Perks.com is an international startup, but made a commitment not to pull up roots from its leadership’s hometown of Little Rock.

(Click here for related story.)

It hasn’t regretted remaining local while going global.

John Jacobs, the firm’s marketing guru, said that though Little Rock used to suffer [...]]]> By Mark Carter
10/3/2011

Perks.com is an international startup, but made a commitment not to pull up roots from its leadership’s hometown of Little Rock.

(Click here for related story.)

It hasn’t regretted remaining local while going global.

John Jacobs, the firm’s marketing guru, said that though Little Rock used to suffer from “brain drain” – the exodus of the city’s best and brightest to locales promising more money and glamour – the trend seems to be reversing.

“Little Rock has begun to develop its own spirit, one that holds to its roots but has grown in exciting, unexpected ways,” he said. “We’ve suddenly got this fantastic urban center, peopled with bright young professionals striving to make names for themselves. I think Little Rock is beginning to retain some of its best and brightest.

“Our industry leaders who’ve worked to change downtown should be applauded, It’s one reason we’re located smack-dab downtown. At Perks, we love the energy our city gives us.”

Jacobs cited the presence of the Clinton Presidential Library and both public and private investment as catalysts in a downtown “sea change.” He also sees the entire state starting to emerge in the national tech startup scene.

“Arkansas is a vibrant and burgeoning center of medical and nonprofit companies,” Jacobs said. “But we’re seeing more technology companies rise up, especially in Little Rock and northwest Arkansas.

“Arkansas is well positioned to become similar to the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill triangle, renowned for tech and medical industries.”