Opinion

Our noise problem

“Wherever there is judgment, there is noise and more than you think.” This quote comes from the book, “Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment” by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony and…

Attributes of a world-class supplier team

From my career as a retail merchant and e-commerce executive to my more recent assignments in academia and with two Northwest Arkansas-based solution providers, I’ve had the opportunity to interact…

Making the case for entrepreneurship in an election season

As we enter the final months of this election season, what divides us is often in the forefront of public debate. But it’s vital that we make clear as Americans…

Understanding the basics of early-stage financing for startups

Many emerging growth companies will need to raise outside capital at some point in their development. Investors may also have questions about how investments in these companies are commonly structured….

Riff Raff: Water, money, and lawyers

It’s safe to say a majority of frustration with a water rate hike for Fort Smith residents and tens of thousands of residents in nearby cities is the size of…

A warning shot for traditional higher education

Arkansas’ traditional higher education institutions may be in for a rough ride in the coming years. State leaders, including the legislature and Gov. Sarah Sanders, are calling for greater belt-tightening…

The crucial role of the steel industry in Northeast Arkansas

At Lexicon Inc., our dedication to the steel fabrication and construction industry goes beyond building structures; it’s about creating a foundation for economic growth in Northeast Arkansas, the state of…

Empowered educators lead to better student outcomes

When making tough decisions that affect our children, many of us have been told to “trust our gut” or “lean into what feels right.” Parental intuition isn’t just a catchphrase…

The science of marketing

If there is one common thread among small business owners I have observed over the past 44 years of my career – especially those who aren’t very successful — it…

Loss of labor and delivery services at rural hospitals raises risk for Arkansas moms

After learning of the impending closure of the maternity ward at a rural hospital in his state, U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden of Oregon introduced a bill last week that…

Leading with the heart: How relational connection drives success

When I first heard about Masaru Emoto’s research, I was skeptical. The late Masaru Emoto was a Japanese businessman and pseudoscientist who claimed that positive human intention could affect the…

Addressing the childcare crisis

Every 37 minutes, a new person moves to Northwest Arkansas, attracted by the region’s thriving job market, natural beauty and high quality of life. My family and I were excited…

Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority: Our mission continues

As a proud board member of the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority (FCRA), I often find myself engaging with the community, addressing concerns, and providing updates on our progress. Recently, a…

As we celebrate Father’s Day, let’s spotlight maternal health too

Father’s Day is an opportunity to honor the role men play in supporting and caring for their families. It is a reminder to cherish the values that we hold dear…

Communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of successful commercial construction

I am fortunate to have spent more than 25 years in banking, focused primarily on commercial lending, here in Northwest Arkansas. Considering how this region has grown, I’ve had the…

Riff Raff: Opaque transparency

One might think dissolution of a public organization that has since 1997 been a key actor in the development of Chaffee Crossing – the most impactful growth area of the…

Year five of the U.S. economic expansion

The U.S. economy has entered the fifth year of an economic expansion that began in May 2020, according to employment, income, sales and production metrics. This overlooked development is unlikely…

A recipe for cybersecurity

Imagine you’re hosting a dinner party for friends. You go to the grocery store to purchase the needed supplies but forget an essential step – checking the expiration dates. You…

Arkansas election integrity solid, but more federal funding needed for protection

Earlier this year, Arkansans went to the polls to cast votes for state and federal office. And while much attention was paid to Super Tuesday and the presidential election results,…

Environmental reporting shifts gear in food supply chains

You had better be paying attention to the rapid rise of environmental impact reporting across the food supply chain. The food supply landscape is changing rapidly, fueled by an increasing…