Opinion

Contextualizing Carl Geffken’s impact on Fort Smith

Fort Smith has always been my home, a city I deeply care for and have dedicated years of my life to serving. As a former city director and planning commissioner,…

Building an inclusive, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in NWA

Recent growth has solidified Northwest Arkansas as a dynamic hub of opportunity, attracting aspiring entrepreneurs and hardworking families from all walks of life. But a vibrant community like this doesn’t…

Giving up control

The craft of improvisation is built on a few core foundational principles. First and the most widely known is the law of agreement, typically referred to as “yes, and.” Basically…

Cold reality

The National Cold War Center in Blytheville at the Eaker Air Force Base is brimming with possibilities for the region and the state. Kudos to leaders — such as Mary…

Partnerships key to strengthening maternal health in Arkansas

Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of traveling across Arkansas to visit each region of the state and meet with organizations dedicated to maternal and infant…

Zoning changes are opportunities, not obstacles

When you hear “zoning changes,” you might think “obstacles.” But recent zoning changes in Northwest Arkansas, as well as some that are proposed as part of our cities’ long-term growth…

Lessons learned in commercial real estate

I have started, run and invested in a wide variety of businesses over the past 45 years. Income-generating real estate-wise, I owned residential rentals going back nearly 20 years. But…

Beyond ethics, fair wages are good for business

At Onyx Coffee Lab, our mission is driven by four core values: quality, transparency, excellence and kindness. These principles have shaped our approach to coffee, sustainability, and — most importantly…

Upcoming legislative session agenda already being set

As the Arkansas State Legislature prepares for its 2025 session, several key issues are expected to take center stage. Legislators will navigate a complex landscape while responding to economic pressures…

It’s time to seize Arkansas’ greatest opportunity for growth in a generation

When you think of lithium, what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of the element from your high school science class or the critical component of modern batteries that power…

Replace judgment with curiosity

Replace judgment with curiosity. I don’t know if these words found me or if I found them, but they have transformed my life, my work and my understanding of human-ness….

Vo-tech opened doors for me; let’s open doors for more Arkansans with Issue 1

I’m a fourth-generation farmer here in Arkansas, producing poultry and growing hay to help feed our state and our nation. I’m also proud to serve as the president of the Arkansas Farm…

Uninformed AI use can lead to ‘Dear Diary’ moments

Diaries are designed to exist under lock and key. Many of us growing up in the 1980s or 90s remember the frustration and adolescent angst we felt when a loved…

The Great Arkansas Cleanup: A win-win for Arkansas’ communities and economy

Arkansas is renowned for its natural beauty, but keeping “The Natural State” pristine requires every Arkansan to play a part. Keep Arkansas Beautiful’s Great Arkansas Cleanup (GAC), an effort encouraging…

What excites and intimidates

In July 2017, a guest speaker asked a room full of CEOs, “How do you manage vitality?” What I recall is the looks on the faces of the executives in…

The need for employee education on 401(k) plans

Financial security is increasingly top-of-mind for those in the workforce, and employers are recognizing the importance of providing robust retirement plans. Offering a 401(k) is a commendable start, but it…

State budget-making is policymaking

Late in the 2024 fiscal session, on May 1 to be precise, Rep. Wayne Long, R-Bradford, took to the House floor to argue against funding Arkansas Public Broadcasting. Rep. Long…

A cautionary tale about private equity and healthcare

This summer the state’s healthcare industry suffered its first visible bruise from the clenched fists of private equity. Two hospitals serving Arkansas residents, Wadley Regional Medical Center facilities in Hope…

Roots like redwoods

Trees fascinate me. Perhaps it is because I grew up in the home of a tree trimmer. My dad spent his entire working life in trees. I can easily recall…

Can we unite?

We are a divided country. Have been for more than two decades, depending on where you pick your starting point. After the 9/11 attacks in 2001, we saw the country…