Arkansas Business articles from August 2004

Arkansas Business archives from August 2004

Revenue surpasses $1.5 billion mark for top contractors.(List Overview)
August 2, 2004... BUSINESS WAS GOOD FOR Arkansas commercial contractors during 2003, as overall revenue among top firms increased 16.4 percent. The combined 2003 revenue of the 24 construction firms in this year's list registered $1.5 billion, compared to...

Philander president moves on: Reed leaves behind improved campus, uncertain financial picture.(Construction)(Trudie Kibbe Reed)
August 2, 2004... WHEN TRUDIE KIBBE Reed arrived as president of Philander Smith College six years ago, termites ran the school's library. The library for the small historically black college, just off of Interstate 630 in downtown Little Rock, was in such...

Arkansas State frames Jonesboro's building craze.(Construction)(Arkansas State University)
August 2, 2004... ARKANSAS STATE UNIVersity this year is in the midst of finishing or initiating plans for several construction projects with a total value of more than $100 million. Using tobacco settlement dollars, donations, student fees, bonds, and...

On the move.(Whispers)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... A mini-migration of real estate title insurance execs is afoot in Little Rock. Travis Bailey, executive vice president of Beach Enterprises, recently resigned in a surprise move. Bailey, a long-time manager at Beach Abstract & Guaranty...

Job cut.(Whispers)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Over at Stewart Title of Arkansas in Little Rock, Mike Harris is gone as president. His position was eliminated as part of a corporate consolidation of Stewart's Arkansas operations. Harris was out of town and couldn't be reached for...

We report, you decide.(Whispers)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Harding University at Searcy broke ground last week on a $5 million building for its College of Education. The building is to be named for 94-year-old Wilma Stephens Thornton, described in the official press release as a "long-time...

Second chance.(Whispers)(Crews & Associates)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... As the Wall Street Journal noted last week, Alan Barksdale of Little Rock was recently fined $5,000 and suspended from brokering stock for 31 days by the National Association of Securities Dealers. His suspension ended June 16, and he has...

Wholly without merit.(Whispers)(Whole Hog Cafe )(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Steve Blasingame, one of the owners of Whole Hog Cafe in Little Rock, absolutely, positively denies that the award-winning barbecue joint has been sold to Texas investors, as was whispered last week. We're now thinking that the deal we...

Nu telling.(Whispers)(Nu Cuisine Lounge)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... The restaurant that Rebekah Hardin and Paul Novicky are opening this fall on the ground floor of the Stone Ward building at 225 E. Markham St. will be called Nu Cuisine Lounge. There's supposed to be a line over the u in Nu, but our...

Rice king.(Richard E. "Dick" Bell)(Editorial)
August 2, 2004... AFTER MORE THAN A QUARter of a century, Riceland Foods Inc. begins a new era with a new boss this week. Richard E. "Dick" Bell, who led the Stuttgart-based grain cooperative into an international power, retired at the end of July. ...

What's a Southerner?(Brief Article)(Editorial)
August 2, 2004... SURE, IT'S THE POLITICAL, season and before it's over we'll be able to write a book filled with stupid statements made by politicians. Our very own Gov. Mike Huckabee, no stranger to foot-in-mouth disease, amused us last week by saying...

Conference catch.(Publisher's Note)
August 2, 2004... I'M PLEASED TO SHARE FIRSThand evidence that Little Rock is coming of age in its quest to be a much bigger player in the convention and tourism business. Here's the story: For 11 years during my time with Arkansas Business as publisher...

Financial facility.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: FINANCIAL FACILITY: The 21,000-SF Pulaski Mortgage Building in west Little Rock should be completed at year's end. The $2.1 million structure is at 12719 Cantrell Road. Dave Grundfest Co. of Little Rock is...

National home buy.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... The sale of OneSource Home and Building Centers in Little Rock and North Little Rock combined for a $4.8 million transaction. Newman Family LLC, led by Dwain and Cicada Newman, bought the assets from Eugene and Linda Pfeifer. The deal...

Special acquisition.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Baptist Health )(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... A two-acre medical office project in Sherwood changed hands in a $1.3 million deal. Arkansas Specialty Ancillary LLC, led by Dr Thomas Frazier and Dr. Lowry Barnes, purchased its Arkansas Specialty Care Center North location at 1525...

Retail transaction.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(V&J Properties LLC)(Marshall Place Partnership)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... A Jacksonville office/retail project tipped the scales at $450,000. V&J Properties LLC, led by Victoria and Joseph Farrer, acquired the 1910 Marshall Road development. The seller is Marshall Place Partnership, led by Lloyd and Marsha...

E-Z purchase.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... A convenience store property in downtown Little Rock sold for $215,000. Saed Qatoum bought the 1624 S. Broadway location from E-Z Mart Stores Inc., led by Sonja Hubbard. The deal is backed with a three-year loan of $172,000 from Bank...

Estates sale.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... A 6,600-SF home in west Little Rock's Valley Falls Estates neighborhood drew a $2.8 million sale. Kevin and Sharon lamb purchased the house from Rick Ferguson Inc., developer of the subdivision. The deal is backed with a three-year...

Chenal sale I.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... A 5,187-SF home in west Little Rock's Chenal Valley neighborhood is under new ownership after a $793,000. Stephen and Lila Niswanger acquired the house from The Chateau Custom Homes Revocable Trust, led by Carla Spainhour. The deal is...

Kingwood abode.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... A 3,590-SF home in Little Rock's Kingwood neighborhood rang up a $755,000 deal. Nancy Weaver bought the house from Alex Montez Jr. and his wife, Kimberly. The deal is backed with a 30-year loan of $604,000 from First Financial Bank of...

Chenal sale II.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... A 4,859-SF home in west Little Rock's Chenal Valley neighborhood changed hands in a $545,152 deal. Randall and Kimberly Spelling purchased the house from Glenn and Barbara Holloway. The deal is financed with a 30-year loan of $300,000 from...

Chenal sale III.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... A 3,657-SF home in west Little Rock's Chenal Valley neighborhood sold for $530,000. James and Sally Greene acquired the house from Richard Carroll. The deal is backed with a 30-year loan of $300,000 from Pulaski Mortgage Co. The...

Carino's mortgage.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Carino's Italian Kitchen Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... A North Little Rock eatery is backed with a $1.4 million financial package. Carino's Italian Kitchen Inc. of Spicewood, Texas, secured the funding from First American Bank of Bryan, Texas. The one-acre Carino's project at 4221 Warden...

Tyson Foods CFO Hankins retires.(Agricultural Business)(Steve Hankins)(chief financial officer)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Tyson Foods Inc., the nation's largest meat company, announced last week the retirement of chief financial officer Steve Hankins, 45. Hankins has worked as CFO since 1998. He has been with the diversified protein provider since 1983. ...

CAEDA hears suggestions for economic development.(Economic)(Central Arkansas Economic Development Alliance)
August 2, 2004... Improved education, cutting-edge technology and a desirable quality of living are key elements central Arkansas needs for economic development. These came as no surprise for members of the Central Arkansas Economic Development Alliance,...

Deltic's second quarter income up 13 percent.(Public Company Reports)(Deltic Timber Corp)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Deltic Timber Corp. said second-quarter net income totaled $2.7 million, or 23 cents a share, a 13 percent increase over the $2.4 million, or 20 cents a share posted a year ago. For the six-month period, income was $4 million, or 33 cents a...

First Federal Bancshares sees 2Q earnings rise.(Public Company Reports)(First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas Inc)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... First Federal Bancsharas of Arkansas Inc. reported second-quarter income of $1.9 million, or 36 cents a share, up from the $1.8 million, or 35 cents a share, it reported during the same quarter last year. For the six-month period, income...

Murphy profits soar to $3.75 a share.(Public Company Reports)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Murphy 0il Corp., getting a bump from rising oil and gas prices and the sale of some Canadian properties, saw second-quarter profits rise to $349.9 million, or $3.75 a share. The results were a noticeable increase from the same quarter last...

Tyson earnings up; disappointing 4Q seen.(Public Company Reports)(Tyson Foods Inc)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Tyson Foods Inc. reported third-quarter earnings of $161 million, up 50 percent from the $79 million it reported during the same quarter last year. Operating income grew 37 percent to $323 million. The third quarter, which ended June 26,...

AERT says 2Q sales up 60%.(Public Company Reports)(Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies Inc)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies Inc., which makes wood composite decking materials, said net sales for the second quarter were $16.1 million, an increase of about 60 percent over the same quarter last year. AERT also reported...

Alltel's wireless business grows in second quarter.(Public Company Reports)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Alltel Corp. reported a second-quarter profit of $262.5 million, or 85 cents a share, down from $548.1 million, or $1.76 a share, during the same quarter last year. Last year's second quarter was when Alltel completed the sale of its...

P.A.M.'s 2Q earnings down 10 percent.(Public Company Reports)(P.A.M. Transportation Services Inc)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... P.A.M. Transportation Services Inc. reported second-quarter net income of $3.6 million, or 32 cents a share, down 10 percent from $4 million, or 36 cents a share, for the same period in 2003. Income for the six-month period was $5.7 million,...

Timber topping.(Inside Business)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: TIMBER TOPPING: Ray C. Dillon, president and CEO of Deltic Timber Corp., applauds as the two-story glass Deltic Timber Atrium was dedicated last week at the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce building....

Finance Department extends amnesty.(Government)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... The state Department of Finance and Administration said Arkansas taxpayers have until Sept. 30 to pay taxes not previously reported that were due and payable before Jan. 1 without penalty, interest or criminal prosecution. Applications for...

Community First splits stock 3-for-1.(Banking & Finance)(Community First Bankshares Inc)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Community First Bancshares Inc., the holding company of Community First Bank of Harrison, recently announced a 3-for-1 stock split. Shareholders will receive two additional shares for each share held of record on July 6. W. King Gladden,...

Six Buffalo Wild Wings coming to Arkansas.(NW journal: a look at news from Northwest Arkansas)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... B&K Wings LLC of Minneapolis plans to build the first of six Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in Bentonville. The 6,400-SF building will be constructed at 2707 Moberly Lane. Construction will begin in August and should be completed in about...

USI to build $1.4m office.(NW journal: a look at news from Northwest Arkansas)(USI-Arkansas Inc)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... USI-Arkansas Inc. of Springdale recently announced plans to build a $1.4 million, 10,000-SF office complex east of Interstate 540 and 48th Street in Springdale. The engineering firm will occupy 6,250 SF and lease the remainder of the...

Lewis looks to Brooks for Bank of Fayetteville future. (NW journal: a look at news from Northwest Arkansas)).(John Lewis)(Mary Beth Brooks)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... In a July 22 letter to shareholders, John Lewis announced that he has stepped down as president of The Bank of Fayetteville. In the same letter, he said the new president will be Mary Beth Brooks, former executive vice president of Arvest...

The Arkansas Marriage Amendment Committee, which is seeking a constitutional amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples, has collected enough signatures to place the measure on the Nov. 2 ballot.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... The Arkansas Marriage Amendment Committee, which is seeking a constitutional amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples, has collected enough signatures to place the measure on the Nov. 2 ballot. The secretary of state's office has...

The Arkansas Recycling Coalition's 14th annual Conference & Trade Show will be held Aug. 16-18 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.(Business Briefs)
August 2, 2004... The Arkansas Recycling Coalition's 14th annual Conference & Trade Show will be held Aug. 16-18 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Registration fees range from $35 for the concrete and tire recycling workshop to $195 for a full conference...

Fortune magazine has ranked Wal-Mart Stores Inc. CEO Lee Scott No. 1 on its list of the country's 25 "most powerful" businesspeople.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Fortune magazine has ranked Wal-Mart Stores Inc. CEO Lee Scott No. 1 on its list of the country's 25 "most powerful" businesspeople. Scott, who succeeded David Glass as CEO in 2000, outranked Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffer (No. 2) and...

The Economics Department at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville was ranked 50th.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... The Economics Department at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville was ranked 50th in the Journal of the European Economic Association's list of the top 200 economics departments worldwide.

Former Sen. Dale Bumpers will give the keynote for "Impacting Environmental Policy: Effective Lobbying and Ethics Compliance," to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 2, at Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas at Little Rock.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Former Sen. Dale Bumpers will give the keynote for "Impacting Environmental Policy: Effective Lobbying and Ethics Compliance," to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 2, at Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas at Little Rock. The Arkansas...

The Cardiology Associates of Northeast Arkansas Foundation will host The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection and education seminar on Aug. 14 at the Fowler Center at Jonesboro.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... The Cardiology Associates of Northeast Arkansas Foundation will host The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection and education seminar on Aug. 14 at the Fowler Center at Jonesboro. Actress Daryl Hannah will speak at the benefit to raise awareness of...

The Empress of Little Rock, a bed and breakfast at 2120 Louisiana St., has been voted one of the top five B&Bs in the nation.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... The Empress of Little Rock, a bed and breakfast at 2120 Louisiana St., has been voted one of the top five B&Bs in the nation, according to BedandBreakfast.com, an online directory listing 27,000 B&Bs worldwide. More than 16,000 voted in the...

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Institute for Economic Advancement has released its "Arkansas State and County Economic Data".(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Institute for Economic Advancement has released its "Arkansas State and County Economic Data," which contains data for Arkansas and the 75 counties in the following areas: population, covered...

The Mississippi River town of Helena stand in for the Ohio River city of Wheeling, W. Va., in a movie being made about the life of Kingsland native Johnny Cash.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... The Mississippi River town of Helena stand in for the Ohio River city of Wheeling, W. Va., in a movie being made about the life of Kingsland native Johnny Cash. Film crews for 20th Century Fox were in Helena last week to shoot scenes for "Walk...

Former President Bill Clinton is sending out 125,000 invitations to the Nov. 18 opening of his library and museum in Little Rock.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Former President Bill Clinton is sending out 125,000 invitations to the Nov. 18 opening of his library and museum in Little Rock. Skip Rutherford, head of Clinton Library Foundation, said the invitations should go out early this month.

Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., the Democratic vice president nominee, plans to make stops in Pulaski County and West Memphis on Tuesday and Wednesday.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., the Democratic vice president nominee, plans to make stops in Pulaski County and West Memphis on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to state Democratic Party chairman Ron Oliver. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., the...

Orange barrels here to stay.(Construction)
August 2, 2004... A STAGGERING $16 BILLION was the figure the Arkansas Highway & Transportation Department came up with last year in a study to estimate the cost of its 10-year wish list. But you know how wish lists are. According to Glenn Bolick, a...

Bass pro's gone fishing for public cash.(Construction)(Bass Pro Shops Inc)
August 2, 2004... BASS PRO SHOPS IS ENTERING uncharted waters. The Springfield-based outdoor retailer's accelerated growth plan is casting the Bass Pro brand into four new markets this year with plans to land 10 more in each of the next two years. The...

Lewis May directs company changes.(Construction)(Company Profile)
August 2, 2004... AFTER BUYING OUT HIS brother and partner in 1998, Lewis May has been taking May Construction Co. in a new direction that has brought about consistent growth. Going from $52 million in 2002 to $98 million in 2003, the company nearly doubled...

Arkansas business list: largest commercial contractors.(Construction)(Illustration)
August 2, 2004... ARKANSAS BUSINESS LIST: LARGEST COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS Ranked by 2003 revenue General Contractor 2003 2002 Address Revenue Revenue President/CEO Phone, Fax 1 Vratsinas Construction...

Allen Kerr Insurance and Coffee Beanery.(New businesses: a listing of business start-ups in Arkansas)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
August 2, 2004... Owner: Allen Kerr and Marliese Kerr Address: 1429 Merrill Drive, Little Rock 72211 Phone: (501) 225-3170 and (501) 225-5467 Hours: Insurance agency: 8:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; coffee-shop, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday;...

Authentic Inspection Service LLC.(New businesses: a listing of business start-ups in Arkansas)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
August 2, 2004... Owner: Wayne Pace Phone: (501) 664-7233 Hours: by appointment Startup: June 2004 Web site: www.authentic-inspection.com Wayne Pace has combined the best of two worlds in his new business. As owner of Authentic Inspection...

Sportman's Choice.(New businesses: a listing of business start-ups in Arkansas)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
August 2, 2004... Owners: Billy Pennington and Eric Baker Address: 414 South Pulaski St., Suite 1, Little Rock 72201 Phone: (501) 374-7900 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday Startup: February 2004 Web site: www.psproducts.com Billy...

Calendar.(Calendar)
August 2, 2004... AUGUST * 3--Intermediate QuickBooks Sponsors: Arkansas Small Business Development Center and Angela Donahue, CPA Time: 1:30-5 p.m. Location: University of Arkansas at Little Rock Reynolds Business Center, 2801 South...

Stuck Associates Architects.(Architecture)(Michelle M. Wilcox appointed)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Michelle M. Wilcox has joined Stuck Associates Architects in Jonesboro as an accountant. Wilcox is a graduate of Arkansas State University at Jonesboro.

Bank of the Ozarks.(Financial Services)(Tino Jones appointed)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Tino Jones has joined Bank of the Ozarks in Cabot as senior vice president/commercial lending. Jones will be responsible for commercial lending within the Cabot community. Doug Parker has joined Bank of the Ozarks as executive vice president...

Regions Bank.(Financial Services)(Jeff Small appointed)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Jeff Small has joined Regions Bank in Russellville as vice president and commercial loan officer. Small previously worked for First National Bank of Russellville, now Regions, as a vice president and commercial lender.

Washington Group International.(Government)(Stephen C. DePew appointed)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Stephen C. DePew has been named project general manager for Washington Group International at the U.S. Army's Pine Bluff Chemical Agent Disposal Facility. Prior to joining PBCDF, DePew had been project general manager at the Army's Johnston...

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.(Insurance)(Samuel C. Vorderstrasse appointed)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Samuel C. Vorderstrasse has been named director of actuarial services for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Little Rock. Vorderstrasse most recently Vorderstrasse served as manager of actuarial services for the company.

Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods.(Media/Marketing)(David Martin appointed)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... David Martin recently rejoined Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods in Little Rock. Martin will serve as senior vice president and director of CJRW executive strategies.

Heathcott Associates.(Media/Marketing)(Becky Heflin Martin appointed)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Becky Heflin Martin joined Heathcott Associates advertising agency in Little Rock as an account executive. Heflin was previously marketing manger with Mountain Valley Spring Co.

Mangan Holcomb Rainwater Culpepper.(Media/Marketing)(Mary Burnett, Nikki Sammons appointed)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Mary Burnett and Nikki Sammons have joined Mangan Holcomb Rainwater Culpeper in Little Rock. Burnett will serve as an associate account executive, and Sammons will serve as traffic director. Burnett previously worked for another Little Rock...

Arkansas Business Publishing Group.(Media/Marketing)(Abigail Jumper appointed)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Abigail Jumper joined the sales team as an account executive for Soiree at Arkansas Business Publishing Group of Little Rock. Jumper was previously a copy editor for the company. Israel Lopez has joined ABPG as a pre-press technician. Lopez...

Baptist Health Foundation.(Steve Reed appointed)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Steve Reed has been named director of gift planning for Baptist Health Foundation in Little Rock. Previously, Reed owned and operated Reed Consulting.

Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation.(Jennifer Martinez appointed)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Jennifer Martinez has joined the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation in Little Rock as director of annual giving. Martinez was previously director of public affairs for Paschall & Associates in Little Rock. Bill Fortson has joined the...

Arkansas Literacy Councils.(Marie Clinton Bruno appointed)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Marie Clinton Bruno has been named executive director for Arkansas Literacy Councils in Little Rock. Bruno previously served as executive director of ALC from 1993-1998.

Stock summary.(Illustration)
August 2, 2004... STOCK SUMMARY Arkansas Public Company 7/29/04 Weekly YTD 52-Week 52-Week Stocks Close Change Change High Low Acxiom Corp. (ACXM) 21.99 -0.41% 18.54% 25.17 15.00 A.E.R.T....

LR monthly demise.(Outtakes: an inside look into Arkansas Media)
August 2, 2004... Last week's demise of Little Rock Monthly marked the fourth magazine hunched by New At Home Media Group Inc. CEO and Publisher Russ McDonough that's hit the rocks. All that's left is monthly At Home in Arkansas and several supplemental...

Printing graphics winners.(Outtakes: an inside look into Arkansas Media)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Fulton Press Inc. of Little Rock won 43 overall awards in the Printing Industry Association of the South Inc.'s 2004 Graphic Awards competition. Fulton press picked up three awards of merit, 26 awards of excellence and 14 best-of-category...

Citadel winner.(Outtakes: an inside look into Arkansas Media)(Citadel Broadcasting Corp. appoints Lyndae Allison)(Brief Article)
August 2, 2004... Citadel Broadcasting Corp. of Las Vegas--with four of the top-five rated radio stations in the Little Rock market--announced that Lyndae Allison of Little Rock was the companywide account executive of the year. Allison was selected from a...

Welcome to The Alotian Club: Warren Stephens opens the gates for a tour of his golfing estate.
August 9, 2004... WARREN STEPHENS IS having fun playing the dual role of chauffeur and tour guide at his ultra-private development: The Alotian Club. The chairman, president and chief executive officer of Little Rock's Stephens Inc. is wheeling a golf cart...

Non-traditional MBA programs draw questions.(Business Education)
August 9, 2004... WHEN KEN PEARSON decided to get his MBA, he was looking to widen the possibilities of his career path. After more than a decade at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, he had risen to manager of financial reporting and analysis. He...

Rock of the Westies.(Whispers)(West little Rock Tide Company's lawsuits.)(Brief Article)
August 9, 2004... Two Little Rock tide companies are battling each other over their similar names. West little Rock Tide Co. struck first and filed a lawsuit against little Rock Title Co. West Little Rock said it has had its name since 1996. But since...

Close move.(Whispers)(Brief Article)
August 9, 2004... Perhaps you knew that Bank of the Ozarks closed its west Little Rock branch at 11300 Cantrell Road. It might seem a strange move for the ever-expanding Little Rock banking chain, which has made a practice of adding branches. The July...

Doctor's woes.(Whispers)(Brief Article)
August 9, 2004... A Magnolia doctor recently filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, listing more than $1 million in debt but only $949.50 in assets. Dr. Mary A. Haupt, who owned Women's Specialty of Magnolia, owes about $435,000 for student loans and...

Fuel purchase.(Whispers)(Brief Article)
August 9, 2004... A 12.7-acre fuel terminal project in North Little Rock changed hands in a $2.5 million deal. HWRT Terminal-North Little Rock LLC of Alton, Ill., led by William Schrimpf, purchased the project at 2626 Central Airport Road. The sale, by...

Business site.(Whispers)(real estate industry- purchase and investments.)(Brief Article)
August 9, 2004... A one-acre commercial project in west Little Rock sold for nearly $1.3 million. The Bedford Trust, led by Stanley and Tonya Bedford of Springdale, acquired the Max Cleaners location at 11400 Rodney Parham Road. The seller is RP...

Mystery transaction.(Whispers)(HL Land Development- purchase)(Mystery Properties Corp.- investment)(Brief Article)
August 9, 2004... More than 40 acres in west Little Rock tipped the scales at $1.2 million. HL Land Development, led by Michael Lasiter, and Charles Hunnicutt, bought the land on the west end of Shadybrook Drive and the north side of David O. Dodd Road. ...

Driving the lane.(Whispers)(River Rail project)(The Central Arkansas Transit Authority)(Brief Article)
August 9, 2004... With the $19.5 million River Rail project a few months from regular operation, parking on a stretch of President Clinton Avenue may be dicey. You've probably heard some concerns about the trolley scratching up cars as it squeezes along the...

Quality property.(Whispers)(Mergers and Acquisitions.)(Brief Article)
August 9, 2004... Remember the $95 million sale of Little Rock's Quality Foods Inc. to Performance Food Group of Richmond, Va.? Performance Food exercised its option to buy the real estate assets of the wholesale food distributor. Covering 40-plus...

Somebody pay me.(Whispers)(Bank Fraud cases )
August 9, 2004... Thomas J. Richardson of North Little Rock has sued Bank of America Inc. to get back $300,000 he loaned to a Maumelle woman Edelmann was convicted in federal court about a month ago on five felony counts of defrauding Richardson in 2001....