Business

Take time to talk

You don’t know what you don’t know. Not a day goes by that I’m not reminded of this. The older and, maybe wiser, I get, the sooner I am to…

The Supply Side: Online retailers seeking out brick-and-mortar locations

One of the most surprising retail trends of 2019 included more digitally native brands seeking brick-and-mortar exposure, according to Scott Benedict, director at the Center for Retail Studies at Texas…

PMI expanded in January, first time since July 2019

The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose 3.1 percentage points to 50.9% in January, from December, as economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded after falling for five consecutive months, according…

Central Research Inc. in Lowell hires new president

Lowell-based financial services agency Central Research Inc. (CRI) announced Monday (Feb. 3) a new member of its leadership team. Bobby McKinnon, a retired officer in the Army, is the company’s…

Lung Association gives Arkansas failing grades on tobacco; wants special session

The American Lung Association gave Arkansas a failing grade in three areas and Cs in two others in a report released Jan. 29. In its “State of Tobacco Control,” the…

UA economist discusses trade deals, job growth

Despite breakthroughs on two international trade deals and low unemployment in Arkansas, economist Mervin Jebaraj doesn’t expect much to change with the Arkansas economy in 2020. Jebaraj, who appeared on…

Arkansas aerospace and defense leader sees breakthrough on trade benefiting state manufacturers

Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance executive director Chad Causey thinks breakthroughs on two trade fronts will stimulate his industries’ sales. Appearing on this week’s edition of Talk Business & Politics,…

Secretary of State gives approval to Safe Surgery Arkansas proposal

Secretary of State John Thurston gave approval to a ballot initiative that could allow voters to overturn a legislative act that broadened the powers of state optometrists. On Friday (Jan….

ASU exploring veterinarian school partnership

Arkansas State University has gone to the wolves, but it may also be going to the dogs, cats, cows and other animals. ASU announced Friday (Jan. 31) an agreement to…

HealthTech Arkansas opens applications for 2nd healthcare accelerator program

HealthTech Arkansas, along with ten healthcare providers — Arkansas Heart Hospital, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Arkansas Urology, Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, Conway Regional, Mercy, St. Bernards Healthcare, University of Arkansas…

Central Mall of Fort Smith sold to Mason Asset Management for $17 million

Central Mall in Fort Smith has changed hands in a $17 million deal that moved ownership of the iconic location to Igal Namdar and Elliot Nassim of Great Neck, N.J.,…

Then & Now: Opportunity to teach brings Hall back home

Editor’s Note: The following story appeared in the Jan. 20 issue of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal. “Then & Now” is a profile of a past member of the Business…

Westrock Coffee to acquire North Carolina coffee and tea company in $405 million deal

Westrock Coffee Co., the Scott Ford startup, announced Friday (Jan. 31) it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire North Carolina-based S&D Coffee & Tea from publicly-traded Cott Corp….

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. calls for one cent sales tax increase

In his second State of the City speech, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. touted accomplishments during his first year on the job, while calling for a one cent sales…

USA Truck posts net income loss in 2019, revenue down 2.14%

USA Truck on Thursday (Jan. 30) posted a 2019 net loss of $4.698 million, a wide swing from the $12.204 million gain in 2018. Total revenue in 2019 was $522.631…

ArcBest sees revenue decline in 2019, pays out first-ever bonus to union members

ArcBest posted 2019 net income of $39.985 million, well below the $67.262 million in 2018, but the sixth consecutive year of positive income. The transportation holding company also announced a…

At least 74 workers laid off at a welded pipe mill in Blytheville

At least 74 people will be laid off at TMK-IPSCO, a welded pipe mill in Blytheville. The company was acquired by Tenaris earlier this month and the move was expected….

Gov. Asa Hutchinson says Arkansas will explore Medicaid block grant waiver

Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Thursday (Jan. 30) that Arkansas will explore a waiver for a block grant for its Medicaid program. The Trump administration announced earlier in the day that…

UA Little Rock chancellor sends letter of intent to trustees to begin retrenchment process

The chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is asking the UA Board of Trustees to allow the school to begin the process of “formal academic planning,” a…

Walton Family Foundation gives $20 million to complete 84-mile trail in Arkansas Delta

Arkansas State Parks and the Walton Family Foundation are collaborating on a $40 million project to complete an 84.5-mile trail in the Delta region of Southeast Arkansas. Gov. Asa Hutchinson…