Heartland Forward

Many of the state’s fastest-growing industries depend on a sustainable number of engineers and professionals in the STEM field. The challenge is that Arkansas doesn’t have enough engineers.

On today's show, more engineers in Arkansas may contribute to a more robust economy. Plus, reporter Daniel Caruth speaks with an economic policy expert about an increase in child labor violations in Arkansas. We also get ready for a polar plunge, holiday markets and more.

Yesterday, Oct. 2, Heartland Forward – a policy think-and-do tank dedicated to serving communities in the middle of the country – announced an initiative to expand telehealth access in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Ozarks at Large’s Jack Travis attended their press conference at the Fayetteville Public Library and brought us this report.

In this week's edition of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal report, Roby Brock talks with Heartland Forward executive vice president, Angie Cooper, about the policy think-and-do tank's increased commitment to its student-centered program "rootEd Arkansas."

We give plenty of attention to cities and regions identified as metropolitan, but micropolitan areas—labor market and statistical areas with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 people—are also worth our scrutiny. Bentonville-based Heartland Forward took note of micropolitan areas and published the report “Most Dynamic Micropolitans." Dave Shideler, chief research officer at Heartland Forward, spoke with Ozarks at Large's Kyle Kellams about their findings.

On today's show, Arkansas is the most food-insecure state in the nation. Groups are working on solutions to combat those statistics. Also, the challenges and futures of micropolitan areas. Plus, a quick history of Arkansas political ads.

Pete speaks to Heartland Forward Program Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Katie Milligan about upcoming programs and application opportunities.

Heartland Forward is accepting applications from for residents to get training, resources and up to $5,000. Plus, this Sunday is the Washington Elementary Tour of Homes fundraiser and the beginning of the "Niloak & Beyond" exhibition at Historic Cane Hill.

A new study from Bentonville-based Heartland Forward, Keepers of a Healthy Heartland: Strategies for Building a Robust Health Workforce, examines the reasons for and impact due to unfilled health care jobs in middle of the country, including places like northwest Arkansas. Ross DeVol, president and CEO of Heartland Forward, discusses the findings and solutions.

A new study from Bentonville-based Heartland Forward, Keepers of a Healthy Heartland: Strategies for Building a Robust Health Workforce, examines the reasons for and impact due to unfilled health care jobs in middle of the country, including places like northwest Arkansas. Ross DeVol, president and CEO of Heartland Forward, discusses the findings and solutions.