Talk Business & Politics Magazine July/August 2015

by Bill Paddack ([email protected]) 247 views 

This Arkansas summer is hot and right along with it the July/August issue of Talk Business & Politics magazine is hot off the press. Packed with lots of news, interviews and commentaries, it’s in mailboxes across the state and you can access it online here.

In our cover story – Rex Nelson, veteran observer of Arkansas and its politics, culture and history – sits down with new Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Mike Preston. You’ll want to read it to find out what Preston brings to the table and to better understand Arkansas’ economic development history. In the article, Preston calls economic development “a team sport” and says, “We have to recruit legislators to be a part of that team.”

Business Editor Wesley Brown profiles another new state official – Ted Thomas, who was appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson earlier this year to chair the state Public Service Commission. In a wide-ranging interview about his interesting and varied public service background, Thomas said he had eschewed a possibly more lucrative career path in the corporate world for a calling in government because it “gets him up each morning” knowing the work he does will make a difference.

Longtime political columnist John Brummett explores the psyches of Arkansas voters as two semi-home state candidates – former Arkansas First Lady Hillary Clinton and former Gov. Mike Huckabee – take national center stage in the 2016 presidential race.

TB&P Editor-in-Chief Roby Brock enlisted three top IT leaders for a discussion on the future of technology and its impact on your everyday life. And veteran writer Steve Brawner examines how Congress’ inability to create a sufficient highway funding mechanism is costing Arkansas not only needed pavement but also thousands of construction jobs.

In our statewide coverage, you can read about a move to put Arkansas political icon Hattie Caraway on the $10 bill, a look at the SEC Network and its financial impact on conference schools, and entrepreneurs who hope you’ll stop by their stands for either a cooling shaved ice treat or a tasty, sweet Cave City watermelon. As always, you’ll also find excellent regional stories, perceptive commentaries and leadership advice from six business leaders.

Check it out online or request a copy from [email protected] and we’ll be happy to share.