Author: Roby Brock

Roby Brock

LobbyUp and Talk Business To Live-stream Fourth District GOP Debate

The Union County Republican Committee (UCRC) will partner with two of Arkansas’ top political groups, LobbyUp and Talk Business, to sponsor the first Republican Fourth Congressional District debate on Monday, Jan. 9, at the South Arkansas Arts Center in El Dorado.

Dillard’s Outperforms Competitors, Finishes Year With A Burst

Upscale mall retailer Dillard’s, Inc. ended the year on a high note. A strong final month of holiday sales boosted the Little Rock-based department store chain’s total sales increase for 2011.

Business Leader Relays China Impressions From Recent Tour

One long-time business leader says he’s doubtful America can compete with China in the manufacturing arena, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Steelworkers Union Files Complaint Against Whirlpool

Kenny Thompson, division vice president for Whirlpool and manager of the Fort Smith plant, noted in an Oct. 27 statement that union and management at the plant were like family and should “support each other in the weeks and months ahead.” Just a few weeks later, the family is fighting.

Electric Cooperatives, Arkansas Broadcasters To Host Candidate Training Seminar

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and the Arkansas Broadcasters Association (ABA) will host a training seminar for those seeking political office on Thursday, January 26 from 8:30 am to 4 pm at the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas offices in Little Rock.

Beebe To Speak At January Political Animals Club

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) opens the mansion on occasion for the central Arkansas Political Animals Club. On Wednesday, January 18, he’ll be the featured speaker.

Legislators Probe Forestry Commission Funding Solutions

Members of the Joint Agriculture, Economic Development and Forestry Committee quizzed state finance officials and Arkansas Forestry Commission chief John Shannon about the agency’s budget shortfall and potential funding solutions.

Arkansas Metro Jobless Rates Decline In November

November brought some welcome news on the job front, with all eight metro areas in or connected to Arkansas showing a jobless rate decline compared to October.

Strong December Tax Revenues Boost Year-to-date Totals

A strong month of income tax collections and improving sales taxes led the state of Arkansas to a solid position at the six-month mark of the fiscal year.

Steve Brawner: 12 Questions For 2012

Stephens Media columnist Steve Brawner explores several subjects in his latest essay. He poses 12 questions for the new year that he hopes to see answered. They are good food for thought in this new year.

Governor’s Office Says Misuse of Federal Funds To Blame For Forestry Shortfall

Beebe administration officials offered a new argument today that financial mismanagement of federal grant money had more to do with budget woes and layoffs than previously thought at the embattled Arkansas Forestry Commission.

McDaniel Rejects First Draft Of Personhood Amendment

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel (D) rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would define “personhood” in Arkansas.

St. Vincent, Heart Clinic Arkansas Combine Forces

St. Vincent Health System and Heart Clinic Arkansas have joined forces to expand The Jack Stephens Heart Institute, LLC.

Windstream SVP Susan Bradley To Retire At End Of January

Windstream announced that Susan Bradley, senior vice president of human resources, will retire at the end of January. A search for her successor will begin immediately. “Susan has played an…

Business Reporter Kim Souza To Join The City Wire

Another hire for The City Wire. Northwest Arkansas business reporter Kim Souza will join The City Wire in mid-January to lead the web publication’s coverage of business and politics in…

BancorpSouth Adds 3 To Advisory Board In Little Rock

Phyllis Brown, Dennis G. Cooper and John S. Kitterman have been named to the advisory board of BancorpSouth in Little Rock. “Our advisory board members have a very important role…

Baptist Health, Arkansas Cardiology Form New Partnership

Baptist Health System and Arkansas Cardiology are entering into a new partnership to form the Baptist Health Heart Institute.

Beebe Drops Budget Hints, Says Medicaid Shortfall Crisis Postponed

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) used his weekly radio address to spell out several budget proposals, including hope that a Medicaid crisis may be delayed for another year.

2011 Tough On Arkansas-based Company Stocks

The share price of just seven of the 15 publicly held companies based in Arkansas saw a gain during 2011, and the final trading day of 2011 saw share price declines with 12 of the 15 shares.