Opinion

Keeping pace with cyber risks

We’re often asked how does Mainstream and other cybersecurity firms keep up with cyber-attacks and evolving cybersecurity risks? And how do we coordinate our defenses so that our clients are…

FTC’s non-compete ban: What employers need to know

On April 23, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued its final rule banning almost all non-compete agreements nationwide with few exceptions. The action had been expected since January 2023, when…

Passing the torch: Preparing your business for a successful transition in ownership

The “Silver Tsunami,” a term used to describe the wave of baby boomer retirements, is poised to significantly impact the business landscape over the next decade or more. The aging…

Regional banks are in a sweet spot for growth

The banking industry has recently navigated a challenging period characterized by bank failures and volatile interest rates. Higher rates and rising costs have created hurdles for businesses and individuals seeking…

The evolution of consumer payments

Since the beginning of time, people have used some form of payment to purchase goods and services. From the creation of the Mesopotamian Shekel around 2,150 BC, society has always…

Riff Raff: It’s more than just a medical school

More than 11 years ago this fella told me about a new Fort Smith-based organization of which he was certain would do great and transformative things. One of the few…

Pryor’s legacy includes integrity, character and empathy

The late U.S. Sen. David Pryor was my hero. In our house, “DP” was like royalty. That probably had a lot to do with me idolizing him, then and now….

Heartland revs opportunity engine

At Heartland Forward, we advance economic success, being a resource to state and local governments in four focus areas: innovation and entrepreneurship, human capital and workforce development, health and wellness…

Talk Business & Politics editorial: Pryor lessons

The passing of unique actors in Arkansas’ political and business circles provides a chance to reflect on their broad legacies and, arguably more important, the opportunity to consider how we…

We need more ‘FARM’ in the Farm Bill

As president of Arkansas Farm Bureau, I have the privilege of seeing Arkansas’s diverse agriculture industry from a front-row seat. I also understand many of the challenges facing our state’s largest industry,…

Riff Raff: Seeking a responsible dissolution solution

It is now time, if not yesterday, for the responsible persons in our local governments and authorities to be responsible and take responsible actions toward the responsible dissolution of the…

The art of borrowing

As a small business owner and real estate investor, I regularly talk with my friends who are also into it, and what rates we are paying on various types of…

Six ways to preserve your company’s legacy through succession planning

Day-to-day operations take up most of a business owner’s time; yet, what would happen if you were unable to run your business or wanted to pursue other endeavors? Succession planning is…

Gaps don’t get better with growth

The political season is upon us, and a big part of the narrative is about how things are going and the question, “Are we better off today than we were…

Riff Raff: A strange report

“This seems strange …” That’s how a rep with Turn Key construction began a sentence about his thoughts on a report attempting to reveal the causes of flooding at the…

Innovation fuel needed to ensure Arkansas moms survive and thrive

Although I haven’t birthed a baby, I am a dad who has been at my wife’s side during two very emotional and tense deliveries for the births of my sons….

Swipe fees and security threats

While the new year begins, Visa and Mastercard have yet to back down from their fight to defeat legislation known as the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA), which would finally…

Health disparities in Arkansas and the importance of preventive care

April marks Minority Health Month, a time to raise awareness about racial and ethnic health disparities faced across the United States. Arkansas is home to many diverse communities, and unfortunately,…

Medicare Advantage plans come with advantages, pitfalls

Just when the political ads have all but disappeared after the election this November, you will be bombarded with Medicare Advantage ads as open enrollment in the U.S. nears once…

Looking and planning ahead

The housing situation in Northwest Arkansas has been discussed and reported on for years. Over the past four to five years, the primary focus has been affordability and availability as…