Author: Talk Business & Politics

Hotel Revenue Hovers

Nationwide, the hotel industry was down by 8 percent for the first six months of 2002. But Northwest Arkansas fared considerably better than that.

Alpha Sales ?Pick-Up? 15 Fold Since 1998

When Wesley Robinson loaded a queen-size mattress set in his 1979 Ford pickup and hauled it across Springdale, it was the first delivery for his new company ? Alpha Pick-Up & Delivery Inc.

Wicked Customs Offers Audio, Life Systems for Autos

Jesus Gonzalez and Mardonio Hernandez combined their love of customized audio systems and hydraulic lift systems into Wicked Customs.

Patels Dominant ?Inn? Industry (Commentary)

It?s a standard joke: Americans think Patel is the Hindi word for motel. It?s not true.

Stock Option Accounting Is Tricky (Kerry Lee Watkins Commentary)

The collapse of the likes of Enron and Global Crossing has brought into question numerous accounting issues. One cooking on the front burner is stock-option accounting.

Crackdown Needed, Not New Laws (Editorial)

With corporate scandals now almost a daily occurrence and politicians ranting about the need for the government to do this or that to fix the problems, maybe it?s time to ask: What?s the matter with the existing standards and regulations? Not much really.

Research Solutions Manages Drug Testing

In 1999, Dr. Mary Good was convinced that managing drug tests could be a gold mine for Arkansas. Good, a member of Venture Capital Investors LLC of Little Rock, sold the idea to VCI and helped raise $2 million for a startup company.

Research Solutions Grew With Demand

Research Solutions has come a long way since it opened in July 1999.

More Men Seek Plastic Surgery

According to the Plastic Surgery Information Service, about 11 percent of all cosmetic surgery in 1999 was performed on men. That?s up 2 percent from the previous year.

Delta Systems Getting Global

Delta, the automation control solutions firm in Rogers, has opened doors during the last three months in about a dozen countries.

Lack of Sleep Costs Companies Cash

Sleep apnea is affecting the business sector and is costing it significant losses in productivity.

High-tech Ticker Tools Give Patients Rhythm

Dr. James Cooper, a physician with the Northwest Arkansas Heart and Vascular Center in Fayetteville, is using some of the world?s latest technology to give hearts their groove back.

WRMC Plans New Technology With Move

When Washington Regional Medical Center moves to its new $89 million building on Aug. 27, hospital administrators also will unveil some new technology changes.

Restaurant Given Green Light

On the Rocks was given permission to open after much discussion from concerned residents.

Thai Diner Gets Three Stars (Business Lunch)

Fayetteville?s fourth Thai restaurant recently opened, so we decided to give it a try. Apparently, you can?t have too many Thai eateries in the Ozarks.

Berryville Conversion Helps Shareholders

The First National Bank of Berryville?s January conversion from a ?C? corporation to an ?S? corporation made a difference in the latest banking report card released by Bauer Financial Inc.

Farm Bill to Boost Support to Arkansas Farmers, Economist Says

The new farm bill will increase support payments to Arkansas producers this year by more than $254 million over the 1996 farm bill, according to Eric Wailes, University of Arkansas agricultural economist.

Blackwell Ford Leads Nation in ZX2 Sales

After selling 20 Ford Escort ZX2s in December and finding itself ranked No. 3 nationally, Ron Blackwell Ford of Bentonville set out to be No. 1 in sales of the two-door sportscar in May.

George Billingsley Dies at Age 73

George Billingsley of Bella Vista, owner of International Tours of Northwest Arkansas and former chairman and CEO of Pacific Resources Export Ltd., died July 31 after a battle with cancer.

St. Edward Mercy Adds Appointments, New Facility

St. Edward Mercy Health Network in Fort Smith, which had $285 million in 2000 revenue, recently made three executive appointments.

Oklahoma court ruling threatens poultry industry in Arkansas

GDP up 4.3% in the third quarter, consumer confidence declines

St. Bernards to expand Maternal Life360 HOME program into Greene County

Then and Now: Cooperative business model a good fit for Mitchell Johnson