Arkansas first lady Ginger Beebe invited a new group of Benton County Democrats to the governor’s mansion, spoke on the needs for mental health services for children and also said the issues facing the physically handicapped need more attention.

Beebe spoke at the first meeting of the “Progressionals,” a group of Democrats in business professions that seeks to raise the profile of their party in the most Republican county in the state.

About 20 people attended the meeting, where members said business professionals who are Democrats need a visible, active group.

“You kind of have to walk on eggshells here,” Tina Frederick of Bentonville said, saying that some business owners won’t allow posting of signs or messages for Democratic causes and events. The group agreed to meet the second Wednesday of each month at locations to be announced. The group held its first meeting Wednesday night at the Whole Hog Cafe in Bentonville.