Cooperative Extension Service to host Arkansas Veterans' Small Business Summit

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

LITTLE ROCK — For veterans who own and operate small businesses, accessing available resources is critical to financial success and longevity. Arkansas veteran business owners will have an opportunity to learn about programs and services designed to help their businesses succeed at the Arkansas Veterans’ Small Business Summit, hosted by the Cooperative Extension Service’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center on Nov. 4.

VETERAN RESOURCES — The Cooperative Extension Service's Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center will host a free Veterans' Small Business Summit on Nov. 4. The in-person event will provide resources and networking opportunities for veteran small business owners, including information about upcoming contracting opportunities with federal agencies in Arkansas. (Division of Agriculture photo.) 

The free in-person event will start at 9 a.m. and end at 12 p.m. at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, located at 2301 S. University Ave. in Little Rock. Registration is available at https://bit.ly/veteran-business-summit.

Kimberly Magee, outreach coordinator for Arkansas PTAC, said the summit will provide “tailored resources” for veteran business owners in the state, including information about no-cost resources and upcoming contracting opportunities with federal agencies in Arkansas.

“It’s important to provide these resources because the public doesn’t generally know how to navigate through the government marketplace,” Magee said.

The summit is presented in partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas Division of Emergency Management – Arkansas Federal Surplus Property, Arkansas Small Business Technology Development Center, The Conductor, SCORE and the U.S. Small Business Administration – Arkansas District. Representatives from these organizations will be present at the summit to help connect attendees with the services they provide, including business counseling, low or no-cost training programs and training and networking opportunities.

Magee said the needs of veteran business owners are unique, and this summit is designed to connect them with resources available specifically to them.

“Veteran small businesses need a tailored pathway,” she said. “Veterans are already aware of government lingo and are therefore natural leaders in the government marketplace.”

In addition to networking with other business owners, the summit will include a small business resource panel, a presentation on veteran small business certifications and a presentation on government contracting opportunities.

“Veterans are our nation’s heroes, and it is our obligation to take care of them and help them succeed,” said Savanna George, extension program technician for the Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

For more information or for assistance with registering, contact the Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center at PTAC@uada.edu.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

Jason Williams, Psy.D., to Lead Child Mental and Behavioral Health at UAMS, Arkansas Children’s

By Tim Taylor

LITTLE ROCK — After a national search, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Arkansas Children’s have named Jason Williams, Psy.D., M.S.Ed. to lead their work together to improve pediatric mental and behavioral health statewide.

Williams will serve as the new chief of UAMS’ Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and as Arkansas Children’s senior vice president and chief mental and behavioral health officer, a newly created position.

Williams comes from Children’s Hospital Colorado, where he served as an associate professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and as the director of operations in the Pediatric Mental Health Institute.

https://news.uams.edu/2023/01/23/jason-williams-psy-d-to-lead-child-mental-and-behavioral-health-at-uams-arkansas-childrens/

Economists: U.S., Arkansas economies not likely to see recession in 2023

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

According to three economists who spoke Friday (Jan. 27) at the 29th annual Arkansas Business Forecast Luncheon held in Rogers, Arkansas and the U.S. will likely avoid economic recession primarily because of continued job and wage growth.

Around 1,000 people attended the event, according to officials with the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.

Simmons Foods CEO Todd Simmons was the moderator for the event and said three areas of concern from his perspective included the need for affordable housing in Northwest Arkansas to ensure people continue to move here. He also said the region’s population growth over the past decade has taxed transportation infrastructure, and keeping up with the higher demand is crucial to ongoing growth. Lastly, he said workforce development is imperative for the region’s future growth.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/economists-u-s-arkansas-economies-not-likely-to-see-recession-in-2023/

U.S. corn, cotton and soybean production down in 2022

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Production for corn, cotton and soybeans declined from last year, according to the 2022 Crop Production Annual Summary released by the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Drought ravaged nearly every state during the year and it had impacts on harvested acres and yields.

U.S. corn growers produced 13.7 billion bushels, down 9% from 2021. Corn yield in the United States is estimated at 173.3 bushels per acre, 3.4 bushels below the 2021 record high yield of 176.7 bushels per acre. Area harvested for grain, at 79.2 million acres, is down 7% from 2021.

Soybean production for 2022 totaled 4.28 billion bushels, down 4% from 2021. The average soybean yield is estimated at 49.5 bushels per acre, 2.2 bushels below 2021, and 0.7 bushel below the Nov. 1 forecast.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/u-s-corn-cotton-and-soybean-production-down-in-2022/

Gus Wilson/UA System Division Of Agriculture

Corn planting begins in this photo from Feb. 24, 2012, in a field near Eudora in Chicot County, Ark.

Arkansas Democrats file legislation for teacher pay raises, per pupil funding increase

KUAR | By Ronak Patel / Talk Business & Politics

Arkansas Democrats filed legislation Thursday (Jan. 26) to raise public school teacher salaries, non-teacher staff salaries, and per pupil foundation funding for the next year.

In the House, Democrats filed HB1268, the RAISE Act, to move funds from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Public School Fund Account to the Department of Education for pay raises for teachers, according to the bill.

According to a press release from the Democratic Party of Arkansas, the RAISE Act will cost $350 million for teacher pay. The legislation would raise the starting salary of teachers to $50,000, up from $36,000. There is also a $10,000 raise for every public school teacher in the state.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-27/arkansas-democrats-file-legislation-for-teacher-pay-raises-per-pupil-funding-increase

Josie Lenora/KUAR News

House Minority Leader Tippi McCullough and Senate Minority Leader Greg Leding host a post-inauguration press conference in early January 2023.

Arkansas Supreme Court reverses ruling that struck state law banning mask mandates

KUAR | By Hunter Field / Arkansas Advocate

The Arkansas Supreme Court on Thursday overturned a lower court’s decision to strike down Arkansas’ prohibition on government mask mandates.

Thursday’s order tossed Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox’s 2021 ruling on procedural grounds, and it did not contemplate the merits of the arguments in the case.

Fox’s ruling had struck down Act 1002 of 2021, which prohibited government entities, such as cities and school districts, from requiring individuals to wear face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-27/arkansas-supreme-court-reverses-ruling-that-struck-state-law-banning-mask-mandates

Tyson Foods makes another leadership change

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

David Bray, who has managed Tyson Foods’ poultry business since July 2021, is being replaced by Wes Morris. Bray spent 14 years at Tyson Foods, most of them working in the company’s retail business in sales roles.

Tyson said Morris assumed the role of president for the chicken business effective Jan. 27. He has more than 35 years of experience working in poultry and consumer sales. Morris first joined Tyson Foods in 1999 and held several leadership positions, including group vice president of consumer products, and last working as the president of prepared foods operations for four years before retiring in 2017.

“Wes is a recognized leader who will help position us for continued success and the future growth of our chicken segment,” said Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King. “We’re confident his experience will help us continue to strengthen our chicken operations and meet growing consumer demand for Tyson® brand products.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/tyson-foods-makes-another-leadership-change/

Grant Tennille re-elected as chair of Arkansas Democrats

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Grant Tennille was re-elected unanimously as chairman of the Democratic Party of Arkansas on Saturday (Jan. 28). He will serve a four-year term.

The meeting, held at Shorter College in North Little Rock, was a reversal of expectations from December when Tennille said he would not seek re-election as chair. Subsequently, he has said that former State Senators Joyce Elliott and Keith Ingram, and others, persuaded him to stay.

“Friends, two months ago, I was as exhausted as I’ve ever been in my life,” said Tennille in a speech following his nomination. “I felt beaten up and beaten down. I was ready for a break. Fortunately, all of us have good friends who spent time talking to me and working with me. They made me understand that this moment in Arkansas is fraught with danger, and with possibility.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/grant-tennille-re-elected-as-chair-of-arkansas-democrats/

Budget puzzle awaits price tags for education, public safety, healthcare

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Closing out the first month of the regular session, legislative leaders have no clarity on Gov. Sarah Sanders administration’s price tag for education, public safety or healthcare, much less a blueprint for the state’s anticipated $6 billion balanced budget.

Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Beebe, chairman of the Joint Budget Committee, said he’s waiting to see first drafts of new school policy and prison and sentencing reform legislation.

“I haven’t seen the education plan, so I don’t have any ballpark figures on what that’s going to cost, what we’re going to do. We do know that there is a portion that’s going to be for increasing teacher pay. Again, that’s going to have a direct impact. But again, I have no idea, if I’m just being transparent, on what that’s going to look like, and that’s why you see me being hesitant in regards to the budget,” he said.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/budget-puzzle-awaits-price-tags-for-education-public-safety-healthcare/

U.S. Marshals Museum begins to hire workers ahead of summer opening

by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)

With a summer opening still on the horizon and an estimated $3 million needed for construction and operational needs, the Fort Smith-based U.S. Marshals Museum is starting the drive to hire employees who will be needed once the doors open to the public.

Museum staff posted a job announcement for a facility sales manager on social media and employment sites like Linkedin on Thursday (Jan. 26). Museum President and CEO Ben Johnson said more employment announcements will be posted in the coming days and weeks as museum administration seeks to fill positions before the museum opens in the summer. The museum employs eight, Johnson said. That number is expected to grow to 20 or more when it is time to open the doors.

“It depends on the interest and applicants we get. It depends on whether we have enough full-time or whether we will need to fill with part-time (employees),” Johnson said.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/u-s-marshals-museum-begins-to-hire-workers-ahead-of-summer-opening/

Arkansas committee hears debate on "bathroom bill"

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Lawmakers heard questions and comments from members of the public Thursday over a so-called “bathroom bill” currently making its way through the Arkansas Legislature.

House Bill 1156 would ensure no public or charter school student is required to share sleeping quarters, restrooms or changing areas with members of the opposite biological sex. That could lead to problems for transgender or nonbinary students seeking to use facilities consistent with their gender identity. School officials who do not follow the policy could face a 15% reduction in salary under the bill.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville. She was joined during the committee meeting by two members of the Conway School Board, Linda Hargis and David Naylor Jr.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-26/arkansas-committee-hears-debate-on-bathroom-bill

Proclamation on Arkansas Parental Choice Week

WHEREAS:  All children in Arkansas should have access to the highest-quality education possible;

WHEREAS:  Arkansas recognizes the important role that an effective education plays in preparing all students in this state to be successful adults and not trapped in a lifetime of poverty;

WHEREAS:  Quality education is critically important to the economic vitality of Arkansas;

WHEREAS:  Arkansas is home to a multitude of high-quality public and nonpublic schools from which parents can choose for their children, in addition to families who educate their children in the home; 

WHEREAS:  Educational variety not only helps to diversify our economy, but also enhances the vibrancy of our community;

WHEREAS:  Arkansas has many high-quality teaching professionals in all types of school settings who are committed to educating our children;

WHEREAS:  Education reform will be the hallmark of my administration through the Arkansas LEARNS initiative, which prioritizes Literacy, Empowerment, Accountability, Readiness, Networking, and School Safety;

WHEREAS:  In this state, parents can no longer be an afterthought in education because they are the foundation to a child’s success;

WHEREAS:  Parents should have the right to choose the schools that’s best for their child—whether it is public, private, parochial, or homeschool;

WHEREAS:  School Choice Week, which should be called “Parental Choice Week,” is celebrated across the country by millions of students, parents, educators, schools, and organizations to raise awareness of the need for effective educational options; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as the Governor of the State of Arkansas, do hereby recognize January 22 through January 28, 2023, as “Arkansas Parental Choice Week,” and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 23rd day of January, in the year of our Lord 2023.

Fruehauf, Miles to be inducted into Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Benjamin Franklin Fruehauf III and Paula Miles will be inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame on Feb. 27, during the 49th annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism to be held Feb. 26-28 in El Dorado.

The Hall of Fame honor is presented annually to an individual or individuals who have been actively involved in Arkansas’s tourism industry for many years and who have made substantial contributions to the betterment of the industry as a whole.

Ben Fruehauf III
Fruehauf III and his father began floating the Illinois River near the Arkansas/Oklahoma border. They soon heard stories of a pristine river known as the Buffalo and in 1970, after a few more visits to the state, Ben’s father purchased land in Gilbert. Since that time, Ben has worked to ensure visitors to Arkansas and the Buffalo have the same captivating experience he first had.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/fruehauf-miles-to-be-inducted-into-arkansas-tourism-hall-of-fame/

Gov. Sanders appoints David Haak to Arkansas Highway Commission

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Gov. Sarah Sanders announced Thursday (Jan. 26) that she will appoint David Haak to serve as a member of the Arkansas Highway Commission. His term will expire on January 14, 2033.

Haak, a former GOP State Representative from Texarkana, will replace Robert Moore, former Democratic Speaker of the House from Arkansas City.

“Today, I will be appointing David Haak to serve on the Arkansas Highway Commission – someone who will play a critical role in bringing new, high paying jobs to the state while improving the quality of life for all Arkansans,” Sanders said. “David’s lifetime of public service, community involvement, and strong leadership will make him an asset to the commission – and I am confident that together we will ensure that U.S. Highway 82 finally becomes a four-lane interstate, unleashing south Arkansas’ full economic potential.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/gov-sanders-appoints-david-haak-to-arkansas-highway-commission/

Sam’s Club to build 30 new clubs, expand fulfillment network

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

Sam’s Club announced Thursday (Jan. 26) plans to build 30 new U.S. locations. A timeline was not disclosed, but Sam’s Club CEO Kath McLay said the new clubs will be 160,000 square-feet larger than most stores and have more space for health and foodservice.

The retailer said the first expanded location will open in Florida by 2024. The larger footprint will make space for a seafood/sushi island, a full-service floral department, and walk-in coolers for dairy and fresh foods. There also will be more space allocated for health services to accommodate a patient waiting area, serve suites, private consultation rooms, and dedicated hearing and optical centers. Plans also include more liquor offerings and fuel stations.

As Sam’s e-commerce business also continues to grow, the retailer plans to provide more space for curbside pickup, delivery and ship to home orders in the new clubs.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/sams-club-to-build-30-new-clubs-expand-fulfillment-network/

State of the State 2023: Energy leaders hopeful this year after multiple 2022 surprises

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Energy industry officials look to greater stability, advanced energy investments and beneficial policies after facing multiple unexpected challenges last year. Surprises included Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and price volatility that impacted inflation, consumers and production investments to meet demand.

Still, advanced energy projects endured amid the expiration of an Arkansas rule ensuring solar array owners maintain projected savings. The grandfathering rule for solar projects expired Dec. 31; however, in late December, the Arkansas Public Service Commission issued a rule to extend it. The rule still needs legislative approval.

Lauren Waldrip, executive director for the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association, was surprised by the rule expiration but said she appreciated the commission’s new ruling, which can be referenced in the rulemaking process. If legislators approve the rule, grandfathering would be extended through May 31, 2040.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/state-of-the-state-2023-energy-leaders-hopeful-this-year-after-multiple-2022-surprises/

UA renames Razorbacks basketball practice facility for donors following $5M gift

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

The nonprofit Razorback Foundation announced Thursday (Jan. 26) a $5 million donation from the Marty and Marsha Martin family of Little Rock. That donation will secure naming rights to the University of Arkansas’ Basketball Performance Center on the Fayetteville campus.

UA athletics officials will officially unveil the Marsha and Marty Martin Family Basketball Performance Center on March 4 before the Arkansas-Kentucky men’s basketball game at Bud Walton Arena. According to a news release, the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees approved the name change at Thursday’s regular meeting.

“We are humbled by the generosity of the Martin family for this extraordinary gift,” UA Athletics Director Hunter Yurachek said in a statement. “For more than four decades, the Martins have displayed their passion for our program in numerous ways, including in investing their time and energy into cheering on our teams while also providing the support to help ensure our student-athletes and coaches are positioned for success. Our men’s and women’s basketball teams are fortunate to train and compete in one of the best basketball performance centers in the nation. It is certainly appropriate that this spectacular day-to-day Home of Razorback Basketball will now also honor this special family of Razorback fans.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/ua-renames-razorbacks-basketball-practice-facility-for-donors-following-5m-gift/

Arkansas executive order further delays ARPA funds distribution

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

An executive order from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders prompted the withdrawal Wednesday of more than a dozen requests for federal pandemic relief funds that had been pending for months on a legislative panel’s agenda.

The order issued Tuesday by Sanders abolished the ARPA Steering Committee and the Governor’s Infrastructure Planning Advisory Committee. The steering committee’s job had been to review funding requests under the American Rescue Plan Act and sending approved projects to legislators for consideration.

The governor’s order caused confusion about what action, if any, could be taken on ARPA-related items by the Joint Budget Committee’s Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review subcommittee during its Wednesday meeting.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-26/arkansas-executive-order-further-delays-arpa-funds-distribution

Arkansas Senate

Sen. Jonathan Dismang reviews documents during a January 2022 budget hearing. Dismang wanted to hold off on approving federal pandemic relief requests on Wednesday following an executive order that abolished the ARPA Steering Committee.

Gov. Sanders names husband to lead outdoors effort

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Gov. Sarah Sanders signed an executive order Tuesday (Jan. 24) establishing the Natural State Initiative and the Natural State Initiative Advisory Council and said her husband, Bryan, will lead the effort in a volunteer capacity.

The order says the council will advise the governor about promoting outdoor recreation and the outdoor economy.

The order says the first gentleman will chair the council with no compensation. Gov. Sanders will appoint the council’s members, who will serve on a volunteer basis.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/gov-sanders-names-husband-to-lead-outdoors-effort/

Division of Agriculture guides offer latest research on weed, pest and disease management

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has released the 2023 edition of three publications containing updated research-based recommendations for managing pests, weeds and diseases in row crop agriculture as well as fruit, vegetable and garden production.

GUIDES -- Updated weed, disease and pest guides are available at county extension offices. UADA graphic/Oliver Williams

The guides are available online for download, and nearly 20,000 printed copies have been distributed to county extension offices where residents can pick up free copies.

The 2023 publications are:

• MP44 — Recommended Chemicals for Weed and Brush Control

• MP144 — Insecticide Recommendations for Arkansas

• MP154 — Arkansas Plant Disease Control Products

“MP” stands for “miscellaneous publication.”

“These publications provide control methods of pests on crops, livestock, and around the home,” said Victor L. Ford, the Division of Agriculture’s associate vice president for agriculture and natural resources. “These are not only for farmers but also for homeowners, commercial applications and others who need to control pests. The recommendations are based on the best research available and the product label. Both organic and non-organic recommendations are included in the guides.”

MP44, “Recommended Chemicals for Weed and Brush Control” is a useful resource for anyone using herbicides for weed control.

“The 2023 edition of Recommended Chemicals for Weed and Brush Control has been fully updated to include the latest herbicide releases, application guidelines, and other herbicide recommendations for the state of Arkansas,” said Tommy Butts, extension weed scientist for the Division of Agriculture. “This information is the direct result of first-hand research conducted across the state and is possible due to funding from all of our state commodity boards.”

MP144, “Insecticide Recommendations for Arkansas,” contains information on recommended insecticides in row crops, animal agriculture, fruits, nuts, vegetables and household pests. A mobile-friendly edition of MP 144 is available at https://mp144.uada.edu/.

The “Arkansas Plant Disease Control Products Guide” — or MP154 — includes a list of fungicides and nematicides registered for use in Arkansas that are used to control diseases of row crops, vegetables, small fruits, turfgrass and ornamental plants. This year’s edition includes a few new fungicides and updated fungicide efficacy tables for corn, soybean and wheat, extension plant pathologist Travis Faske said. All of the information in the guides is generated by extension plant pathologists who conduct applied research trials across the state. 

To find more extension publications, visit https://pubs.uada.edu/.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.