Guest Commentary

Steady the climate

Every leader carries a forecast. Some bring warmth and steadiness. Others carry fog, uncertainty or tension. That atmosphere may not show up on an org chart, but it is felt…

Cutting through the noise and funding what matters

There is a lot of noise in Washington right now, but community project funding can quietly deliver where it matters most: right in our backyards. While national headlines churn with…

Telehealth reaches patients where they are

Alice Walton’s vision for the future of health care in the heartland can be summed up in one word: access. Through the work of Heartland Whole Health Institute, her vision…

The ‘Yes, but’ expansion

The monthly indicators relied upon by economists to determine the state of the economy reveal it has entered the sixth year of an economic expansion that began in May 2020….

Securing business loans in turbulent times

Economic uncertainty, high interest rates and escalating costs are creating significant challenges for small- to mid-sized businesses seeking loans. The rise from historically low rates has fundamentally altered the lending…

Pea Ridge’s path to smart growth

After more than 20 years serving in the Pea Ridge government, I have come to understand that leadership is not just about making decisions – it’s about making informed, strategic…

Investing in ALICE: It’s good for business

From an early age, many of us are taught the value of saving and financial responsibility. We’re encouraged to fill our piggy banks with money from the Tooth Fairy and…

Keeping Bentonville a place to live, not just visit

Nearly 25 years ago, in January 2001, I packed up and moved to Bentonville. Two days later, I started working at the local daily newspaper, the Benton County Daily Record….

Build with intention, nurture with direction

A few years ago, I sat down with a leader for a conversation about his organization. At that time, I was conducting a case study on his organization. I was…

Supporting women supports Arkansas’ economic growth

I recently had the opportunity to represent Arkansas at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis — an international gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders focused on fostering innovation…

New home construction vital to growth

When the secretary of Housing and Urban Development visits your community, accompanied by a member of Congress and the governor, you know housing is a major issue for your region….

Silver lining of a shifting cybersecurity landscape

Not all of us are bargain hunters, but is there anyone who doesn’t love to score a good deal? Our drive to save is hard-wired. Studies show that when we…

Trucking industry scores big

I recently started watching “Survivor” … again. Season 48 is airing now, and though I stopped watching about 40 seasons ago, as a mom of teenagers, I’ll do just about…

Corporate support for regional nonprofits

In every thriving community, there exists a dynamic interplay between businesses, residents and nonprofit organizations. These three pillars sustain one another, ensuring that communities remain resilient, innovative and inclusive. As…

Moving health care beyond ‘what’s the matter with you?’

At the heart of Alice L. Walton School of Medicine’s approach to creating the physicians of the future is training doctors in whole health principles. Whole health is defined by…

How leaders can elevate their teams, drive success

“It’s so much easier to do it myself.” “I don’t have time to pour into people.” “I can get it done quicker and better.” These are some of the most…

The vital role of succession, estate planning for farmers

Farmers are renowned for their resilience and ability to persist through floods, freezes and other less-than-favorable conditions. However, one obstacle that often poses a significant challenge for them is a…

UCA is central to NWA

Northwest Arkansas is a hub of industry, innovation and opportunity, and great universities do not just respond to opportunity — they help create it. That is why the University of…

Thriving through change: Real estate trends point up

Many of us have heard the expression, “If you build it, they will come.” That logic certainly applies to Northwest Arkansas. Now one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S.,…

Building success through employee care

Garver’s growth over the past decade is one of remarkable transformation. Since 2019, the company has expanded from 650 employees to more than 1,500, effectively navigating challenges like the COVID-19…