News on the Wire

Downtown pedestrian bridge part of CBID plan

More changes are planned for downtown Fort Smith, this time near the riverfront, past the Park at West End. The first major project on the drawing board of the Central…

Arkansas’ Charlie Daniels to retire from politics

Auditor of State Charlie Daniels (D) will not seek re-election in 2014 after nearly three decades of holding elective office. Daniels, a former Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands and Secretary…

Omni approach to social media working for brands

When Calvin Peters started as social media director for Duane Reade drug stores in 2011, the company’s social media presence had 1,200 Twitter followers and 2,100 Facebook “likes.” There was…

USA Truck posts $2.5 million first-quarter loss

Even with a new CEO, business remains tough for Van Buren-based USA Truck, which on Monday reported a $2.5 million loss for the first quarter of 2013. However, the loss…

Tyson reports sour quarter, executives remain upbeat

Optimism was harder to sell by Tyson Foods’ management team on Monday (May 6) as the meat giant posted sour quarterly results amid challenges in China and softer food service…

Fallen Arkansas Guard members honored at ceremony

Members of the Arkansas National Guard gathered at the memorial monument for those killed in action for the annual memorial ceremony to honor their colleagues who gave the ultimate sacrifice….

State Chamber CEO pleased with Legislative Session

Randy Zook, CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, says his groups accomplished nearly every goal in the recently completed legislative session with the…

Social media shifts brand awareness methods

Social and mobile media is radically changing the way consumers are informed on everything from national news events like the recent Boston bombings to how and where they shop, make…

ABF, Teamsters agree to tentative five-year contract

ABF Freight System and the Teamsters announced late Friday (May 3) they had reached a tentative agreement on a five-year labor contract. The next step will include the Teamsters and…

Hutchinson, Coleman speak to Delta Group

Republican gubernatorial candidates Asa Hutchinson and Curtis Coleman appeared back-to-back at the Clinton School of Public Service to speak to a gathering of more than 100 Delta leaders. The two…

Construction rebounds, more jobs and higher prices

The local construction job sector rose 9% in March, employing 700 more workers than a year ago. The uptick in residential construction has subcontracting crews busier and able to demand…

Income tax payments boost state revenue in April

Arkansas tax collections continue to move in the right direction, with year-to-date numbers up almost 5% thanks in large part to an April shift with income tax payments. For the…

Uncertainties remain about airport tower funds

There seems to be some confusion regarding legislation from the U.S. House of Representatives and signed by President Barack Obama that would fund the operations of air traffic control towers….

Project could help ‘ugly’ Garrison Avenue Bridge

While only in the planning phase at this point, the Garrison Avenue Bridge could be a bright and shining entrance to the city of Fort Smith if Central Business Improvement…

Wal-Mart’s John Aden talks leadership, relationships

Servant leadership, which was at the central core of Sam Walton’s business ideology, was a priority topic for Wal-Mart’s John Aden, executive vice president of merchandising services, and the speaker…

Blogger helps raise brand awareness

Writing has long been a passion for Jasmine Banks who began blogging in 2001 while attending John Brown University. But this savvy, creative soul has turned that passion into business…

Selig: Working with Feds on private option waiver

On the heels of last week’s legislative session where state lawmakers approved the “private option” health insurance plan, Arkansas Medicaid leaders are already working to move the proposal forward. The…

Arkansas could see $137.7 million surplus in FY 2013

If estimates are correct, net tax collection revenue available to fund Arkansas’ government during fiscal year 2013 will total $4.865 billion, up 2.4% compared to fiscal year 2012. The increase…

Van Buren seeks LEED effort, gets park donation

The city of Van Buren is seeking to make its new senior center one of just a few LEED certified buildings within Crawford County. Mike LeJong of MAHG Architecture presented…

Wal-Mart playing to win e-commerce battle

Few retailers have brand permission to sell everything to everyone, according to Wal-Mart’s Neil Ashe, who expects to win the e-commerce showdown with the help of brick and mortar. Ashe,…

Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives elects new leaders

Arkansas Children’s CEO describes $50M historic gift origins, goals

UAMS receives $3.18 million grant for REAL program

State gets $209 million for rural health under OBBBA