Author: Roby Brock

Roby Brock

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.

New Coalition Forming In Arkansas To Watch Church-State Issues

A new lobbying group is hoping to make in-roads in Arkansas.

Beebe Appoints 28 To Boards And Commissions

Governor Mike Beebe today announced the following appointments to boards and commissions: Josh Blevins, Little Rock, to the State Board of Private Career Education. Appointment expires April 15, 2013. Replaces…

Goodwill Industries Expands With New Facility, 100 Jobs

Non-profit retailer, recycler and jobs trainer Goodwill Industries of Arkansas announced a major expansion of its operations on Tuesday (June 11).

Wal-Mart Faces More Shareholder Litigation

New York City’s pension funds is the latest group of disgruntled Wal-Mart shareholders to file suit against the retail giant.

Brawner: Pryor 2014 U.S. Senate Race Will Be Epic

Steve Brawner, columnist with Stephens Media and Talk Business contributor, underscores the importance of the 2014 U.S. Senate race in Arkansas.

Municipal League Director Says Severance Tax Petition Still Short On Signatures

Arkansas Municipal League director Don Zimmerman issued an email Monday (June 11) to advocates of a hike in the severance tax on natural gas and warned that the petition campaign is still short of its required signature goal.

Jeffress-Hurst Debate: Sore-headed Cats And The Last Dog Dying

Republican Tom Cotton may have had more to say in his four commercial breaks during the televised Democratic Congressional run-off debate between Sen. Gene Jeffress and Q. Byrum Hurst.

Acxiom Names Christian Peck New U.K. Director

Little Rock-based Acxiom Corp. announced the appointment of Christian Peck as vice president and managing Director for Acxiom United Kingdom.

Bipartisan Legislative Support For Certain Ethics Details

Two legislative ethics champions agree that lengthening a waiting period for their peers to lobby and banning gifts to lawmakers are good public policy, but they disagree on changes to political contributions.

State Chamber Chief Says Jobs, Housing Market Weighing On Recovery

Randy Zook, CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, said while conditions are improving, there are a number of reasons why Arkansans don’t feel like the economy is fully recovered.