Opinion

Technology reduces barriers for small businesses

It’s easy for an older guy like me — 63 now — to complain about not being able to keep up with technology. Younger people expect us old folks to…

Retirement is coming faster than you think

Congratulations to the members of the Fast 15 class. Your accomplishments and leadership potential are equally remarkable. Much good work has been done in a relatively short time. As far…

15 things learned since my 20s

Of all the twists and turns our lives take as we conquer careers and grow into the true leaders that we were meant to become, nothing is as powerful as…

Federal pandemic recovery funds offer opportunity for Arkansas communities to invest in better future

Editor’s note: This guest commentary is co-authored by Dr. Joe Thompson & Craig Wilson of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement. Craig Wilson, J.D., M.P.A., is the director of health…

Understanding the tragic trend of perfectly hidden depression

Back in 2014, when hugs were still hugs and the office wasn’t actually the guest bedroom, I wrote a blogpost that described some of my clients’ specific issues with showing…

The sound of business

It had been nearly 50 years since I’d spent any time in northern Alabama before a brief trip there last week. I was interested to see not only what had…

Cybersecurity and heart disease

Being proactive about cybersecurity requires effort, investment and a willingness to be inconvenienced. That’s why most take a wait-and-see approach. Let’s start with the fact that those are confusing, dangerous…

Unpaid tickets upend 30 years of law on repossessions

Litigants often say they will take their case to the United States Supreme Court. The Court, however, hears only a few cases annually. A recent case, Fulton v. City of…

Riff Raff: It’s gonna be like this for awhile

Those outraged by legislation promulgated by the majority Republican legislative bodies during this unprecedented Arkansas Legislative Session should know it’s not personal. Many legislators believe their actions are in your…

Localizing our global approach to entrepreneurship

Rural communities across the Heartland have faced incredible challenges due to the pandemic and will require targeted solutions to strengthen their economies. To do so, we must acknowledge the outsized…

Little Rock Zoo vital component of Rebuild the Rock effort

The Little Rock Zoo will play an important role in the post-pandemic revival of our community and will have an even more significant economic and social impact with an intelligent…

Tips for becoming a stronger saver in 2021

April is National Financial Capability Month, a time to encourage people to take action to improve their financial futures. According to a recent Bank of America survey, 43% of Americans…

Vaccines are key to return to normalcy

This week marks an incredible milestone in our fight against COVID-19 as every adult in America is now eligible for a vaccine. During my “Shots in ARms” tour this month…

Protecting and celebrating our natural environment has never been more critical

As the “The Natural State,” Arkansans recognize both the natural beauty of your state and its economic value. As the British consul general to the great state of Arkansas, I…

Your eyes and gut will fail you

In 2003, Michael Lewis released his book “Moneyball.” It’s a study of the Oakland A’s and their general manager, Billy Beane, and their analytical, data-driven approach to selecting players to…

Fort Smith’s niche

Last year’s recession is a reminder the business cycle has not been repealed. In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) declared that a…

It’s good to be in the change game

Every successful business adapts and changes, whether it is related to customer tastes and preferences, market and economic conditions, competitors, technology, or all of the above, all at the same…

Building Arkansas’ creative economy and quality of life

Arts and culture have been a defining aspect of humanity for centuries and, in this time of crisis, provide moments of uplift and joy for many and a lifeline for…

Avoid the collision

I was driving home late at night, anxious to return home. As I passed the car in front of me, it made a sharp turn into my lane without warning….

Riff Raff: Garage sale guidance

Editor’s note: This essay was first published Jan. 23, 2005. It is posted again to provide some guidance as the weather warms and we begin to emerge from our pandemic…