(Springdale) August 2 – The Tyson Family and Tyson Foods, Inc. are making another significant investment in the Northwest Arkansas region. John H. Tyson, Chairman of the Board, Tyson Foods; Barbara Tyson; and Donnie Smith, CEO of Tyson Foods, announced a gift of $15 million for the construction of Arkansas Children’s Northwest.
“The Tyson Family and Tyson Foods have a long history of investing in the future of Springdale and Northwest Arkansas,” said Mr. Tyson. “We’re proud to continue that legacy with this gift to Arkansas Children’s Northwest.”
“A children’s hospital in Northwest Arkansas has been a dream of this community for more than a decade,” said Barbara Tyson, a member of Tyson Foods’ Board of Directors. “We are honored to be a part of this historic project.”
This gift represents the largest single contribution in Arkansas Children’s history. It establishes the Tyson Family Tower at Arkansas Children’s Northwest. The tower will anchor the new facility, which will include 233,613 square feet of inpatient beds, emergency care, diagnostic services and clinical space.
“This investment in pediatric healthcare is a reflection of our commitment to community, our team members and their families who will benefit directly from having Arkansas Children’s Northwest right here in Northwest Arkansas,” said Donnie Smith.
“This gift will transform healthcare for children in the region and create a wellness destination for families for generations to come,” said Marcy Doderer, President and CEO of Arkansas Children’s. "To have the Tyson name attached to this project demonstrates what an impact this facility will have on the area. It's a testament to the outstanding legacy of this remarkable family and company."
With this gift, the Northwest Arkansas community has now pledged $45.5 million for the construction of Arkansas Children’s Northwest. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $427.7 million over the next five years. The campus is being designed by Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects of Fayetteville and FKP Architects of Houston, Texas. Nabholz Construction is overseeing construction. The hospital is scheduled to open in January 2018. The campus is an integral part of Arkansas Children’s plan to transform the health of children in Arkansas by expanding access to pediatric services across the region.
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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 Arkansas Children’s Northwest
During the past century, Arkansas Children’s developed into a statewide network of pediatric care that includes a pediatric teaching hospital and research institute in central Arkansas, as well as regional clinics in several counties. Arkansas Children’s also reaches children across the state and nation through a range of telemedicine capabilities to ensure every child has access to the best care available, regardless of location or resources. When it opens in January 2018, Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale will deliver care close to home to children in the region through 233,613 square feet of inpatient beds, emergency care, clinic rooms and diagnostic services— all dedicated to fulfilling its mission of championing children by making them better today and healthier tomorrow. For more info, visit archildrens.org/northwest.
Media Contacts
Derek Burleson
Public Relations Manager, Corporate Affairs
Tyson Foods, Inc.
479-290-6466 | derek.burleson@tyson.com
Ashley Leopoulos
Public Relations Coordinator
Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation
501-413-7055 | leopoulosae@archildrens.org