Arkansas Business articles from January 2005

Arkansas Business archives from January 2005

Industries reveal goals for session.(Legislative Preview)
January 10, 2005... THE KEY TASK OF THE 85TH General Assembly will be to find the millions needed every year to bring the state's school facilities and equipment up to par. But with talk of a special session later to deal with that issue, there promises to be...

EnVision ads belt shoppers.
January 10, 2005... JOE MOLINARO HAD A good idea. He just couldn't make it stick. Curious customers kept peeling up the corners of the ads Molinaro had stuck on conveyer belts at the check-out counters of Kroger stores in Little Rock. The static-cling vinyl...

Trustee: bank covered $13m in overdrafts: bankruptcy filing blames Monticello bank for car dealer's problems.
January 10, 2005... IN THE SIX MONTHS BEFORE Rick's Aura Outlet of Monticello was forced into bankruptcy last April, Union Bank & Trust compounded the used-car dealer's financial problems by making good on overdrafts totaling more than $13 million, according to...

Centennial deal.(Whispers)(merger and acquisitions)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... The proposed acquisition of Pine State Bancshares Inc. of Kingsland (Cleveland County) closed last month, something we hadn't heard before we went on our annual whispers holiday. The organizers of Centennial Bancshares Inc. of Little Rock...

Overton update.(Whispers)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Here's the latest on the financial meltdown of Warren Overton, a Little Rock commodities trader: During the course of an October deposition, he invoked the Fifth Amendment several times. Overton's troubles first hit the courts when he was...

Net questions.(Whispers)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Internal documents from Little Rock's One Bank & Trust list Overton's net worth at $1.1 million in June 2001. That figure had grown to $1.4 million in January 2003. A year later, Overton defaulted on a $13,125 interest-only payment split...

Newport charges.(Whispers)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... A Newport City Council member who just began his second term on Jan. 1 was indicted last week by a federal grand jury in connection with dealing drugs. Pinkey McFarlin faces 12 counts of possession of with intent to distribute Xanax, 11...

A new record.(White River Bancshares)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... White River Bancshares, the Fayetteville holding company for Gary Head's new Signature Bank of Arkansas, has raised an astonishing $44.15 million in start-up capital, according to documents filed last week with the Arkansas State Bank...

More global woes.(Whispers)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... December brought another tale of alleged fraud against Mary O'Hanlon-Smith, owner of Global Title Co. Inc. of Sherwood. In the newest case filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court, Arley Rabey Jr. of Sherwood said he spent $87,000 on a...

No solution.(Editorial)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... STATE SEN. KIM HENDREN, R-Gravette, once again will propose legislation that would require motorists to use only hands-free cell phones in their vehicles while driving. While we don't have any real problem with it, we doubt it will make...

Thank God for ... California?(Editorial)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... ALL RIGHT, WE'RE NOT laughing at a new Rand Corp. report that says California s public school system lags behind most of the nation on almost every objective measurement of student achievement, funding, teacher qualifications and school...

Loan sharks.(Letter)(Letter to the Editor)
January 10, 2005... Everywhere you look today there's a scam to take advantage of trusting Americans in need. One such scam comes in the form of modern loan sharking, which can have a detrimental impact on the lives and pocketbooks of many who find themselves in...

Guinea pigs.(Editor's Note)
January 10, 2005... LIKE MOST COMPANIES THESE days, Arkansas Business Publishing Group shares the cost of its employees' health insurance. And every fall we--management and employees alike--hold our breaths to see how much higher the premium will be in the coming...

A worthwhile resolution.(American Red Cross plans to make employees and workplaces safer in Arkansas)
January 10, 2005... AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH year, many of us attempt heartfelt personal resolutions to lose weight, eat right and exercise more. In 2005, your local American Red Cross would like to offer another resolution by challenging Arkansas' businesses to...

Smith fields.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Dual deals in west Pulaski County added up to a pair of $1.2 million transactions. P. Allen Smith expanded his holdings about a mile northwest of Roland with a 250-acre acquisition. His Smithfield Properties LLLP bought the property...

Food facility.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Qin and Jaio Zhang purchased the New China Restaurant from R.A. Gibson Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... An eatery project in Jacksonville ordered up an $850,000 transaction. Qin and Jaio Zhang purchased the New China Restaurant at 201 Marshall Road from R.A. Gibson Inc., led by Reggie Gibson. The deal is financed with a five-year loan of...

Convenient transaction.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Kyung and Dongsuk Hyon)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... A Sherwood convenience store changed hands in a $550,000 deal. Kyung and Dongsuk Hyon acquired the Texaco outlet at 8212 Landers Road from Charles and Janet Garland. The Garlands provided a 15-year loan of $512,500 to finance the deal. ...

Office acquisition.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Hugh Crisp PLLC )(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Office space in downtown Little Rock rang up a $505,000 deal. Hugh Crisp PLLC bought 5,352 SF in the 823 W. Markham St. project from Chuck Hamilton Construction. The deal is backed with a five-year loan of $1 million and a one-year...

Acreage purchase.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Deltic Timber Corp.)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... A 16-acre parcel in west Pulaski County rang up a $320,000 deal. Deltic Timber Corp. purchased the land north of Denny Road on the west side of its Chenal holdings from Gold Family Properties LLC, led by Allan and Laura Gold. The Golds...

Baseline buy.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(BBTS LLC)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... A small multifamily project in southwest Little Rock drew a $220,000 transaction. BBTS LLC, led by Richard Hutson and Scott Davis, acquired the 6.5-acre. property at 11409 Baseline Road from Steve and Patricia Roberson and Ray and Janice...

Argenta deal.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... A North Little Rock commercial property is under new ownership after a $165,000 deal. New Argenta LLC, led by John Gaudin, bought the Fleet Safety Equipment location at 408 Maple St. from Gary Dean. Dean provided an 11-month loan of...

St. John's abode.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... A 4,911-SF home in Little Rock's St. John's Place neighborhood tipped the scales at $855,000. Janet Bolton purchased the house from John Meadors. The residence previously was linked with a pair of July 2003 mortgages totaling $688,500 held...

Overlook manor.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... A 4,522-SF home in Little Rock's Overlook Park neighborhood sold for $745,000. Kevin Womack acquired the house from Charles and Sherry Ward. The deal is funded with a 30-year loan of $596,000 from Pulaski Mortgage Co. of Little Rock. ...

Chenal sale.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... A 4,800-SF home in west Little Rock's Chenal Valley neighborhood changed hands in a $609,000 deal. Richard and Suzanne Rowe bought the house from Robert Scroggin Jr. and his wife, Jennifer. The deal is financed with a five-year loan of...

Heights home.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... A 3,600-SF home in Little Rock's Pulaski Heights neighborhood rang up a $510,000 deal. Theodore Cochran Jr. and Holly Larkin purchased the house from Richard and Linda Vogan. The residence previously was tied to a December 2002...

Concrete financing.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Development of a 2.5-acre industrial property in North Little Rock is in motion with a $3.4 million funding agreement. Harris Concrete Pumps LLC, led by Gene Ludwig, obtained the two-year loan from Pulaski Bank & Trust. The limited...

Mountain Pure loan.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Mountain Pure LLC)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... A bottled water venture in southwest Little Rock is backed with a $6.3 million mortgage. Mountain Pure LLC, led by John Stacks, landed the two-year loan from Metropolitan National Bank of Little Rock. The 9.93-acre development at 6921...

Napur note.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(JLN Properties LLC)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Downtown Little Rock property was deployed as collateral for a near $2.7 million financial package. JLN Properties LLC, led by James Napur, got the 11-month loan from Bank of the Ozarks in Little Rock. The 0.8-acre property at 310 E....

Stagecoach mortgage.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(MGC Properties LLC received loan from Regions Bank)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... A 5.5-acre property in southwest Little Rock was used to secure a $1.1 million financial package. MGC Properties LLC, led by Carla Spainhour and David McFatrich, received the one-year loan from Regions Bank. The property at 9920-1000...

Boen financing.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Leonard Boen)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... A commercial redevelopment is in motion with a $935,000 funding agreement. LLEJ II LLC, led by Leonard Boen, obtained the five-year loan from Metropolitan National Bank. The limited liability company purchased the half-acre location at...

Hill funding.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(W. David Hill Enterprises Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... A Sherwood commercial project is backed by a $950,000 mortgage. W. David Hill Enterprises Inc., led by David Hill, received the loan from U.S. Bank of Minneapolis. The 0.8-acre property on Warden Road near Brookwood Drive previously...

Medical mortgage.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... The owner of a Little Rock clinic picked up a $752,676 financial package. Dr. Carl Johnson and his wife, Peggy, secured the three-year loan from Metropolitan National Bank. The 1.2-acre Fairpark Medical Clinic development at 5320 W....

Reports: Alltel to buy Western Wireless.(Communications)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Alltel Corp. is closing in on acquiring Western Wireless and its 1.2 million customers for $4 billion, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal and-The New York Times citing sources familiar with the negotiations. The deal, which...

Tyson suspends beef operations at 4 plants.(Agricultural Business)(Tyson Foods Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Tyson Foods Inc. said it plans to temporarily suspend operations at four beef plants, in-addition to-suspending the operation of a second shift at its Pasco, Wash., plant. The operations halt, caused by "unfavorable operating margins," is...

Hotel room revenue skyrockets in November.(Economic)(Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... If the Clinton Presidential Library is supposed to help Little Rock's economic liftoff, the library's grand opening provided the rocket boosters, according to tax collection figures and hotel revenue numbers released by the Little Rock...

Revenue $36.6 million above new forecast.(Economic)(Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Arkansas' year-to-date net available general revenue reached $1.8 billion in December, 8.4 percent more than at this time in 2003 and a $36.6 million increase over the state's revised revenue forecast. Arkansas expects to collect about $4.6...

Pocahontas Bancorp sees 4Q net loss.(Public Company Reports)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Pocahontas Bancorp Inc. of Jonesboro saw a $300,000 net loss in the fourth quarter, down from net income of $1.9 million during the same quarter last year. The loss amounted to 6 cents a share for the quarter, compared to earnings of 42...

Dillard's monthly sales up 1 percent.(Public Company Reports)(Dillard's Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Dillard's Inc. saw a 1 percent increase in same-store sales in December--its first same-store sales increase since April. The company beat analysts' forecasts, which predicted sales would decline by 2 percent, according to Briefing.com. ...

Wal-Mart December comps up 3 percent.(Public Company Reports)(Wal-Mart Stores Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported a 3 percent increase in U.S. comparable-store sales for the five weeks ended Dec. 31. The world's largest company had estimated December comps to be between 1 percent and 3 percent. Last year, Wal-Mart's...

AERT reports fourth quarter gross sales.(Public Company Reports)(Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies Inc. of Springdale said unaudited gross sales in its fourth quarter reached $16.3 million. Sales for the quarter increased from $11.3 million during the same quarter in 2003. AERT converts...

ThermoEnergy gets $2.3 million for projects.(Technology & Computers)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... ThermoEnergy Corp. last week announced the authorization of $2.3 million in federal funding for the development and commercialization of the company's patented zero air emission power plant technology, known as the TIPS process. "This...

New law firm formed in LR.(Legal)(Ronald A. Hope and Phil Campbell forms Hope Fuqua & Campbell P.A.)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... The new year brought the formation of a new law firm to Little Rock. Ronald A. Hope, David M. Fuqua and Phil Campbell have formed Hope Fuqua & Campbell P.A. The new firm has nine lawyers and a new office at 425 W. Capitol Ave., Suite...

Marty Rhodes to lead Stephens Insurance.(Insurance)(Greg Feltus promoted)(Stephens Inc)
January 10, 2005... Marty Rhodes of Little Rock, who sold his Rhodes & Associates insurance agency two and a half years ago, has been named president and CEO of Stephens Insurance Services Inc., a subsidiary of the Stephens Group Inc. Greg Feltus, who has...

Marvin's sells 21 IGA stores for $26m.(NW journal: a look at news from Northwest Arkansas)(CVM Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Oklahoma-based Marvin's IGA in November sold its 21 supermarkets in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas to CVM Inc. of Van Buren for $25.9 million. CVM operates a chain of CV's Family Foods stores in the Arkansas River Valley surrounding Fort...

Hoskins plans 126-acre Park West.(NW journal: a look at news from Northwest Arkansas)(Tracy Hoskins)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Tracy Hoskins and two partners have purchased 126 acres along Arkansas Highway 112 in Fayetteville for a mixed-use development to be called Park West. Hoskins said the development, across the highway and northwest of Landers' Auto Park, will...

Fayetteville firms get hot SBIR grants.(NW journal: a look at news from Northwest Arkansas)(Small Business Innovative Research)(Arkansas Power Electronics Inc. and Power Electronics Leveling Solutions)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Two Fayetteville-based technology companies recently racked up $270,000 worth of NASA-awarded Small Business Innovative Research Phase I grants. All three SBIRs were for continued research work with high temperature electronics for use in...

Regions Financial Corp.(Business Briefs)(appointment of Fred B. Stone)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Regions Financial Corp. has named Fred B. Stone chairman and CEO of Rebsamen Insurance. The appointment was effective Jan. 3. Stone, 52, succeeds Allen J. McDowell, who retired after 13 years at the top of the company.

Stephens Capital Management, a division of Stephens Inc., has been chosen by the $7 billion Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma to manage $100 million in U.S. government bonds.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Stephens Capital Management, a division of Stephens Inc., has been chosen by the $7 billion Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma to manage $100 million in U.S. government bonds. Currently, SCM manages more than $750 million in U.S....

Ben S. Bernanke, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, will speak on Federal Reserve issues Feb. 24 at the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.(Business Briefs)
January 10, 2005... Ben S. Bernanke, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, will speak on Federal Reserve issues Feb. 24 at the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The meeting will start at 4:30 p.m., with...

Little Rock National Airport's passenger screening area has been moved to a more spacious area that was the departure lounge for Gate 1.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Little Rock National Airport's passenger screening area has been moved to a more spacious area that was the departure lounge for Gate 1. The move provides more room for customers going through the screening process and also allows for the...

Central Arkansas Library System.(Business Briefs)(free wireless Internet service)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... The Central Arkansas Library System now offers free wireless Internet service during normal library hours on the first, second and third floors of the Main Library, including all library meeting rooms and throughout the Cox Building. Patrons...

The Rotary Club of Little Rock will host the 2004 Broyles Award presentation at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock.(Business Briefs)
January 10, 2005... The Rotary Club of Little Rock will host the 2004 Broyles Award presentation at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. The annual award honors the nation's top assistant football coach at the NCAA Division I-A level.

The Benham Cos. of Oklahoma City has been selected by the Arkansas Air National Guard to provide architectural design and engineering services for a $4.75 million aircraft maintenance hangar renovation at Ebbing Air National Guard base, which is home to the 188th Fighter Wing.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... The Benham Cos. of Oklahoma City has been selected by the Arkansas Air National Guard to provide architectural design and engineering services for a $4.75 million aircraft maintenance hangar renovation at Ebbing Air National Guard base, which...

Tommy Payne, executive vice president of external relations for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., will discuss "From Tobacco to Fast Food: Supersizing the Case Against Advertising.(Business Briefs)
January 10, 2005... Tommy Payne, executive vice president of external relations for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., will discuss "From Tobacco to Fast Food: Supersizing the Case Against Advertising," at the Arkansas Advertising Federation's luncheon at the Capital...

The Arkansas Women's Business Development Center, a program of the Good Faith Fund of Pine Bluff, will host a free workshop.(Business Briefs)
January 10, 2005... The Arkansas Women's Business Development Center, a program of the Good Faith Fund of Pine Bluff, will host a free workshop from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday to show how to start a successful restaurant business. Call Miriam Karanja at (870) 535-6233...

Tyson Foods Inc. plans to donate up to $1 million in food and financial aid to help tsunami victims.(Business Briefs)(Wal-Mart Stores donates to tsunami releif efforts)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Tyson Foods Inc. plans to donate up to $1 million in food and financial aid to help tsunami victims. Tyson said it would match employee donations dollar for dollar up to the $1 million amount. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said its Wal-Mart & Sam's Club...

Southwestern Energy Co. of Houston said its gas distribution subsidiary, Arkansas Western Gas Co., filed a request with the Arkansas Public Service Commission for an adjustment in its rates totaling $9.7 million.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Southwestern Energy Co. of Houston said its gas distribution subsidiary, Arkansas Western Gas Co., filed a request with the Arkansas Public Service Commission for an adjustment in its rates totaling $9.7 million, or 5.2 percent, annually....

First National Title Co. of Little Rock opened an office in Bentonville on Jan. 1.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... First National Title Co. of Little Rock opened an office in Bentonville on Jan. 1. David Harrison, a northwest Arkansas native with 17 years of experience as a lawyer and a banker; is president. Other title professionals at the office include...

The Professional Development Institute of Arkansas Tech University at Russellville, the Arkansas State University Delta Center for Economic Development and Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions will present "Lean Manufacturing 101 Seminar" on Jan. 27 at Arkansas Tech.(Business Briefs)
January 10, 2005... The Professional Development Institute of Arkansas Tech University at Russellville, the Arkansas State University Delta Center for Economic Development and Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions will present "Lean Manufacturing 101 Seminar" on Jan....

Legislative experience not all gone.(list overview)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... DURING THE RECENT ELECtion, Arkansas voters reiterated their comfort with the nation's most restrictive term limits. Under Arkansas' present law, passed by voters in 1992, members of the House of Representatives can serve three two-year...

85th General Assembly: major committees.(Legislative Preview)
January 10, 2005... Arkansas Legislative Council Chairman: Sen. Jack Critcher and rep. LeRoy Dangeau, Members: Sens. Jim, Jim Argue, Dave Bisbee, Tim Wooldridge, Paul Miller, Ruth Whitaker, Sharon Trusty, Gilbert Baker, Percy Malone, Jimmy Jeffress, Terry...

Arkansas House of Representatives.(Legislative Preview)(Directory)(Illustration)
January 10, 2005... ARKANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Representative Party Address in Home District Bill Abernathy * D 1309 Texas St., Mena 71953 Bob Adams D 320 Grant 4653, Sheridan 72150...

Arkansas State Senate.(Legislative Preview)(Directory)(Illustration)
January 10, 2005... ARKANSAS STATE SENATE Senator Party Address in Home District Denny Altes R 8600 Moody Road, Fort Smith 72903 Jim Argue D 5300 Evergreen Drive, Little Rock 72205 Gilbert Baker ...

Canine Country Club of Arkansas.(New businesses: a listing of business start-ups in Arkansas)
January 10, 2005... Owner: Anita Sedberry Address: 26807 Goodson Road, Little Rock 72135 Phone: (501) 868-PAWS (7297) Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday Startup: Nov. 1 E-mail:...

Pump It Up.(New businesses: a listing of business start-ups in Arkansas)(party facility)
January 10, 2005... Owners: Tracey and Michelle Jones Address: 12120 Col. Glenn Road, Suite 1000, Little Rock 72210 Phone: (501) 225-4233 Fax: (501) 690-2700 Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday by reservation only Startup: Jan. 9, 2005 ...

Calendar.(Calendar)
January 10, 2005... FEBRUARY * 4--Arkansas Business Hall of Fame Sponsor: University of Arkansas at Fayetteville Time: 6 p.m. Location: Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock Fee: $125 For more information, call (479) 575-6146 *...

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.(Education)(Alison Oliveto appointed)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Alison Oliveto has joined the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock as assistant professor and vice chair of research and a senior scientist...

Episcopal Collegiate School.(Education)(appointments)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... David W. Cone and Walter E. Hussman Jr. have been named members of the Foundation Board for Little Rock's Episcopal Collegiate School. Cone is president of Strauss Distributors president of Wehco Media Inc., which publishes the Arkansas...

National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association.(Mark Power appointed)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Mark Power of Fayetteville has been appointed to the board of directors for the National Agricultural Alumni and Development Association, headquartered in Alexandria, Va. Power will serve a two-year term as the development track representative....

CEI Engineering Associates Inc.(Erin Rushing appointed)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Erin Rushing has been promoted to department manager of the local development/public works department of CEI Engineering Associates Inc.'s Bentonville regional office. Rushing will manage a 15-member team and oversee the quality control of...

TME Inc.(Engineering)(Lee Warren hired as an electrical engineer)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Lee Warren has joined TME Inc. of Little Rock as an electrical engineer for its consulting engineers division.

Twin City Bank.(appoints Donna Hardcastle)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Donna Hardcastle has been named senior vice president at Twin City Bank of North Little Rock. Hardcastle was one of the founding officers of the bank, which opened in June 2000. She is the managing officer of the bank's retail operation, which...

Legacy National Bank.(Financial Services)(appointments)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Jerry Sue Mounts has joined Legacy National Bank, a proposed Springdale bank, as vice president of retail banking. Mounts also will serve as coordinator of Legacy's Seniors Program. She has more than 40 years of banking experience.

American Heart Association-Heartland Affiliate.(Health Care)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Barbara Kumpe and Lannie Cox received annual achievement awards from the American Heart Association-Heartland Affiliate, and Carol Dyer received an award of excellence. Kumpe, advocacy director for Arkansas and Oklahoma, lobbied for a...

The Peabody Little Rock.(Hospitality)(Todd D. Scholl named director of sales and marketing)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Todd D. Scholl has been named director of sales and marketing for The Peabody Little Rock. He brings more than 12 years of experience as a hotelier and has experience in sales and marketing in the meetings and conventions industry.

Flex360.(Media)(Arkansas Business Publishing Group appoints Mike Ortega)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Mike Ortega has joined the Flex360 division of Arkansas Business Publishing Group as an interactive developer. A graduate of the University of Missouri at Columbia, Ortega has won numerous American Federation of Advertising's Addy Awards on the...

Henry Management of Arkansas Inc.(Brenda Harter appointed)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Brenda Harter has been named area manager for Henry Management of Arkansas Inc. in Little Rock. Harter will coordinate the on-site management staff at individual properties within the Bay Area region in California.

Presidio Commercial Services.(Heather Smalec promoted as assistant property manager)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Heather Smalec was promoted to assistant property manager of Presidio Commercial Services in Little Rock.

Best Security Services Inc.(Retail)(Larry Sherwin appointed)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Larry Sherwin has been appointed general manager of Best Security Services Inc. in Little Rock. Sherwin was previously a sales manager.

Safe Foods Corp.(Technology/Telecommunications)(appointments)(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Christine Farrance has joined Safe Foods Corp. in North Little Rock as a senior research microbiologist. Parrance was most recently a research assistant professor at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and has held research positions at...

Ritter Communications Holdings Inc.(Technology/Telecommunications)(Paul Waits promoted )(Brief Article)
January 10, 2005... Paul Waits has been promoted to president of Ritter Communications Holdings Inc., which is a subsidiary of E. Ritter & Co. of Marked Tree. Waits, a graduate of Hendrix College in Conway, joined the company three years ago and has more than 20...

Stock summary.(Illustration)
January 10, 2005... STOCK SUMMARY 1/5/05 Weekly YTD Arkansas Public Company Stocks Close Change Change Acxiom Corp. (ACXM) 24.70 -6.72% -3.44%...

Piece of the project.(Whispers)
January 10, 2005... A 30 percent stake in a west Little Rock office project tipped the scales at $2.2 million. LRG Investments LLC, led by Rick Ferguson, bought into the 61,000-SF 11001 Executive Center Drive project, once the headquarters of Fairfield...

Multi-million manor.(Whispers)
January 10, 2005... Preceding this commercial deal was a $2.2 million residential transaction involving Ferguson. He and his wife, Patricia, sold a 8,084-SF home in their Valley Falls Estates development in west Little Rock. The buyer? Marc MacKenzie.