Author: Roby Brock

Roby Brock

Weekend Digest: Romney Smelling Like A Rose, While Obama Ponders Data Overload

Here's our round-up of weekend reading for our political audience: IS TOO MUCH DATA BAD FOR OBAMA? Actually, it's called “Big Data,” says Fortune and it gathers a lot of…

Weekend Digest: Convention Centers Gone Wild, Improving Your Energy Literacy & The Dreaded RFP

For our weekend business readers: IS CONVENTION CENTER SPACE OUT OF CONTROL? Although the number of those attending conventions has dropped, the pace to build convention centers has not. That…

Gov. Beebe Attending Pennartz For Senate Fundraiser

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) understands the stakes of a Republican-controlled House and Senate, and he’s using his political influence to help Democratic candidates in key legislative races.

Foreclosures Remain Low Despite Ruling Reversal

Foreclosures across the Natural State remain stymied despite the recent reversal in litigation that has plugged up the pipeline since late last year.

Barth: Analyzing The Run-off Returns

Dr. Jay Barth, our partner in political polling, has an interesting analysis of the run-off elections from Tuesday night.

Bass Pro Shops To Anchor Little Rock Shopping Center

Bass Pro Shops announced Friday (June 15) it will be part of a new 169-acre Gateway Town Center development in Little Rock which will also include an outlet mall, according to developer Tommy Hodges.

Arkansas Unemployment Rate Rises In May To 7.3%

Arkansas’ jobless rate rose one-tenth of a percent to 7.3% in May keeping pace with a national increase in unemployment.

USDA Expands Biomass Crop Program, Could Add 750 Agri-Jobs In State

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will expand the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) Area in northeast Arkansas. This project, authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill, sets aside nearly 8,000 acres to grow crops that will be processed into renewable energy and could add several hundreds of agriculture-related jobs in state.

Arkansas State Fair To Remain In Little Rock

The board that oversees the annual Arkansas State Fair voted Thursday to keep the festivities in Little Rock – rather than move it to a site in north Pulaski County.

Arkansas Times Examines Life And Legacy Of Sid McMath

The professional, political and military career of former Arkansas Gov. Sid McMath gets a renewed look on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

Arkansas Best Buys Panther In $180 Million Deal

Arkansas Best Corp. has purchased Panther Expedited Services in a $180 million deal that ABC officials say will help them better tap the $700 billion transportation and logistics market, and will begin to add to the bottom line as early as the third quarter.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Opens $121 Million Wing

Arkansas Children’s Hospital opened a new $121 million wing that will ultimately add 100 new medical professionals to the hospital’s staff.

Despite Lingering Problems, Arkansas Banking Environment Improves

It looks like Arkansas banks are off to their best start in three years, despite lackluster loan demand and looming regulatory costs. The City Wire’s Kim Souza takes an in-depth look at key markets.

Call Center Jobs Returning To Jonesboro

News station KAIT-Ch. 8 in Jonesboro is reporting that a closed Startek call center in the region will re-open bringing back 250 jobs. The company closed its doors in April…

AG Dustin McDaniel Makes Gubernatorial Bid Official (UPDATED)

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced Wednesday (June 13) he will seek the Governor’s office in 2014.

Nelson Rolls Out Economist On Shale Play, Says Signature Goal In Sight

Former gas company executive Sheffield Nelson said his plan to raise Arkansas’ severance tax to 7% will make the ballot and won’t scare off natural gas drillers.

‘Micro-union’ Activity Has State Business Leaders Concerned

A late 2011 ruling by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) now allows for “micro-union” formation, a move opposed by business groups that warn the decision is unfair and overturns more than a half-century of labor law precedent.

Ellington, Jeffress Win Democratic Nominations For Congress

ex boyfriend love Rep. Clark Hall (D-Marvell) made it interesting. Jonesboro prosecutor Scott Ellington eeked out a run-off victory in the First District Congressional run-off after a late run of…

GOP Leader Rice Questions Ethics Reform Effort

Former 2010 Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Keet and Democrat Brent Bumpers, visited Fort Smith on Tuesday (June 12) with a common goal, despite their political differences: ethics reform. Their reform pitch was opposed by Rep. Terry Rice, R-Waldron, who could become the next Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives if Republicans take control of the 100-member chamber this November.