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Mike Preston

Mike Preston
Banking & Finance / Government & Politics

Stephens Hires Mike Preston to Lead New Practice

The practice, Site & Incentive Advisory, will advise businesses on growth strategies. read more >
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks at the Arkansas State Capitol about the release of the Governor's Council on Future Mobility report on Dec. 8, 2022
Government & Politics / Investments / Manufacturing

Investment, Regional Partnerships Key to Becoming Mobility Leader, Report Says

The report by the Governor's Council on Future Mobility offers guidance on a broad range of emerging mobility tech from land to air — and beyond. read more >
Gov. Asa Hutchinson (right) and Commerce Secretary Mike Preston speak to reporters on Wednesday at the governor's mansion about U.S. Steel's plans for a $3 billion steel mill in Osceola.
Education / Government & Politics / Manufacturing

Conway in Line for Manufacturing Workforce Training Center

The 100,000-SF facility will be located on the east end of Conway's Central Landing development. read more >
A Google Street View image of Rheem Manufacturing Co.'s plant in Fort Smith
Construction / Manufacturing

Rheem Launches $20M Expansion of Fort Smith Facility

The Atlanta-based heating and air product manufacturer said the project will create 100 jobs. read more >
A fuel plant similar to the planned $3.5 billion ultra-clean diesel plant near Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Construction / Energy

GTL Plan Moves Forward With $4M RoadLock Icon

After years of preparations, all authorities say the biggest economic development project in Arkansas history is on still on the road to becoming a reality. read more >
Construction / Energy / Manufacturing

Entergy Plans Largest Solar Array Yet, to Power US Steel in Osceola

The project on 2,100 acres is big enough to power more than 40,000 homes. read more >
Government & Politics

Broadband Story Omitted Federal Requirement (Letter to the Editor)

An Aug. 22 Arkansas Business article failed to include an important piece of information about federal broadband grants. read more >
A technician installs fiber optic cables. Little River County, Arkansas has received a $2 million federal grant to build fiber optic cable lines to support broadband infrastructure. 

No Comments on Broadband’s Grant Formula

No comments were made at a public hearing last week on a funding formula for broadband grants. read more >
A crew strings high-speed cable.
Government & Politics

Broadband Grant Formula Raises ConcernsLock Icon

A new proposed new state funding formula would route broadband grants only to internet service providers that can cover 25% of the upfront costs, possibly leaving out smaller providers. read more >
Amazon’s massive distribution center at the Port of Little Rock loomed in the background last month as Bluestem broke ground on its speculative warehouse project, nearly a million SF of space.
Business Services / Construction / Manufacturing

Little Rock’s Emerging Identity as Logistics HubLock Icon

In the last two years, eight major distribution and logistics projects have been announced in the greater Little Rock area. read more >
Gov. Asa Hutchinson
Construction / Energy / Manufacturing

Hutchinson Outlines Agenda for Final Months in Office

The term-limited governor says his focus is on broadband access, jobs and a "hopefully quick" special session on tax cuts. read more >
Glen Howie has been named the state’s new director of broadband, effective Aug. 1.
 
Government & Politics

Glen Howie To Lead Arkansas Broadband Office

He comes to the state Commerce Department from "one of the most highly regarded broadband offices in the country.” read more >
Steel coils on display during a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of U.S. Steel's new $3 billion mill in Osceola, Arkansas. 
Business Services / Construction / Government & Politics

With Steel, State Lures Interlocking IndustriesLock Icon

Like all kinds of constructors, Arkansas economic developers have learned that steel offers a sturdy base to build on. read more >
Israel Innovation Authority Chair Ami Appelbaum, left, shakes hands with Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson in Washington, D.C. on June 14, 2022. Arkansas and Israel signed a memorandum of understanding to promote cooperation in tech innovation.
Agriculture & Poultry / Government & Politics / Manufacturing

Arkansas Partners With Israel on Tech Innovation & Research

The agriculture and automotive industries are seen as sectors for potential collaboration. read more >
Business Services

Tech Services Firm Wachter Expanding in Lowell

The company plans to hire 116 new workers, bringing its total employment in the area to 464. read more >
Government & Politics / Manufacturing / Public Companies

Mike Preston: State Remains ‘Optimistic’ About Canoo in ArkansasLock Icon

The electric vehicle maker's first-quarter report raises more questions than answers. read more >
An aerial view of The Systems Group's fabrication and machine shop in El Dorado, which the company is expanding to meet growing demand from steel makers.
Business Services / Construction / Manufacturing

Steel Services Firm The Systems Group Expands; 60 Jobs to be Created

The El Dorado-based company is increasing production to meet growing demand from steel makers. read more >
Lockheed Martin, which has about 1,000 employees in the Camden area, is the nation’s largest defense contractor by total sales. CEO Jim Taiclet participated in talks with the Pentagon last week on producing more weapons for embattled Ukraine.
Construction / Education / Government & Politics

Camden Rockets Go On Defense for UkraineLock Icon

Lockheed Martin and Aerojet Rocketdyne — part of the 3,500-strong defense workforce at Highland Industrial Park near Camden – is expanding and responding to a war-torn world. read more >
Construction / Government & Politics

State’s Broadband Focus Should Be 110,000 Homes in Grant Gap, Study Says

The households lack access to broadband with speeds adequate for learning and working. read more >
Manufacturing

Barrel Maker Independent Stave Plans $30M Mill Near Batesville

The Missouri-based company's new facility is expected to bring 60 new jobs to the area. read more >