WHEREAS: On or about January 02, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding began, and continued thereafter, causing great damage to private property and public facilities in various jurisdictions in Arkansas;
WHEREAS: Adverse circumstances have been brought to bear upon the citizens and public properties within the State; and
WHEREAS: These political subdivisions require supplemental assistance from the State to recover from these losses.
NOW THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas and pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. §§ 12-75-101, et seq., do hereby declare Arkansas, Ashley, Clay, Garland, Lincoln, and Phillips Counties disaster areas;
FURTHERMORE, I authorize funds from the Governors Response and Recovery Fund under the Individual Assistance Program, in the amount of $1,189,600.00, to be used to provide supplemental disaster relief in Arkansas, Ashley, Garland, Lincoln and Phillips Counties. Such funds will be used at the discretion of the Director of the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management to defray both program and administrative costs;
FURTHERMORE, I, authorize funds from the Governors Response and Recovery Fund under the Public Assistance Program to be used to provide supplemental disaster relief to Clay County. Such funds will be used at the discretion of the Director of the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management to defray both program and administrative costs;
FURTHERMORE, I hereby invoke emergency executive powers vested in me by Ark. Code Ann. §§ 12-75-101, et seq., as amended, and suspend the provisions of regulating statutes prescribing procedures for conduct of the Office of Procurement, the Division of Building Authority, the Office of Personnel Management, and all other state departments and agencies to render maximum assistance to the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management relative to any potential impediment to the rapid and orderly rendering of assistance to political subdivisions.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 27th day of January, in the year of our Lord 2023.
Researchers receive $550,000 USDA-NIFA grant to develop farmers market food safety game
By Brittaney Mann
U of A System Division of Agriculture
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Food safety education for small producers will take on an interactive gaming form with the help of a collaborative $550,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
FOOD SAFETY GAME — Kristen Gibson is serving as the lead investigator on a new $550,000 grant from USDA-NIFA. Gibson and her collaborators will evaluate current food safety training practices and develop a multimedia game to help teach farmers market vendors food safety best practices.
Kristen Gibson, department of food science professor of food safety for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and director of the Center for Food Safety, will serve as lead investigator on this grant, aimed at providing easy-to-access educational resources about safe food production directed at small- and medium-sized farmers getting started with their market endeavors.
Citing research that indicates interactive multimedia learning tools can help audiences understand concepts better than traditional education practices can, Gibson said the research team decided a multimedia game format may help producers retain the information better. The multi-institution project is titled “GLEAN (game learning to educate and advance knowledge): Transformative food safety training for farmers market vendors.”
“We want to be sure that they’re providing safe food to their customers,” Gibson said. “And so, in order to implement best practices related to the production and the handling of fresh produce, you have to have that knowledge base to understand why that is important.”
The Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station is the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Farmers markets and food safety
Farmers market vendors do not sell a large volume of produce, and therefore are not covered by the Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act, Gibson said. Food safety requirements may vary in each market, even within the same state, because farmers market managers can set their own regulations.
Farmers market vendors have varying levels of food safety knowledge and training, Gibson said. Additionally, farmers market managers may not have access to farmers market specific training that can be distributed to the local producers.
The Arkansas Department of Health does not require farmers markets vendors to obtain permits to sell uncut fruit and vegetables or temperature-stable cottage foods.
The researchers want to be sure that everyone has access to resources to aid in the adoption of food safety best practices, and to make it easier to receive them.
“The idea is to be sure you’re capturing those people who may be falling through the cracks,” Gibson said.
The game
The development of this food safety training game will take place over three years. The researchers will collect data from a sample of local food producers to understand what information is most relevant, assess the effectiveness of the game in knowledge retention and eventually release it to the public.
Vendors can find multiple answers to their questions on different media, like Google searches or YouTube, and by directing the necessary information into a game format, it may help growers feel confident in the validity of the information they consume, Gibson said.
The researchers want the game to be realistic to the growers’ specific situations so that food safety awareness can transfer into their practices. The game will include different risks and related regulations, allow the producers to get help from in-game organizations that mirror real-life support structures and allow them to understand the varying rules of different markets, Gibson said. The strategies will also center on how to gain entry to local and regional food systems.
Collaboration
Jennifer Acuff, assistant professor of food safety and microbiology at the experiment station, will also participate in the project.
“I am very excited to work on the GLEAN project,” Acuff said. “With farmers markets continuing to grow in size and types of products sold, we want to make sure all the vendors are provided with as much knowledge as possible about relevant regulations and are empowered to employ best practices to prioritize the safety of their consumers.”
Acuff’s research focuses on reducing pathogens from foods at the post-harvest level through prevention and intervention. She received a $200,000 grant earlier this year from USDA-NIFA to investigate moisture levels that lead to bacterial survival in low-moisture foods.
“We will be collaborating with colleagues from around the nation to address local and regional knowledge gaps by employing creative learning tools, such as educational gaming,” Acuff said.
That nationwide team of researchers includes Barbara Chamberlin, Matheus Cezarotto and Pamela Martinez from New Mexico State University, and Sujata Sirsat from the University of Houston. New Mexico State University will develop the game through its Learning Games Lab, which has developed many educational games.
Gibson has received many grants that feed into her work on food safety knowledge. Many of her projects aim to characterize food safety risks for small producers. Earlier this year, she characterized the pathogen vulnerability of two popular microgreen varieties and their growing media.
She was also recently awarded a $27,739 grant from the Center for Produce Safety to evaluate current food safety knowledge for indoor leafy green production, with the goal of presenting evidence-based best practices and identifying knowledge gaps on microbial risks.
Gibson is excited to use a game approach to relay food safety information. She hopes to see an increase in confidence, knowledge and the implementation of best practices outside the game.
“To do the practice, you have to have the knowledge first,” Gibson said.
To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.
Arkansas breweries partner in Arkansas Ag Experiment Station hops study
By John Lovett
U of A System Division of Agriculture
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Horticulture researchers with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station have partnered with three breweries across the state in a quality research study of hops grown in Arkansas with a public release set Nov. 5 in Siloam Springs.
HOPS PARTNERS — Post-harvest research on hops grown at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station will be conducted with three breweries in Arkansas as part of an Arkansas Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant to study the feasibility of an Arkansas hops industry. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Fred Miller)
Following a three-year study to find varieties of hops that grow well in Arkansas, the experiment station will collaborate with Ivory Bill Brewing Company in Siloam Springs, Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Company in Paris, and Stone’s Throw Brewing in Little Rock on the research. The experiment station is the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Ivory Bill will hold a public event beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at the brewery, 516 E. Main St. in Siloam Springs, to release a pale ale made with Crystal hops grown at the experiment station’s Fruit Research Station in Clarksville.
“We know it’s possible to grow hops in the state, but we want to know more about what brewers think about the quality and feasibility of using whole-cone, dried Arkansas-grown hops,” Amanda McWhirt, associate professor and extension horticulture specialist, said.
An initial three-year research project on growing hops was completed in 2021 at the Fruit Research Station in Clarksville. The study showed that Cascade and Zeus hops varieties had the best yields, plant health and vigor. Crystal and Cashmere showed moderate potential for being grown in Arkansas. Canadian Red Vine hops grown at the Fruit Research Station will also be evaluated by brewery partners. The horticulture team is continuing its research into growing hops, with new trials started in 2022 aimed at increasing yield through new methods of plant training.
Most of the nation’s hops for the craft beer industry are grown in northern states where the day length is longer, which results in the highest yields. The Arkansas study showed that some hops varieties could produce a viable specialty crop in Arkansas to appeal to the state’s growing microbrewery industry, McWhirt said. Renee Threlfall, horticulture post-harvest and processing research scientist with the department of food science, said she expects initial interest in hops production will mostly be small-scale growers to supply the local microbrewing industry.
The post-harvest research with the brewery partners includes evaluating the use of whole-cone hops in the brewing cycle, from bittering in the boil to “dry hopping” for additional hops aromas during late-stage fermentation. While some breweries use whole-cone hops for specialty beers, most breweries use hops that have been dried and pelletized by processors for day-to-day brewing, McWhirt said. An Arkansas-based hops industry would initially rely primarily on whole-cone hops because of the state’s lack of access to hops processors, she added.
The hops study is funded by a Specialty Crop Block Grant from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture through 2024.
“We’re so excited to be hosting Amanda McWhirt and to be part of the conversation about the future of farming in Arkansas,” Casey Letellier, owner/brewer at Ivory Bill Brewing Company, said. “We value the opportunity to connect people with the idea that drinking beer is an agricultural act.”
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. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
