Remy Cofield named UA deputy athletics director, general manager

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Remy Cofield, who recently worked as director of scouting for the Boston Celtics and played basketball for the University of Pennsylvania, is the new University of Arkansas deputy athletics director and general manager of Razorback Athletics.

According to Monday’s (March 24) announcement by the UA, Coalfield’s employment will begin April 1, and he “will oversee the strategic allocation of department and affiliate resources to support Razorback head coaches in the acquisition and retention of championship-caliber athletic talent.”

The news release also said Cofield will “lead player contract negotiations” and help all head coaches implement “each program’s strategic vision.”

Remy Cofield named UA deputy athletics director, general manager

Governor signs ACCESS Act at forum touting lithium, economic development

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Repeating the notion that she wants to be known as the education governor, Gov. Sarah Sanders signed her higher education overhaul bill into law at an economic forum in Little Rock Tuesday (March 18) before nearly 1,000 business leaders.

At a packed house crowd in the Wally Allen Ballroom at Little Rock’s Arkansas Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) luncheon, Sanders shared remarks that touched on education and jobs, before signing her higher education reform measure, the ACCESS Act, into law.

The AEDF is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization established in 1955 that raises funds to support economic development efforts in Arkansas, including research, site visits, and recruitment support. The foundation frequently helps pay for overseas business recruiting trips for the governor and staff of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

Governor signs ACCESS Act at forum touting lithium, economic development

F-35 pilot training center cost rises to $1.2 billion, impact up to $1.4 billion

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Despite global rumblings about NATO allies and other foreign nations being concerned about using the F-35 fighter, retired Air Force Col. Rob Ator said Tuesday (March 18) the F-35 pilot training center in Fort Smith will have a long and important mission that has the attention of the White House.

Ator, who is now the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in Arkansas, was the military affairs liaison for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission when Ebbing Air National Guard Base at the Fort Smith Regional Airport was selected for the new training center.

Ebbing, home to the 188th Wing in Fort Smith and co-located with the Fort Smith Regional Airport, was selected in March 2023 by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term pilot training center supporting F-16 and F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland, and other countries participating in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

F-35 pilot training center cost rises to $1.2 billion, impact up to $1.4 billion

Col. Nicholas “Matrix” Ihde, commander of the 85th Fighter Group, talks to the Fort Smith Regional Airport Commission Tuesday (March 18) about progress on the foreign pilot training center at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base.

League of Women Voters seek to ‘reform’ ballot initiative process

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The League of Women Voters of Arkansas (LWV) has submitted a proposed constitutional amendment it says is designed to counter recent legislative efforts that “weaken and dismantle” the ability of citizens to place amendments on the ballot.

According to a LWV press release issued Tuesday (March 11), the amendment and ballot title presented to Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin “aims to reform the state’s ballot initiative process and address concerns over transparency and accessibility.”

The LWV action follows attempts by the Arkansas Legislature to add more requirements to citizen initiatives. One of those was SB 211, filed by Rep. Kendon Underwood, R-Cave Springs, which requires a signature canvasser to file an affidavit with the Arkansas Secretary or State “certifying that the canvasser has complied with the Arkansas Constitution and all Arkansas law regarding canvassing, perjury, forgery, and fraudulent practices in the procurement of petition signatures during the current election cycle.”

League of Women Voters seek to ‘reform’ ballot initiative process

Legislative panels pass ACCESS bill with student political activity amendment

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

The House and Senate Education Committees passed Gov. Sarah Sanders’ far-reaching Arkansas ACCESS Act on March 10 with an amendment granting excused absences to students engaged in political and public advocacy activities.

In separate voice votes, a majority of House and Senate members approved the two identical bills, Senate Bill 246 by Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, and House Bill 1512 by Rep. Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado.

The full House and Senate will vote on their own chamber’s bills Tuesday, March 11. Then they will vote on the other chamber’s bill on Thursday. With no more committee meetings necessary, the bills could be headed to the governor’s desk by the end of the week.

ACCESS stands for acceleration, common sense, cost, eligibility, scholarships, and standardization.

Legislative panels pass ACCESS bill with student political activity amendment

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman on SOTU, tariffs, federal park layoffs

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, said he heard good things for Arkansas in the president’s address to the nation last week and he’s hopeful that federal layoffs and tariffs can avoid significant harm to the Arkansas economy.

In an interview with Talk Business & Politics, Westerman said the priorities President Donald Trump laid out in his State of the Union speech to Congress will help several industries that are thriving or launching in the Natural State.

“Trump talked about several issues that I think hit home in Arkansas. He talked about more domestic steel production, and Arkansas is now, I believe, leading the country in steel production. That’s not in my district, but it’s in Arkansas, and that makes us all proud. He talked about more domestic lumber production. That’s definitely in my district,” said Westerman.

US Rep. Bruce Westerman on SOTU, tariffs, federal park layoffs

Senate President Hester says prison can be built for $825M, expects Medicaid moves this week

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, expects a bill that centers on power generation to move through the Senate soon. He also predicts success moving forward with funding for an $825 million state prison, and he said plans related to Medicaid costs will likely be revealed this week.

Hester, the president of the Arkansas State Senate, was a guest on this week’s edition of Talk Business & Politics.

Last week, SB307, the Generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025, failed by one vote in the Arkansas State Senate on Wednesday (March 5). The bill received 17 votes for, 11 votes against, four did not vote, and three voted present.

The measure would allow utilities and electric cooperatives to file annual riders with the state Public Service Commission (PSC). Those riders would allow them to increase rates annually before a new plant is fully capitalized, rather than the current system that enacts a larger rate increase near the end of the process. The commission would have to determine if the update is in the public interest.

Senate President Hester says prison can be built for $825M, expects Medicaid moves this week

Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs.

LR Port achieves Entergy Arkansas ‘Select Site’ certification for 875-acre megasite

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

The Little Rock Regional Chamber and Entergy Arkansas announced Friday (March 7) the completion of its Select Site certification for a new 875-acre industrial megasite located on the southeastern portion of the Little Rock Port.

Representatives from both organizations along with U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock; Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.; Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde; and leadership from the Little Rock Port Authority attended a press conference.

Select Site is an initiative designed to provide Entergy Arkansas-served communities with a competitive advantage and shovel-ready sites. This developmental and promotional tool allows communities to certify sites using a set of comprehensive and pre-determined criteria to better satisfy site location searches by consultants and companies.

LR Port achieves Entergy Arkansas ‘Select Site’ certification for 875-acre megasite

AARP survey shows small business support for more retirement options for workers

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Respondents to a statewide poll conducted by AARP showed overwhelming support for legislation to make it easier for businesses to access retirement savings choices for workers. The results of the survey were released Monday (March 3).

The AARP Small Business Survey of 504 small business owners across Arkansas showed 79% support for a privately managed, ready-to-go retirement savings option for small business owners that would enable them to offer workers a way to save for the future. And 88% agreed that state lawmakers should support a bill that makes it easier for small business owners to access a retirement savings option for their employees and themselves.

HB 1335, sponsored by Rep. Les Warren, R-Hot Springs, is currently a shell bill. Warren, who co-chairs the Joint Public Retirement Committee and has years of experience working in the trust division of a bank, said the purpose of the bill is to provide a retirement plan option for employees whose employers don’t offer a 401(k) or similar option.

AARP survey shows small business support for more retirement options for workers

Arkansas’ First Gentleman Bryan Sanders sees opportunities in the state’s outdoor economy

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Bryan Sanders, the state’s first First Gentleman, was given a task by his wife, Gov. Sarah Sanders, early in her administration: grow Arkansas’ outdoor economy.

And that’s what he aims to do.

It’s an unpaid job, but Bryan Sanders is well-suited for the role. He loves to fish and hunt. He’s an avid hiker and mountain biker. And he loves the beauty of the Natural State. Gov. Sanders put Bryan in charge of the Natural State Advisory Council, a group of public and private stakeholders in the tourism industry that is identifying ways for Arkansas to stand out from its neighboring competitors and to provide world-class attractions to outdoors lovers.

“I think the focus of Natural State Initiative all along has been collaboration,” Bryan said in an interview with Northeast Arkansas Talk Business & Politics. “It’s not meant to be top down, heavy-handed government. It’s really how you bring together all the different stakeholders and find ways that we can collaborate and really move the needle in terms of, No. 1, establishing Arkansas even more as a world-class destination for outdoor recreation but also just growing our outdoor economy and tourism industry.”

Arkansas’ First Gentleman Bryan Sanders sees opportunities in the state’s outdoor economy

First Gentleman Bryan Sanders and his son, George.

Tyson Foods tightens its management circle

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Tyson Foods has given two top executives expanded roles, according to a Tuesday (Feb. 25) filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Springdale-based meat giant named Devin Cole as group president of poultry, succeeding Wes Morris who is stepping down. Morris will remain with the company to assist in the transition and plans to retire early next year.

In addition to his new role, Cole will continue to oversee the company’s international and global McDonald’s businesses, which are jobs he has held since early 2024. He will report to CEO Donnie King. Cole has more than 22 years at Tyson Foods, and management positions at Keystone Foods and George’s Inc. of Springdale where he spent seven years as chief operating officer.

Tyson Foods tightens its management circle

Report: Arkansas’ outdoor recreation sector provides $7.3 billion economic impact

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Outdoor recreation contributes $7.3 billion to Arkansas’ GDP and supports 68,431 jobs in the state, according to a new report from Bentonville-based Heartland Forward. The numbers account for indirect and induced impacts of the sector.

On Monday (Feb. 24), Heartland Forward released the first-of-its-kind Arkansas Outdoor Recreation Impact Report at the Arkansas Outdoor Economy Summit, which is being hosted in Bentonville along with the Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

According to a news release, Arkansas’ outdoors contribute significantly to the state’s $9.9 billion tourism industry. Nationwide, outdoor recreation attracts millions of tourists each year, generates $1.2 trillion in economic output, and supports 5 million jobs.

“Arkansas is home to some of the country’s most stunning natural landmarks, making the state a rich place to live and creating a thriving outdoor recreation industry that is key to economic success,” said Ross DeVol, chairman and CEO of Heartland Forward. “To maintain this momentum, we need strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and policy. Heartland Forward remains committed to supporting the growth of this thriving industry and expanding Arkansas’ economic leadership throughout the heartland.”

Report: Arkansas’ outdoor recreation sector provides $7.3 billion economic impact

Alice L. Walton Foundation purchases 100 acres for specialty care facility

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The Alice L. Walton Foundation said Tuesday (Feb. 18) it has purchased 100 acres near downtown Bentonville for a cardiac care specialty facility. The foundation declined to provide financial details of the purchase but said there were multiple sellers.

The site is located 2 miles east of downtown Bentonville off of exit 88 and Central Boulevard in Bentonville near Interstate 49. The foundation planning and design for the health care center is underway, with the intent to open in late 2028.

The announcement is part of the $700 million, 30-year affiliation announced in September between Mercy, Heartland Whole Health Institute, and Alice L. Walton Foundation. The partnership calls for $350 million in funding from the foundation to develop an outpatient center of care for specialty services in Bentonville and $350 million from Mercy to build a new cardiac care center at its hospital in Rogers.

Alice L. Walton Foundation purchases 100 acres for specialty care facility

Electric Cooperatives CEO eyeing new policies at state, federal levels

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Federal energy policy is shifting with a new presidential administration and with the Arkansas legislature in session, state energy legislation is also poised to reshape the landscape.

President Donald Trump campaigned on a muscular energy policy that centered on more oil and gas drilling as well as a loosening of regulatory hurdles on energy and retreat from the climate change policies of the Biden years. State lawmakers have introduced legislation to change how electricity companies can structure their rates to better benefit economic development opportunities.

Buddy Hasten, CEO of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, sat down recently with Talk Business & Politics Editor-in-Chief Roby Brock to discuss the current and future energy landscape. ECA and its 17 member-owners are electric distribution cooperatives serving approximately 1.2 million Arkansans.

Electric Cooperatives CEO eyeing new policies at state, federal levels

Petition measures, maternal health bills pass Senate; sports raffle act fails in committee

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas Senate on Wednesday (Feb. 12) passed five measures to alter the petition signature gathering process, while also advancing the governor’s maternal health package. In the Arkansas House, members pushed forward a companion maternal health bill, but a key committee defeated a high-profile sports raffle bill.

Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton, is the lead sponsor on SB 207, SB 208, SB 209, SB 210 and SB 211 – a package of bills that puts new stipulations on canvassers of citizen petitions. The bills require canvassers to disclose that petition fraud is a misdemeanor; require photo IDs before obtaining a petition signature; require a petition signer to read the ballot title in the presence of a canvasser; and sets conditions for the disqualification of signatures if laws are violated.

Hammer, who has announced he will seek the office of Secretary of State in 2026, told colleagues the canvassing bills aim to provide integrity and guardrails in the process of collecting signatures for ballot initiatives.

Petition measures, maternal health bills pass Senate; sports raffle act fails in committee

Bass Pro Shops to build an ‘Outpost’ store in Fort Smith

Bass Pro Shops is bringing its Outpost retail store to Fort Smith, the Springfield, Mo.-based company announced Monday (Feb. 10). The store will be located off Rogers Avenue and along Interstate 540 where the former Best Buy building is located.

The 70,000-square-foot Fort Smith store will be the third Bass Pro Shops store in Arkansas and is set to open in early 2026. The other two stores are in Rogers and Little Rock.

The company said it will employ more than 100 at the store. The company did not disclose the planned investment in the store or average employee wages.

Bass Pro Shops to build an ‘Outpost’ store in Fort Smith

Nominees named for Arkansas tourism awards

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Thrive Inc. in Helena, and the Eureka Springs City Advertising & Promotion Commission are some of the nominees for Arkansas tourism awards. The winners will be announced Feb. 25.

The Henry Awards announcements will be part of the 51st annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Bentonville set for Feb. 23-25. The conference will also coincide with the second annual Arkansas Outdoor Economy Summit.

The tourism awards honor the individuals, organizations, and attractions making an extraordinary impact on the state’s tourism industry, according to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. The Henry Award is named after Henri de Tonti, a 17th-century explorer believed to be one of the first Arkansas Travelers and who is credited with developing the first trading post in Arkansas.

Nominees named for Arkansas tourism awards

Hoops for Kids’ Sake charity basketball tournament set for March 4

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Members of the Arkansas House of Representatives, Arkansas State Senate, Office of the Governor of Arkansas, and Office of the Arkansas Attorney General will square off for a worthwhile cause at Hoops for Kids’ Sake, the annual charity basketball tournament benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas (BBBSCA) and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas.

The tournament will be held on Tuesday, March 4 at 6pm at the Eddie L. Boone & Oliver Fitzpatrick, Jr. Fieldhouse at Little Rock Central High School. General admission tickets cost $10 and will be available at the door.

The tournament will be played in a 3-on-3 format, with the winners of two key games playing for the championship title. The games include:

• Game 1: Office of the Governor v. Office of the Attorney General – The team from the Office of the Governor won the inaugural game against the team from the Office of the Attorney General in 2024.

• Game 2: Arkansas House v. Arkansas Senate – This is the 10th time this game has been played. Dating back to 2014, the Senate leads the series 6-3 after its sixth consecutive win last year. The game resumed in 2023 after a three-year break following the 2020 onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Game 3: Championship – The winners of Game 1 and Game 2 will play for the championship title. The Governor’s Office won the inaugural overall title in 2024.

Hoops for Kids’ Sake charity basketball tournament set for March 4

Arkansas medical marijuana pounds sold in 2024 up more than 20%

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas’ medical marijuana sales in 2024 were down more than 2% compared to record sales in 2023, but the pounds sold were up more than 20%, according to figures posted Wednesday (Feb. 5) by the Arkansas Department Finance and Administration (DFA).

The state had $275.9 million in medical marijuana sales in 2024, down 2.5% compared with 2023, according to the DFA. The 2024 numbers were up 51.7% compared with 2010, which was the first full year of medical marijuana sales in the state.

Pounds sold by the state’s 37 licensed dispensaries in 2024 reached 75,598, up 21.5% compared with 62,227 pounds in 2023, the DFA reported.

Arkansas medical marijuana pounds sold in 2024 up more than 20%

Farmers to receive $286 million through American Relief Act

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Farmers in Arkansas will receive $286.2 million in assistance from the American Relief Act, with Mississippi County being the top recipient, according to an analysis by the Rural & Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center.

The American Relief Act was the continuing resolution passed in December to keep the federal government open through March 14. It also extended the 2018 Farm Bill through September 2025. In total, it provides $10 billion in economic assistance to crop farmers growing barley, corn, cotton, oats, peanuts, rice, sorghum, soybeans, and wheat.

Six million of the state’s acres were determined to be eligible for economic assistance. About 51% of the state’s soybean acres were eligible, while rice was at 26%. Cotton, (11%) and corn (10%) were the primary ag acres covered. The remaining acreage was in oats, peanuts, grain sorghum, and winter wheat.

Farmers to receive $286 million through American Relief Act