Four Get Promotions At Business Journal

Bill Bowden has been promoted to editor of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal and will begin running its day-to-day editorial operations by Jan. 1. Jeffrey Wood, the publication’s vice president and executive editor, will continue assisting the editorial department but will focus increasingly on special projects.

Bowden, who has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas, started as an associate editor when the Business Journal began in 1997. He was promoted to senior editor in 2001. The Marianna native will also continue covering retail, education, the media, tourism and the food industry.

“I can’t think of anyone we’d rather have in this position than Bill,” Wood said. “He is a big part of the success we’ve enjoyed over the years. His creativity and leadership will only enhance the product our readers and customers have come to rely for their businesses.”

Three additional employees have also received promotions related to their achievements and the ongoing growth of the Business Journal and its four sister publications: Northwest Arkansas Family, Northwest Arkansas Newcomers Guide, Northwest Arkansas Guest Guide and the Northwest Arkansas Book of Lists.

All of the products are locally owned and operated by Gray Matters LLC, a diversified niche publishing company.

Assistant editors Laura Bruegge and Worth Sparkman were each promoted to associate editor of the Business Journal. The two will share additional responsibilities as well as continuing to cover their respective industry beats.

Bruegge, a native of Breese, Ill., and a graduate of the University of Missouri, has covered real estate, construction, agriculture, health care, utilities and manufacturing for the publication since June of 2003. Sparkman, a Clinton, Okla., native and graduate of the University of Oklahoma, joined the publication in February 2004. He covers banking and finance, technology, transportation, law, sports and the environment.

Jamie Starks will assume a new role as a graphic designer for Gray Matters in February. The Texarkana native and UA graduate has served as the firm’s sales assistant since December 2003.

“I am thrilled to have such talented people on our staff,” said Darin Gray, president of Gray Matters. “I’ve had the honor of watching each of them grow professionally over the past few years … They’ve earned their new positions.”