Author: Talk Business & Politics

Bill?s Gone; Dillard?s Gets Sexy

We were surprised when we opened a newspaper and saw a very sexy photo of actress Sandra Bernhardt staring suggestively from a Dillard?s advertisement.

And the Award for the Most Confusing ?House ad? Goes to ?

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette has been running a series of ads showing the newspaper is preferred in almost every category over its rival. But, some of the numbers just don?t make sense.

California Investigating Beverly for Criminal Charges

In it’s first-quarter filing, Beverly Enterprises Inc. announced that the State of California authorities are investigating the company for possible criminal charges.

Brass Eagle 1Q Income Slips

Brass Eagle Inc. of Bentonville, which manufactures paintball guns and other extreme-sports products, said income for the quarter ended March 31 fell but the retail environment is improving.

Cannon Express Loses $2.4 Million in 3Q

Cannon Express Inc. reports a net loss of $2.4 million for its fiscal third quarter, which ended March 31. The loss was 198 percent greater than the loss of $795,777 for the comparable quarter of 2001.

Delta Systems 1Q Sales Jump 31 Percent

First-quarter sales for automation and motion control leader Delta Systems Inc. of Rogers were $1.98 million, up 31 percent from $1.51 million for 2001?s first quarter.

First Federal Bancshares Assets Growing

First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas Inc. reported on May 15 that its assets grew to $691.1 million during the first quarter ended March 31.

Tyson Foods Will Give Quarterly Dividend in September

Tyson Foods Inc. of Springdale has declared a quarterly dividend of 4 cents per share on Class A common stock and about 4 cents per share on Class B common stock.

Wal-Mart 1Q Figures Balloon

Sales at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. jumped by 14 percent and net income increased by 20 percent in the fiscal first quarter as consumers stuck with ?Everyday Low Prices? amid the sluggish economy.

Most ATRS Real Estate Returning Less Than 8%

Fewer than half of the real estate holdings of Arkansas Teacher Retirement System are meeting or exceeding the pension fund?s annual return on investment goal of 8 percent.

Northwest Continues ?Stent? as Cardiac King

Northwest Medical Center of Washington County in mid-May introduced a new minimally invasive therapy for patients with heart disease.

Arkansas Western Debuts New Web Site

Fayetteville?s Arkansas Western Gas Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of publicly traded Southwestern Energy Co. of Houston, recently unveiled its new Web site for natural gas customers.

Sparks Health Web Site Impresses Critics

We loved the Internet babies portion of Sparks Health System?s Web site. It was the highlight of a comprehensive information portal that?s almost too big to review.

Willow Creek Buyout Could be Soon

Whispers by the health care water cooler suggest Willow Creek Women?s Hospital will soon change owners.

UA Officials Sensitive About Race Issues on Campus

It seems like the University of Arkansas has been doing some serious contortions lately in the name of ethnic diversity.

Dean Resigns After UA Receives Historical Gift

Randall Woods? resignation as dean of the UA?s Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences seemed to coincide with the Walton family?s $300 million gift to the UA in April.

Banker is Pals with Donald Powell

Rob Brothers, CEO of Arvest Bank-Rogers, is practically on a first-name basis with President Bush appointee Donald Powell, the new chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

Children First Leader Goes Entrepreneurial

Fritz Steiger announced on May 9 that he will resign from his position as president and CEO of Children First America on Sept. 1.

Cafe Santa Fe Suit Heats Up

The three individuals sued by two former Cafe Santa Fe franchisees filed a countersuit on May 15 asking for unspecified damages.

A&M Keeps on Chuggin?

Arkansas & Missouri Railroad in Springdale builds revenue with title in hand.

Arkansas to lead National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship expansion

The Supply Side: Boomer generation concedes spending power to young consumers

2nd cohort of new lithium accelerator shows innovations in Bentonville

Weekly wages up 4.2% in Arkansas, Benton County leads with 13.4% wage gain