Author: Roby Brock

Roby Brock

Long-shot Efforts To Oust Wal-Mart Leaders Underway

Tension and opposition against Wal-Mart Stores Inc. continues to brew over the retail giant’s bribery scandal recently exposed in its Mexican subsidiary.

Bids Let On $133 Million In Highway Projects

On Wednesday, the state Highway Commission chose apparent low bids on $132.9 million in road projects.

Statehouse Control To Dominate 2012 Political News

With a Presidential race unlikely to matter in Arkansas and looming lackluster match-ups in all four Congressional races this fall, a real focus for the 2012 political news cycle will be the outcome of the state legislative races. Check out these numbers we’ve crunched.

$15 Million UALR Nanotechnology Center Opens

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock opened its Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences (CINS) on Wednesday (May 2).

Murphy Oil Profits Improve On High Crude Oil Prices

A tightening belt and improved earnings in its exploration and production business helped Murphy Oil offset sliding losses in its refinery and downstream operations.

Cook: ‘Shoe Leather’ Likely To Determine First District Democratic Winner

Talk Business blogger Michael Cook offers his thoughts on the First District Democratic primary.

Arkansas April Revenues Up 5%

Boosted by strong gains in individual income taxes and sales taxes, Arkansas’ April revenue report improved by 5.1% over last year and landed 5.9% above forecast.

LM Wind Power Seeing Uptick In Demand On Tax Credit Uncertainty

Despite a worldwide slowdown in demand and a substandard 2011 in sales and profits, wind turbine maker LM Wind Power says all systems are go in 2012.

Pegge Bell Named Director of UA School Of Nursing

Pegge Bell becomes the new director of the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas, effective July 15. “This is an incredibly exciting time in the life…

AY: Simmons First CEO Tommy May Banking On A Cure

Simmons First CEO Tommy May is a member of the state’s business hall of fame, but one of his greatest contributions to Arkansas’ corporate leadership may be his living testimony of tenacity and grit.

Endorsements Play An Important Role On The Campaign Trail

Endorsements are a collection of medals that candidates and campaigns covet as they seek to build coalitions of support and shape their public image of invincibility or momentum. But do they really make a difference?

Ethics Expert: Wal-Mart Must ‘Walk The Talk’

A Mexican law professor and a well-known ethics expert weigh in on the Wal-Mart bribery scandal.

Walmart To Pay $4.8 Million In Wage Dispute

The U.S. Department of Labor says Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has agreed to pay more than $4.8 million in back wages and damages to more than 4,500 employees. Additionally, Wal-Mart will pay $463,815 in civil money penalties.

Beebe Discusses Medicaid Costs, Trade Trip and Party Control

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe elaborated on a number of issues, including the looming Medicaid crisis, his trade trip to China and control of the state legislature in our latest “Talk Politics” interview.

Talk Politics With Gov. Mike Beebe

Tuesday morning, May 1, at 10 a.m., Talk Business & Politics will launch its latest installment of “Talk Politics,” our Q&A session with Gov. Mike Beebe (D).

The Class Of 2025: The Workforce Of Tomorrow

We are technically about halfway through the first quarter of the 21st century. When today’s kindergarteners graduate, what will Arkansas look like?

Arvest Mortgage Division Sees 97% First Quarter Growth

Arvest Mortgage Co. said it originated more than $548 million in new mortgage loans for purchases and refinancing — a 97% increase over last year.

Alltel Wireless, U.S. Cellular Align With Prepaid Cell Phone Offer

U.S. Cellular and Little Rock-based Alltel Wireless have joined together to begin offering a no contract wireless service in select Walmart stores across 18 states beginning in May.

The West Memphis 3 & The Politics Of The First

Will the West Memphis 3 case play a role in the upcoming First District Congressional election?

Deck: Growth in Professional Jobs Will Improve Prosperity in Arkansas

What do lawyers, accountants, architects, engineers, graphic designers and environmental consultants have in common? They’re part of a growing business class in Arkansas, but more is needed.