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Dempsey Bakery Finds New Owners, Plans for Franchising Under Fowler FamilyLock Icon

Family, food and franchising were core ingredients in the recent sale of Dempsey Bakery, Little Rock’s specialist in “allergy-friendly” foods.

Big Deals in Arkansas Up 30% In ValueLock Icon

Uniti Group Inc. headquarters in Little Rock. The Uniti-Windstream merger was valued at $13.4 billion. [Emma Mayes]

This year’s list includes not only acquisitions but also major investments, reflecting the growing role of private equity in the state.

Pope County Bets on a Long Shot to Revive Casino LicenseLock Icon

The Legends Resort & Casino office in Russellville remains open. Jennifer McGill, who works there and is a plaintiff in the suit, declined to be interviewed. [steve lewis]

After years of legal battles, the Cherokee Nation’s $320 million casino project in Russellville faces uncertainty, with a federal trial in March seeking to overturn a state constitutional amendment voiding their casino license.

Arkansas Universities Work to Protect Student-Athletes from Sports BettingLock Icon

University of Arkansas Deputy Athletic Director Dan Trump said education is key to protecting athletes from the sports betting world. [Michael Woods]

It’s not just a player betting on a game that worries officials. In the modern social media world, where anonymity and instant communication collide, student-athletes are becoming targets of online abuse from upset bettors.

Sylvia C. Brown, in blue with megaphone, marched at a King Day eventin Hope. A social impact advocate and public policy strategist, she believes a Community Reinvestment Act update would benefit many Arkansans. [Steve lewis]

Federal Lawsuit Delays New Community Reinvestment Act Rules, Leaving Banks in LimboLock Icon

Since Jimmy Carter signed it in 1977, the CRA has required federal agencies to review thousands of banks’ efforts to meet the credit needs of their communities, particularly low- and moderate-income areas. read more >
U.S. Rep. French Hill has issued a list of 25 priorities to “Make Community Banking Great Again.” [photo provided]
Small Business

Views From the Chair: French Hill’s Plans for Leading Financial Services PanelLock Icon

U.S. Rep. French Hill, as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, plans to reduce regulatory burdens for community banks while promoting innovation and transparency in finance. read more >
Banking & Finance / Government & Politics / Health Care

Arkansas Hospitals Brace for More Insurer Showdowns Amid Financial RecoveryLock Icon

Hospitals in Arkansas and nationwide are improving financially but still face challenges, including insurance disputes, staffing shortages, and financial uncertainties in 2025. read more >
Banking & Finance / Health Care / Insurance

Arkansas Blue Cross Undergoes Major Restructuring Amid $100M Loss & Merger Talks

Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield faced significant financial losses in 2024, leading to layoffs and cuts to lobbyist contracts, while exploring a possible merger with Cambia Health Solutions. read more >
Business Services / Government & Politics / Health Care

CEO Death Puts Focus On SecurityLock Icon

High-profile incidents have boosted demand for security services from firms like SafeHaven Security Group of Rogers. read more >
Health Care / Insurance / Legal

As Cyberattacks Surge, Arkansas Hospitals Struggle to Keep IT Defenses Intact

Hospitals face rising cyber threats, including ransomware and data breaches. Cybersecurity experts are scarce, and costs like liability insurance strain resources, threatening patient care. read more >
Agriculture & Poultry / Banking & Finance / Business Services

The Year in Executive Q&A: 2024

Kick off 2025 with Arkansas Business’ Executive Q&A compilation, spotlighting leaders shaping industries, communities and innovation across the state. read more >
Agriculture & Poultry / Banking & Finance / Business Services

Top Stories of 2024Lock Icon

Interest rates, the top business story of 2023, moderated in 2024, but insurance costs continued to skyrocket, sending last year’s No. 3 story to the top of this year’s annual list. read more >
Construction / Education / Media & Marketing

Crystal Bridges Expansion Moves Toward Finish LineLock Icon

The 114,056-SF expansion is two-thirds complete, adding exhibition, education and community spaces. Set for completion in 2026, it aims to enhance art displays and public engagement. read more >
Construction / Government & Politics / Real Estate

Rogers Revamps Zoning to Foster Mixed-Use Developments and Reduce Urban SprawlLock Icon

Rogers' new Unified Development Code aims to reduce sprawl, streamline development, and transform the city into a connected, sustainable "vertical city" downtown. read more >
Banking & Finance / Business Services / Education

Arkansas Proposes Changes to CPA Licensing Requirements to Address Industry DemandsLock Icon

New rules may be on the horizon, but for now, an aspiring certified public accountant in Arkansas needs 150 hours of college credit. That’s five years of schooling at the normal rate. read more >
Agriculture & Poultry / Business Services / Construction

Trading Up: Arkansas Looks to Expand Workforce Training with Lottery-Funded Scholarships

Arkansas voters overwhelmingly approved using lottery funds for vocational scholarships, enhancing workforce development in high-demand trades. read more >
Banking & Finance / Business Services / Education

CPA Licensing: The Path, the Test and the NumbersLock Icon

Arkansas may adopt a 120-hour CPA licensure path with two years of work experience, aiming to ease barriers and attract more candidates to the profession. read more >
Retail / Small Business / Tourism

Outdoor Gear Sales Slip in ’23 As Boom Retreats

After a pandemic-driven boom, Arkansas outdoor retailers face slow sales in kayaks, canoes, and big-ticket gear, due to inflation and shifting consumer habits. read more >
Construction / Government & Politics / Nonprofits

Off-Road Tourism Revving Up Arkansas’ EconomyLock Icon

Off-road tourism in Arkansas hit $90.1M in 2022, fueled by growing ATV/UTV use, with pioneers like Pam Ferguson driving trail development and eco-conscious growth. read more >
Banking & Finance / Real Estate

Arkansas Commercial Insurance Rates Soar Amid Extreme Weather & InflationLock Icon

The commercial real estate insurance market is facing its toughest conditions in years, with skyrocketing premiums, increased deductibles, and changing risk profiles due to severe weather events. read more >
Small Business

Arkansas Businesses Face Growing Need for Cyber Insurance as Cyberattacks IncreaseLock Icon

As cyber criminals grow more sophisticated and attacks more frequent, businesses face a reality in which cyber liability insurance is no longer optional. read more >
Education / Health Care / Small Business

Arkansas Universities See Growth This Fall as Enrollment Cliff LoomsLock Icon

With demographic shifts expected to soon reduce the number of college-age students, universities are rethinking how they recruit students and prioritizing retention. read more >
Banking & Finance / Business Services / Education

Not Child’s Play: Arkansas Businesses Embrace Legos

Connie Barber introduced Lego Serious Play (LSP) to Arkansas, a method that uses Lego bricks to enhance business communication and problem-solving. read more >
Banking & Finance / Construction / Energy

Broadband, Waterways & Highways: Arkansas’ $4.8B Federal Infrastructure BoostLock Icon

The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act has delivered nearly $4.8 billion to Arkansas since 2022, fueling essential upgrades across highways, bridges, broadband, and clean water systems. read more >