Kudos: Delta Regional Authority Awards Grant To ASU-Newport

An effort is being made to create hospitality jobs in the Delta, a commercial real estate expert lands an important post with the Federal Reserve, and Diamond Bear Brewing is making a move across the river.

DRA AWARDS GRANT TO ASU-NEWPORT
The Delta Regional Authority awarded a $97,771 grant to Arkansas State University-Newport to help train local residents in food service management.

The new Food and Hospitality Services program at the ASU-Newport campus will provide three courses of study: one certificate of proficiency, one technical certificate, and an associate degree in food and hospitality services. The program will initially employ two administrative staff. DRA’s investment will support the purchase of equipment to include commercial kitchen appliances, tables and seating, cleaning and sanitation equipment, and necessary technology.

The program is an effort to support the emergence of the tourism and culinary sectors in the region and increase awareness, availability, and use of Delta grown or produced foods.

The Delta Regional Authority is a federal-state partnership that works for job creation and community development in the 252 counties and parishes of the Delta.

MARK BENTLEY NAMED TO FED’S REAL ESTATE COUNCIL
Mark A. Bentley, SIOR, principal, managing director, Central Arkansas Colliers International, Little Rock, Ark., has been named to the Real Estate Industry Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

The St. Louis Fed created four District Industry Councils in 2006, each designed to provide the Fed with important feedback regarding economic conditions within a key Eighth District industry sector.

The members’ observations – along with the economic data and information developed through the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book, the St. Louis Fed’s Burgundy Books and meetings of the Reserve Bank’s boards of directors – help ensure that economic conditions in the region are represented in monetary policy deliberations in Washington.

Each council is based in one of four of the Reserve Bank’s offices: Memphis (transportation), St. Louis (real estate), Little Rock (agribusiness) and Louisville (health care). The councils meet twice a year.

DIAMOND BEAR COMPLETE NLR PURCHASE
Diamond Bear Brewing Company completed the purchase of the Orbea Building at 600 North Broadway earlier this week. The move will allow the brewery to both expand its production as well as offer a much greater venue for tourism and events.

Diamond Bear plans to move into the new location as soon as the previous owners are able to relocate to another site within the next 60 to 120 days.

As part of the new expansion Diamond Bear will be adding a new “three vessel” and a 30-barrel Brewhouse, which will increase both the production and efficiency of the brewery. In addition to the new Brewhouse, Diamond Bear plans to add several fermentation tanks, which will more than double their current capacity.

The new location has ample space for adding several more tanks to allow for continued growth. The new location has sufficient land which, when the time comes, will allow for the company to expand the building and capacity without having to relocate.

The new building will be remodeled, with a large taproom, private party area, large retail area, and outside patio with plenty of bike racks and parking. The brewery also plans to have a “Brewseum” which will focus on the history of beer overall, beer in America, and beer in the Natural State.

Owners Russ and Sue Melton founded Diamond Bear Brewing Company in 2000.