About Us
Founder: John Wayne Brown, 45
Partners: Ricky and Marie Boyce; and Robert and Wilma Houston
Beginnings
The idea for BizAlert originated in 2003, when I had to come up with a business opportunity and write a business plan for my college course. With a little encouragement from the instructor, I began to research the idea of helping promote the best practices from businesses and service providers and provide relevant information and referrals to consumers. The organization had to be consumer driven while helping the businesses that provided an example of these practices.
I soon discovered the Greater Little Rock area and all of Arkansas was in need of this type service. Over the next 3 years, the foundation was formed while I continued my studies at the University of Phoenix. As a Financial Business Manager for a local healthcare facility, I've had the privilege of working with Bob Houston, a man of great character and integrity. For the past four years, we have had many discussions regarding developing the services of BizAlert to help the communities of Arkansas.
Wilma Houston, Bob's wife, is a tremendous asset to BizAlert, working almost non-stop to make Arkansas a better place for the Asian American community and local businesses all over the state. The Asian Pacific Business Network is bringing local businesses together for educational purposes, networking, and referrals.
Ricky and Marie Boyce has been my family for twelve years and I'm proud to say. Their unselfish ways and integrity make them a great asset. Ricky has worked over thirty years in the construction business in central Arkansas - building homes, remodeling, sheetrock - you name it, he knows how to get it done. Marie has worked for the Contractor's Licensing Board, in the mortgage business, and currently works for the city of Little Rock.
Let me introduce the people of BizAlert:
Wilma Houston
Wilma Houston – was born and raised in the Philippines and of Chinese-Filipino descent. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse in California and Illinois and holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration. She also finished two years at the American Culinary Institute Arkansas Chapter located in Little Rock. She is the Publisher of the Asian American Reporter, the first and only Asian newspaper published in English serving the Asian community. She is also the Executive Director of the Asian Pacific Resource and Cultural Center and the Asian Pacific Coalition for Smoke Free Arkansas.
She is a member of the Arkansas Minority Business Development Roundtable and of various Asian Pacific organizations.
Wilma Houston has three children, two grandsons and one granddaughter. Husband Bob Houston is retired Air Force working at a local hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas.
