Business

Fort Smith area jobless rate falls to 6.9% in March

The good news is that the Fort Smith metro jobless rate during March was 6.9%, the first time in 62 consecutive months the rate has been below 7%. The not-so-good…

Northwest Arkansas metro jobless rate dips to 5.4% in March

Gains in the number of employed and a 3.7% decline in the number of unemployed helped push the Northwest Arkansas metro jobless rate down to 5.4% in March compared to…

Wal-Mart and its foundation give $250,000 to storm relief

Wal-Mart and the Walmart Foundation are committing $250,000 in cash and in-kind donations to support disaster relief efforts following the severe weather events impacting the Midwest and Southeast portions of…

George family gives $1 million to Jones Center Endowment

The Jones Trust announced a $1 million pledge by the George Family awarded Thursday (May 5) in Springdale. The funds will go to the Jones Center Endowment Fund, a campaign…

Weather, one-time charge pushes ArcBest to first quarter loss of $5.2 million

The first quarter financials for ArcBest Corporation (formerly known as Arkansas Best Corp.) were not as good as analysts expected thanks to a pension settlement charge and the estimated negative…

ArcBest Corp. Quarterly Loss Shrinks

ArcBest Corp., formerly known as Arkansas Best Corp., reported a $5.19 million first quarter net loss, an improvement from its $13.39 million loss one year ago. Revenues for the Fort…

First quarter home sales up almost 3% in Arkansas’ largest markets

Home sales in Arkansas four largest metro areas during the first quarter of 2014 are up almost 3% compared to the same period of 2013, but the average per home…

St. Vincent, Conway Regional In Discussions; QualChoice Deal Closes

St. Vincent Health System of Little Rock and Conway Regional Health System are discussing an “exclusive strategic affiliation,” the two groups said. The discussions may take months before a final…

Shepard named CEO of Arvest Bank operations in Fort Smith area

Rodney Shepard, a former top officer with Arvest Bank operations in the Fort Smith area, is returning to be the new president and CEO of Arvest Bank of Fort Smith….

Superior Industries names new CEO

Superior Industries International announces Donald J. Stebbins as its president and CEO effective May 5, succeeding Steven J. Borick, who retired March 31. He will also join Superior’s board of…

State Says Faulkner County Taxpayers May Qualify For Relief

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration said taxpayers in Faulkner County will be provided special tax relief due to the tornado and storms that ravaged the area on April…

CJRW Hires Two For NW Arkansas Office, Three Exit From Little Rock

Advertising and public relations agency CJRW has hired two veterans in its Northwest Arkansas office and confirmed that three other high-profile employees have left its shop. Brian Rudisill has been…

First Bank sues Dennis Smiley, Arvest and other lenders

Another bank has joined the growing web of lawsuits, counter complaints and pleas for judgment in the Dennis Smiley fraud saga. To date there have been seven banks file counter…

Minimum wage hike fails in U.S. Senate, debate continues in Arkansas

Efforts to increase the minimum wage aren't just happening – or not happening – in the halls of Congress or the West Wing. A group in Arkansas is working to…

Murphy Oil income falls in the first quarter

Murphy Oil Corp. saw profits decline as discontinued operations showed up on the company’s earnings. The El Dorado-based pure play oil and gas explorer posted net income of $155.2 million…

Residential building permits rise more than 20% in Northwest Arkansas

The local residential building sector continues its steady trek forward in March with the region’s four largest cities reporting new permits valued at $35.795 million, a 22.7% increase from March…

Sparks Health again recognized for stroke care

Sparks Health System has been recognized for its stroke care by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Sparks received the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award for implementing…

Arkansas Best To Change Name To ArcBest

Christmas may come early to select signage and print companies with Fort Smith-based Arkansas Best Corp. announcing Wednesday (April 30) that as of May 1 the transportation holding company will…

Murphy Oil Profits Fall In Q1