Author: Roby Brock

Roby Brock

ABF Expands Global Reach With ‘Ocean LTL’

Fort Smith-based ABF Freight System is hoping to capture more of import business from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Fort Smith Baloney Sandwich Index On The Rise

It may not be the index a typical economist would create or quote, but Ken Kupchick is hopeful his Baloney Sandwich Index will numerically demonstrate the rising impact of persistent high unemployment in the Fort Smith region.

Clean & Green: Food Truck Festival Strikes a Chord

A few weeks ago, downtown Little Rock’s streets were crowded for a first-of-a-kind festival — one involving food trucks.

New Arkansas Energy Association Forms

A new energy association has formed in Arkansas to advance an alternative energy economic development agenda in Arkansas.

Hawker Beechcraft Says Pending Layoffs Will Have Little Impact on LR

In a letter sent Monday to Hawker Beechcraft’s Little Rock employees, the company said it expects “little or no impact” on its Arkansas operations.

The CEO’s: Delta Trust’s French Hill & Baptist Health’s Russ Harrington

What happens when two chief executives sit down to discuss what’s driving business decisions? Find out in this report.

Thanksgiving Air Traffic Expected To Decline, But Flights Will Be Full

Industry officials expect fewer fliers this holiday season, but that doesn’t mean there will be empty seats.

State Looking Into Legislators’ Religious-based Schools

State Sen. Johnny Key (R-Mountain Home) and Rep. Justin Harris (R-West Fork) are being examined by Arkansas Department of Human Services regulators for their faith-based pre-schools which receive funding from the state.

New Web Site, New Magazine Partnership

Talk Business has updated its web site — www.talkbusiness.net — and added new features for readers. We’re also proud to announce a new partnership for our quarterly magazine, Talk Business Quarterly.

Snyder Environmental Hires New COO, Lands on Lists

Snyder Environmental, a firm specializing in abatement of asbestos, lead-based paint, mold materials, and other environmental challenges, recently announced it has hired Michael Jackson as its new Chief Operating Officer….

Highway Bond Election Set For Tuesday

Are you ready for the election season? It’s here. No, not next year’s big elections, but a special election.

Rambin to Retire from Simmons First

Glenn Rambin, President of Simmons First National Bank, will retire at the end of February 2012 according to J. Thomas May, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer.

May stated, “Glenn has been an outstanding leader in our company since his arrival in 1992. He has been President and Senior Credit Officer with oversight for all the lending functions of Simmons First National Corporation. Glenn is leaving to join his sons in the family farming operation in Grady. His talents are very important to our company. As such, we have asked him to continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors and he has agreed. Thus, we will have a very easy transition and will continue to benefit from Glenn’s knowledge and skills.”

Effective October 1st, Simmons First began the organizational reporting transition. The change will include reallocating Glenn’s direct reports to Executive Vice Presidents, Marty Casteel and Craig Hunt and May will assume the additional title of President.

Casteel will assume added responsibilities for the Western, Central, and North Central regions of Simmons First National Bank and the dealer bank operations. Hunt will become the Senior Credit Officer and assume additional responsibilities for Loan Administration.