Economic Development

Arkansas Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald discusses the state's climb in ALEC's economic outlook index — and whether a top-10 ranking can coexist with some of the lowest median incomes in the country.

Denise Thomas, CEO of World Trade Center Arkansas, discusses how the center helps Arkansas businesses export globally and what she hopes to gain at the WTCA Global Business Forum.

The UA Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is running three accelerators this spring: GORP, the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator and the new Ozark Retail Accelerator.

Keith Scott, the new British consul general in Houston, toured Bentonville to strengthen economic and cultural partnerships, meet local companies, and promote the UK’s Road to America’s 250 campaign.

On today's show, we discuss how local organizations in Arkansas are implementing unique solutions to support the state's vital farming economy. We also highlight TheatreSquared's upcoming performance of a Christmas staple, provide the latest updates on the Folk School building in downtown Fayetteville and more.

Packaging Specialties will invest $24 million to expand its Fayetteville campus, add about 100 jobs and connect two existing facilities with support from city and state economic leaders.

On today's show, we learn that roughly 70% of teachers in Arkansas are using artificial intelligence to prepare their work. We also hear a conversation with this year’s Scholars at Risk speaker at the University of Arkansas about defending international human rights. Plus, local music news for your area.

Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald and Southern Arkansas University’s Cheryl Edwards discuss the state’s growing lithium industry and workforce development ahead of the 2024 Arkansas Lithium Summit.

Two Northwest Arkansas nonprofits, Bring It Home Inc. and Excellerate Foundation, are developing new models to make housing more attainable — from community land trusts in Springdale to teacher housing at McAuley Place in Bentonville.

Startup Junkie’s annual Startup Crawl filled the Fayetteville square with entrepreneurs, food, music and local craft breweries, showcasing small businesses and community connections.