Opinion

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…

Student success starts with a school-wide approach

Educator. It is a straightforward title, but the role and responsibilities accompanying it encompass much more. Teachers are instructors and mentors. For many children, they also serve as safe spaces…

Corporate Transparency Act affects business compliance

It may sound like a law born from a movie plot packed with money laundering and terrorism financing, but the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) has real-world implications for many as…

It’s time to prioritize maternal health in Arkansas

Mothers have a fundamental role in the fabric of our families and society. Each May allows us the opportunity to express our profound gratitude for their love and sacrifice, and…

EEOC releases final rules for Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

Congress passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) at the end of 2022 in order to protect the needs of pregnant workers. Essentially, the law requires employers with 15 or more employees…

15 time wasters

We do lots of things with time. We keep time, spend time, use time and lose time. We sacrifice time, track time, make time and even buy time. And sometimes,…

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,…