Opinion

Steady the climate

Every leader carries a forecast. Some bring warmth and steadiness. Others carry fog, uncertainty or tension. That atmosphere may not show up on an org chart, but it is felt…

Cutting through the noise and funding what matters

There is a lot of noise in Washington right now, but community project funding can quietly deliver where it matters most: right in our backyards. While national headlines churn with…

Telehealth reaches patients where they are

Alice Walton’s vision for the future of health care in the heartland can be summed up in one word: access. Through the work of Heartland Whole Health Institute, her vision…

Communication is key for farmers in challenging times

It’s no secret that farmers are going through a tough time. Being an ag lender and relationship banker means supporting them during difficult moments, encouraging them not to lose hope…

A-State College of Agriculture’s strategic vision for state workforce

Arkansas’ agricultural heritage is more than tradition — it’s the foundation of our economy, communities and higher education. In 1909, four agricultural schools were established across Arkansas. Arkansas State University,…

The incumbent and the newbie

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., knew he’d draw a Democratic opponent in his 2026 reelection bid. He might not have been counting on a farmer from Newport. Hallie Shoffner, a…

Don’t let emotional investing cloud your judgment

When it comes to money, it’s easy to let your emotions get the best of you – particularly during periods of personal stress or market volatility. Even seasoned investors should…

Invest in employee security awareness training

It used to be the promise of sizable cash prizes, free cruises or “get-rich-quick” schemes. But as consumers have become savvier to phishing attempts, so too have those executing them….

The ‘Yes, but’ expansion

The monthly indicators relied upon by economists to determine the state of the economy reveal it has entered the sixth year of an economic expansion that began in May 2020….

How can you prepare for a wealth transfer?

Whether you’re hoping to sell a family business or expecting to inherit your parents’ estate soon, it’s important to have a plan in place that empowers you to manage your…

Medicaid work requirement looms large, but more immediate coverage loss expected from marketplace

The federal budget bill recently signed into law requires states to implement work requirements for adults in Medicaid expansion programs by 2029. Much of the attention given to this provision…

Securing business loans in turbulent times

Economic uncertainty, high interest rates and escalating costs are creating significant challenges for small- to mid-sized businesses seeking loans. The rise from historically low rates has fundamentally altered the lending…

Startups, capital and the Budget Reconciliation Bill: What it means for innovation and growth

Congress just passed the Budget Reconciliation Bill, a sweeping 1,200-page piece of legislation that will significantly impact the U.S. economy. Commonly referred to as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” it…

Pea Ridge’s path to smart growth

After more than 20 years serving in the Pea Ridge government, I have come to understand that leadership is not just about making decisions – it’s about making informed, strategic…

Investing in ALICE: It’s good for business

From an early age, many of us are taught the value of saving and financial responsibility. We’re encouraged to fill our piggy banks with money from the Tooth Fairy and…

Are we good with this?

After months of limbo, Northeast Arkansas got presumably good news in late June. The $15 billion deal to allow Japanese-based Nippon Steel to acquire U.S. Steel was approved with several…

Feeding the future takes people who build things

You can’t feed the future without the people who build it. Behind every farm, hatchery, and processing plant is a welder, technician, and truck driver who builds it, fixes it,…

Keeping Bentonville a place to live, not just visit

Nearly 25 years ago, in January 2001, I packed up and moved to Bentonville. Two days later, I started working at the local daily newspaper, the Benton County Daily Record….

Build with intention, nurture with direction

A few years ago, I sat down with a leader for a conversation about his organization. At that time, I was conducting a case study on his organization. I was…

Supporting women supports Arkansas’ economic growth

I recently had the opportunity to represent Arkansas at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis — an international gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders focused on fostering innovation…