Business Services
Staying Curious in the Age of AI (Shweta Dabetwar Commentary)
AI is a promising tool, but user curiosity and independence remain paramount.
by Shweta Dabetwar -
Arkansas trucking executives warn Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs could raise costs and hurt the industry.
Arkansas businesses and organizations announced leadership changes, including promotions and new hires in banking, health care, education, law, real estate, and utilities.
Just under half of U.S. employees who participated in a Gallup survey in November “strongly agreed” that they know what is expected of them at work, which is one of the factors the polling firm uses to measure employee engagement.
Acxiom Cuts 3.5% of Workforce, Consolidates Leadership With Sister Firms
About 130 employees were laid off, most of them remote workers, global operations staff and employees with duplicative roles. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
New J.B. Hunt CEO Shelley Simpson Surpasses $11 Million in Compensation
A big boost came from $6.4 million in stock awards related to her promotion. read more >
Compensation Down for ArcBest Executives in 2024
CEO Judy McReynolds received $4.5 million in compensation, down from $6.3 million in 2023. read more >
State Unemployment Rate Holds at 3.6% in January
Compared to a year ago, Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 21,600, with growth in nine major sectors. read more >
Setting Boundaries & Clarifying Expectations (Sabrina Starling on Small Business)
Setting clear boundaries and expectations is an essential component to building a high-performing team. read more >
Poultry Federation, Citizens Bank & Visit Bentonville Announce New Leadership (Movers & Shakers)
From banking to tourism, Arkansas professionals are stepping into new leadership roles, shaping industries across the state. read more >
Arkansas’ Minority and Women-Owned Businesses Face Uncertainty Under Anti-DEI Law
Arkansas' new Act 116 eliminates affirmative action, raising concerns that it could weaken support for women- and minority-owned businesses, particularly the state's MWOBE program. read more >
by Marty Cook -
![Splash Carwash at 3610 E. Kiehl Ave. in Sherwood. [Google Maps]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot_2025-03-06_at_1.22.48e280afPM_opt-300x194.jpg)
Splash Transaction Surpasses $4.7M (Real Deals)
A Splash Car Wash development in Sherwood tipped the scales at $4.78 million. read more >
by George Waldon -
Woman-Run by Wright Lindsey Jennings Presents Kim Leverett
Dr. Kim Leverett is a passionate pharmacist, personal trainer, and advocate for health and wellness. Raised in Arkansas, Kim’s determination led her to graduate from Xavier University of Louisiana College […] read more >
Charles Nabholz, CARTI Honored at 37th Arkansas Business of the Year Awards
An evening ceremony honoring nominees and winners took place March 5 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. read more >
Westrock Coffee’s Q4 Losses Widen as Conway Facility Ramps Up
The coffee, tea and extracts company posted a net loss of $24.6 million, compared to $20.1 million in the same quarter a year ago. read more >
American AI Market Forecast to Hit $224B by 2030
The size of the artificial intelligence market in the United States is forecast to increase every year between 2025 and 2030, reaching $223.68 billion by 2030, according to data provider […] read more >
![Serafina Lalany, executive director of StartupNWA: “We’re starting to see a dramatic change in our region around access to capital.” [Michael Woods]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DSC_8682_opt-300x194.jpg)
Arkansas Competes with Major Tech Hubs for Entrepreneurs and Startups
Arkansas' tech ecosystem is rapidly growing, with entrepreneurs flocking to the state for its supportive community, access to capital and startup-friendly environment. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Righting the Bus (Hunter Field Editor’s Note)
The first step to a successful enterprise is getting the right people on board and the wrong ones off. read more >
by Hunter Field -
NWA Tech Founders Launch AI Ad Platform for Walmart Suppliers
Eric Howerton and JS Bull, founders of AdFury.ai, are launching a platform to streamline digital ad creation for Walmart's retail media network, using AI to generate tailored ads quickly while maintaining brand consistency. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
More Data, More Software Problems (Zack Hill Commentary)
Businesses must face the AI readiness gaps in legacy systems head-on. read more >
by Zack Hill -
Dairy Farmers of America Files Trade Secrets Lawsuit Against Westrock Coffee
Dairy Farmers of America has sued seven former employees and Westrock Coffee, accusing them of stealing trade secrets related to DFA’s ready-to-drink coffee products and sharing them with Westrock to use at its Conway plant. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Trial by Tariffs (Editorial)
Businesses in Arkansas must adjust to a new reality: Trump’s tariffs. read more >
Trump’s Erratic Trade Policies are Baffling Businesses, Threatening Investment and Economic Growth
His tariffs on Canada and Mexico effectively blow up a 2020 North American trade deal he negotiated himself five years ago. read more >
by Associated Press -
Startup Junkie Foundation Launches Neurodiversity Workforce Study
The project will gather insights from employers, neurotypical employees and neurodiverse employees to study the neurodiverse workforce in northwest Arkansas. read more >
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![Dr. Burke Soffe, dean of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine: “This will provide a generational impact on oral health in the state.” [Karen Segrave]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ARBusiness-Lyon-Dental-School-0174_opt-150x150.jpg)
