Author: Roby Brock

Roby Brock

The Lost Year: Top Business Stories of 2011

2011 had many business observers chalking the year up to “the forgotten” column. Here are our picks for the the most dominant stories and trends affecting Arkansas commerce.

Appeals Court Says Desegregation Payments Must Continue

A federal appeals court overturned a lower court ruling in a decision that will force the state of Arkansas to continue annual desegregation payments to three central Arkansas school districts.

Warren Stephens-owned Company To Buy 16 Papers From New York Times

Halifax Media Holdings LLC, of which Stephens Capital Partners of Little Rock is the majority owner, has agreed to purchase 16 newspapers and other related businesses from the New York Times Co. for about $143 million.

Warmack Appointed To Associate Dean Post At UAMS Northwest

Scott Warmack, Pharm.D., recently was appointed associate dean in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Northwest. Formerly an associate professor of pharmacy practice…

Home Sales in Arkansas Nearly Break-even For The Year

Home sales in Arkansas grew nearly 9% compared to last November boosting year-to-date totals near last year’s levels, according to the latest statistics from the Arkansas Realtors Association.

Timber Industry, Legislators Not Favoring Severance Tax Hike To Fund Forestry

With coverage of a major funding shortfall at the Forestry Commission, officials are now ready to search for a solution.

2012 Highway Vote Will Be A Tougher Vote Than 2011 Bonds

Supporters of an expanded highway program can expect tougher terrain in 2012.

First Quarter Mitsubishi Jobs Still Doubtful In Fort Smith

The opening of Mitsubishi’s large manufacturing operation at Chaffee Crossing near Fort Smith continues to be under review, with the legal issues delaying the plant’s opening on a slow path through the courts.

Children’s Hospital Hires McDaniel As Project Director

Arkansas Children’s Hospital has hired Diana McDaniel, MPA, CMPE, as Senior Project Director. McDaniel previously served as assistant administrator of patient care at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences…

Stephens To Serve As President Of Appraisal Institute

Sara W. Stephens, MAI, of Little Rock, will begin a one-year term as president of the Appraisal Institute on Jan. 1. The Appraisal Institute is the nation’s largest organization of…

Clean & Green: The Christmas Garden

This year, a big outdoor Christmas party in downtown Little Rock took advantage of one of the city’s most eco-friendly pocket parks.

OK Industries Deal With Mexican Firm Hit $93.4 Million

Celaya-Mexico-based Industrias Bachoco paid $93.4 million when it acquired Fort Smith-based OK Industries.

Centennial Bank Nabs 5-Star Rating From Review Group

Centennial Bank announces receiving a 5-Star rating from Bauer Financial Inc., a financial review group that reports on the nation’s banking industry. Bauer Financial Inc. obtains data from the federal…

Governor Tackles Health Care Exchanges Again (UPDATED)

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) used his weekly radio address to wade back into the heated state debate over a federal health care exchange.

Environmental Groups Strike Deal With SWEPCO On Turk Plant

The Audubon Society, Sierra Club and Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) say they have struck a deal that will allow the controversial Turk power plant to go forward.

Trucking, GDP Reports Show Economic Growth

Private and public sector reports show signs of small gains in the national economy, with a trucking industry economist saying the economy will not slide back into recession.

Beebe Releases Emergency Funds For Courts As Root Of Problem Identified

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) released $40,000 from his emergency fund to stop the proposed January furlough of 120 trial court assistants across Arkansas — a furlough resulting in part from a significant decline in foreclosure filings.

Little Rock Airport Opens Checkpoint Expansion, Examines Budget

The Little Rock National Airport has put the finishing touches on a $1.7 million expansion project and its 2012 budget.

Newspaper Veteran Cyd King Joins The City Wire

Arkansas newspaper veteran Cyd King has joined The City Wire and will lead the web publication’s arts and entertainment coverage in the Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas metro areas. The…

Southwestern Energy Investments Include Fayetteville, Smackover Plays

Southwestern Energy’s investments in Arkansas appear to have a new territory. Could South Arkansas see a return to the boomtown oil days of the 1920’s?