Author: Roby Brock

Roby Brock

In Search of Medicaid Waste, Fraud And Abuse

A major confrontation is brewing at the capitol as lawmakers, legislative auditors and DHS officials debate a forthcoming audit report on the state’s Medicaid program.

Power Technology Acquires German Laser Manufacturer

Power Technology, Inc. has acquired the business of KLASTECH GmbH, a German-based laser manufacturing operation. Terms of the private transaction were not disclosed. Little Rock-based Power Technology, which was recently…

Fourth Quarter Loss Pounds Arkansas Best Full Year Results

A storm-impacted fourth quarter didn’t help Arkansas Best Corp.’s bottom line. The Fort Smith-based freight hauler posted a $7.9 million quarterly loss compared to a profit of $1.4 million one…

Who Is John Correnti?

While there are many central figures in the announcement that Big River Steel, LLC will build a $1.1 billion steel mill near Osceola (Mississippi Co.), one figure looms large. John…

Man of Steel: John Correnti Brings Billion Dollar Steel Mill To NE Arkansas

Arkansas landed its first official “superproject” as Big River Steel announced plans to construct a $1.1 billion steel mill in Mississippi County near Osceola. The mill will employ 525 workers initially with average annual wages of $75,000 – more than double the state’s per capita income.

Metropolitan National Bank Closes Q4 On A Good Note

Metropolitan National Bank ended its 2012 fourth quarter with a net profit of $761,000, slightly higher than its fourth quarter in 2011 when the Little Rock-based bank finished that quarter…

House Revenue & Tax Chair Plans On A Seat At The Table

Rep. Charlie Collins (R-Fayetteville), chairman of the House Revenue & Tax Committee, said he plans on not rushing his committee’s efforts to reform the state tax code – but he does foresee an aggressive agenda.

McLarty, Partners Form Real Estate Investment Fund

With an initial $50 million capitalization, a group of Arkansas business leaders has formed a new private real estate fund that will focus on acquiring assets throughout the Midwest and…

Simmons First Sees 27% Earnings Boost

Simmons First National Corporation posted double-digit fourth quarter and full year earnings as growth in its loan portfolios gave the Pine Bluff-based bank holding company a boost. For the fourth…

Sen. Dismang In Search Of A Medicaid Funding Solution

Sen. Jonathan Dismang says he’s focused on finding a long-term solution to the state’s Medicaid program and he’s advancing ideas he thinks may work.

USA Drug Stephen LaFrance’s Prescription For Success

Restless in retirement and with a little regret, retailer-wholesaler-pharmacist extraordinaire Stephen LaFrance reflects on an expansive career filled with success, setbacks and satisfaction.

House Minority Leader Discusses Democratic Agenda, Bipartisan Issues

With Democrats in the legislative minority for the first time in 138 years, House Minority Leader Rep. Greg Leding (D-Fayetteville) said his party plans to be actively involved in many…

Wal-Mart To Expand In Canada

Two weeks ago, Wal-Mart announced plans to boost domestic spending and growth. Today, the Bentonville-based retail giant said it plans to add 37 supercenters and will expand its distribution network…

Allied Wireless To Sell Domestic Alltel Business

Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc., parent company to Allied Wireless Communications Corp., is selling its domestic retail wireless business operated under the Alltel name to AT&T in a $780 million all-cash transaction. Allied,…

Sanders, Sabin Spotlight Goals, Differences In New Capitol Alignment

State Sen. David Sanders (R-Little Rock) and State Rep. Warwick Sabin (D-Little Rock) say they are committed to bringing “civility to politics” in the 89th General Assembly, which is Republican-controlled…

Inside The Superproject Amendment

Assuming Arkansas officials close the latest superproject deal, how would Amendment 82 work if the threshold and triggers are met? Here is what the law describes.

Senate Revenue Chair Urges Patience On Tax Cuts, Prudence On Superproject

State Senator Jake Files (R-Fort Smith), chair of the Senate Revenue and Tax Committee says early tax cut proposals in his committee will need to show revenue neutrality, and he…

Beebe Appoints Former House Speaker Moore To Highway Commission Post

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) named former Speaker of the House Robert Moore of Arkansas City to the Arkansas Highway Commission. how to get back your ex Moore was a leader…

Arkansas Congressional Delegation Frowns On Obama Gun Violence Plan

President Barack Obama (D) unveiled a major gun violence legislative and executive order package on Wednesday that is the result of a month-long effort to respond to the Newtown Sandy…

Bank Of The Ozarks Sees Boost In Q4 Income

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. started the fourth quarter earnings season for Arkansas' publicly traded firms by reporting fourth quarter net income of $20.7 million, a 17.6% increase from one…