The evolution of Northwest Arkansas as home to numerous suppliers’ offices and successful recruiting tips were topics of discussion during Cameron Smith’s speech at the June 15 Northwest Arkansas Recruiting and Staffing Professionals (NWARSP) luncheon. 

Northwest Arkansas recruiting and staffing professionals gathered at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse for the monthly luncheon where Smith, president of Cameron Smith & Associates, was the main speaker.

Smith discussed the exponentially increasing presence of supplier offices in Northwest Arkansas. Since 1994, there has been a steady rise in suppliers locating to the area to be closer to Wal-Mart’s home office. Between Bentonville and Bella Vista, Ark., more than 1,200 suppliers have offices while more than 5,734 people are currently employed on supplier teams within a 27-mile radius.

Smith presented advice on how to be a better recruiter, no matter what the industry. He encouraged recruiters to think at a higher level, develop a strategy and recruit within a niche. Smith also shared some recruiting scenarios in which these tips can be successfully applied.

Integrity, objectivity and confidentiality, among other characteristics, were identified as major pillars in developing professionalism and a strong code of ethics in the recruiting industry.