Local Business News

Up to 40 percent of food grown, processed and transported in the United States is never eaten, yet 1 in 8 Americans – 1 in 5 Arkansans – suffers food insecurity. The average four-person family wastes $1,500 a year on food.

The SBA profile for Arkansas indicates small businesses (fewer than 500 workers) employ about 48.5 percent of the private workforce. Yet, only 25 percent of these businesses are women-owned. Minority business ownership is even lower at 14.7 percent.

Not surprisingly, of the six Arkansas companies that made the Fortune 500, Walmart, with $500 billion in revenue during its last fiscal year, has topped the list for the sixth year in a row. They’ve made the list 14 times since 2002.

Start with yourself, duplicate yourself, check yourself. Create a great company culture by figuring out what is truly important to you and your team.

Leanna Godley founded Goddess Products, Inc. of North Little Rock when opportunity came knocking.

ABC’s Shark Tank veteran, New York Times best-selling author, speaker, consultant and fashion industry leader Daymond John will host eight of his “Success Formula” entrepreneur training events across seven Arkansas cities in early January.

The Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau is making year-round shopping even easier with its new website. At shop.conwayark.com, visitors can become acquainted with Conway’s convenient and close-to-home shopping destinations. Highlighted shopping centers are within 10 minutes of each other and feature locally owned businesses.

The historic Hale Bathhouse will be converted into the first and only boutique hotel in the Hot Springs National Park. The National Parks Service will sign a lease with Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe and his wife Ellen, in association with Zest Enterprise LLC. The bathhouse will convert into a small hotel with nine rooms, each with access to thermal waters, a restaurant and event space.

Sustainability. There are a number of definitions.

One of the pillars of Governor Asa Hutchinson’s campaign in 2014 was job creation in Arkansas. Since his induction in January 2015, over 74,500 Arkansans have been employed with newly created jobs, according to data from May 2017 provided by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services.

Hare Wynn Newell & Newton recently announced that it has settled a lawsuit on behalf of dozens of Mayflower homeowners affected by a 2013 oil spill.

Joel Gordon has been named new executive director of The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub succeeding Warwick Sabin.

The Argenta Downtown Council will host its 10th Annual Luncheon at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub on June 1. The ADC engages residents and visitors by promoting local businesses, supporting the Argenta Arts Foundation and ensuring the Argenta Arts District is a safe, thriving environment. ADC Chairwoman, Holly Fish, will provide an annual update and introduce presenters.

The Downtown Little Rock Partnership launched the Alley Party series as a way to celebrate unusual areas of downtown Little Rock. There are five parties remaining this year and each features local beer, food and music.

Cromwell has renovated a historic building in Fayetteville into a new office.

District Fare has opened in Little Rock, filling the previous Hillcrest Artisan Meats space. Under the same ownership of The Pantry and The Pantry Crest, District Fare promises equally high-quality foods in a casual environment.

On Sunday, May 21, from 12 p.m. until dark, join the Block Street Business Association for the annual Block Street Block Party.

Southern clothing brand Lauren James has grown from a living room operation to a competitive retail leader in just three years. CEO and founder Lauren Stokes attributes such success to a niche aesthetic and family values.

Conway, Ark., based Mannco Fertilizer is changing the game when it comes to organic fertilizer. Through the education of farmer co-ops on the benefits their fertilizer creates, Mannco has become an industry leader in the southeastern U.S.

Smith Ford, a Ford auto dealership in Conway, Ark., is celebrating 100 years of business and opening their new showroom.

If you mention scones to any Searcy, Ark., local, they’ll be sure to mention Wild Sweet Williams. Lisa Ford has been baking scones and other pastries for small Searcy businesses as a freelance baker for years. On Oct. 28, Ford opened the first storefront for her baking business.

The hottest storefront on the market? Facebook. Gerritt Whittaker seized the opportunity when creating Properly Marked, a private Facebook group specializing in selling monogrammed gifts.

If you’re a fan of the finer things in life and consider popcorn one of your favorite snacks, get ready for the opening of Pop Pop Shoppe.

Did you know that Hot Springs, Arkansas, is home to the country’s largest manufacturer and producer of rubber bands? Alliance Rubber Company is dedicated to keeping products and jobs made in America.

The Hot Springs Village Board of Directors announced that Lesley Nalley has been named chief executive officer effective Dec. 1, 2016.

Mike Malone, who has been serving as Northwest Arkansas Council president and CEO since 2006, has resigned and will be leaving the nonprofit in mid-September.

The University of Central Arkansas and Metova, Inc. will launch the Arkansas Coding Academy on UCA’s campus this August.