Heather Baker

Publisher at Arkansas Money and Politics

President/Publisher for AY Media Group where we focus on good news in AR, growth of business & politics for AMP & mental health concerns in the state for MHG

Articles

The mid-year moment: This is the smartest time to rethink your travel business

1 week ago | travelweek.ca | Heather Baker

As summer approaches and the second half of 2025 unfolds, June offers travelprofessionals the perfect moment to reflect and reposition. It’s the calendar’s midpoint, an ideal time to ask the big questions: What’s driving growth? What needs adjustment? And what do I need to thrive in the months ahead? “There’s an incredible energy in our network right now,” says Vice President and General Manager Anita Emilio.
Publisher’s Letter: Summer Boost

2 weeks ago | armoneyandpolitics.com | Heather Baker

FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmailThe June issue of Arkansas Money & Politics is not taking a summer break — more like a summer boost. Longtime central Arkansas real-estate developer Kris Upton and his wife, Karen, adorn the cover this month as we focus on real estate. Upton’s RPM Group is celebrating 70 years in business in 2025.
The hidden superpower of hosted networks: Community, mentorship & shared momentum

1 month ago | travelweek.ca | Heather Baker

In an industry built on connections, it’s easy to assume that travel advisors are naturally supported. But the truth is, many operate in silos, solo entrepreneurs juggling complexbookings, supplier relationships, and client expectations, often without a true sense of community behind them. That’s where hosted networks are rewriting the story. At Envoyage, we’ve always believed that our greatest strength lies not in the size of our network, but in the quality of the people within it.
Publisher’s Letter: Flowers Incoming

1 month ago | armoneyandpolitics.com | Heather Baker

FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmailIf April showers bring May flowers, as the saying goes, then this should be one pretty month. This issue of Arkansas Money & Politics is a beaut — that’s for sure. Inside, readers will find packages devoted to nursing, infrastructure and the poultry industry.
Publisher’s Letter: Flying Into April

2 months ago | armoneyandpolitics.com | Heather Baker

Feature image: Heather Baker and Ryan ParkerThey say the older one gets, the faster time flies. Ain’t that the truth? We were just celebrating Christmas and digging ourselves out from under 10 inches of typical Arkansas February snow a couple of weeks ago, right? Spring, however, has sprung, and April always seemed to me the perfect issue for aviation and transportation.
Envoyage’s proprietary HELiO platform “built for travel entrepreneurs”

2 months ago | travelweek.ca | Heather Baker

Say hello to HELiO – the purpose-built platform changing the way travel advisors design and deliver tailor-made travel. With access to more than one million land products – including hotels, transfers, car rentals, and activities – Envoyage’s proprietary HELiO platform is helping advisors do what they do best: craft seamless, customized experiences that wow clients and win repeat business. Designed with Advisors in MindHELiO isn’t just a booking tool.
Navigating uncertainty: Why travel advisors are more essential than ever

Mar 18, 2025 | travelweek.ca | Heather Baker

The travel industry has weathered its share of challenges, each one proving the resilience and adaptability of trusted travel professionals. As advisors navigate shifting economic and geopolitical landscapes, their expertise is more valuable than ever – guiding clients through uncertainty with confidence and insight.
Publisher’s Letter: Marching into Spring

Mar 13, 2025 | armoneyandpolitics.com | Heather Baker

FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmailMarch is finally here, and I, for one, am ready for spring. Of course, in Arkansas, winter often extends its icy tentacles into the unofficial first month of spring, but we are close regardless. As we prepare to celebrate the transition into spring, we have got a lot to celebrate inside this issue of Arkansas Money & Politics.
Goals for every journey: Setting your business up for success

Feb 18, 2025 | travelweek.ca | Heather Baker

Still finding your groove in 2025? Don’t sweat it – there’s no better time to set your travel business up for success than right now. I sat down with Omar Guechtal, Member Success Manager at Envoyage, to discuss the importance of goal setting and how it can transform your business. Omar works closely with travel advisors across our network, helping them define and achieve their goals. His mantra? Success doesn’t happen by chance; it happens by planning. Why Set Goals? “Let’s be real,” Omar starts.
Publisher’s Letter: We Blinked, and It’s February

Feb 12, 2025 | armoneyandpolitics.com | Heather Baker

FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmailWhen we were kids (you know, 15 years ago), a school year seemed to last a decade. Now months pass by like 18-wheelers on Interstate 40 — which makes it hard to believe that the February issue of Arkansas Money & Politics is out. Our cover this month features President Donald Trump’s choice to represent the U.S. in Israel, Mike Huckabee. The former Arkansas governor is not the first member of his family to grace AMP’s cover. His daughter, Gov.