Author: Roby Brock

Roby Brock

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?

Arkansas Unemployment Drops To 8% In November

Arkansas workforce officials reported that November’s unemployment rate fell two-tenths of a percent to 8.0%. The U.S. unemployment rate fell four-tenths from October to 8.6%.

Mark Power Named To Development Post At UA

Mark Power has been named assistant vice chancellor for development at the University of Arkansas after 11 years with the institution’s Division of University Advancement. “Mark has been assuming increased…

Bill Clinton Makes The Little Rock Rounds At Book Signing

Former President Bill Clinton returned to Little Rock on Monday to spend a day signing copies of his latest book, “Back To Work.”

Brawner: Don’t Be Fooled By Balanced Budget Debate

Stephens Media columnist Steve Brawner examines the recent votes in Congress regarding a balanced budget amendment.

AT&T, T-Mobile Call Off Merger Plans

Telecom giant AT&T called off its planned merger with No. 4 wireless carrier T-Mobile USA after federal regulators raised numerous objections to the $39 billion mega-deal.

Beebe Appoints Judge, 49 Others To Various Boards and Commissions

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) today announced the following judicial appointment: Ed Koon, Sheridan, as Circuit Judge for the Second Division of the Seventh Judicial District. Appointment expires December 31, 2012….

Farm Bureau Appoints New Commodity Division Leaders

New chairmen have been appointed to three of Arkansas Farm Bureau’s commodity divisions. Beginning in 2012, Terry Pollard of Greenway (Clay Co.) will chair the Cotton Division, Gene Pharr of…

Dean Taylor Takes Over Verizon’s Arkansas Territory

Verizon Wireless has named Dean Taylor president of its South Central Region, which includes all of Arkansas, as well as northern Mississippi, Oklahoma, and western Tennessee.

Tourism Tax Numbers Point To An Improving Year

Arkansas’ 2% tourism collections garnered $9.351 million during the first nine months of 2011, up 3.45% compared to $9.039 million during the 2010 period.