Business

Union membership down 6.38% in Arkansas; down 12.3% in U.S.

Union membership in Arkansas fell 6.38% and nationwide membership fell 12.3% according to information released Friday (Jan. 20) by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Arkansas, union membership in…

Fayetteville Shale Play to see new well fracturing process

Oilfield services giant Schlumberger said Friday (Jan. 21) it has introduced a new fracturing process in the Fayetteville Shale that will result in safer and cleaner drilling operations, decreased operating…

PSC approves OG&E wind farm recovery costs

The Arkansas Public Service Commission has approved a request by Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. allowing it to recover from Arkansas customers about 11% of $2.1 million in costs related…

Opposition to restaurant tax gearing up — again

Eddie York is again fired up and ready to marshal forces to oppose enactment of a 1% prepared food tax that would support the Fort Smith Convention Center. York, owner…

Union Membership In Arkansas Falls Less Than National Average

Union membership in Arkansas fell 6.38% and nationwide membership fell 12.3%, according to information released Friday (Jan. 20) by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

I.o. Metro Sold To Private Equity Group

I.O. Metro, which describes itself as a specialty lifestyle furniture retailer, will be acquired by Consumer Growth Partners (CGP), a leading retail-focused private equity firm, and an investor group that includes Banyan Mezzanine Funds and Arkansas-based Diamond State Ventures.

Fayetteville Shale Play To See New Frac Process

Oilfield services giant Schlumberger said Friday it has introduced a new fracturing process in the Fayetteville Shale that will result in safer and cleaner drilling operations, decreased operating costs and reduced production time at rig sites.

DOJ clears ABB-Baldor deal

The Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice has cleared the pending ABB acquisition of Baldor Electric Co. Zurich, Switzerland-based ABB announced Nov. 29 the move to acquire Fort…

Tyson Foods joins federal ‘lawful workforce’ program

Springdale-based Tyson Foods has joined a federal program designed to ensure the company maintains a “lawful workforce.” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Tyson Foods’ officials announced Thursday (Jan. 20)…

Walmart to lower healthy food costs, improve labeling info

Walmart on Thursday (Jan. 20) announced what is expected to further move the grocery industry toward providing consumers more information about food and lowering the “premium” costs of foods considered…

Home Bancshares reports first quarterly loss in two years

Home Bancshares’ two-year earnings winning streak came to a halt on Thursday (Jan. 20) after the Conway-based bank reported a fourth-quarter loss of $13.8 million, mainly due to bad loans…

Pump prices rise for sixth straight week

Arkansas motorists should not expect the normal cooling off period at the pump this winter as international crude oil prices continue to push local and U.S. gas prices well above…

ABB, Baldor again extend tender offer

With a Department of Justice review still pending, executives at ABB and Baldor Electric Co. have again extended the share tender offer to Jan. 25. Zurich, Switzerland-based ABB announced Nov….

Local Pump Prices Rise For 6th Straight Week

Arkansas motorists should not expect the normal cooling off period at the pump this winter as international crude oil prices continue to push local and U.S. gas prices well above $3 a gallon for regular unleaded.

El Dorado Promise Leads To 5% Enrollment Increase

The $50 million El Dorado Promise turns 4 years old and program officials say that local school enrollment has grown by 5% to 4,646 students since 2007.

Abb-baldor Deal Gets Justice Department Blessing

The Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice has cleared the pending ABB acquisition of Baldor Electric Co.

Tyson Foods, Immigration Officials Partner

Springdale-based Tyson Foods, Inc. is the first major food company to become a full member of the IMAGE program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), company and government officials announced today.

Wal-mart Aims For Cheaper, Healthier Food

Wal-Mart on Thursday announced what is expected to further move the grocery industry toward providing consumers more information about food and lowering the “premium” costs of foods considered more healthy.

Dillard’s To Form Real Estate, Insurance Subsidiaries

In a regulatory filing made Wednesday, Little Rock mall retailer, Dillard’s Inc., said it would create a real estate investment trust.

Home Bancshares Reports First Quarterly Loss In Two Years

Home Bancshares’ two-year earnings winning streak came to a halt on Thursday after the Conway-based bank reported a fourth-quarter loss of $13.8 million, mainly due to bad loans in Arkansas and the company’s fast-growing, but troubled Florida operations.