The CommerceCast

Todd Baltz and Mark Holt

The CommerceCast is a podcast hosted by Mark Holt and Todd Baltz. It features interviews of community and business leaders in Randolph County, with a focus on members of the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. Send in questions or guest suggestions to: commercastpod@gmail.com

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 23: April Duff: Inside the Ballot's Journey and Trusting the Vote Process

    This week on The CommerceCast: Host Todd Baltz sits down with April Duff, Election Specialist and ChiefDeputy Clerk in the Randolph County Clerk's Office. With election season underway and over 2,600 early ballots already cast in the county, April demystifies the physical and digital journey of a local ballot. She shares her personal origin story and how she balances election management with daily duties maintaining probate and marriage records. April takes us step-by-step through the voting process at Randolph County's 7 designated Voting Centers. She explains how voters check in using IDs (including Arkansas's digital Mobile ID app), generate their printed paper ballot, and feed it into the tabulator scanner. April addresses common voter anxieties—confirming that tabulators read ballots regardless of orientation—and details the strict security protocols that protect every vote. Finally, April and Todd wrap up with a 20,000-foot discussion about how voting may evolve as technology becomes more secure. Links & Resources: Follow the Chamberon Facebook: www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Voting Centers for Randolph County, AR: Black River Technical College (BRTC), O'KeanCommunity Building, Sutton Free Will Baptist Church, Ravenden Springs First Baptist Church, Dalton Fire Station, Maynard Fire Station, Reno Community Building.  Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at ⁠chamber@randolphchamber.com⁠ Want to promote your business on the podcast? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, pleaseleave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Sponsored by: ProMed Ambulance, Pocahontas Glass and Custom-Pak (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

  2. Oct 20

    Episode 22: Graycen Bigger: From Art Auctions to Duck Lodge Deals and the Case for Issue 3

    This week on The CommerceCast: Mark Holt and ToddBaltz sit down with the podcast's most requested guest to date: Graycen Bigger, Executive Director of the Northeast Arkansas (NEA) Intermodal Authority. Graycen shares her journey from growing upin Paragould to double majoring in journalism and art history, moving to New York City for graduate school, and writing her thesis on the massive economic impact of Crystal Bridges. As head of the NEA Intermodal Authority—representingRandolph, Lawrence, Clay, and Sharp counties—Graycen pulls back the curtain on how regional economic development actually works. She delivers a masterclass on Issue 3, explaining how modernizing Arkansas's 1874 economic development laws can help rural communities recruit restaurants, retail, and housing, all without raising taxes.   In This Episode: The NYC to Pocahontas Journey: Graycen’s path from journalism and art auctions in New York to teaching at ASU and renovating a century-old family home.The Duck Lodge Pitch: The wild behind-the-scenes story of recruiting Tate, overcoming tornado damage right before their visit, and hosting Irish execs at a local duck lodge.What is Issue 3? How Issue 3 updates 100-year-old state laws to allow performance-based local incentives for retail, restaurants, and childcare—with complete local control and zero tax hikes. Links & Resources: Follow the Chamberon Facebook: www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Connect with NEA Intermodal: graycen@neaintermodal.com Follow NEA Intermodal on Facebook! Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at ⁠chamber@randolphchamber.com⁠ Want to promote your business on the podcast? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!  Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Sponsored by: ProMed Ambulance, Pocahontas Glass and Custom-Pak (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

  3. Oct 6

    Episode 21: All Things Radiance with Buddy Grimsley

    This week on The CommerceCast: Producer Todd is joined by Buddy Grimsley of Radiance Tanning, Printing and Shipping. He talks about the organization of the two distinct stores and how gives tips on how to properly mail an important package. He is not the only guest on the pod though: his wife Maxie gets a ton of shout-outs from Buddy! He tells Todd how they met and how she is in constant motion: from leaning about the proper tanning color for pageants to traveling to remote construction sites. Enjoy today’s episode with Buddy Grimsley! Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Check out Radiance Shipping: radianceshipping.co Follow Radiance on Facebook! Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at ⁠chamber@randolphchamber.com⁠ Want to promote your business on the podcast? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Sponsored by: ProMed Ambulance, Pocahontas Glass and Custom-Pak (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

  4. Sep 22

    Episode 20: Scott Trammel: The Servant Leader’s Code – "We" Over "I"

    This week on The CommerceCast: Producer Todd sits down with Scott Trammel, founder of Tool Central and a cornerstone of the Randolph County business community. Scott pulls back the curtain on the pivotal economic moments that reshaped Pocahontas over the past 40 years. Finally, Scott delivers a passionate message on leadership, faith, and character—explaining why true community servants use "we" instead of "I". In This Episode: The Origins of Tool Central: Growing up in Pocahontas and Rogers, returning to farm in 1981, and launching Tool Central in a tiny 300-square-foot building.Servant Leadership Philosophy: Why true leaders focus on "we" over "I," the principle of "planting trees you sit underneath," and Scott's call for young leaders to step into civic roles.Faith & Integrity in Business: How Matthew 6:34 ("do not be anxious about tomorrow") and James 1:5 guided Scott through 40 years of marriage and business ownership. Links & Resources Follow the Chamber on Facebook: www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Annual Chamber Banquet: Purchase a ticket @ randolphchamber.com Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at ⁠chamber@randolphchamber.com⁠ Want to promote your business on the podcast? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Sponsored by: ProMed Ambulance, Pocahontas Glass and Custom-Pak (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

  5. Sep 8

    Episode 19 Dr. Lance Arbuckle: Jesse James, Free High School Lunches, and Tailored Learning

    This week on The CommerceCast: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz sit down with Dr. Lance Arbuckle, Superintendent of the Pocahontas School District, to ring in the brand-new school year. Before we jump into school updates, Mark does a little surname ancestry digging and reveals that "Arbuckle" translates to "the land belonging to the shepherd"—a fitting title for a man now shepherding thousands of Pocahontas students. Dr. Arbuckle shares his family's deep roots on their 360-acre Southeast Kansas farm and the day his great-greats unknowingly shod Jesse James' horse backwards to fool the U.S. Marshals. We also trace his personal path to Northeast Arkansas. From performing as a Division 1 cheerleader at the University of Kansas (where he met his wife) to teaching science in Bentonville and principal tenures in Rogers, Dr. Arbuckle breaks down how his philosophy has evolved into a "holistic" approach to education. Finally, we look closely at the immediate and long-term future of the Pocahontas School District. Dr. Arbuckle reveals the balanced plans for a brand-new high school facility, the district-level mechanics making free lunches possible for all students, and how the "demassification of education" is coming to life through a new flexible learning pathway for local juniors and seniors. In This Episode: The Blacksmith & The Outlaw: The incredible Arbuckle family legends of Southeast Kansas, including how Jesse James tricked U.S. Marshals with backward horseshoes.The 2029 High School Timeline: An inside look at how the board saved $10 million by designing a high-efficiency 10-12 building, with this year's sophomores projected as the first class to graduate from the new school.Free Breakfast & Lunch for All: Why the district is absorbing the costs of student lunches, and the critical importance of families filling out the state forms to lock in this break-even status for the next 5 years.Flexible Learning Pathways: A look at the new pilot program allowing upperclassmen to mix on-campus classes with BRTC college courses, online learning, and off-site studies. Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Follow the PSD on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PocahontasHighSchool Download the Ball Frog app in your phone's app store to follow all PHS sports!   Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at chamber@randolphchamber.com Want to promote your business on thepodcast? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Sponsored by: ProMed Ambulance, Pocahontas Glass and Custom-Pak (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

  6. Aug 20

    Episode 18: Redskin Football is here with Coach Casey Chester!

    Special Release! Redskin Football is here so makeyour way over to Schoonover Stadium! This week on the CommerceCast, Mark and Todd take the show on the road and briefly interrupt football practice to chat with Head Coach Casey Chester and his staff and a few of the senior Redskin football players about the upcoming season. Coach Chester’s blood runs Redskin red as he tells us about he and his family’s tradition of pouring into the Pocahontas School System and its athletics department. Coaches Hibbard, ‘Noft, and Davis share how they are preparing for the upcoming season and the importance of the phrase "there is no “I” in team”. Encouraged to be leaders on and off the field, seniors Ryder, Xavyer, and Spencer share their philosophies and goals for their last year as Pocahontas Redskins. This was one of those episodes that makes you proud to be a member of a small-town community. Reminder: submit your nomination(s) for the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Business and Sports Halls of Fame at Chamber of Commerce website at the link below. Nominations close September 1st. Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Nominate for the Halls of Fame: www.randolphchamber.com Follow the Redskins: www.pocahontaspsd.com/o/phs/athletics Watch the Redskins: www.youtube.com/@redskinbroadcastingnetwork   Have a story we should tell? Email us atcommercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out tothe team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Want to promote your business on thepodcast? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Sponsored by: ProMed Ambulance and Pocahontas Glass  (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

  7. Aug 11

    Episode 17: Anita Seagraves and the Business of the County Fair

    This week on The CommerceCast: Mark Holt and ToddBaltz sit down with Anita Seagraves, a Dalton-area poultry and cattle rancher who also serves as the dedicated Treasurer (or "bean counter") for the Randolph County Fair Board. She shares her deep roots in Randolph County agriculture. From gathering breeder eggs for Peco Hatchery to raising registered Herefords, her daily hustle is powered by her faith and a belief in community volunteerism. With the fair fast approaching, Anita gives us an exclusive preview of the massive logistical sprint behind this year’s event. We talk about the three magic ingredients of a great fair—the people, the events, and the food—and why the livestock barn is still her favorite place on Earth.   In This Episode: Unveiling New Traditions: A run-down of the exciting new events hitting the fairgrounds, such as the free exotic petting zoo and the first annual "Randolph County Born and Bred" cattle show.The Open-Air Arena Church: Why the board is organizing a historic, community-wide Wednesday night church service in the middle of the rodeo arena so farmers don't have to miss service during show week.Behind the June Simington Building: How volunteers judge everything from canned relishes (strictly by color and consistency) to home economics and photography. Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber   Follow the Fair on Facebook:www.facebook.com/randolphcountyfair.info   Get updates on the latest Fair News:www.randolphcountyfair.org   Want to sponsor the Randolph County Fair?Email Anita at randolphcountyfairar@gmail.com Have a story we should tell? Email us atcommercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out tothe team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Want to promote your business on thepodcast? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Sponsored by: ProMed Ambulance and Pocahontas Glass  (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

  8. Jul 28

    Episode 16: Sheila Ponce: Home Care vs. Home Health plus Chamber News!

    CHAMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS: Todd opens the show with three updates from the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. First, the launch of "First Friday Coffee," a new morning networking event starting this August at FirstHorizon Bank with coffee provided by Lighthouse Coffee. Second, public nominations are officially open for the highly anticipated Randolph County Business and Sports Hall of Fame, which will eventually be housed in the Randolph County Heritage Museum! Third, an early reminder about the Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet in October.   TODAY'S EPISODE: Inspired by her parents' career in the same field, Sheila and her brother launched Walk with Us Home Care in November 2018. Fast forward to today, her agency employs 55 aides and services roughly 100 clients from Pocahontas all the way to Jonesboro and Imboden. With an estimated 1,000 residents in the Randolph County area currently relying on in-home assistance, we discuss the hidden but booming business of aging in place. Todd also shares his own family's experience using Walk with Us to help his grandmother stay comfortable and independent in her own home. Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Submit your nomination for theRandolph County Halls of Fame: www.randolphchamber.com/halls-of-fame Check out Walk with Us HomeCare: www.wwuhc.com Guest Suggestions: Have a storywe should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out tothe team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Want to promote your business on thepodcast? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Sponsored by: ProMed Ambulance and Pocahontas Glass (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

See All (23)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The CommerceCast is a podcast hosted by Mark Holt and Todd Baltz. It features interviews of community and business leaders in Randolph County, with a focus on members of the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. Send in questions or guest suggestions to: commercastpod@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Todd Baltz and Mark Holt
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Todd Baltz and Mark Holt
  • Show Website
    The CommerceCast