SPRINGDALE — The Springdale Chamber of Commerce honored a resident Thursday who spent more time on the Arkansas Highway Commission than anybody.
Retired Springdale businessman Bobby Hopper was named the winner of the chamber’s Civic Service award at its 89th annual banquet.
“This is the best area to live because of people like Bobby Hopper,” said Dick Trammel, who holds Hopper’s old Northwest Arkansas seat on the commission. “Bobby had the vision to see the growth coming in Northwest Arkansas.”
Hopper, 78, served 18 years on the commission. He was its chairman for two terms, from 1987 to 1988 and from 1997 until 1998.
Highway projects in Northwest Arkansas that Hopper helped push through were widening U.S. 412 from Siloam Springs to Springdale and the construction of Interstate 540 from Alma to Rogers.
The I-540 tunnel, the only highway tunnel in the state, is named after Hopper. The tunnel opened in 1999, only a few days before Hopper’s term on the commission ended.
Hopper’s name is also on a bridge in Cotter and a highway bypass around Mountain Home.
“Northwest Arkansas and all of Arkansas need to give Bobby Hopper recognition for what he has done for this state,” Trammel
While a Springdale businessman, Hopper donated land to the city that became Bobby Hopper Park. He also served on the Civil Service Commission and sponsored the Springdale American Legion baseball team.
“I was happy to do what I tried to do for Northwest Arkansas and the state,” Hopper said.
Hopper was born in Cotter. He milked cows at a dairy farm and operated a service station before being drafted during the Korean War. He started selling cars in Mountain Home before moving to Albuquerque, N.M., to work for a Ford dealership for 14 years, becoming the manager.
Hopper came to Springdale in 1969 after he purchased the Ford dealership from Fred Watson. He operated the dealership until 1980 when he sold it and retired.
The retirement didn’t last long, when then Gov. Bill Clinton tapped Hopper in 1983 to replace F.H. Martin on the Highway Commission. Hopper remained friends with Clinton throughout his time as president.
Hopper was presented a plaque by last year’s winner, Dwain Newman.
Mike Luttrell, outgoing chairman of the chamber board, handed over his position to Chris Weiser. Weiser, starting his second term as chairman, pointed out issues for the city carried over from his first term in 1994. The city would like to improve medical service, roads and education, Weiser said.
Comedian Greg Hahn provided the entertainment for the banquet.