Export leader sees opportunity for Arkansas agriculture, aircraft

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Jonathan Bricker, a banker with Arvest Bank, began his finance career working as an international business development representative. The economic development side of the business stuck with him and now he handles commercial business with a focus on export opportunities.

As the new chairman of the Arkansas District Export Council, Bricker hopes to bring on new members and help new and long-time partners grow their business overseas. He sees more opportunities everywhere, but two areas need more attention from his group.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/05/export-leader-sees-opportunity-for-arkansas-agriculture-aircraft/

Reaper to Conduct First Flight from Fort Smith as Part of 188th Exercise

by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)

The remotely piloted aircraft used by the 188th Wing is for the first time being launched from the Fort Smith Regional Airport as part of the exercise Establish Fury designed to exhibit the 188th’s access to military airspace, especially the Razorback Range at Fort Chaffee.

The exercises, being held through July 14, will welcome the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft based at Houston’s 147th Attack Wing and other Air National Guard forces, a press release said.

The MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft will launch from the Fort Smith Regional Airport for training flights over Razorback Range at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center near Charleston. The close proximity from launch location to training area provides more time for training rather than transport, which is the norm for other locations, said Capt. Dylan Hollums, 188th public affairs officer.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/06/reaper-to-conduct-first-flight-from-fort-smith-as-part-of-188th-exercise/

The MQ-9 Reaper arrives at the Fort Smith Regional Airport as part of a 188th Wing exercise.