Reed said.
Rick Reed said he speaks for all PG Telco employees when saying they hate to see him go.
"He has people skills and that has helped him to cultivate relationships. He just likes working with people and his involvement in all those organizations is not something we've had to push him to do. He was willing and ready. He's done a good job and we'll miss him."
Sonny Hudson, Prairie Grove mayor, said he does know how Reed's new job will affect involvement in the community but hopes to still see Reed around.
"I'm happy for him that he is getting a better opportunity," Hudson said. "I hope he will continue to be involved. He's been very important to the community, the council and the city of Prairie Grove."
Sandy Anderson of the company has been promoted to fill Dale Reed's position. She has worked with PG Telco for eight years and has spent time with the firm's business customers. She and her family have lived in Prairie Grove for at least 10 years.
"Going forward, she'll be the face of PG Telco," Rick Reed said.
Waco Title is owned by Arvest Holding Co., and has offices in northwest Arkansas, Missouri and central Arkansas. The family of companies includes Madison County Abstract Company in Huntsville; Conway Title Services and Escrow in Conway; and Lincoln Land Title in southwest Missouri. The company has more than 130 employees.
General News on 08/26/2015