Talk Business & Politics Magazine: A Focus On Tourism

by Bill Paddack ([email protected]) 188 views 

The latest magazine edition of TB&P is in mailboxes across the state and features a wealth of business and political news, interviews, features and analysis. You can access it online here.

In our cover story, Editor-in-Chief Roby Brock sits down with Richard Davies, executive director of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, who reflects on his 42 years of helping to promote – and grow – the tourism industry in Arkansas. We also check out some of the state’s diverse attractions that provide a range of opportunities for tourists.

Rex Nelson takes an in-depth look at how electronic gaming, Instant Racing and increased purses have helped Oaklawn Park continue to gain momentum at a time when a number of other tracks across the country are suffering. Famed trainer D. Wayne Lukas tells Nelson, “Arkansas has something special going on here. Something happens here that’s now missing at a lot of other tracks. You have real fans here.”

In an article we’ve titled “The Evolution of Jim Hendren,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette columnist and TB&P contributor John Brummett profiles the state Senate majority leader and former F-15 fighter pilot. In the feature, Brummett chronicles the journey of yesterday’s hard-right conservative as he’s become today’s pragmatic one. Also in our political coverage, we touch base with five female legislators and learn their perspectives on bringing a woman’s touch to the state Legislature.

Wes Brown, our new business editor, looks at how the still-mending timber and forestry industry has come back from a decade-long economic downturn. And, Kim Souza with The City Wire profiles the Wal-Mart vendor community and Cameron Smith Associates.

We check in on the upcoming Governor’s Cup business plan competition, chat with legendary Arkansas executive Charles Morgan about his new memoir, profile serial startup entrepreneur Unni Peroth and examine the positive influence the corporate community has had on El Dorado.

Also in our statewide coverage, you’ll find insightful commentaries, excellent regional reporting and the thoughts of six business leaders on realizing employee potential.

Access the online version at this link. If you want to subscribe to the magazine for free, email [email protected] with your name and mailing address.