Author: Roby Brock

Roby Brock

Dillard’s Net Income Rises 76% In Second Quarter

Dillard’s Department Stores nearly doubled its second quarter profit in route to another stellar quarter of financial performance.

Clean & Green: Wal-Mart Hits Solar Panel Milestone

This past week, Walmart – the Bentonville-based retail giant – reached a major milestone in renewable energy as it placed solar panels on its 100th store in California.

Broadway: Data To Allow Potential Changes To Lottery Scholarships

The state’s higher education chief said that a new initiative aims to bring older students back to college, while at the same time new data could help lawmakers shape future funding for lottery scholarships.

Party Reps Tangle On Taxes, Platforms & Chick-Fil-A

Arkansas GOP spokeswoman Katherine Vasilos and Democratic Party of Arkansas spokeswoman Candace Martin appeared on Talk Business Sunday night to discuss a number of political differences.

Tyson Foods Profits Tumble On Debt Charge, Drought

Springdale-based Tyson Foods reported earnings of $76 million on sales of $8.3 billion. In last year’s third quarter, Tyson Foods reported profits of $196 million on revenue of $8.25 billion.

Public Service Commission Puts Numerous Conditions On Entergy Move To MISO

The Arkansas Public Service Commission issued a report late last week that enumerates more than a dozen concerns regarding Entergy Arkansas’ potential move to regional transmission coordinator, Midwest Independent System Operator.

Beebe Declares State Of Emergency Due To Drought

Gov. Beebe (D) declared a state of emergency in Arkansas to assist with the transport of hay during Arkansas’ severe drought.

LM Windpower Cuts 234 Jobs In Little Rock

Citing uncertainty over a tax credit provision and a slowdown in production, Danish wind turbine maker LM Windpower said it would lay off more than two-thirds of its Little Rock workforce.

Southwestern Energy CEO Says Extreme Heat In Arkansas Hurting Production

Natural gas driller Southwestern Energy recorded a $488.1 million second quarter loss, but company officials said it was largely due to a non-cash charge on properties whose value declined from lower natural gas prices. Also, the CEO of the largest driller in Arkansas’ Fayetteville Shale play said triple-digit temperatures were negatively impacting production.

Legislators Describe Health Insurance Experiences, Perspectives

In the coming months, state lawmakers and key constitutional officers will be making critical decisions on Arkansans’ options for health insurance through Medicaid, an insurance exchange, or the pure free market. Interestingly, all state elected officials have the ability to opt into a generous state health insurance plan and more than half have done just that.

Hawker Beechcraft To Lay Off 170 At Little Rock Jet Facility

In a letter to employees released this morning, Hawker Beechcraft says it has notified state workforce officials of plans to reduce its workforce affecting 170 employees.

July State Revenues Rise On Income Tax Strength

Arkansas’ first month of tax revenue in the new fiscal year was a net positive.

Hospital Group Says Economic Impact $10.3 Billion Annually

The Arkansas Hospital Association (AHA) released an economic impact study that suggests the health care industry in Arkansas accounts for 75,000 jobs and generates up to $10.3 billion in annual economic activity.

GOP E-mail Tips Hand On Republican Majority Strategy

A House Republican leader has emailed GOP candidates encouraging them to sign a “no new tax pledge” to help in their campaign fundraising efforts and because tax hikes won’t be proposed under a Republican majority, although an exemption in the pledge would allow for wiggle room.