Realtor Miloud Bahadi was installed as the West Pine Bluff Rotary Club president Thursday at a ceremony inside the Pine Bluff Country Club.
Bahadi, 40, succeeds Michael Heisler, who passed the gavel to him following the introduction of new officers for the club. Past District Governor Dennis Cooper administered the oath to Bahadi and the new officers.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I am eager to serve our club and community with dedication and passion,” Bahadi told Rotarians and guests. “As we embark on this new Rotary year, our theme is ‘The Magic of Rotary.’ This theme encapsulates our mission to make a meaningful and lasting impact within our community in Pine Bluff and beyond. Rotary has always been about service above self, and this year, we aim to elevate our efforts to new heights.”
Bahadi was born and raised in Morocco and moved to the U.S. in 2008, initially settling in Oklahoma City as he took on various jobs. He opened a cellphone and electronics business at The Pines mall in Pine Bluff in 2013, marking the beginning of his business ownership. He shut down the business in November 2018.
He also owned and operated Global Cellfix in Conway, selling that business in 2018 as well.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Bahadi’s experience in business and commerce led him to become an independent realtor with EXP Realty, a role he maintains today. He specializes in residential and commercial properties.
He also opened Miloud Global Trading SARL in Morocco and Miloud Global Trading LLC in the U.S. in 2021. “These import-export businesses are still in the building stage, reflecting his ongoing commitment to international trade and business development,” according to his bio.
His nonprofit and community work includes serving as past president and board member of the Islamic Center of Pine Bluff, organizing the Arkansas Moroccan Peace March in Little Rock in 2021 and presently as general delegate for the International Forum for Moroccan African Cooperation. He has also hosted the Consulate General to the Kingdom of Morocco.
“He hosted a communicative conference that brought together the Consul General, (Little Rock) Mayor Frank Scott, (Pine Bluff) Mayor (Shirley) Washington, and other community leaders to build bridges of friendship between Arkansas and Morocco,” according to his bio. Bahadi has also been a liaison between the city of Pine Bluff and Consulate General of Morocco for a future sister city project between Pine Bluff and Dakhla, Morocco.
The Arkansas Moroccan American Network is a virtual club Bahadi created to keep the Arkansas Moroccan community and friends of Morocco connected.