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.
Big Deals in Arkansas Up 30% In Value
This year’s list includes not only acquisitions but also major investments, reflecting the growing role of private equity in the state. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
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 >
by Jess Ardrey -
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 >
Arkansas Casinos Generate Nearly $110M in Taxes as Market Expands
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 >
by Mark Friedman -
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 >
Arkansas Universities Work to Protect Student-Athletes from Sports Betting
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 >
by Marty Cook -
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 >
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 >
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 >
by Associated Press -
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 >
by Scott Carroll -
Arkansas Mortgage Market Rebounds in 2024, With Arvest Leading the Way
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 >
by Marty Cook -
Federal Lawsuit Delays New Community Reinvestment Act Rules, Leaving Banks in Limbo
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 >
by Kyle Massey -
Views From the Chair: French Hill’s Plans for Leading Financial Services Panel
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 >
by Chloe McGehee -
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 >
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 >
by Marty Cook -
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 >
by Hunter Field -
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 >
Mercy Health Clinics Open in Former Walmart Health Locations Across Arkansas
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 >
by Marty Cook -
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 >
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 >