about us
Jonesboro Occasions is Jonesboro’s city magazine and is about all the best the city has to offer.

From incredible philanthropic events to fine living, Jonesboro Occasions covers what people are talking about. Chock full of color photos of high-profile people, coverage of nonprofit events and entertaining feature stories, it's the magazine Jonesboro's most affluent consumers can't wait to read.

We take our readers inside Jonesboro's most exclusive gatherings and grand occasions. We highlight philanthropy and the arts. With locally written in-depth profiles, Jonesboro Occasions showcases people who volunteer and work to make the city a better place to live.

As the city's monthly magazine, we include a complete dining guide, a calendar of major philanthropic events and special sections focusing on fashion, health, the arts, home furnishings, books and music, real estate, local retail, new professionals and more.

Our publications are dedicated to the culture and lifestyle enjoyed by readers in Northeast Arkansas and we exist to make a significant contribution to the greater good of our community. Our purpose is outlined in our mission statement:

Occasions Publishing Group

Our Mission: Occasions Publishing Group is a people-focused, purpose-driven organization committed to reaching, inspiring and informing readers across Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas.

Jonesboro Occasions is a publication of locally owned and operated by Occasions Publishing Group, formed by Arkansas State University College of Communications alumni Audrey Watkins, Steve Watkins and Jeff Hankins. Other publications under their group banner include Faith & Purpose, Kids’ Occasions, Jonesboro Datebook, Occasions Menu Guide and our annual city newcomers and visitor’s guide.

Audrey, who is publisher & editor of the magazine, previously spent nine years as a reporter for The Jonesboro Sun, served as associate editor of the Marianna Courier-Index and was a writer for the Northeast Arkansas Tribune. She has been a designated stringer for The New York Times and currently serves as president of Arkansas Press Women. She is married to Steve Watkins, who is chairman of Occasions Publishing Group, and co-publisher of Jonesboro Occasions. They have three children, Adam, Emma and Sophie.

Steve has a 20-year history of work in communications and marketing including general assignment reporting for The Jonesboro Sun, press secretary for U.S. Rep. Marion Berry, and director of development for the Arkansas State University Foundation. He currently serves as president of the Northeast Arkansas Advertising Federation and volunteers time for a number of philanthropic and charitable causes. He has a masters degree in mass communications from ASU.

Jeff serves in a consulting role, is president and publisher of Arkansas Business Publishing Group in Little Rock. ABPG publishes 23 magazines, including Arkansas Business and the new Little Rock Soiree society and philanthropy magazine. He is past president of the ASU Alumni Association and remains active in Jonesboro through ASU activities and speaking engagements. He is the host of "Arkansas Business With Jeff Hankins" and a panelist on "Arkansas Week," both on AETN.