Author: Roby Brock

Roby Brock

Hogs To Name John L. Smith As Petrino Replacement

At 2 p.m. Tuesday (April 24), university officials are expected to name former Razorback assistant coach John L. Smith as the new head coach.

Walmart Analyst: “Potential For Significant Changes In Senior Leadership”

Allegations of bribery, international corruption and a sloppy corporate cover-up at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. hammered the retail giant’s share price on Monday. More bad news could be on the horizon.

Beebe Appoints Pine Bluff Psychiatrist To UA Board

Gov. Mike Beebe has named Dr. Stephen Broughton of Pine Bluff to the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. Broughton, 54, works as a Staff Psychiatrist for the Southeast Arkansas…

Hot Springs Hospitals To Consider Joining Forces

Capella Healthcare, parent of National Park Medical Center, and Mercy Health, which owns St. Joseph’s Mercy Health System, have signed an “agreement in principle” that could lead to a merger of two Hot Springs hospitals.

Arkansas Home Sales Up During First Quarter 2012

First quarter 2012 home sales and the value of homes sold in Arkansas’ four largest metro areas are up 4.37% compared to the 2011 period thanks to continued low interest rates.

Beth Anne Rankin Starts TV Ad Campaign

Fourth District Congressional candidate Beth Anne Rankin, R-Magnolia, has hit the TV airwaves with her first commercial spot of the 2012 GOP primary season.

AEDC Director: Follow-up From China Trip Already Underway

Grant Tennille, director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, says he’s already building on Gov. Mike Beebe’s trade trip to China.

NYT: Walmart Covered Up Bribery Scheme In Mexico

The New York Times has a lengthy investigative piece describing an alleged long-running bribery scheme in Walmart’s Mexican subsidiary, Wal-Mart de Mexico.

Trucking Trends: Fewer Companies, Rising Freight, Caution On Gas Prices

That old adage “if you bought it, a truck brought it” is as true today as ever before according to the latest report from the American Trucking Association – 2012 Trucking Trends.

Federal Grant For Health Insurance Exchange Stirs Legislators Again

An interim oversight committee of the Arkansas Legislature once again raised objections over state Insurance Commissioner Jay Bradford’s plan to tap federal money for state health insurance exchange planning, but Bradford’s request to seek $7.7 million was granted.

New Portal Promotes UALR Research Licensed For Commercialization

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has created a new online site to promote research happening through the college’s Center for Innovation and Commercialization.

NW Arkansas Officials Encourage Exploration In New Marketing Campaign, Website

Northwest Arkansas leaders are sporting a new marketing campaign to compliment the influx of visitors to the region for the Crystal Bridges Museum or Razorback sporting events.

March Unemployment Falls To 7.4% In Arkansas

More people are working and fewer are unemployed.

Bank Of The Ozarks Adds 3 To Board Of Directors

Three new members have joined the board of directors of Little Rock-based Bank of the Ozarks. The three new directors are Nicholas Brown, Dr. John Reynolds, and Dr. Sherece West….

TBQ: This Start-up Investor Follows His Passions

Angel investor Michael Peace has something he thinks the cigar-loving public of central Arkansas ought to know: the best Cuban cigars don’t just come from Cuba anymore … and he knows where you can get some.

UAMS, CARTI Agree To $9.5 Million Split

After more than 40 years of partnership, a desire to take cancer treatment in different directions has led to a split between the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (CARTI).

Acxiom Hires Google Analytics Exec For New R&D Role

Acxiom has hired former Google Analytics executive Dr. Phil Mui as the company’s chief product and engineering officer.

Legislative Tax Committee Looks At History Of Exemptions

When House Revenue and Tax Chairman Rep. Davy Carter, R-Cabot, proposed a complete review of the Arkansas tax code, he may not have known what a history lesson he asked for.

Arthritis Foundation Moves LR Office, Announces New Leadership Council

The Arthritis Foundation’s Southeast Region announced a new leadership council as well as plans to move it long-time Little Rock office. This year’s Arkansas Leadership Council members are: Joe D….