Covid-19 -- Time to circle the wagons, or discover new opportunities?

Covid-19 -- Time to circle the wagons, or discover new opportunities?

Herb Lair Herb Lair

Herb Lair

Podcast Host @ Youtube | Created, Produced, Directed, and Starring People with Parkinson’s

发布日期: 2020年5月21日
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“Twitter has told its staff that they can work from home "forever" - it's being described as "an era-defining moment"”. So what's the catch?

What and where are the opportunities? Many will circle their wagons hoping for a return to normal, while others will capitalize on the "new" normal.

“Shark Tank” investor Robert Herjavec said people should not underestimate the long-term effects of the coronavirus pandemic on remote working. “We have been forced to change, whether we like it or not. Yeah, people will go back to offices, but work from home, remote offices, are the future,” he told CNBC.May 7, 2020

"Facebook said last week that most of its employees will be allowed to work from home through the end of 2020. Google parent-company Alphabet plans to open offices for up to 15% of workers as early as June, but the majority of people who can work from home will continue to do so, perhaps through the end of the year."

My technology work experience began on a mainframe computer, back in the 60's, in Washington , DC. Computers filled large environmentally controlled rooms. Now I do my business consulting on a notebook, tablet, smartphone, remote tools, and the "cloud". The cost dropped from multi-million dollar hardware to in the thousand dollar range. There are great search services and social media app's available for "free", as long as you are willing to provide personal or business behavioral marketing and targeted sales data in exchange.

Sidebar: Conundrum of obsolete state unemployment computer systems "Many state unemployment systems run on COBOL, but lack the programmers needed to deal with the swell of applications..... In fact, there are more COBOL programmers in retirement than there are in IT departments right now." The Y2K shutdown issue was avoided 20 years ago, so if it's not broke, don't fix it? "Eisenhower-era computer language." "You know, these systems are $300-$400 million applications to modernize," Actually there are much cheaper and more efficient systems running in the Cloud. Fabricated high costs to avoid timely upgrades are the political reasons for kicking something down the road."Some people just feel that, well, maybe we should just put it off and let the next administration do it." By doing that they have been unable to serve their citizens and voters efficiently now when state unemployment systems are most needed to communicate with the Federal Government unemployment benefits.

Same thing will happen, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic - some will circle the wagons, while others discover new opportunities.

Lot of rethinking, reinventing, and re-imagining. At one time I owned and operated a 100% local computer service bureau that switched overnight to a 100% non local computer system sales throughout the US and in over 50 countries. Other reinvention challenges came when networked PC desktops replaced mini's, and even mainframes.

Unfortunately we often let the legacy rule of "this is how we've always done it" control our action or inaction. I recall a few years ago visiting a large ranch in Uruguay, near a project I was doing in Pelotas, Brazil. The only way to communicate out was via a crank phone, but in less than 3 years they had leapfrogged to wireless. No legacy battles to fight to make the big jump.

  • The "amazing consequence" of the COVID-19 pandemic is the opportunity for rural and remote communities "With all of the technologies available, what difference does it make if the remote worker is based in Long Island, Utah, Idaho or Texas? Companies could recruit the best talent nationwide. Job seekers, in turn, may apply to jobs everywhere as well. By throwing a wider net, a job seeker has a greater chance of finding the perfect job.
  • This could be an amazing consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies and workers will both have the choice of hiring or working for a company anywhere."

When Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey tells employees they can work from home forever, it immediately created a new paradigm. There will be a new normal!

"Major corporations will readily adopt Twitter’s model for the following reasons"

  1. Eliminates long and tedious commutes. Giving employees a benefit with no cost to company. Employee time and money lost in a 1-3 hour daily round-trip commute impacting family and work.
  2. Staff's have operated relatively efficiently and effectively - Zoom, Slack,WhatsApp, etc.Even if they were in their office, many times they would use those tools for efficiency, versus interrupting others. Similar to how often people text versus call today socially and doing business.
  3. Huge potential savings they’d realize by not needing to house thousands of workers in highly expensive skyscrapers in overcrowded cities.
  4. Human resources professionals know that permitting people to work from home offers their employees a better quality and balance of work and life. Also much larger job pool to recruit from, more bargaining and leverage power.
  5. Avoiding large legal liabilities when they ask their employees to return to the office

(Another reason working at home is attractive to companies is the measurement by results versus just putting in the hours.)

I observed the "results" measurement while growing up in my family's TV & Appliance business. We hired a technician, Jim Bennett from Springfield, Mo., who was exceptional in repairs. Solving repair problem in minutes while others could take 2-3 times more, even hours, if ever. On occasion, when repairs were done in the home, customers wanted to pay by time versus results (fixed minimum service call). I always called that assembly line and time-card mentality. Unfortunately technology management skills still missing in many larger companies. Has nearly put newspapers out of business.

If you watch any of the political maneuvering on testing and getting back to normal, there's a major economic concern with liabilities.

"As the initial round of state and local “stay-at-home” and “shelter-in-place” orders expires, and businesses start to reopen, business owners should be aware of the potential liability they face as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This potential liability is a major concern for business owners, as evidenced by a proposal by certain members of Congress that, as a part of a new stimulus plan, businesses that reopen should be granted immunity for COVID-19-related claims. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, so too will the law governing COVID-19-related lawsuits. It is likely that a determination of liability will turn largely on the individual facts and circumstances of each case." In other words, can be very subjective, and require substantial resources to manage.

"With concerns about food shortages and supply chain disruptions, Trump issued an executive order using the Defense Production Act to mandate that the plants continue to function.The order is designed in part to give companies legal cover with more liability protection in case employees catch the virus as a result of having to go to work."

As pointed out in the article " In-house lawyers are acutely aware that their company is susceptible to large legal liabilities when they ask their employees to return to the office. They’ll need to adhere to stringent requirements and codes to ensure that people don’t spread the virus. If workers return to work and a person contracts the virus, the corporation and its executives may be subjected to lawsuits, as there will likely be claims made against the company for failing to provide a safe work environment."

Wayne Gretzky, "The Great One" of the NHL "I skate to where the puck is going to be, not to where it has been." Same skills are required by successful businesses and communities.

Communities have faced the positives (jobs and lower prices) and negatives (shutdown of locally owned businesses) from Walmart Supercenters. Debates over change or status quo have created the challenges. How did your community handle it?

Time to circle the wagons, or discover new opportunities?

I have always used the importance of Walmart selecting Harrison as its second store anecdote in my technology marketing pitch to my US and global opportunities. Business owners and operators in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Denver, Little Rock, Jakarta, Buenos Aires, Saipan, Budapest, Sao Paulo, Rio, Manaus, Uzbekistan, Moscow, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, New Delhi, Kuwait City, Sydney, Lima, Arequipa, Santiago, Caracas, etc. all got it. The validation of the Harrison model that was replicated throughout the US . Sam Walton and "some analysts believed that without the success of the Harrison store, there would not be a Wal-Mart company today." See Addendum 1.

Another local business (Duncan Parking meters with Harrison Arkansas on them, now closed) could be found on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, or major international cities, including Buenos Aires another marketing tool. Just walking over and pointing out Harrison Arkansas was on the meter had a big impact.

No alt text provided for this image

I've attempted to have the Walmart story included prominently in the Wikipedia description of Harrison with no luck, but it should be! I think it has been a missed opportunity for Harrison leaders as well.

The benefits of aging at home are being addressed with Walmart's commitment to making healthcare more affordable and accessible for customers in the communities they serve. Better to work with them sooner than later.

Amazon is pushing local healthcare hard as well. Alexa has become an in-home concierge to handle all your questions and needs. Will Alexa one day soon be your caretaker and caregiver?

When Walmart first came to Harrison. Harrison served a sizable regional market. It was much like a castle and a moat, controlled by local power brokers. Mainly friends and family doing business with friends and family. Walmart (and quickly followed by overnight freight) was the Trojan Horse. People voted for change with their pocketbooks.Pun intended.

On a personal level, Walmart negatively affected my family's TV and Appliance business, so it's important to show how I was able to personally use a negative, later as a positive.

Technology is causing all businesses to rethink, re-imagine, and reinvent themselves.

Covid-19 -- Time to circle the wagons, or discover new opportunities?

Those communities that "get it" will be rewarded with great opportunities created by the new normal. At this time in Arkansas, the ones that get it are Northwest Arkansas and Central (Little Rock) Arkansas area.

“Northwest Arkansas is just booming in population and economic growth,” said Michael Pakko, chief economist and state economic forecaster for the Arkansas Economic Development Institute (AEDI) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “That’s part of the makeup of the state’s economy. That’s where we are seeing a large share of the growth in the economy and the population.”

"The current population of Harrison, Arkansas is 13,181, based on our projections of the latest US Census estimates. The US Census estimates the 2018 population at 13,087. The last official US Census in 2010 recorded the population at 12,943".

For those who are happy with keeping things the way they are, might be in for a big surprise. You can’t, when surrounding communities are trending up. You trend down just by that fact alone.

Expect to see more robotics, and less blue collar laborers. The shutdown of businesses due to health concerns will reward the communities with creativity, and penalize communities attempting to preserve the status quo. There is a new economic development strategy obvious in Northwest Arkansas and in Central Arkansas, but not so much in the Harrison Area.

A New Model for Economic Development, something rural communities are missing.

The Old Model for Economic Development

? Build Industrial Parks

? Woo Large Businesses

? Provide Tax Incentives for Relocating


The New Economy

? Tech Jobs / Data Centers

? Working at Home

? The Service Sector

Without broadband, how can your community improve local business competitiveness, innovation, and growth?

  • Provide smart city services?
  • Maintain or grow your revenue base?
  • Survive …?
  • Broadband is essential to quality local jobs,
  • fiscal revenues, and community sustainability
  • Household Relocation for Broadband

Nearly half of households will relocate if they don’t get the best broadband

  • Who will relocate?
  • Younger people!
  • Higher income households!
  • Long-standing residents!!
  • Impacts revenue base
  • Risks community vitality
  • Community Benefits
  • Economic Development
  • Efficient Government
  • Livability
  • Smart City / IOT
  • Smart Grid
  • Distance Education
  • Teleworking
  • Public Safety
  • Transportation
  • Real Estate Value
  • Smart home
  • Telemedicine / Aging in Place
  • Innovation

As I have previously noted, Harrison's proximity to the Johnny Morris Bass Pro multi-million dollar resort offers a unique "quality of life" advantage. That along with proximity to Buffalo National River, White River, and the lakes. I could see a community created in northern Boone County to take advantage of the Governor's key incentives, if Harrison continues to miss it:

“Arkansas has the tools in place to be a leader in entrepreneurism…. Our goal is to have a micro-hub of technology companies in the state. Whether we talk about coding, blockchain or cybersecurity, Arkansans want to be innovators. We want to be on the cutting edge of this and continue investing in it.” —Gov. Asa Hutchinson

Median home prices is a good comparison of wealth in regional communities with comparable demographics. This approach removes a lot of the subjectivity and focuses on data and results.

There is a major negative trend for Harrison area!

If you compare median home prices in the Harrison area to Mountain Home, Rogers, Siloam Springs, Lowell, Springdale or Monett, Branson, Joplin, Ozark, Poplar Bluff Missouri all in Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri you'll find Harrison is less than all and in most cases much less. Median home prices are 20-90% higher in those communities. https://www.bestplaces.net/cost-of-living/harrison-ar/rogers-ar/50000 .

A salary of $50,000 in Harrison, Arkansas should increase to $61,691 in Rogers, Arkansas. Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference. Median Home Cost is 87% more expensive in Rogers. Might note the percentage of blacks living in Rogers is very little different than Harrison. Diversity created by Hispanics is another commonality with professionals, business and home owners, and laborers being welcomed and successful. Similar comparisons can be made throughout North Arkansas and Southern Missouri towns and cities.

I took the most conservative approach using assessed value versus market value,

Boone County Arkansas assessed value from Boone County Assessor

Residential is $343,600,055.00

Commercial is $90,348,857.00

                        ----------------------

                        433,948,912.00

Exempt properties have no assessed value. So it's left out of my comparison.

Again, if you compare median home prices in the Harrison area to Mountain Home, Rogers, Siloam Springs, Lowell, Springdale or Monett, Branson, Joplin, Ozark, Poplar Bluff Missouri all in Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri you'll find Harrison is less than all and in most cases much less.

Median home prices are 20-90% higher in those communities.

Range of Boone County assessed value 433,948,912. In other surrounding communities. Using Harrison as the base and showing impact of median home price percentage differences.

40%   more in Mountain Home     $ 607,528,477.00  - 433,948,912.00 = $173,579,565.00

90% more in Rogers            $ 824,502,933.00 - 433,948,912.00 = $390,554,021.00

Difference range from $87 million to $391 million in assessed value alone.

Put bluntly it's the Klan effect. It's not the black percentage of community demographics or diversity, all the cities in North Arkansas and Southern Missouri black percentages are minimal and comparable.

It's the racist’s label of prejudice and discrimination created by ambivalence to the Klan, and by ignoring the racist image perpetuated by national mainstream and social media.

In investment terms, Harrison is a good place to get a quality house at a great price, but if you are a long time resident the return on investment is very poor compared to neighboring cities.

As you may know my research is self-funded and has been done independently with no communications with public officials. My interests are strictly as a business owner and a property owner - as well as representing other private entities affected.

What is clear is that the use of racists to most racists’ city in the USA has negatively impacted Harrison Arkansas. You can take it to the personal level of impact on property value over past 30+ years, as well as salaries. The Klan has made an effort to convince people otherwise.

Failure of community leaders to take action is the #1 reason for failure. I, like them, started my research last August, blaming others.

Many notable local people, most are missing on the Wikipedia list,

Click above and view notable people

although Thomas Robb, KKK, is there – JPH & J Smith Henley (on list), rest are not --- Sheridan Garrison, Joe Nance, Bob Wheeler, Joe Miller, Murray Lair, Rabie Rhodes, John Campbell, Leota Edwards, Paul and Helen Clavey, Tom Bill Rogers Sr. and Jr., Frank Coffman, Sr. and Jr., J.E. Dunlap, Bill Wood, Ralph Hudson, Art and Royce Barrett, Spike and Steve Cavender. Doug Hudson, Hallie Charles Ormond, Doctors Fowler and Kirby, Claude Turney, D. E. Fitton, Milburn family, and Hugh Ashley to

name a few who would not be silent, they took action.

I have gone through a rigorous discovery on Harrison's racist image. Most is undeserved, and impossible to change until KKK is handled ---

For many years, Harrison community leaders (mayor, former Circuit Judge, other notables,etc.) have been quoted by the news media as well as social media that the KKK is in Zinc, and they only use Harrison for a post office box. 

After 9 months research and communicating with all involved - my conclusion is that won't be true much longer. With all the shifts to the Internet they have little need for a post office box, and can handle any limited mail service from their Harrison headquarters address at 220 West Stephenson (see Arkansas SOS below), and across the street at the insurance agency who is also an independent post office contractor (formerly Royston's).

Much like the billboards, and the 11 Harrison area hate groups (most in US) all coming from the same source Robb family and their silent local financial network. Promoted by KKK in a British tabloid, 

that was picked up by US media, including Arkansas Times.The group that makes money at the communities' expense and have now infiltrated the city limits of Harrison. It has been set up to make it appear Harrison is asleep at the wheel again. 

Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice (3,4, or 5 times), shame on me.

The creation of a new name (since 2012) Knights Party Committee is still the old KKK as far as the AP news and SPLC. AP had a national and international byline featuring Harrison last August.

Ignoring it has cost our community hundreds of millions of dollars. Might check all the national and international references to Harrison being the most racists' city in the US via Google search. It's out there 24/7 - ignoring it has been disastrous, any longer could be catastrophic in conjunction with coronavirus.

CBS Sunday Morning did a segment on Wikipedia and its importance. Today, Wikipedia is regularly the first place many people check for information about everything.

Wikipedia Harrison now - The predominantly white community is noted for its racial history, which includes two race riots in the early 20th century and an influx of white supremacist activity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Removed - gone -- What it has been on Wikipedia as of Aug. 18th, 2019 – “Race riots by whites in 1905 and 1909 drove away black residents, establishing Harrison as a sundown town. Today (2019) it is known as the center of white supremacist activity, including the national headquarters of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.”

 (note: could be added back if local action not taken)

Leaders prefer ignoring the issues, continue doing the things that haven't worked in the past!

Too often the local approach has been re-branding Harrison. There has been a 6-7 year cycle generally created by the Robb family (KKK). Having lived here most of my life, I felt there was a need to go to source. Finding and curing the root cause and not treating the symptoms every few years.

Thought the #BelieveBoone County Welcome Home video was great, not sure cost? - unfortunately the budgets I saw was $100K year for 3 years or $300K for the #believe project (from a meeting in Conway) , and still not correct the source of racists image - just treat the symptoms - something we are finding a lot about with handling of coronavirus. Might spend it on legal fees.

There has to be immediate action taken to clean up the KKK presence in Harrison. It has cost Harrison in the hundreds of millions for the non-racists, and even the racists.

As I mentioned using the Walmart and Duncan Meter story in national and global marketing worked great, now Harrison has been saddled with "most racists" even to the casual social media user.

From community leader

“Good info Herb but what can be done legally. It appears the law gives them the right to exist.”

My response -- Agree - have to find ways to make it harder for them to exist.

Robb's had no qualms from personally ratcheting up the Harrison Area hate groups to 11, more than most major cities listed by SPLC creating international negative publicity “most racists” moniker that has been referenced for over 5 years, and will not be shaken until action taken.

I have been transparent through this process, but held off a couple of weeks releasing the following emails at the request of a community leader.

Got a text, May 20th, that "issue you mention was addressed immediately by the Board's Executive Committee directly with Mr. Stone. It has been resolved."

Resolved?? No explanation?? Best that I can determine community leaders are giving KKK, Scott Stone, Jason Robb a pass!

List of problems that still need "resolution" ASAP.

Ignored or missed problem list

  • Jason Robb, son of Thom Robb, is referred to in publications as the general counsel of the KKK. Having a law office midway between Harrison City Hall and Boone County Courthouse is unacceptable.
  • Robb Law Firm and KKK (Knights Party) share the same principal and agent address on 220 West Stephenson in Harrison, based on state fillings with Arkansas Secretary of State (SOS).Having an office midway between city hall and courthouse is unacceptable.

The same principal address for Robb Law Firm and KKK is significant, since Tom Robb, in his mid 70's, made the Knights Party's principal address Harrison, not Zinc, and makes it clear that his son will be his successor.

Quote from Retired Circuit Judge Rob McCorkindale, “As a member of the Task Force since its inception, I am aware of substantial prejudice within our community, but we are not the racist town as portrayed by the recent news article. The “racist” billboard that is referred to is not in Harrison, just like Mr. Robb and his KKK are not in Harrison, but miles outside our city.”

Note principal and agent address for KKK on SOS filing: Downtown Harrison!

No alt text provided for this image
  • Although Pastor Robb's daughter, Rachel Pendergraft, acts as the Knights Party's national organizer and is considered number two within the organization. "However, being female they're not going to allow her to take over for her father." If so, principal address on file with Arkansas SOS would be Zinc
  • There are strict fiduciary responsibilities that are being ignored by Jason Robb, and the Robb Law Firm. Need discussion with Arkansas bar on that?
  • Instructions for leaving the Knights Party money in a will or trust:“If you intend on naming The Knights Party as a beneficiary in your will or trust, our attorney will prepare the legal documents free of charge.” KKK general counsel, Jason Robb, is Knights' Party attorney. He would have done the will or trust or approved it. Any discussion about ignoring fiduciary duties with Arkansas bar on that?
  • Jason Robb admits to using a Russian-built social media platform to bypass control from US companies and government. What could go wrong with that? So Russia now has access to a list of dissidents to help create Russian interference in elections and everything else. Any discussion with Arkansas bar on that? See Addendum #2.
  • Scott Stone, CEO of Stone Financial is listed by Arkansas SOS as the incorporator / organizer and tax preparer officers for Robb Holdings, LLC - One of the holdings was Meinke Car Care Center franchise, which was operated by Jason Robb's sister and brother-in-law Rachel and Scott Pendergraft. Scott Pendergraft indicated in his Linkedin profile that he was an owner, but he is not on LLC. Check for commingling of funds from Klan revenue. Jason Robb has LLC's while Tom Robb family fillings (including Knight's Party) are non-profit. Need discussion with Arkansas Securities Department, TD Ameritrade, and FINRA on that.
  • There is a substantial investment required for a Meineke franchise in the $250K - $500K range. Source of funding? Law Firm? Stone Financial? Banks? KKK?
  • Stone Financial manages 169 clients with nearly $17 million assets under management with no high net worth individuals. File has been updated below.
  • TD Ameritrade is the custodian for Stone Financial. Did their due diligence establish connection of Stone Financial with KKK general counsel,Jason Robb?
  • Scott Stone and Stone Financial are registered with the Arkansas Securities Department. Here's the link: https://www.securities.arkansas.gov/star/portal/arasd/portal.aspx.
  • Check https://brokercheck.finra.org/ STONE FINANCIAL | CRD#: 226690

email from Scott Stone clarifying his connection with KKK, my response follows.

-----Original Message-----

From: Scott Stone <[email protected]>

To: [email protected] <[email protected]>

Sent: Mon, May 4, 2020 4:23 pm

Subject: RE: Stone Financial Posts

Mr. Lair,

Apparently, there were errors made in the filings with the Secretary of State. Some of them are over a decade old, but they have only recently been called to my attention. I am in the process of having them corrected. Thank you for unearthing these mistakes so I can get them remedied as soon as possible.

Your claims of money laundering and insinuations of my business funding the ventures in question are both irresponsible and ludicrous. My attorney has informed me that these fall into the category of “libel,” as you have no proof to back up these claims. I must insist that you make a retraction on these implications immediately.  

I find it very disappointing that you thought it was appropriate to attack me, and by extension, my business, my employees, and my family, without first contacting me directly to see if there might be some sort of mistake or extenuating circumstances. Your research is both incomplete and invalid. I believe both you and I would like to see our community move forward in a healthy and positive way, but this type of incautious action will certainly hinder our progress.

Scott

-----Original Message-----

From: Scott Stone <[email protected]>

To: [email protected] <[email protected]>

Sent: Mon, May 4, 2020 12:05 pm

Subject: Stone Financial Posts

Mr. Lair,

 I am writing to ask you to stop posting the false and misleading accusations that I am an officer or principal of any of the Robb businesses.  Your statement that there appears to be money laundering is slanderous and incorrect.   The Secretary of State website is wrong in what it has posted and is being corrected.    I am not affiliated with any of their companies in this capacity, nor do I do any investment work for them. Your comments are misleading and libel.  Please remove any posts regarding my name immediately.

 Sincerely,

 Scott

My thoughts and response -- Herb Lair

 ([email protected])

To:[email protected] + 1 more Details

Herb Lair:

For service of process contact the Secretary of State's office.

Corporation Name  ROBB HOLDINGS, LLC

Fictitious Names MEINEKE CAR CARE CENTER

Filing #800161241

Filing Type Limited Liability CompanyFiled under ActDomestic LLC; 1003 of 1993

Status Good Standing <===============================implies recent action

Principal Address

Reg. Agent JASON ROBB 

Agent Address 400 N. MAIN ST., STE 1 HARRISON, AR 72601 <= communications are sent to Stone Financial

Date Filed 08/10/2009 <=============================== nearly 11 years ago

Officers SCOTT STONE , Incorporator/Organizer <=== Involvement (membership position)

D. SCOTT STONE CPA, Tax Preparer <==== recently removed, although it appears Stone Financial has handled tax preparations over past 11 years for this and other Robb entities (giving them credibility).

Note this was filed 08/10/2009 Almost 11 years ago

Mailing address was Stone Financial - mail came to your office address for franchise tax and any corrections at least annually

Officers SCOTT STONE , Incorporator/Organizer <======== wasn't able to remove

I have set up several LLC's and have been a member of others - telling me there were errors, not corrected, is hard to accept. I also noticed you have had much experience setting up 25-30 LLC's, etc.via Secretary of State listings.

Scott Stone:

Apparently, there were errors made in the filings with the Secretary of State. Some of them are over a decade old, but they have only recently been called to my attention. I am in the process of having them corrected. Thank you for unearthing these mistakes so I can get them remedied as soon as possible.

Herb Lair:

Claiming ignorance for that many years is a big stretch, since financial structuring for LLC members, along with limited liabilities are the reasons for LLC. I participated in a LLC for a startup in Orlando last year. Our discussions about LLC are ongoing. Unfortunately CPA's and financial advisors are severely punished for both sins of commission and omission. Too smart and well trained to claim ignorance.

(Note: Both an attorney and CPA / financial advisor were involved)

Scott Stone:

Your claims of money laundering and insinuations of my business funding the ventures in question are both irresponsible and ludicrous. My attorney has informed me that these fall into the category of “libel,” as you have no proof to back up these claims. I must insist that you make a retraction on these implications immediately.  

Herb Lair:

Might look and read a little closer, I can always find an implicit admission of guilt when someone becomes defensive, and jumps to a fast false conclusion to blow smoke and pivot. The point was Robb Holdings, LLC  has the "appearance" of money laundering operation - Money made from Klan - whether its Jason's earnings as the KKK general counsel or from another KKK source (nonprofit Knights Party) has the smell of money laundering (based on my experience and training at UBS and MetLife Financial)- the collective steps that financial gains from criminal acts (KKK hate crimes nationally) are transformed into apparently legitimate finances. Unless you are doing something illegal at Stone Financial, the only way it applies to you is the poor judgement of being a member of the Robb Holdings,LLC . As far as concerns - there is an "appearance" of fronting* for a KKK investment, e.g. Meineke car care franchise that would need an explanation through discovery. Not sure Robb's background on application to bank and Meineke and others(?) would have worked if coming from someone known best as KKK general counsel? Copy of the LLC operations agreement, copy of bank statements, and tax returns would help explain, part of discovery. General denials and accusatory language doesn't work with me. *fronting is a fraudulent act that occurs when one person takes out a Credit Agreement on behalf of another. This is considered a criminal offence and can lead to prosecution and large fines.

No retraction, you have raised more questions than answers. Lot of discovery questions could be asked and answered in a libel suit. Also since it involves Robb Holdings, LLC; best you have a buy-in from other LLC members before threatening libel suits. 

Scott Stone:

I find it very disappointing that you thought it was appropriate to attack me, and by extension, my business, my employees, and my family, without first contacting me directly to see if there might be some sort of mistake or extenuating circumstances. Your research is both incomplete and invalid. I believe both you and I would like to see our community move forward in a healthy and positive way, but this type of incautious action will certainly hinder our progress.

Herb Lair:

Over the past 9 months I have done extensive research on the impact the Klan has had on Harrison. I was motivated by AP News, Wikipedia, Google, YouTube, and State newspaper Arkansas Democrat's negative racial slant on Harrison. 

I have validated damage estimates in the hundreds of millions. Something KKK and their partners will have to consider from possible suit or counter-suit. KKK has not been winning many suits - winning a libel suit against anyone would be extremely difficult (almost impossible) for them or their associates.

If you want to question my research read my 25 articles first, all went to source documents -- so far I haven't seen any documents or proof of your statements, only denials and accusations with no substance or proof documents. 

Note: only early reference to Stone in my articles "One exception to the family officers is Stone Financial and Tax Center PLLC, Preparer. I would expect them to be cooperative. Using a local company is highly unusual unless it’s a family member like attorney son." I mentioned Stone as early as September, 2019. Can nonprofit tax filings for Knights Party be accessed online?

As far as community moving forward in a healthy and positive way it's totally dependent on the eradication of the Klan, no if's or but's. Technology companies with high dollar employees will never move here, as long as Harrison maintains a racists image - I have no respect for anyone working with the KKK on any level. Blue collar manufacturers and conservative retirees are the most likely to move here.

We have a low median home price, which reflects less wealth than surrounding communities -- bad trend! 22% below the poverty level. I don't see any improvement until community tells Klan to move. Starting with eliminating KKK general counsel presence in City of Harrison.

Ken Reeves, former FedEx Freight Executive and General Counsel responded to a question I ask,about racism a few years ago " racism could cause FedEx Freight to move from Harrison with minimal notice, and with no regard for their local real estate investment". I ask Ken that question in a public setting. At that time he had access to the highest level executives in Memphis, up to including Fred Smith. We've discussed it recently, and he mentioned checking into Jason Robb, which I have. All documented in my articles.

Your best plan is convincing Jason and Robb family to move ASAP! 

Herb

Since September 1, 2019; I have written 25 articles on the unfair labeling of the Harrison, Arkansas area as a racists community. You can use the following link to access articles https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/herb-lair-761445b/detail/recent-activity/posts/ or if you prefer Facebook, I have made copies under Smart Governance  https://www.facebook.com/groups/536779076403687  . Events are recorded sequentially from latest to earliest. I was motivated by AP News, Wikipedia, Google, YouTube, and State newspaper Arkansas Democrat's slant on the subject https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/splc-southern-poverty-law-center-practices-modern-day-herb-lair/ Until recently I have given Harrison the benefit of the doubt.

After several iterations, I hit an unexpected snag. One that requires the immediate attention of Harrison community leaders. I have given over 30 days advance public notice on my findings. See March 31, 2020 - https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/economic-survival-from-covid-19-biggest-issue-rural-communities-lair/ Economic survival from COVID-19 will be the biggest issue for rural communities and small business. In the last half of my article see "My research methodology has been rewarding. Unfortunately it's disconcerting to find out what others have ignored or missed."

DISCLAIMER: I HAVE MADE IT CLEAR FROM THE BEGINNING THAT MY RESEARCH WAS SELF-FUNDED AND INDEPENDENT. MY INTERESTS ARE FROM A CAPITALIST’S VIEWPOINT. UNLIKE THE NEWS MEDIA AND SOCIAL MEDIA, I'VE AVOIDED USING SINGLE SOURCE "FREE" RESEARCH FROM SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER (SPLC). ANOTHER "FREE" ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA, WIKIPEDIA, WHOSE EDITORS ADMIT TO USING SPLC AS THEIR PRIMARY SOURCE FOR RACISM. SO EASY TO DETERMINE THAT AP NEWS, STATE NEWS, NPR, PBS, GOOGLE, YOUTUBE, AND NUMEROUS PUBLICATIONS HAVE MADE SPLC AND WIKIPEDIA THEIR DE FACTO EXPERTS BASED ON BEING "FREE".

FIGHTING ANOTHER SILENT KILLER

There is a (small?) network benefiting at the expense of the whole community. Home and business valuation losses can be easily measured in the millions, probably hundreds of millions. Continued sitting on it by public officials, must mean they are willing to accept the responsibility and liabilities for letting it continue?

I HAVE GOTTEN SOME PUSH BACK, QUESTIONING, AND DISBELIEF ON THE FOLLOWING, BUT IT'S A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD. I'VE GOTTEN THE IMPRESSION THERE MIGHT BE MORE LOCAL LEADERS WITH KNOWLEDGE OR INVOLVEMENT THAN OBVIOUS FROM FILINGS. HOPE I'M WRONG!

Jason Robb (KKK) and Scott Stone (Stone Financial) are members in Robb Holdings, LLC. There is the "appearance" of money laundering, based on my training in financial services.

Note as an attorney, Jason Robb could have easily setup Robb Holdings individually with no involvement from Scott Stone

Listings https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/corps/search_all.php Robb Holdings, LLC). Based on LLC filing there appears to be deception if not fraud, when Stone Financial address is used by registered agent Jason Robb and Scott Stone is the incorporator / organizer. Need to get a copy of Operating Agreement and name of the bank selected for their required separate account to clarify.

The holdings list a fictitious names reference to Meineke Car Care Center in Harrison.

Robb Holding remains “active” status in good standing based on Arkansas Secretary of State Filings, since sale of local Meineke franchise and (related property?).

Indicating there is more activity - assets, businesses, and investments in businesses?

There must be others in their silent network handling banking, real estate, insurance, and other services as well.

No longer can it be said the KKK is headquartered in Zinc but uses the Harrison Post Office. When the KKK rebranded to the Knights Party they made their principal address 220 West Stephenson, or followed Robb Law Office when the office changed local addresses.

That information along with the implicit local acceptance (co-conspirators) of the KKK could lead to businesses leaving the area, others not coming, and another media black eye.

Agent address is 400 N Main Street Suite 1 for holdings - Scott Stone Financial address - Jason Robb is Agent? Would be interesting to review their LLC operating agreement used in their franchise application, and other purchases.

We live in a different time when a virus can shut the world down, and when KKK racists can create an international embarrassment to a town by putting billboards up, and publicizing it through a UK tabloid. Obviously used the Internet to create the catastrophic financial event. Information put on the Internet is forever and available 24/7.

What is clear is that the use of racists to "most racists" city in the USA has impacted Harrison Arkansas economically. The 11 Harrison area hate groups were created by the Tom Robb family. Now with all the additional impact of coronavirus that could be the fatal blow. Sound serious? It is! Harrison can not only drop another rung on the ladder, but totally fall off of it. The KKK must be eradicated ASAP!

Additional Thoughts

Since Jason Robb is an attorney, and registered agent, and has experience setting up LLC’s, for what reason was Scott Stone used as Incorporator/Organizer for Robb Holdings, LLC? Instead of Robb just doing it all himself? Stone took a big reputation and financial damages risk, implying there had to be a high reward for his decision.

Robb Holdings, LLC has the "appearance" of money laundering operation - Money made from Klan - whether its Robb's earnings as the KKK general counsel or from another KKK source (nonprofit Knights Party) has the smell of money laundering- the collective steps that financial gains from criminal acts (KKK hate crimes nationally) are transformed into apparently legitimate finances.

There is an "appearance" of fronting* for a KKK investment, e.g. Meineke car care franchise that would need an explanation through legal discovery. Not sure how Robb's background on application to bank and Meineke and others (?) would have worked if coming from someone known best as KKK general counsel?

Reason for Scott Stone as Incorporator/Organizer.

Copy of the LLC operations agreement, copy of bank statements, and tax returns would help explain.

Note: Jason Robb was the registered agent and incorporator/organizer for Robb Law Firm and Knights Party Committee so why not the same for Robb Holdings, LLC?

As of May 6, 2020; there has been removal of Stone Financial & Tax Center, PLLC as the tax preparer for Robb Holdings, LLC; Robb Law Firm, ; and Knights Party Committee (nonprofit so copy of IRS filing should be available for public review along with tax preparer information). Doesn't change the fact that Stone Financial was the preparer and filer.

Previously tax preparer (Stone) was on all three.

 What are the drawbacks of a multi-member LLC?

  • The biggest drawback of a multi-member LLC is that in some instances, members can be held responsible for other members’ actions.
  • Team Management
  • Members can be held liable if they:
  • Misuse company funds.
  • Knowingly do something that’s reckless, illegal, or causes harm to another person.
  • Commit fraud, such as misrepresenting the business, lying on loan applications, or continuing to run a company that can’t pay its debts.
  • Fail to keep adequate records, such as financial records or minutes from meetings.
  • Here are a few other drawbacks of multi-member LLCs:
  • They require registration with your state.
  • There’s more paperwork to file when you’re doing your business taxes.
  • Members pay self-employment tax on their share of the profits.
  • Owners can’t be employees of the business unless they change their tax status.

Addendum

1. Walmart #2 Harrison Arkansas

“Even in the early days,” Lovell said “Mr. Walton set up a profit sharing program for the employees. He believed in rewarding the staff for their success.”That profit sharing program is what allowed me to retire early from Walmart and has made a lot of people millionaires,” Lovell said. “He believed in getting everyone involved and making it a team effort to help the company grow.”

One of the first Harrison employees was Grace McCutcheon. Her daughter, Anne Holt remembers, “Mom said she started with Walmart before there were shelves and merchandise.”

Grace McCutcheon was my wife's aunt.

  • I observed the phenomenal growth up close and personal of Walmart. Second store was opened in my community, Harrison. Remote owners require the latest in technology to manage growth including teleconferencing. Sam Walton ability to select and empower local managers was second to none. Sam flew to stores to visit managers in their environment, rarely asking them to come to headquarters. Working at headquarters encouraged intellectual inbreeding, Sam went to where the rubber met the road.
  • Harrison Daily Times --"Walmart Store #2 Harrison "Sam Walton was having success at the first Walmart location in Rogers and wanted to expand to Harrison. Manager Bill Lovell said, “I’ve heard Mr. Sam say it many times, ‘If it hadn’t been for the success of the Harrison store, there wouldn’t be a Walmart chain like there is today.’”
  • Encyclopedia.com "In 1964 Walton opened his second unit in Harrison, Arkansas.The success of the Harrison store provided the funding needed to build several other stores and served as the training ground for future managers. Some analysts believe that without the success of the Harrison store, there would not be a Wal-Mart company today."

2.  Jason Robb, general counsel of the KKK ,admits to using a Russian-built Facebook type social media platform (VK)


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