
It’s the dog days of summer, so hot that it’s difficult to form a complete thought. But a lot is happening. Let’s unpack some notable news and pray for a cold front.
► Relief for pharmacies: Assistant Editor Kyle Massey reported in November 2021 that Arkansas’ independent pharmacists, working the front lines of COVID-19 vaccinations, were waiting for reimbursements to pay for costly shots and other treatments.
One tranche of reimbursements was set to come from the federal government through a $20 billion program. But the fund ran out of money, leaving nearly 200 Arkansas pharmacies — many small and rural — in the lurch.
But last week, state legislators were on track to approve reimbursing those pharmacies with $3.7 million from the state’s share of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. According to the Arkansas Advocate, one pharmacy in De Queen was set to receive more than $291,000 — easing what its owner called “a tremendous financial strain.”
► A boost to housing, health care: Fast-growing northwest Arkansas last week took another step toward building out its housing stock and health care amenities. First, the Walton Family Foundation kicked in nearly $7 million to fund an apartment complex in Springdale that will include 30 units for tenants who earn less than the area’s median income. Second, a Texas developer announced plans for a $46 million health care campus in Rogers. The latter would be one of several multimillion-dollar projects by local health care groups to stem a $1 billion per year outflow as residents seek medical care elsewhere. The former is equally important to providing the local workforce with affordable places to live.
► Husqvarna to close in Howard County: Arkansas has logged some big manufacturing wins but it took an unexpected blow last week with Husqvarna’s plan to close its Nashville plant next year, affecting 700 jobs.
The plant has deep roots in Nashville. Mayor Larry Dunaway told Arkansas Business that the fallout will ripple through his city. “There [are] several other businesses in town that support Husqvarna with parts and/or labor,” he said.
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I was out of town when word came that Bill Carlton of Little Rock had died July 10 at age 74. Carlton worked 35 years at his family’s electronics supply business, Carlton-Bates Co. — 21 years as its CEO.
I profiled Carlton and his company in 1999, when Carlton-Bates debuted on our largest private companies list. It was one of my first Arkansas Business stories. Carlton was friendly with a young reporter and gracious with his time, proudly showing me around his warehouse. It was great to see him take the firm to new heights, eventually selling it for $250 million in 2005.
Rest in peace, Mr. Carlton.
