Bill Seeks to Change Procurement Process; Businesses Want to Understand It
Procurement laws are complicated, state Sen. Jimmy Hickey says, and he should know: He has helped rewrite them more than once. “I mean it’s hard for me, and I’m an author of the bill.” Hickey,...
View ArticleDisputed Contracts Place Procurement in Spotlight
Disputes over recent state contracts have put Republican lawmakers at odds with the Republican governor, angered potential vendors and muddied understanding on what businesses can expect from the...
View ArticleArkansas Unemployment Rate Falls to a Record 3.8 Percent
Arkansas' unemployment rate continued to fall in January to the lowest on record, 3.8 percent. The rate was 3.9 percent in December and 4.2 percent in January 2016. "If you go back, last year, it was...
View ArticleNominate by Friday for Arkansas Business 40 Under 40
For the 24rd consecutive year, Arkansas Business is seeking nominations for its 40 Under 40 program, which recognizes 40 professionals under the age of 40 who excel in their profession and are leaving...
View ArticleSPONSORED: Self-funded Insurance Plans Combat Rising Health Care Costs
As the cost of health insurance continues to rise, employers are forced to make tough decisions about coverage, contributions and deductibles for their employees. With businesses continuing to struggle...
View ArticleGovernor Appoints Arkansas CEOs to Study State's Computer, Data Sector
Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Friday announced the formation of the blue ribbon commission to study how to grow the state's computer science and data analytics sector. The 19-member commission, co-chaired by...
View ArticleVenture Center, Bear State Bank Partner on FinTech Accelerator
The Venture Center of Little Rock on Thursday announced its partnership with Bear State Bank for the 2017 VC FinTech Accelerator, which is sponsored by global technology services provider FIS and held...
View ArticleArkansas Business Presents The Influencers
Meet five leaders in business and education who are influencing their industries, their communities and the future of Arkansas. Click below to read their stories. Darrin WilliamsSouthern Bancorp...
View ArticleGet Moving, Fort Smith (Feedback)
TO THE EDITOR: Our region has produced and continues to produce exceptional people in business, leadership roles, innovative entities, public servants, etc., and I do not believe it is possible for our...
View ArticleArkansas Unemployment Rate Through the Years
The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, which researches a number of economic issues, is the source for the accompanying chart, which tracks Arkansas’ unemployment rate from Jan. 1, 1976, through Dec....
View ArticleApplications for US Jobless Aid Rise to Still-Low 258K
WASHINGTON — More people sought U.S. unemployment benefits last week, but applications are still at a low level that points to a healthy job market. THE NUMBERS: Weekly unemployment benefit...
View ArticleArkansas Unemployment Drops to Record 3.7 Percent in February
Arkansas' unemployment rate continued to fall in February to the lowest on record, 3.7 percent. The rate was 3.8 percent in January and 4.1 percent in February 2016. The Arkansas Department of...
View ArticleGeorge Covington Jr. Ready To Raise the Roof in Conway
George Covington Jr. is the president of Covington Roofing Co. and a partner in Covington Cos. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics and business with an emphasis in accounting from...
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Majestic Fire Prompts Splash of Hot Springs Development
The fire that destroyed the historic Majestic Hotel in Hot Springs three years ago helped prompt a wave of development in the downtown district. After the fire that burned much of the vacant Majestic,...
View ArticleZombies Beware: Pine Bluff Is Rising
Highland Pellets founder Tom Reilley’s first impression of downtown Pine Bluff three years ago was an indelible sight: a tree growing through the roof of a dilapidated grand hotel. The tree was a pine;...
View ArticleNorthwest Arkansas Brokers Help Businesses Have Say in Designing the Office
The Clorox Company didn’t find the Vista 21 building by luck or accident. The consumer product company of Oakland, California, researched and planned for two years before moving its Bentonville branch...
View ArticleConway Booms, Setting Retail Records
Commercial development is thriving in Conway, evidenced by the nearly complete $65 million Lewis Crossing shopping center and plans for a startup space the city hopes will attract new and existing...
View ArticleSPONSORED: 'Old School’ RSVP Catering Rolls With Changing Times
Asked what’s kept RSVP Catering open for decades in the highly competitive catering business, owner Yolanda Hughes has a ready answer: In this highly-specialized, rapidly changing industry, it's often...
View ArticleArkansas Minimum Wage Bill Advances
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas House passed legislation that would shield businesses from liability for what employees do before and after their primary work. The measure to amend the state's Minimum Wage...
View ArticleUS Consumer Confidence Hits 16-Year High
WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer confidence climbed to its highest level in more than 16 years, a strong gain for one of President Donald Trump's preferred economic indicators. The Conference Board said...
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