Economic Development

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.

Kris Adams of ARise joins Ozarks at Large's Jack Travis to discuss the accelerator’s inaugural report, highlighting how the program connects founders with expert support across Arkansas.

On today's show, we hear about a statewide tech accelerator that helps entrepreneurs start and sustain their businesses. Also, wildlife officials note that a rise in the state's black bear population means more encounters with Arkansans. Plus, our regular round-up of news from the River Valley with Michael Tilley from Talk Business & Politics.

West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon says Google’s $1 billion data center will bring jobs, tax revenue and education support, while city leaders prepare infrastructure and community agreements.