Arkansas Business articles from October 2003

Arkansas Business archives from October 2003

Gas producers oppose raising severance tax.
October 6, 2003... IF THE SEVERANCE TAX ON NATURAL gas is raised to a suggested 5 percent of market value, Hanna Oil & Gas of Fort Smith won't be motivated to look for more gas in Arkansas the company's president said. "This state is in a decline in terms of...

Energy program pays for itself: Baldor Electric upgrades equipment, lighting to save millions.
October 6, 2003... BALDOR ELECTRIC CO. officials have always prided themselves on the energy-efficient motors produced at the company's plants worldwide and at its headquarters in Fort Smith. But as rising energy costs began to threaten unit pricing and Baldor's...

Ghost of Grand Gulf reappears.(power generation costs could be transferred to Arkansas)
October 6, 2003... THE SPECTER OF THE GRAND Gulf settlement continues to hover over Entergy customers in Arkansas. The Louisiana Public Service Commission has resurrected a notion that was dispelled 20 years ago during those rancorous negotiations. If...

Change of control.(Whispers)(Woodland Hills Rehabilitation and Health Care Center ownership)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... The state's largest pension fund made the first courtroom move to formally authenticate its ownership of a Little Rock nursing home. Arkansas Teacher Retirement System filed suit in Pulaski County Circuit Court to have its name entered as...

Yellville deal.(Whispers)(Bank of Yellville)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Remember the announced acquisition of Mountain Bancshares Inc., the holding company for the $212 million-asset Bank of Yellville? Here are some more details on that cash purchase by Arvest Bank Group Inc. of Bentonville. The sales...

Program, please.(Whispers)(Arvest Bank Group owned by Walton family)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... For those keeping score at home, ownership of Arvest Bank Group is divided largely among four members of the Walton family of Wal-Mart fame. The three brothers--Jim Walton, chairman and CEO of Arvest; John Walton of Jackson, Wy.; and Rob...

Nursery replanted.(Whispers)(River Valley Horticultural Products and Services to remain in premises)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... The former Home Quarters at 3500 Landers Road in North Little Rock is still looking for a new tenant(s). River Valley Horticultural Products & Services Inc., which has operated a nursery in the former garden center of the big-box store, was...

Smoking tax.(Whispers)(Tobacco Shop owes back taxes)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... The Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration is fuming at the Tobacco Shop in Sherwood. The department said in papers filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court that the store at 3901 E. Kiehl Ave., Suite F, which goes by the official...

Bryant building.(Whispers)(ground for medical office development to be broken)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Heard about a $3.1 million medical office development in the works for Bryant? Look for ground to be broken in mid-November on the 25,000-SF Office Park Building. With 25,000 SF under roof, the two-story project could be the largest...

Crying over spilt water.(Whispers)(Mountain Pure lawsuit)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Mountain Pure LLC of Little Rock is suing the manufacturer of its water and juice jugs in U.S. District Court because some of the bottles leaked. Mountain Pure said Turner Holdings LLC of Covington, Tenn.--the parent company of Coleman...

Poor excuse.(poverty levels in Arkansas)(Editorial)
October 6, 2003... THE SUMMER RUN-UP IN THE Dow Jones Industrial Average is starting to slip with the fall temperatures. Or maybe it's been influenced by all the bad economic news that has been coming out of what Texas commentator Jim Hightower calls the "Doug...

Those uninsured.(health care costs)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
October 6, 2003... SOMETHING IS CLEARLY OUT of whack. In every other sector of the economy, inflation has been held in check for more than a decade, but health care costs are up 14 percent from last year. All attempts to rein in health care costs have failed, and...

The right not to listen.(Letter to the Editor)
October 6, 2003... The Oklahoma judge's ruling that the national "do not call list" is a violation of the telemarketers' right to free speech is obviously very confused. The "do not call list" is about the individual's right to not listen. Nowhere in the...

Anderson's plan for UALR.(Publisher's Note)(Joel Anderson, University of Arkansas)
October 6, 2003... THE INAUGURATION OF JOEL Anderson as chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock attracted a large number of the city's business and political leaders. It was an upbeat event--the kind you'd like to see with every leadership...

I've been on hiatus from column writing duties for a couple of months.(Wesley K. Clark runs for president)(Brief Article)(Column)
October 6, 2003... I've been on hiatus from column writing duties for a couple of months, and in the meantime my baby girl has been born and another Arkansan is running for president--routine stuff. It must be pretty disheartening for seven of the nine...

The shortcuts consumers take.(On Marketing)(Column)
October 6, 2003... HOW DO CONSUMERS MAKE choices? Most of the marketing guides and textbooks I see include intricate flow charts that represent the process of consumer decision-making. The assumption is that human beings, in their role as consumers, are rational,...

Mortgage lending.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 6, 2003... Mortgage Lending January-June 2003 Mtg./deli.* Mtg. value Mortgage (millions) Volume BancorpSouth Bank ([dagger]) 117.54% ...

Retail sale.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Public Notice)
October 6, 2003... A retail property in west Little Rock changed hands in a $1.5 million deal. Hobby Investments LLC, led by L. Dickson Hake, bought the Hobby Lobby and Mardel's location at 12201 W. Markham St. from 2850 Sheridan Ltd. Oak Brook, Ill. ...

Captain transaction.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Public Notice)
October 6, 2003... A Captain D's location in North Little Rock is under new ownership after a $675,000 deal. USRP (S&C) LLC of Dallas purchased the 0.8-acre development at 5320 John F. Kennedy Blvd. from SHN Properties LLC of Nashville, Tenn. The...

Bank location.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Bank of the Ozarks has acquired property from Process One of Little Rock Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... A bank branch project is in motion after a $655,000 deal. Bank of the Ozarks acquired the 4900 Kavanaugh Blvd. location from Process One of Little Rock Inc., led by J. Michael Carroll. The 0.3-acre project previously was tied to a July...

Industrial deal.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(JSW Holdings Inc. buys Orbit Fluid & Power Co. project )(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... An industrial property in Little Rock drew a $565,000 sales price. JSW Holdings Inc., led by Josh Lane, bought the Orbit Fluid & Power Co. project at 7428 Lindsey Road from Paul and Elizabeth Weaver. The deal is backed with a 12-year...

Detail project.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Public Notice)
October 6, 2003... The second piece of the Broadway Carwash project generated a transaction of $325,000. Willis Smith purchased the Broadway Detail Center at 1201 Broadway from James, Brian and Theresa Dulaney. The deal is backed with a $325,000 loan from...

Edgehill home.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... A 4,421-SF home in Little Rock's prestigious Edgehill neighborhood sold for $700,000. Sandra and Jon Marbaise acquired the house from the Charles R. Henry MD and Marguerite K. Henry revocable trusts. The deal is financed with a 30-year...

Chenal abode.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... A 5,932-SF home in west Little Rock's Chenal Valley neighborhood tipped the scales at $555,000. Derek and Shannon Turner purchased the house from John and Kelly Hammer. The deal is financed with a 15-year loan of $555,000 from Regions...

Heights house.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... A 3,029-SF home in The Heights area of Little Rock rang up a $600,000 sale. John and Cynthia Bass bought the house from Clark and Katherine Raborn. The deal is backed with a 30-year loan of $480,000 from One Bank & Trust. The...

Guard loan.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Public Notice)
October 6, 2003... The owner of a North Little Rock convenience store landed a $1 million funding agreement. Guard LLC, led by Sam, Haitham and Essa Alley, obtained the five-year loan from Simmons First National Bank of Pine Bluff. The 1.2-acre Double...

Maumelle mortgage.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Public Notice)
October 6, 2003... The owners of a Maumelle commercial property picked up a $550,221 financial package. Larry and Trish Groves secured the five-year loan from Metropolitan National Bank. The one-acre Communications Development project at 103 Park Drive...

Alphabet funding.(Real deals: a look at important real estate transactions)(Brief Article)(Public Notice)
October 6, 2003... A Jacksonville commercial property was used to secure a $545,350 mortgage. CJPI LLC, led by Joe Harris, received the two-year loan from Community Bank of Cabot. The 7.5-acre development (home to T.C. Floors & More and Tri-Company...

'Hazardous lending' found at Crossett Bank.(Banking & Finance)
October 6, 2003... A regulatory cease-and-desist order that First State Bank of Crossett had been fighting for more than a year took effect in August, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. disclosed last week. The order requires the $35 million bank to clean up...

Regions buys insurance agency.(Inside Business)(Regions Financial Corp. acquires Merchants Insurance Services)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Regions Financial Corp. of Birmingham, Ala., has acquired the assets of Louisiana-based Merchants Insurance Services Inc. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Merchants consists of four retail insurance agencies operating...

Medicare choice to drop some.(Insurance)(Sterling Life Insurance withdraws service plan)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Sterling Life Insurance Co. will withdraw operation of one of its service plans effective Jan. 1, affecting enrollees in 55 Arkansas counties, said Mike Pickens, state insurance commissioner. The company withdrew Sterling Option 1, its...

Derby double.(Inside Business)(Arkansas Derby)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... DERBY DOUBLE: Charles Cella, owner of Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, says the purse for the Arkansas Derby next year will be doubled to $1 million, part of the horse racing track's 100th anniversary celebration. To attract the country's best...

Virtual Sales forms two tech companies.(Technology & Computers)(Hardwyre, Softwyre)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Virtual Sales Inc. of Maumelle is transforming into two independent companies, Hardwyre and Softwyre, to meets the needs of its central Arkansas clients. "This expansion is a response to the changing technology needs of our customers and a...

Survey: state gamblers hit casinos 5 times in year.(Tourism)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... More than 432,000 Arkansas adults gambled at an out-of-state casino in 2002, according to a survey conducted by Harrah's Entertainment Inc., which operates 26 casinos in the United States. The findings are published in "Profile of the...

Murphy Oil restarts Louisiana refinery.(Energy)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Murphy Oil Corp. last week began the restart process at its Mereaux, La., refinery after it was shut down by a fire on June 10. The restart was delayed in early September to allow for more time to complete upgrades and refinery maintenance....

State revenue 4.8% above last year.(Government)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Year-to-date net available general revenue for Arkansas stands at $881.7 million, an amount that's $40.6 million--or 4.8 percent--above its level during the same time last year. General revenue, however, is $5.7 million--or 0.6...

Arkansas Forestry Association.(Forestry)(annual meeting)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... The Arkansas Forestry Association will hold its annual meeting Oct. 7-8 at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock. There will be a seminar on the ins and outs of managing forestland for a quality deer population from 2-4 p.m. on...

Arkansas Quality Awards.(Awards)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... The ninth-annual Arkansas Quality Award program is set for 6:45 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. The program was created in 1995 through a special partnership between the state and the private business...

BOA christens new digs for wealth management.(NW journal: a look at news from Northwest Arkansas)(Bank of America Asset Management Group)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Bank of America Asset Management Group combined the open house for its new wealth management office in Rogers with an art show. The Sept. 18 party at Pinnacle Point drew guests such as J.B. and Johnelle Hunt, Gene George, Bobby and Dennis...

Area's top private firms approach $5b in revenue.(NW journal: a look at news from Northwest Arkansas)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... If the revenue of the 39 largest private companies in northwest Arkansas were combined, they would have brought in a total of $4.68 billion in 2001. The figures were recently published as part of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal's annual...

UA enrollment sets record.(NW journal: a look at news from Northwest Arkansas)(University of Arkansas)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... A total of 16,449 students enrolled for fall classes at the University of Arkansas. That's a 2.6 percent increase over the previous record of 16,035 set last year. Since John White became chancellor in 1997, enrollment on campus has...

Arkansas property taxes, both real and personal property, are due Oct. 10.(Business Briefs)(Public Notice)
October 6, 2003... Arkansas property taxes, both real and personal property, are due Oct. 10. Failure to pay property taxes by this Friday will result in a 10 percent penalty plus cost and collector's fees being added to the tax bill.

Arkansas Best Corp. has amended and restated its existing three-year $225 million credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank as lead arranger.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Arkansas Best Corp. has amended and restated its existing three-year $225 million credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank as lead arranger, along with Fleet National Bank, Suntrust Bank, Wachovia Bank and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ltd. With...

Alltel Corp. CEO Scott Ford told a Goldman Sachs communications conference last week that demand for wireless data services had topped expectations and will continue to do so through the end of the year.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Alltel Corp. CEO Scott Ford told a Goldman Sachs communications conference last week that demand for wireless data services had topped expectations and will continue to do so through the end of the year. Ford also said he doesn't expect to make...

The annual Conference on Current Employment Law Issues, a one-day seminar sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 4 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock.(Business Briefs)
October 6, 2003... The annual Conference on Current Employment Law Issues, a one-day seminar sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 4 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock....

A two-day seminar on "How to Win an Election" is being sponsored by the Arkansas Farm Bureau Nov. 18-19 at the Holiday Inn Presidential Conference Center in Little Rock.(Business Briefs)
October 6, 2003... A two-day seminar on "How to Win an Election" is being sponsored by the Arkansas Farm Bureau Nov. 18-19 at the Holiday Inn Presidential Conference Center in Little Rock. The American Farm Bureau's Public Policy Team in Washington, D.C., will...

The Dassault Falcon Jet plant at Little Rock plans to lay off 30-40 workers because of a declining market.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... The Dassanit Falcon Jet plant at Little Rock plans to lay off 30-40 workers because of a declining market. The company is asking some additional workers to take an early retirement package being offered. Also, some workers will see their work...

Arkansas, which recorded 40 deaths in roadway construction zones last year, was among the top 10 states, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Arkansas, which recorded 40 deaths in roadway construction zones last year, was among the top 10 states, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Texas led the nation in roadway construction deaths last year with 192,...

Arkansas Western Gas Co. of Fayetteville, a subsidiary of Southwestern Energy Co. of Houston, has received approval from the Arkansas Public Service Commission of a rate increase totaling $4.1 million annually.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Arkansas Western Gas Co. of Fayetteville, a subsidiary of Southwestern Energy Co. of Houston, has received approval from the Arkansas Public Service Commission of a rate increase totaling $4.1 million annually, exclusive of costs to be...

First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas Inc. of Harrison has added Frank Conner, chief financial officer of FedEx Freight East, as the sixth member of its board of directors.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas Inc. of Harrison has added Frank Conner, chief financial officer of FedEx Freight East, as the sixth member of its board of directors. Conner, a CPA, meets new Nasdaq requirements for accounting expertise...

The Small Business Development Center of Arkansas State University will offer a three-part series of workshops, "Starting a Business in Arkansas Series," in the Jonesboro area.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... The Small Business Development Center of Arkansas State University will offer a three-part series of workshops, "Starting a Business in Arkansas Series," in the Jonesboro area. The workshops in the series are "Starting a Business in Arkansas,"...

ABF Freight System Inc. has been awarded the 2003 President's Trophy for safety by the American Trucking Associations.(Business Briefs)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... ABF Freight System Inc. has been awarded the 2003 President's Trophy for safety by the American Trucking Associations. ABF is the only carrier to have won the motor carrier industry's highest safety award five times, winning it in 1984, 1989,...

KLRT-TV plans competing newscast in early 2004.
October 6, 2003... THE ENTRY OF FOX AFFILIATE KLRT-TV, Channel 16, into the Little Rock newscast market is just a few months away. New news director Michael Fabac, 30--about one month on the job and still awaiting his first hire--said a one-hour, 9 p.m.,...

Hugh McDonald.(Utilities)(Brief Article)(Biography)
October 6, 2003... HUGH MCDONALD, PRESIDENT and chief executive officer of Entergy Arkansas, joined Entergy Corp. in 1982 as an engineer at the Waterford 3 plant in Kilona, La. McDonald became executive assistant to the chairman and chief executive officer...

Natural gas price increases are looking permanent.(Utilities)
October 6, 2003... GET SET FOR HIGHER NATURAL gas prices this winter And don't look for prices to go down anytime soon. That's the word from the Arkansas Public Service Commission and from the federal Energy Information Administration. How much higher?...

Swepco returns to No. 3 among electric companies.(List Overview)(Southwestern Electric Power Co.)
October 6, 2003... THE LIST OF LARGEST ELECTRIC companies in Arkansas has returned to its proper alignment, thanks to a return to traditional accounting standards. Southwestern Electric Power Co. (Swepco) of Fayetteville, which jumped into the No. 2 position...

Arkansas business list: largest public utility cos.(Utilities)
October 6, 2003... ARKANSAS BUSINESS LIST: LARGEST PUBLIC PUBLIC UTILITY COS. Electric Companies--Arkansas customers and revenue only (ranked by 2002 revenue) Company 2002 Revenue No. of Address, Phone...

Scholars: The Math Experts.(New businesses: a listing of business start-ups in Arkansas)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Owner: Michael Flowers Address: 13100 Chenal Parkway, Suite C, Little Rock 72211 Phone: (501) 224-6284 Hours: 3-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Startup: June 1 E-mail: mflowers@onyxprofit.com For many...

Poolscape Creations.(New businesses: a listing of business start-ups in Arkansas)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Owners: David and Traci Kemp Address: 11527 Cannongate, Cabot 72023 Phone: (501) 988-3283 Hours: Vary Startup: June 13 Cracks in sidewalks and pool decks are not only unsightly, they can be dangerous. PoolScape...

Bowman Fitness Club LLC.(new business)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Owners: Beau Reed, Ed Brink Adress: 1121 S. Bowman Road, Suite C5, Little Rock 72211 Phone: (501) 227-0300 Hours: S a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday 1-5 p.m. Sunday Startup: Dec....

Calendar.(Calendar)
October 6, 2003... OCTOBER * 7--International QuickBooks Sponsors: University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Small Business Development Center, Business & Professional Institute Time: 8:30 a.m.-noon Locations: UAFS, 5210 Grand Ave., Flanders ...

GWL Advertising Inc.(personnel changes)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Georgia Bobo has been named media director for Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio at GWL Advertising Inc. in Little Rock. Kellie Moore has been promoted to account executive for Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Mary Craig has been named...

Sells/Clark.(personnel changes)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Kelly Poirier has joined Sells/Clark in Little Rock as senior art director. Megan Griggs has joined as an account executive in the Fayetteville office. Poirier previously served as supervisor of creative services at Alltel. Griggs previously...

Taggart Foster Currence Gray Architects Inc.(personnel changes)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Gary Clough of North Little Rock has been named an associate at Taggart Foster Currence Gray Architects Inc. in North Little Rock. Bram Keahey of Little Rock and Harold McGary of Searcy also have joined the firm as associates. Aaron Scott of...

Darragh Co.(Roger Nelson named account manager)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Roger Nelson has joined the Darragh Co. as account manager for the company's Springdale division.

Stock summary.(Movers & Shakers)
October 6, 2003... STOCK SUMMARY 10/1/03 Weekly YTD Arkansas Public Company Stocks Close Change Change Acxiom Corp. (ACXM) 16.14 -0.12% 5.42% A.E.R.T. (AERTA)...

Ouachita Baptist University.(personnel changes)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Lane Smith has been named director of student financial aid at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. Smith previously served as a development officer in the OBU development office. Shirley Hardin has been named director of annual giving...

ICE Inc.(personnel changes)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... D. Kyle Bridges has joined ICE Inc. of Little Rock as a structural engineering intern. David A. Osborne has joined ICE as a senior structural designer. Osborne has 30 years of engineering experience.

Jason Smedley of Little Rock has been promoted to communications/ projects coordinator in Sen. Blanche Lincoln's Washington, D.C., office.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Jason Smedley of Little Rock has been promoted to communications/ projects coordinator in Sen. Blanche Lincoln's Washington, D.C., office. Smedley previously served as a constituent relations representative. Gregory Willis of Luxora has been...

New York Life Insurance Co.(Gwendolen B. Denley joins 2003 Executive Council)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Gwendolen B. Denley of Little Rock has been named a member of the 2003 Executive Council of New York Life Insurance Co. for her efforts as an insurance agent for the company.

NovaSys Health.(Joe S. Carter Jr. named vice president)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Joe S. Carter Jr. has joined NovaSys Health in Little Rock as vice president of sales and marketing. Carter previously served as vice president of marketing for Delta Dental Plan of Arkansas.

Center for Arkansas Legal Services.(Herbert T. Wright Jr. joins board of directors)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Herbert T. Wright Jr. has been appointed to the Center for Arkansas Legal Services board of directors. Wright is a partner in the firm of Wright & Van Noy in Little Rock.

Centers for Youth and Families.(personnel changes)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Nathaniel W. Hill of Little Rock has been elected chair of the Centers for Youth and Families board of directors. Hill is retired from the city of Little Rock. Andy LaGrone was elected vice chair. LaGrone is portfolio manager and analyst with...

Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation.(personnel changes)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Sandra L. Robertson has been elected chairman of the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation board of directors in Little Rock. Robertson is the vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Dan Bartell was...

Staffing battle.(staffing company lawsuit)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... A Little Rock staffing company has sued another staffing company over an employee. R&D Medical Staffing Inc. of Little Rock said in a lawsuit that Kim Davenport of North Little Rock signed a contract saying she wouldn't work for any of...

Cozymel's sale.(Brinker International sells restaurant brand)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Dallas-based Brinker International Inc. confirmed its intent to sell the Cozymel restaurant brand. But the company wouldn't disclose any details about the deal except that it's expected to be complete in the second quarter of fiscal 2004....

Stephens Webs up.(Outtakes: an inside look into Arkansas media)(Stephens Media Group's Arkansas News Bureau has redesigned its Web site)
October 6, 2003... The beauty of online news operations and presentations is that, like finicky interior decorating, changes and redesigns can be implemented quickly--which, of course, doesn't diminish the efforts of the people driving the change. And...

That was quick.(Stephens Media acquires Hawgs Illustrated)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Stephens Media had other news last week as well. Arkansas News Bureau reported Thursday morning that the newspaper chain had acquired Hawgs Illustrated, the magazine of all things Razorback, on Wednesday. Clay Henry, owner and publisher of...

Goodbye Port Charles.(KATV adds half hour news show)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... New news shows are becoming the rage in Little Rock. With the ABC network's cancellation of midday soap opera Port Charles as of Friday, KATV-TV, Channel 7 executives see an opening. Starting Oct. 6, a new half-hour news show will run...

Forza fights on.(Outtakes: an inside look into Arkansas media)(Forza Marketing Group is attempting to regain its financial strength)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Forza Marketing Group of Little Rock, the financially struggling advertising firm, continues to chug along with presentations to potential clients. For instance, President Timothy Martin met last week with representatives of a sizable...

Rowland is putting mark on downtown.(architect Reese Rowland)
October 13, 2003... THE REVIVAL OF DOWNTOWN Little Rock, a work in progress, has seen sweeping changes with the restoration of old buildings and construction of new ones. None has captured more attention than the designs of Reese Rowland, a partner in Polk...

Process Dynamics ready to refine diesel.
October 13, 2003... MICHAEL ACKERSON WAS looking for a cheaper method to make paraffin when he stumbled onto a way to wax the competition in a totally different field. His company, Process Dynamics Inc., has patented a breakthrough hydroprocessing technology...

Soy insulation attracts NWA investment: Hunt, Israel buy into BioBase Systems.(northwest Arkansas, J.B. Hunt, Ben Israel)
October 13, 2003... SOMEWHERE, A TREE IS SIGHing a breath of relief and soybean farmers are cheering. Why? Because every home built with recycled steel and BioBase soybean foam insulation uses an average of 20 bushels of soybeans, pulls six old cars out...

Church shopping.(Sixth and Izard Church of Christ sells property)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... Two years ago Little Rock's Sixth & Izard Church of Christ bought land for a relocation to North Little Rock. The church paid $1 million for a 7.4 acre site near the northwest corner of Interstate 430 and Windsong Drive. The seller was...