Author: Talk Business & Politics staff

Talk Business & Politics staff

Fort Smith Public Schools hires communications director

Fort Smith Public Schools has named Allan Marshall as the chief communications and engagement officer for the Fort Smith Public Schools. All of the district’s communications and community engagement departments…

Sells Agency adds 5 to team

The Sells Agency recently added five employees to support new clients and growing demand from longtime clients of the Little Rock-based marketing firm. Four of the five represent new, additional…

2023 GDP in Arkansas’ 10 largest counties was almost 67% of state total

Of the top 10 largest Arkansas counties by GDP, only Washington County posted a GDP (gross domestic product) decline – down 0.6% – between 2022 and 2023, according to the…

1828 Capital & Partners established in Fayetteville

Arkansas natives Edward Prewitt, Max Mahler, and Mark Gilbert recently founded a new financial advisory practice, 1828 Capital & Partners, marking their departure from Wells Fargo Advisors. The new firm,…

Wiley named next director of the Arkansas Department of Transportation

The Arkansas Highway Commission has named Jared Wiley as director of the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT). Wiley follows Director Lorie Tudor who announced Dec. 3 she will retire effective…

Taldo named Highway Commission chairman, Farmer to step down

Philip Taldo of Springdale was elected chairman of the Arkansas Highway Commission, and Keith Gibson of Fort Smith was elected vice chair, according to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT)….

Berry Pre-Coon Supper reception planned for Jan. 11

The 13th annual Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception will be held on January 11 at the Berry Farm Shop in Gillett. “The Coon Supper has been a long-standing tradition in Gillett,”…

Project for Public Spaces awards $240,000 in grants

New York-based nonprofit Project for Public Spaces recently selected three organizations in Northwest Arkansas to receive Community Placemaking Grants for transforming their outdoor public spaces, according to a press release….

Sale of Merrill Lynch building tops $1.7 million

Stephen Modelevsky made the most significant residential and commercial property transfer in Craighead County from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15, according to the Craighead County Assessor’s Office. He spent $1.72…

ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor announces retirement

Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) Director Lorie Tudor announced Tuesday (Dec. 3) she will retire effective Jan. 10, 2025. Tudor informed the Highway Commission of her decision in a letter…

Springdale restaurant makes ownership changes

Daniel Hintz, co-owner and operating partner of Bauhaus Bistro and Biergarten, recently left the German-themed restaurant in downtown Springdale. Chef Rafael Rios, owner of multiple restaurants in Bentonville, has joined…

NWTI receives $4 million grant for workforce training

Northwest Technical Institute in Springdale recently received a $4 million state grant as part of the Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) program. Most of the grant money will…

Walmart completes $2.3 billion acquisition of VIZIO

Walmart has closed on its $2.3 billion acquisition of VIZIO which equaled $11.50 cash per share for the outstanding stock. The deal includes VIZIO and its SmartCast Operating System that…

Arkansas tax revenue down 2.2%; surplus estimated to be $278.6 million

Arkansas’ fiscal year tax revenue surplus is estimated to be $278.6 million, below the $698.4 million surplus in the previous fiscal year, with the decline primarily the result of income…

Walmart partners with Bryant dealers in NWA, Fort Smith

Walmart is working with Bryant Heating and Cooling System dealers to provide HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling systems) deals for customers in certain cities in 14 states, including cities in…

Artists 360 awards $300,000 in grants to Northwest Arkansas artists

The Artists 360 program of the Kansas City, Mo.-based nonprofit Mid-America Arts Alliance recently awarded $300,000 to 31 Northwest Arkansas artists, according to a news release. Artists 360 is made…

BRTC’s Law Enforcement Training Academy graduates 51st class

Black River Technical College’s (BRTC) Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) held the fall 2024 graduation ceremony on Nov. 14 for 37 officers who completed the basic police training course. The…

Rock Dental Brands secures $90 million in private equity for expansion

Little Rock-based Rock Dental Brands announced Monday (Dec. 2) it has secured $90 million in additional funding from private equity groups TPG Twin Brook Capital Partners and Audax Private Debt….

Smith named a vice chancellor at ATU-Ozark

Dr. Tina Smith has been hired as vice chancellor for academic affairs and workforce advancement at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus. The announcement was made by ATU-Ozark Chancellor Dr. Sheila Jacobs….

Antioch for Youth and Family founder Charolette Tidwell has died

Charolette Tidwell, retired nurse, longtime community engager, and founder of Antioch for Youth and Family, passed away Nov. 28. She was 78. Part of a statement from Antioch noted that…