Northwest Arkansas

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Insurance Industry Notes

Travel insurance and cancellation waivers can save a vacation in case of an emergency.

Chamber Alliance Program Covers Small Businesses

Some Northwest Arkansas Chambers of Commerce are offering small businesses insurance through the Chamber Alliance Program.

Riggins Rigs Plantation Lots (Real Deals)

Riggins Construction Inc. of Springdale recently bought 55 building permits valued at a combined $6.3 million to build duplexes in The Plantation subdivision off Old Wire Road in Rogers.

T.G.I. Friday?s Serves Average Fare

T.G.I. Friday?s gets 2.5 stars in our business lunch review.

Networking with Former Co-Workers (Worth Sparkman Commentary)

Your most effective networking asset may be sitting at the desk next to you.

UA to Hire Minority Marketing Agency

The University of Arkansas is planning to launch an intensive advertising and marketing campaign to help beef up minority enrollment.

A deal between the UA and Advantage Communications Inc. of Little Rock is still in the works, according to the univers

Men?s Journal Cites State Trails

In the May issue of Men?s Journal magazine, writer Roy Wallack tells ?Adventure? section readers to ?hit Arkansas? epic new Syllamo Trails [near Mountain View] before the rest of the mountain-bike nation catches up.”

Huckabee, Daly Make Weighty TV Appearances

We were alternately amused and alarmed by the national television appearances of two Arkansas ?ambassadors? within a week of each other: Gov. Mike Huckabee on Comedy Central?s ?The Colbert Report? and golfer John Daly on CBS?s ?60 Minutes.?

New York Times Touts Trout Treehouse

On May 11, the home and garden section of The New York Times online edition featured an article on Northwest Arkansas resident Ezra Idlet?s treehouse.

Out-of-state Investors Flip Land in Bella Vista

Since National Recreational Properties Inc. of Irvine, Calif., began snatching up Bella Vista real estate last year, we hear a land flipping bonanza has ensued in the village. Some lots that were selling for $500 in January 2005 now fetch $15,000.

Putman Opens Law Firm in Fayetteville

Bill Putman, a former in-house attorney for Wal-Mart Stores Inc., has left the world?s largest retailer and opened his own firm in downtown Fayetteville.

Stars Struck With Financial Problems

The Arkansas Stars, a National Indoor Football League team based in Springdale, are getting new owners.

Harrises Plan Memphis Arena

The owners of All Star Sports Arena in Springdale are adding to their lineup. Scott Harris, his wife Connie and his father Richard plan to open an arena in Memphis next year.

Rockabilly Star Hawkins Plans Move Back to Arkansas

Former Huntsville native and rockabilly star Ronnie Hawkins has been looking for land to buy in Madison County, where he grew up.

Dixie Monitors Construction with Digital Cameras

Dixie Development of Fayetteville has installed digital cameras at two of its major construction projects to monitor the progress.

Comedian?s Former Wife Starts Royal Children?s Academy in Springdale

Linda Smirnoff, former wife of Yakov Smirnoff, the Russian comedian, has opened Royal Children?s Academy in Springdale.

Ad Plus, You Name It Make Downtown Move

Advertising Plus Inc. and You Name It, both of Fort Smith, will move their offices downtown to 21 N. 4th St. Ad Plus is an advertising agency, and You Name It is a promotional products company.

Hiram Walker to Increase Production, Employees

The Hiram Walker plant in Fort Smith will increase production and staff next year. Production will go from bottling 4.8 million cases of liquor per year to 7 million cases.

Academy Sports Store To Open in August

Academy Sports & Outdoors will open its 90th store in Fort Smith in August. Construction on the 74,000-SF store began in January and will cost about $3.84 million.

Springdale Insurance Agencies Merge

Walker Brothers Insurance Inc. and First Arkansas Insurance/Springdale Inc. merged on May 1.

Black River Technical finishes renovations to welding lab on its Pocahontas campus

Fairfield Bay launches strategic growth plan

Fort Smith parks director seeks ‘park warriors,’ touts amenities

NRF: Retail sales rose 3.54% in December from year ago