Author: Roby Brock

Roby Brock

Obama Holding Democrats, But Failing With Independent Voters

Barack Obama’s Presidential approval rating in Arkansas has barely budged since last fall, according to our latest Talk Business-Hendrix College Poll.

Year-over-Year Metro Jobless Numbers Decline

The good news is unemployment in Arkansas’ largely populated areas looks better today than it did a year ago. The bad news is the jobless rate remains uncomfortably high in those population pockets.

Attorney General Makes New Push To End Desegregation Payments

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel (D) made a new push to end desegregation payments from the state to three Pulaski County school districts, part of the continuing legal saga that has been mired in court proceedings for decades.

Windstream Joining $122 Million Rochester Midtown Project

As a condition for closing its $2.3 billion merger with PAETEC, Little Rock-based Windstream Corp. agreed to maintain a major presence in downtown Rochester, New York.

Six Federal Courthouses In Arkansas Eyed For Closure

The Associated Press reports that six federal courthouse locations in Arkansas could be eyed for possible closure in an effort to cut costs.

First Details Of Beebe Trade Mission To China Revealed

Gov. Mike Beebe’s itinerary for his upcoming trade mission to China is revealed.

Arkansas Home Sales Up During February

Low mortgage rates and an abundance of homes for sale are just two reasons that three of Arkansas’ four largest home sales markets have sales gains in the first two months of 2012 compared to the 2011 period.

Arvest Bank Announces Spate Of New Hires, Promotions

Arvest Bank announced a number of new hires and promotions at its operations in northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Kurt Brungardt, Lindsay Reeves and Joy Hapeman have been promoted…

Oaklawn, Southland Set Record Months For Electronic Gambling

Arkansas’ two legal casinos posted their best months in history for electronic games of skill (EGS) wagering as both tracks benefited from heavy visitor traffic.

State Chamber Supports Health Care Challenge

The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas has joined a legal effort to challenge the controversial federal healthcare reform act, but the move is more about seeking an answer to a “narrow position” rather than a judgment on the need for healthcare reform.

Two Arkansas Manufacturers Honored By USDA At White House

The White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) honored 71 manufacturing businesses recently at a White House event to recognize the success of manufacturing in rural America, including…

Kristen Vandaveer Joins Mangan Holcomb PR Department

Kristen Vandaveer of Conway has joined Mangan Holcomb Partners as a public relations account executive. In this role, she will be responsible for the management and execution of client PR…

Tennille Named Permanent AEDC Director, Bryles To Head Livestock & Poultry (UPDATED)

It would appear that Gov. Beebe has found a permanent replacement to head the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

Nuclear Tech Firm Locating In Russellville, Will Add 25 Jobs

Precision Surveillance Corp. said it will locate a new $1.5 million manufacturing facility in Russellville adding 25 jobs in the region.

Commission Renames Little Rock Airport For Bill and Hillary Clinton

The Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission voted unanimously today to rename Little Rock National Airport in honor of Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Davy’s Daunting Task: The Push For Tax Reform Faces High Hurdles

Rep. Davy Carter’s interim call to review the entire state tax code should be a highly educational experience, but the chance to overhaul Arkansas’ tax system will face real world hurdles.

Ellington, Holloway Round Out Challengers In First District Congressional Race

Democratic Congressional hopeful Scott Ellington and Green Party candidate Jacob Holloway explain their candidacies in two radio interviews.

GOP Policy Plan Won’t Be A Big Mystery

House Republicans in the state legislature are expected to roll out a policy plan that might serve as the foundation for their candidates hoping to take the House majority this fall. What that agenda might be won’t be much of a mystery based on public comments and interviews on the subject from the Arkansas blog-o-sphere.

Pryor: Keystone Project To Be ‘Wrapped Up’ After Presidential Election

The controversial Keystone Pipeline project, which was put on hold by the Obama administration over environmental concerns, is likely to be developed after the November 2012 election, says U.S. Senator Mark Pryor (D).

Silicon Valley Firm Adds Wesley Clark To Its Board

SoloPower has added General Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and a former U.S. Presidential candidate, to its board of directors as an independent director.