Tag: Government & Politics

Hispanic School Enrollment Jumps 64.5 Percent

If Northwest Arkansas’ unemployment rate and housing costs continue to stay below the national average, the area will continue to see increases in population.

Strategic Networking Starts By Tapping Into Connectors

The business world is numb with numbers, analysis ad nauseam and jargony gibberish. But executives say one tangible that accounts for the majority of their business can’t be crammed into a spreadsheet ? the ability to network.

Red Dragon Buffet Plans CMN Restaurant

Mud Creek LLC also plans to build two buildings across Mall Avenue from Noodles Italian Kitchen in what is being called Creekside Center, according to a filing with the Fayetteville Planning Division.

Northwest Arkansas Business Journal 2005 40 Under 40

The Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s 2005 40 Under 40 list of the region’s most influential business and political leaders.

It Isn?t About the Money (Editorial)

When anyone says it isn?t about the money, it?s about the money. This is especially true when the subject is business. And particularly so when the subject is tough new competition.

Light Rail or Light Weights?

If Northwest Arkansas? leadership is going to drive support for a light-rail transit system, the time to strike is apparently now.

3Q SBA Loans Up 38 Percent

The Arkansas office of the U.S. Small Business Administration has seen a 38 percent increase in the number of loans it has processed from its third quarter 2004 to it?s third quarter in 2005.

Diversity Key to Fort Smith Economy

Fort Smith city leaders plan to study how to maintain the city?s traditional manufacturing base while increasing service-industry jobs.

River City Aims For New Image

Fort Smith officials are using history and entertainment to attract visitors downtown.

Just How High Are Gas Prices? (James B. Bell Commentary)

Although gasoline prices have increased a great deal, they have not kept pace with rent, postage, meat, medical costs, college tuition or even the overall rate of inflation.

CAFTA Could Help Agri Companies (Editorial)

The U.S. Senate, in one of the closest votes in recent memory on a trade issue, has approved the Central American Free Trade Agreement.

Companies Weigh Benefits Of Public vs. Private Status

The number of public companies in the Fort Smith area had dwindled from six to four since 2000, reflecting a national trend of public companies going private.

Task Force Eyes New Fort Smith Ballpark

A task force has been created to help develop a ballpark complex off Clayton Expressway in downtown Fort Smith. Dean Kruithof, deputy city administrator, said the complex would cost $10 million to $14 million.

Be Prepared for Beebe (Editorial)

Republican gubernatorial candidates Asa Hutchinson and Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller face a formidable foe in the Democrat’s Mike Beebe.

Retailers Weigh Congestion Costs

Traffic congestion in Northwest Arkansas could cost an estimated $173 per person per year and cause total delays amounting to 1,976 hours.

It’s Now or Never for Light Rail Mass Transit

If work begins soon, a light-rail transit system could be financially feasible for Northwest Arkansas. Ron Goforth, president of Beta Rubicon Inc., said such a railway system to be between $550 million and $1.24 billion.

Ajax Scrubbed by Investor

Gene Kelley and developers Collins and Hunter Haynes plan to go before the Rogers Planning Commission to get a street name changed at The Peaks in Rogers.

Locals Play ICSC Hand

An insiders look at Northwest Arkansas companies making pitches at the International Council of Shopping Centers Spring 2005 convention.

N.W. Corridor Antes Up With Sales, Use Taxes

Three of the top four and five of the top 20 counties in Arkansas for state sales and use tax collection are in the northwest corridor.

The Nature of the Crisis (Billie Ann Myers Commentary)

There is no Social Security crisis, but there is a need for nonpartisan discussion on the issue.

Fort Smith Metro News Briefs: ‘Oceanscape’ playground work begins, Mercy stroke program renewed

Walmart likely to tap insiders for expected leadership changes

Dan Wright re-elected Arkansas Farm Bureau president

Arkansas Tourism Ticker: Tourism tax numbers down through August, job numbers up