US Consumer Confidence Rises to 98.1 in June
U.S. consumer confidence rose in June, reflecting the partial re-opening of the country but the concern is that rising coronavirus cases in many states could jeopardize future gains. read more >
Tagged: Tourism
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 >
Harps Food Store Sells for $5.9M (NWA Real Deals)
The Harps Food Store adjacent to the company’s headquarters in Springdale has sold for nearly $6 million to two Fayetteville investors. read more >
Rob Finley Named to Game and Fish Commission
Gov. Asa Hutchinson has appointed Mountain Home businessman Rob Finley to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He replaces Chairman Ken Reeves. read more >
CJRW Lays Off 8 From Workforce of 61
CJRW, the longtime Little Rock marketing agency and the state's tourism account holder, laid off eight workers yesterday, eliminating 8 of 61 staff positions. read more >
The Old Normal (Gwen Moritz Editor's Note)
Since I’m not at all sure any of us have a good grasp on how much our worlds will have been changed by the pandemic, I think of this week’s list as a final snapshot of the old normal that will be valuable when it comes time to document the new normal. read more >
Bad Boy, Good Sponsor: ‘Fowl Life’ Is Next
Bad Boy Mowers, the Batesville zero-turn mower maker known for its sports marketing, just refreshed its playbook. read more >
Largest Private Companies List Gives Snapshot of Pre-Pandemic Normalcy
The 33rd annual list of the state’s largest private companies serves as a baseline for pre-pandemic revenue. read more >
Arkansas Unemployment Drops to 9.5% in May
Arkansas' seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 9.5% in May from 10.8% in April, the state Department of Workforce Services reported Friday. read more >
Argenta Entertainment District Aims to Promote Outdoor Dining
North Little Rock’s new entertainment district is all about allowing restaurant patrons to hang out and relax outside — but not party hard — in the Argenta neighborhood. read more >
Fayetteville Businesses Have Questions About Mask Ordinance
The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce says several businesses are seeking more information about the city's mask ordinance, citing questions left unanswered by the law's language. read more >
SBA Issues Revised PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications
The U.S. Small Business Administration posts a revised Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application reflecting changes to the program signed into law by President Trump on June 5. read more >
Resource Guide: Financial Tools, Aid for Businesses Hurt by COVID-19
Arkansas Business is regularly updating this page with links and contact information for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. read more >
Fayetteville Mandates Masks Because of Virus
A northwest Arkansas city is requiring face masks to be worn in most public places indoors to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. read more >
US Retail Sales Up A Record 17.7% in Partial Rebound
U.S. retail sales jumped by a record 17.7% from April to May, with spending partially rebounding after the coronavirus had shut down businesses, flattened the economy and paralyzed consumers during the previous two months. read more >
Some Surprises Left (Gwen Moritz Editor's Note)
With disparate treatment of minorities, particularly African Americans, being the impetus for massive protests from coast to coast, many companies have issued statements affirming a commitment to fairness and inclusivity. read more >
A&P Trends Show Pandemic Pummelling Arkansas Visitors Bureaus
The coronavirus pandemic has battered city convention and visitors bureaus in Arkansas and sapped their sources of revenue: lodging and restaurant taxes. An industry built on bringing people together and attracting tourists is uniquely vulnerable to an infectious disease. read more >
Arkansas Cities Say Pandemic Losses of Revenue May Be Overstated
City leaders around Arkansas are holding their breath as business and social activities gradually restart after the initial shock of the coronavirus pandemic. read more >
Municipal Employees Face Pandemic Job Uncertainty
Most Arkansas cities have not had to lay off or furlough employees in the ongoing fiscal turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. How long that remains the case is a good question. read more >
Taxes Accounted for 42% of Local Government Revenue in 2017
Local governments collected $1.7 trillion of general revenue in 2017, according to the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, based in Washington, D.C. read more >
Editors' Picks
