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Northeast Arkansas

Trump Administration Order Halts $15M in Arkansas EV Infrastructure Projects

The state also closed its requests for proposals as $54.1 million in federal funding hangs in the balance.

Trump Steps Up His 2018 Tariffs On Steel and Aluminum, Risking Inflation On Promise of More Jobs

The moves are part of an aggressive push by the president to reset global trade, with Trump saying that tax hikes on the people and companies buying foreign-made products will ultimately strengthen domestic manufacturing.

Leadership Appointments at Farmers Bank & Trust, Arkansas Capital Corp. & More (Movers & Shakers)

This week’s business moves highlight key leadership changes across various sectors in Arkansas.

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.

Uniti Group Inc. headquarters in Little Rock. The Uniti-Windstream merger was valued at $13.4 billion. [Emma Mayes]
Banking & Finance / Business Services / Health Care

Big Deals in Arkansas Up 30% In ValueLock Icon

This year’s list includes not only acquisitions but also major investments, reflecting the growing role of private equity in the state. read more >
Agriculture & Poultry / Banking & Finance / Business Services

Candace Doby & Michelle Anne Johnson to Headline Soirée Women’s Leadership Symposium 2025

New for the 2025 symposium is the option to add on a 90-minute workshop that will take place after the core event, an opportunity for attendees to dive deeper into subject matter and connect with peers. read more >
Construction / Transportation

ARDOT to Receive $24.9M Federal Grant for Corning Bypass

The funding will be used for the construction of a four-mile highway that bypasses U.S. Highway 67, providing an alternate route around Corning’s downtown district. read more >
hbg design
Government & Politics / Tourism

Arkansas Casinos Generate Nearly $110M in Taxes as Market ExpandsLock Icon

Carlton Saffa, the chief market officer for Saracen Casino Resort, said higher annual tax revenue is “very easily doable," especially when the casino in Pine Bluff completes its expansion. read more >
Agriculture & Poultry / Banking & Finance / Construction

Promotions at HoganTaylor, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Baptist Health & More (Movers & Shakers)

Promotions and leadership changes span industries in Arkansas, from accounting and banking to healthcare and utilities. read more >
University of Arkansas Deputy Athletic Director Dan Trump said education is key to protecting athletes from the sports betting world. [Michael Woods]
Education / Government & Politics / Tourism

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

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. read more >
Restaurants & Food / Small Business

Fowler Family Buys Little Rock’s Dempsey Bakery, Plans Gluten-Free Franchise

The bakery's founder and former owner Paula Dempsey will remain with the company as a consultant for the next three years. read more >
Banking & Finance / Business Services / Construction

State Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.4% in December

Compared to December 2023, there were 34,626 more people employed in the state. read more >
Investments / Manufacturing / Public Companies

New Player Arrives In US Steel-Nippon Takeover Saga With the Goal of Quashing It

Asset manager Ancora Holdings Group is seeking to quash Nippon Steel's takeover of U.S. Steel and oust the leadership of the U.S. steelmaker after taking a stake in the company. read more >
Manufacturing / Public Companies / Transportation

Envirotech CFO Turnover Continues as William Miller Resigns After Less Than a Month

Miller is the fifth CFO to leave the Osceola-based electric vehicle maker since 2022. read more >
Arvest Bank again led the state with $930 million in loans originating in Arkansas, a 15% increase from 2023. [Google Maps]

Arkansas Mortgage Market Rebounds in 2024, With Arvest Leading the WayLock Icon

Of the 12 mortgage lenders that have shared information with Arkansas Business for the past two years, eight of them saw an increase in overall value of mortgages that originated in Arkansas. Five of those institutions saw gains of 10% or more. read more >
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 >
Business Services / Construction / Media & Marketing

Strategic Planning Makes Everything Easier (Sabrina Starling on Small Business)

Answering some key questions will make everything else easier for you in the year ahead. read more >
Industry

Trump Ushers In New Trucking Era

Donald Trump’s return has trucking leaders hopeful for eased regulations and tax cuts, but experts warn of risks from his unpredictable style and market oversupply. read more >
Media & Marketing

Hopes for a Son (Hunter Field Editor’s Note)

A new life is full of possibilities and hopes. I can’t wait to watch it unfold. read more >
Government & Politics / Real Estate

Real Estate CEO Jerry Halsey Named to State Highway Commission

He's the head of Halsey Thrasher Harpole Real Estate Group of Jonesboro and is a Northeast Arkansas Board of Realtors Hall of Fame inductee. read more >
Health Care / Public Companies / Retail

Mercy Health Clinics Open in Former Walmart Health Locations Across ArkansasLock Icon

Mercy has opened three health clinics in Arkansas at former Walmart Health locations, aiming to improve access, following Walmart's closure of its health centers due to financial challenges. read more >
Banking & Finance / Government & Politics / Media & Marketing

Sanders to Speak at World Economic Forum in Switzerland

The Republican governor is set to participate in two panel discussions and meet with business leaders about investing in Arkansas. read more >
Banking & Finance / Business Services / Education

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Announces Appointments

The latest round of appointments includes new members of the Arkansas Workforce Development Board, Medical Board, and Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission. read more >