Bentonville Economy Strongest Of 16 In Arkansas Tech Business Index

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by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) April 30, 2014 6:45 am 92 views 

Among 16 cities in Arkansas, the strongest economic activity appears to be occurring in Bentonville, according to the new Arkansas Tech Business Index (ATBI).

The index, launched earlier this month, is a comprehensive measure that provides a snapshot of economic activity in 16 Arkansas municipalities. It was created and is maintained by the Arkansas Tech University College of Business. It measures labor conditions, the housing market, construction activity and sales and consumer spending.

The index is based around an average of 100. A city reading above 100 indicates that the city is currently doing better than the state average from 2009 to the present. Among the 16 municipalities in the ATBI, 37.5 percent (6-of-16) have an index rating above 100 for January 2014.

Bentonville saw its index rating increase by 3.2 points as compared to December 2013, giving the city a January 2014 ATBI index rating of 108.58.

Dr. Marc Fusaro, associate professor of economics at Arkansas Tech and developer of the instrument for the Arkansas Tech Business Index, noted that an increase in building permits issued during January 2014 was the primary factor in Bentonville’s gain on the index.

Other municipalities with an ATBI index rating of better than 100 after January 2014 included:

  • Rogers (103.73)
  • Fayetteville (103.55)
  • Springdale (102.33)
  • North Little Rock (100.27)
  • Conway (100.01)

Other city index ratings for the ATBI as of January 2014 included: Fort Smith (99.53), Hot Springs (99.47), Russellville (98.29), Jonesboro (98.17), Little Rock (97.39), El Dorado (93.92), West Memphis (93.38), Texarkana (92.97), Pine Bluff (91.87) and Searcy (85.64).

Arvest Bank is the presenting sponsor of the Arkansas Tech Business Index.