Montine McNulty
Thanks, Montine (Editorial)
The coming retirement of Montine McNulty, that hardworking, accessible spokeswoman for Arkansas’ lodging, travel and restaurant industries, has us a little verklempt. read more >
Katie Beck Named CEO of Arkansas Hospitality Association
She takes over for the retiring Montine McNulty, who has led the industry group for 25 years. read more >
Montine McNulty to Retire as CEO of Arkansas Hospitality Association
Montine McNulty, CEO of the Arkansas Hospitality Association since 1996, will retire effective Dec. 31, she said in a statement released Monday. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
‘New Normal’ in Dining Out: Dining Outside
Montine McNulty thinks COVID-19 will leave permanent marks on the restaurant industry in Arkansas, among them: increased outdoor dining. read more >
Diners Finding Their Way Back to Restaurants
There’s good news on the restaurant beat. It’s about time. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
$28.6B Grant Fund for Restaurants Accepting Applications
Arkansas restaurants that suffered losses during the pandemic can now apply for a Restaurant Revitalization Fund Grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. read more >
French Hill Touts Bill to Help Businesses Qualify for PPP Loans
U.S. Rep. French Hill says he’ll introduce a bill next week to help more businesses qualify for the second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans. read more >
Arkansas Hospitality Tax Receipts Plunge in 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic sent hospitality tax collections in Arkansas plummeting last year, and the blow to some tourism bureaus in the state, which rely on the taxes for revenue, was even worse than those figures show. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
$15 U.S. Wage Plan: How Would Arkansas Fare?
Some in the hospitality industry question the timing of raising the federal minimum to $15, fearing added burdens could halt recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
State Hospitality Industry Sees Lifeline in Federal Relief Deal
For Arkansas’ hospitality industry, congressional approval of a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package was a long time coming and much appreciated. read more >
Beyond COVID-19: Industries and Leaders Look to Future
Arkansas Business asked industry leaders to share their expectations for 2021, both before and after the coronavirus vaccine is widely available. Here’s what they said. read more >
Convention Centers Can’t Wait for Legislative Session
Arkansas’ hospitals and other industries have urgent concerns for the Legislature to address in the regular session that will commence on Jan. 11, but a key piece of the hospitality industry has needs that are more urgent. read more >
by -
Arkansas Hotel Industry Seeks Federal Help As Travel Sags
The hotel industry in Arkansas and nationwide is lobbying Congress for relief, as it reports less leisure travel and “nonexistent” business and convention travel amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. read more >
Some Restaurants See Sales Going Up
Adapting to takeout mode, quick-serve model shows resilience during pandemic. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
Arkansas Industries Attempt to Divine The Post-Pandemic Future
Some, like the hospitality industry, are bracing for a long, slow return to pre-COVID vitality. Others, like the energy sector, see a quicker recovery after the early swoon. Some trends seem baked into expectations, like reliance on home-based employees and the technology they use. read more >
by -
Staying Alive: Restaurateurs Trim & Retool
The coronavirus pandemic is hitting most business sectors hard, but few have been hit harder than the restaurant industry. A disease best fought by isolating people is antithetical to a business model based on breaking bread together. read more >
by Jan Cottingham -
Update: Amid Tourism Crisis and LRCVB Cancellations, Casinos Shut Down
In four days, Arkansas' tourism industry goes from business as usual to dire crisis. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Checking Into Tax Lawsuit, State Says Travel Sites Must Pay Up
The state of Arkansas has joined the long-running lawsuit against online travel companies over the taxes paid on the price of a hotel room. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
The Wages of Raising the Bare Minimum
As the minimum wage for Arkansas is raised, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Arkansas Hospitality Association fear increasing costs. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Northwest Arkansas Eateries Enjoying Growth
Northwest Arkansas’ population is becoming more diverse as it grows, and the area’s restaurant industry is hitching along for the ride. "That is one of the things Arkansas brings to the table: There are unique experiences in every area," said Kalene Griffith, CEO of Visit Bentonville. read more >
by Marty Cook -
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