Opinion

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…

Talk Business & Politics editorial: Fort Smith needs to refocus on parks and rec

The meandering, often confusing and frequently frustrating plan eventually approved by Fort Smith voters to substantially fund federally-mandated sewer system improvements included talk from a few that funding for parks…

This Father’s Day, let’s put families first: a bipartisan call to action

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the joys of parenthood and reflect on what it takes to truly support families. As two fathers serving in the Arkansas House of…

Riff Raff: Garage sale guidance, redux

Editor’s note: This essay, with a few minor edits, was first published in 2005. There comes a time to sell stuff long ago tucked away in closets, kitchen cabinets, attic,…

New home construction vital to growth

When the secretary of Housing and Urban Development visits your community, accompanied by a member of Congress and the governor, you know housing is a major issue for your region….

Prioritizing people: Why Professional Wellness Month matters more than ever

A thriving workforce starts with a culture that values whole-person wellness — physical, mental, and emotional. Every June, Professional Wellness Month gives organizations a powerful opportunity to spotlight the health…

Financial advice for health care professionals at every stage

Health care professionals provide essential services, but one important service to our medical community is trusted financial advice. This applies to everyone, whether they’re starting out as a recent graduate…

Feeding a growing (and shrinking) world

We’re racing toward a paradox that will define the next 100 years: feeding two worlds at once – one bursting with growth, the other aging and shrinking. That’s the future…

Medicaid cuts: A threat to every Arkansan

Today, Arkansas hospitals face significant challenges. Analysis from the most recent Medicare Cost Reports data shows that over 40% of Arkansas hospitals and more than 70% of rural hospitals operate…