Business

Feds raise interest rates for fourth time in 2018

For the fourth time in 2018, the Federal Reserve raised its fed funds rate — this time, a quarter point to 2.5%. It is the ninth time since December 2015…

Wells Fargo economists: Economic expansion expected through 2020, growth slowing in 2019

The longest period of economic expansion on record is expected to continue through 2020 fueled by strong personal consumption, robust corporate profit growth amid lower taxes and the lowest jobless…

Residential building permits surge past $400 million mark

Residential building permit values in Northwest Arkansas’ four largest cities topped $400 million through the first 10 months of the year. According to information provided by each city, there were…

Mercy names Kelli Huntley vice president of finance

Kelli Huntley has been promoted to vice president of finance for Mercy Hospital and Mercy Clinic in Northwest Arkansas. She previously served since 2012 as Mercy’s regional executive director of…

Walmart, Walmart Foundation gifts to local charities surpass $9.5 million in 2018

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $9.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions to nonprofit organizations in Northwest Arkansas this year. The amount is part of the $83.7…

March 12 special election to decide U.S. Marshals Museum tax

Fort Smith voters will decide on March 12 whether or not there will be a nine-month, non-renewable, one-cent city sales tax to benefit the U.S. Marshals Museum. The Fort Smith…

USDA launches second round of trade mitigation payments to farmers

As the Trump administration’s trade war with China continues, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced Monday (Dec. 17) that the federal government has launched the second and final round…

Model of Judge Parker sculpture for park unveiled

Kansas City artist Spencer Schubert unveiled a one-third maquette of the bronze sculpture of Judge Isaac Parker that will serve as the centerpiece of Gateway Park in downtown Fort Smith…

Windstream sells fiber assets in Minnesota, Nebraska for $60.5 million

Little Rock broadband operator Windstream Holdings Inc. on Tuesday (Dec. 18) announced that it has sold off fiber assets in Minnesota and Nebraska as part of the company’s strategy to…

Arkansas ranks 48th in Milken Institute benchmark for tech-focused economies

Arkansas again ranked near the bottom in the Milken Institute’s 2018 State Technology and Science Index, a biennial assessment of states’ capabilities and competitiveness in a tech-focused economy. Massachusetts retained…

SEC seeks public comments on quarterly earnings reports

The Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday (Dec. 18) published a request for comment soliciting input on the nature, content, and timing of earnings releases and quarterly reports made by…

LR Convention and Visitors Bureau launches ‘rock star’ campaign

The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) launched a new partnership program designed to bring more meeting and convention business to the capital city. The program identifies local residents…

Agri industry group pushes for change in EU trade policy

An industry coalition of roughly 50 food and agriculture organizations is rallying support that any trade deal between the United States and the European Union include agriculture, and address the…

Arkansas Children’s names Dr. Greg Sharp as SVP and Chief Medical Officer

Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) has promoted Chief of Neurology Greg Sharp, MD, to senior vice president and chief medical officer after a national search. Dr. Sharp, who also serves as…

Nielsen: Consumers push sustainability demand in products

Consumers today do care about how products are made and the ingredients or raw materials they contain. Nielsen anticipates the demands will likely push the U.S. sustainability market to $150…

Laura Andress, Rodney Shepard take new executive roles with Arvest Bank

Arvest Bank announced two new C-Suite positions Tuesday (Dec. 18) to help the Fayetteville-based banking company “focus on the experiences” of its customers and employees. Rodney Shepard, formerly president and…

Kroger chief financial officer to retire in April

Kroger announced Tuesday (Dec. 18) J. Michael Schlotman, its chief financial officer for the past 18 years, is retiring effective April 3. He will be succeeded by Gary Millerchip, who…

Fort Smith superintendent updates on Vision 2023 plan

Fort Smith Public Schools is making progress to meet the objectives set forth in the Vision 2023 initiative approved by the district last year. In a presentation to the board…

Commerce Department awards Winrock International $576,302 grant

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that Winrock International has been awarded a $576,302 grant for the Innovation Fund (I-Fund) through the Economic Development Administration’s Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) program….

LIVSN Designs begins production

Fayetteville-based clothing startup LIVSN Designs has started to produce its wool fleece and canvas pants after 511 people supported a crowdfunded Kickstarter campaign, netting $78,579 and exceeding the amount required…

GDP up 4.3% in the third quarter, consumer confidence declines

St. Bernards to expand Maternal Life360 HOME program into Greene County

Then and Now: Cooperative business model a good fit for Mitchell Johnson

Dope Medicinal Wellness opens Fayetteville clinic