Walton: NWA poised to be ‘hub’ for advanced air mobility technologies

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

Among many examples, one thing Northwest Arkansas is good at is scaling things up. Walmart Inc., Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt Transport Services are just three of the business illustrations of that claim.

Steuart Walton sees an opportunity in the region for similar successes in a burgeoning space Morgan Stanley predicts will become a $1.4 trillion market by 2040. Advanced air mobility (AAM) is a new concept of air transportation that moves cargo and people between places using innovative aircraft.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/05/walton-nwa-poised-to-be-hub-for-advanced-air-mobility-technologies/

Tom Ward, from left, Steuart Walton and Cyrus Sigari spoke Thursday at Thaden Fieldhouse in Bentonville, The discussion was part of the Heartland Summit.

New effort to lure tech workers to Northwest Arkansas includes $10K in bitcoin, new bicycle

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

To encourage entrepreneurs and other technology professionals to relocate to Northwest Arkansas, the Northwest Arkansas Council announced Wednesday (Jan. 12) that it would offer $10,000 in bitcoin as an incentive.

In doing so, Northwest Arkansas will become the first region in the country to offer cryptocurrency to potential transplants, as the region’s growing tech sector — specifically within blockchain-enabled technologies — is looking for talent.

“Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and we’re now seeing more explosive growth in our tech sector,” Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council, said in a statement. “This expanded incentive offer — Bitcoin and a Bike — not only embraces the growing trend toward the use of cryptocurrency as a payment option by employers but also helps increase our pipeline of talent to benefit tech employers, startups, cities, local businesses and the region overall.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/01/new-effort-to-lure-tech-workers-to-northwest-arkansas-includes-10k-in-bitcoin-new-bicycle/

UAMS Approved for $85M NWA Building; Site to be Determined

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

In March, the University of Arkansas System board of trustees approved an $85 million project in Northwest Arkansas proposed by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

A 185,000-square-foot orthopedic and sports medicine facility will be built at a location to be determined. Marlon Blackwell Architects and DSC Architects will lead the building’s design. Nabholz Construction will be the general contractor. UAMS’ goal is to open the facility by 2023.

Chancellor Cam Patterson said UAMS plans to issue bonds to cover the cost, a change in course from a funding partnership proposed this past fall. In October, the board authorized UAMS to negotiate the terms of a letter of intent to pursue a new building lease agreement with commercial real estate development firm Cushman & Wakefield/Sage Partners in Rogers.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/uams-approved-for-85m-nwa-building-site-to-be-determined/

UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson. (Photo by Evan Lewis/UAMS).

Crystal Bridges Plans Expansion; Will Double in Size by 2024

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art announced on Wednesday (April 7) plans to double its size.

According to a news release, the Bentonville museum will expand from 100,000 to 200,000 square feet. According to the release, the expansion will showcase the museum’s growing collection and welcome more visitors.

Envisioned to support Crystal Bridges’ commitment to free access to art for all, the new space will increase capacity for presenting art and exhibitions, educational and outreach initiatives, cultural programming, and community events.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/04/crystal-bridges-plans-expansion-will-double-in-size-by-2024/

Moshe Safdie, founder of Safdie Architects, and Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art founder and board chairperson, inside the museum’s Great Hall in Bentonville.

UAMS Seeks Approval for $85 million Ortho/Sports Medicine Building in Northwest Arkansas

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) will seek approval Wednesday (March 17) to build an $85 million orthopedic and sports medicine facility in Northwest Arkansas.

Consideration of the project is part of the two-day agenda of the University of Arkansas System board of trustees meeting that begins Wednesday.

According to agenda materials, UAMS Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson will recommend Marlon Blackwell Architects with DSC Architects to lead the 185,000-square-foot building’s design. Nabholz Construction will be recommended as the general contractor.

The building will include up to 12 operating rooms and a limited number of patient beds. The building’s specialty clinics will consist of sports performance, physical therapy, orthopedic, imaging, research and education.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/03/uams-seeks-approval-for-85-million-ortho-sports-medicine-building-in-northwest-arkansas/