Central Arkansas

Former NLR Mayor Pat Hays dies

Longtime North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Henry Hays passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. Hays, a lawyer, was also a former member of the…

Harding University freshmen enrollment numbers up 7% this fall

Harding University reported a 7% increase in enrollment for the incoming freshman class this fall, which boasts an average high school grade point average of 3.83. The school’s total enrollment…

Cleveland steel firm acquires Conway, Tulsa facilities

Olympic Steel Inc., a leading national metals service center, today announced that it has acquired Central Tube & Bar of Conway. The all-cash purchase is expected to be immediately accretive….

Hotel Hot Springs to reopen iconic Coy’s Steakhouse, Satellite Cafe

The Hotel Hot Springs announced Wednesday (Sept. 27) plans to reopen two iconic Arkansas restaurants, the Satellite Cafe and Coy’s Steakhouse. Coy’s Steakhouse will be reconstructed in a 4,500-square foot…

UAMS, Baptist Health, Arkansas Children’s partner to open Proton Center

Leaders from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Baptist Health, and Arkansas Children’s on Wednesday (Sept. 27) celebrated the opening of the Proton Center of Arkansas, the state’s…

Clinton School announces Little Rock Nine scholarship endowment campaign

On the 66th anniversary of the Little Rock’s Nine desegregation of Little Rock Central High School, the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas is launching an…

Summit Utilities appoints Kevin Crass to board of directors 

Summit Utilities, Inc. has appointed Kevin Crass, an attorney and longtime Arkansan, to the company’s board of directors. Crass, a partner in the Litigation Practice Group of Friday, Eldredge &…

The Compass Report: Job growth, tax revenue remains strong in Arkansas’ top metro areas

Continued job growth and broad gains in sales tax revenue indicate resilient and healthy economies in Arkansas’ four top metro areas, according to the second quarter 2023 The Compass Report….

GTL Americas hires contractor for $3.5 billion industrial project near Pine Bluff

A company that intends to produce 1.7 million gallons of environmentally-friendlier motor fuel has selected a contractor to build a massive facility 13 miles north of Pine Bluff in Jefferson…

Stone Bank opens Chenal Parkway facility in Little Rock

Stone Bank has opened its new, full-service banking facility at 12615 Chenal Parkway. The three-story building, built by Bank OZK in 1998, was acquired this year by Stone Bank and…

Realtors’ economist: High interest rates, low inventory crimping housing market

A housing market challenged by higher mortgage rates and a lack of listings would improve next year if interest rates decrease, according to National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Dr….

Arkansas rice industry donates 240,000 pounds to Arkansas Foodbank

The Arkansas rice industry donated 240,000 pounds of rice to the Arkansas Foodbank in honor of National Rice Month on Wednesday (Sept. 20). The donation from ten mills will provide…

Over $217 million allocated for Arkansas water and wastewater projects

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Commission on Wednesday (Sept. 20) approved $217,767,302 in financial assistance for 16 water and wastewater projects serving more than 622,472 Arkansans. The projects…

Acxiom appoints John Watkins as COO

Conway-based data marketer Acxiom named John Watkins as its new Chief Operating Officer. The company said his addition will elevate Acxiom’s global operational capabilities for scaling, innovative breakthroughs, and transformative…

Leigh Ann Biernat to lead Stephens Inc. public finance practice

Stephens Inc. announced that Leigh Ann Biernat has been appointed Executive Vice President and Head of Stephens Public Finance Practice effective January 1, 2024. Dennis Hunt, who joined Stephens Public…

Venture Center taking applications for veteran-owned small business accelerator

The Venture Center, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Arkansas District Office, announced Tuesday (Sept. 19) applications are open for the Veteran Owned Small Business Accelerator. This initiative…

Gov. Sanders: Doubling tourism industry, growing jobs are top goals

Speaking to hospitality leaders from across the state, Gov. Sarah Sanders reiterated her goal of doubling the state’s tourism industry over the next decade. Sanders spoke to the Arkansas Hospitality…

Arkansas Children’s lands $2 million Mabee Foundation grant

In conjunction with its 75th anniversary, the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation has awarded Arkansas Children’s a $2 million grant to advance child health. The Mabee Foundation is a longtime…

Unity Health empowering high schoolers to consider careers in health care

At Unity Health, our people, our patients and our communities are our top priorities, and every decision is made with them in mind. This focus continues to drive our decisions…

UA Little Rock part of $2.2 million grant for AI-driven cybersecurity project

A UA Little Rock professor and students are part of a university startup that has received a $2.2 million grant to develop an advanced artificial-intelligence automation and rapid-recovery hardware to…