Arkansas Business

Remington Plans $32 Million Expansion In Lonoke

Associated Press — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:19:10 +0000

Remington Arms Company LLC says it will spend $32 million to expand the company's ammunition plant in Lonoke.

Remington says the expansion will include the construction of a new building. Work is expected to begin later this year and finish up by next spring.

Remington's Lonoke plant manager Jim Grahlmann says the expansion will help Remington meet a growing global demand for ammunition.

The Remington plant in Lonoke designs and makes ammunition products. It opened in 1969.

Inside Union Pacific's North Little Rock Rail Yard

Michael Hibblen — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:14:55 +0000

Railroads have long been a key industry for Arkansas, with North Little Rock today being the home of one of the largest rail yards for Union Pacific.

The sprawling grounds are busy 24 hours a day with arriving and departing freight trains.

It’s a complicated process, sorting rail cars that arrive from all over the country, changing crews and servicing the equipment.

Directing the action from the top of a tower in the center of the yard is General Yard Master Robby Robelot. He says the biggest challenge is coordination and timing.

Hope Rising In Helena-West Helena, Arkansas: Part Three

Malcolm Glover — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:18:12 +0000

Communities throughout the Arkansas Delta often battle against a rising tide of economic woes. As factories close and labor-intensive jobs leave small towns, populations dwindle in many rural cities.

For decades, outside investments from banks and charitable organizations helped stimulate marginal growth, but most of the heavy lifting necessary to revitalize communities must be done by the people who live there.

Walmart Launches "Arkansas' Own" To Promote Products Made In The State

Kezia Nanda and Associated Press — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:38:46 +0000

The world's largest retailer, Walmart, is emphasizing products that are created, processed and produced in Arkansas.

Local companies and lawmakers joined in the launching Monday to highlight thousands of Arkansas-made items on the store's shelves.

The program called "Arkansas’ Own" will help customers easily find and buy things from the state.

Hope Rising In Helena-West Helena, Arkansas: Part Two

Malcolm Glover — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:04:49 +0000

Helena-West Helena is part of Phillips County in the Arkansas Delta. According to U.S. Census data, the county’s population decreased over 17 percent in the last ten years, which means by some estimates the population is less than half of what it was in the 1950s. However, new community-led efforts in Helena-West Helena seek to make the area’s history and culture a catalyst for investment and growth.

Next Step Is Signatures For Arkansas Steel Plant

Associated Press — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:35:45 +0000

The $1.1 billion Big River Steel mill that's planned for Osceola could be under construction later this year, but a number of things have to happen before dirt can be turned for the superproject.

The plant is awaiting rulings from two state regulators and it still must get signatures from financial backers and state officials before work can start.

Health Insurance Expert: Employers Will Opt For Insurance, Not Penalties

Roby Brock — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:44:34 +0000

Greg Hatcher, CEO of The Hatcher Agency, says health insurance reform measures are about to kick in a higher gear for state businesses, but none of his accounts are weighing absorbing penalties over providing coverage.

Hope Rising In Helena-West Helena, Arkansas: Part One

Malcolm Glover — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:01:16 +0000

The City of Helena-West Helena in Phillips County, Arkansas is no stranger to the hardships that have plagued many communities across the country during the economic downturn.

High unemployment, a struggling education system, political upheaval, a crumbling infrastructure, and even unresolved racial inequalities were once the hallmarks of this unified city in the impoverished Arkansas Delta. However, new research findings show some positive demographic trends and community development projects have some residents saying Helen-West Helena is finally making a comeback.

Arkansas Tax Cut Package Includes Special Breaks For Some

Associated Press — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:12:43 +0000

All taxpayers in Arkansas will see their rates reduced through a $140 million package adopted during this year's session, but the new laws also include special breaks for varied interests.

Peabody Hotel In Little Rock To Become Marriott Next Week

Associated Press — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:56:36 +0000

Officials say the Peabody Hotel in downtown Little Rock will switch over to the Marriott brand next week.

Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Gretchen Hall says the changeover will happen Wednesday.

Hall says the Peabody's signature ducks will take their last march in Little Rock within the next week.