Regions

Credit card defaults rise, payments slow as consumers cut spending

Possibly pointing out the obvious, but Fitch says as people lose their jobs they don’t pay as much on their credit card bill.

Mr. Sandy Sanders named interim Fort Smith chamber president (Updated)

Just call Sandy Sanders “Mr. Interim.” The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday (Jan. 7) that Sandy Sanders will serve as interim president of the Fort Smith Regional…

Although longing for Tex-Mex, Indian cuisine soothes a sore Peter

A little silk, a little “methadone” treatment and a little Harry Carey “Holy Cow!” are just a few choices for weekend bliss. Shuffleboard, anyone?

Television service competition heats up in the Fort Smith area

Non-satellite competition for television access has arrived in the Fort Smith area with the rollout of AT&T’s U-verse. Competition for cable/television service has been a sensitive subject with city officials,…

Fort Smith Public Library assisting in job searches

About mid 2008, the staff of the Fort Smith Public Library began to notice more of its patrons were requesting help to find job hunting resources. By mid-December, the library…

Four Fort Smith directors sworn in for new terms

It was a boring meeting according to The Mayor, but The City Wire was able to snap photos of people smiling and having a good time.

Storms deliver 2008 economic boom to regional building industry

The April hail storm and June wind storm that hit the Fort Smith region was followed by an economic stimulus “storm” that dropped at least $80 million in commercial and…

Fort Smith metro area unemployment rate dips

Believe it or not, the Fort Smith Metropolitan Statistical Area ranked third among all 369 U.S. metro areas based on the November 2008-November 2007 decline in the regional unemployment rate….

Windmill blade maker cuts 150 jobs in Little Rock

The expectations for Arkansas job growth related to the national wind energy sector became less certain Tuesday (Jan. 6) when LM Glasfiber announced layoffs of 150 at its new windmill…

Predictions for entrepreneurship in 2009

The good news is that millions of folks in 2009 will try their hand at a new business. The bad news is that many of those millions were recently laid off.

Arkansas Research Alliance launched

The Arkansas Research Alliance, a group pledged to “accelerate economic development and cultivate a vibrant knowledge-based economy in Arkansas” has officially formed. An independent study to assess current and potential…

Fort Smith chamber president lands in Round Rock

Tom Manskey, who will step down as president of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 30, has been named the president of the Round Rock, Texas, Chamber…

Tollett back at the helm of Tyson Foods (Updated)

Leland Tollett is officially back in the front lines of the meat business. Tollett, a former chairman and CEO of Tyson Foods and close associate of majority Tyson shareholder Don…

Whirlpool supplier jobs in jeopardy at Van Buren plant

The 30 remaining employees at Tech Group Industries in Van Buren are working in a “very critical period,” said John Laine, president of the Evansville, Ind.-based company. Tech Group’s Van…

A little bit about mortgages

Ethan Nobles, director of media relations for the Arkansas Realtors Association, attempts to clarify a few points about obtaining a mortgage in these interesting economic times.

State revenue report shows December general revenue dip

A Monday (Jan. 5) report from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration offers a possible sign that the Arkansas economy might now be seeing the effects of the national…

Good job news for central Arkansas

Peoria, Ill.-based Caterpillar Inc. announced Monday (Jan. 5) it will build a $140 million manufacturing plant in North Little Rock that could employ 600 when at full production. Gov. Mike…

Legislator suggests UCA, UALR consider merger

State Sen. Bob Johnson, D-Bigelow, has suggested that the University of Central Arkansas and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock consider some form of merger. Johnson’s comments are found…

In 2009, it will continue to be the fault of President Bush

Rachel Marsden offers light-hearted commentary on the Media-Obama lovefest, global warming and the Iranian nutjob with nukes.

Fort Smith Convention Center funding a critical issue

In a few short years, the city of Fort Smith will take a big financial hit to fund the operation of the Fort Smith Convention Center. Depending on what happens…