Kathy Deck, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, was recently elected to serve on the board for the Association for University Business and Economic Research.

Deck’s role will be to serve as an association director.

Founded in 1947, the association is nationally recognized by business, government and education as the premier professional organization dedicated to continually improving the quality, effectiveness and application of research in business, economics and public policy. Directors help guide the strategic direction of the Association for University Business and Economic Research, while also serving as resources and invaluable members of their community.

“I am thrilled to be recognized by my peers as someone that they can count on to help ensure the future of regional economic centers throughout the country,” Deck said. “Having good local economic data is critical to good decision making and this organization is committed to high quality economic data and analysis.”

Graduating from the College of William and Mary with a degree in economics, Deck earned her master’s in economics from the University of Wisconsin. Deck later worked for the Arizona Office of the Attorney General as their antitrust economist before joining the Walton College in 2001.

Starting at Walton College as a research associate, she became the center’s associate director. She was named director of the center in 2007.

Mark Horn of Fort Smith, vice chancellor for university relations at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, gave UAFS grads pointed advice about their life after college during a retrospective commencement address at the fall graduation ceremony Dec. 11.
 
Horn, who has announced he will retire at the end of the academic year, advised the graduates assembled at the Stubblefield Center to be active in life rather than just “sitting there,” reciting an anecdote about an out-of-work truck driver named Larry Walters who tied over 40 weather balloons to a lawn chair in his backyard and floated into the sky.
 
“He shot up about 1,000 feet per minute and was soon at 16,000 feet and drifting into the restricted air space of LAX. Larry’s goal was to drift across the desert and land in the Rocky Mountains, but he got cold and started shooting the balloons out with a pellet gun to start descending,” Horn said. “He eventually landed unhurt in Long Beach. When law enforcement officials got to him and asked him what he was thinking, Larry’s answer was classic: ‘I just couldn’t sit there!’”
 
“You’re walking out of here tonight with a degree,” he continued. “That’s great, but are you just going to sit there? Let me use this question to challenge you, not necessarily to fly a lawn chair through a restricted airspace, but to use all your talents and abilities and all your creativity and energy to find avenues of service and to improve yourself and those around you.”
 
Horn challenged students to continue learning, to be open-minded during their life journeys, to build their character and to preserve friendships, among other advice.
 
“Learning is a continual process, and learning and work-related activities are no longer separate,” he said. “The know-how and know-what of classroom learning is being supplemented with know-where. Your ability to learn what you need for tomorrow is more important than what you know today. So let me ask you: are you just going to sit there, or are you going to keep on learning?”
 
He closed by urging the students to make the most of their education.
 
“Graduates, don’t get comfortable in that lawn chair of yours. When this evening draws to a close and you have had a few days to savor being finished, don’t just sit there. Get after it,” he said. “Keep learning, think big, be someone and get involved. Our community, state and nation need you, so give back your time and talent and produce a return on your education investment.”

The commencement ceremony also included the oath of office for two UAFS students commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army – 2nd Lt. Winston Cox and 2nd Lt. Tuan Pham, both of Fort Smith. The students have been part of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at UAFS. Administering the oath was Maj. Kevin Cox of Fort Smith, professor of military science at UAFS.
 
Degrees and certificates for those completing graduation requirements during the second summer term and the fall semester were awarded during commencement exercises. Fall candidates for graduation represented 234 bachelor’s degrees, 155 associate degrees and 29 technical certificates. Summer II graduates included 57 receiving bachelor’s degrees, 53 receiving associate degrees and 22 receiving technical certificates.

D. Scott Hancock was recently tagged as the new divisional president for Northwest Arkansas following Centennial Bank’s acquisition of Liberty Bank, according to a press release from bank on Thursday evening (Dec. 12).

Hancock has served as executive vice president and chief lending officer of this region for 8 years, after serving as senior vice president of lending since joining Liberty Bank as it started in 2001.

“I am very excited about Scott leading our Northwest Arkansas division. He strong leader in a market that is very important to Centennial Bank,” said Davy Carter, regional president for Centennial Bank.
 
Hancock has 20 years experience in the financial services industry. He earned his master’s degree from University of Arkansas at Little Rock and bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.

Hancock has served his community through several organizations including the New School Board Chair, AR Community Foundation-Fayetteville Area Board, Pagnozzi Charities Board and now the 2014 Fayetteville Chamber Board.

A resident of Fayetteville, he is married to Christie Hancock and has two children, Rylie and Cade. 

Hancock will be located in Centennial Bank’s Joyce Branch at 1400 East Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. named Krish Iyer as the new CEO and president of its Indian unit, effective January 20. He replaces Ramnik Narsey, who served in the interim since June, after the departure of Raj Jain, who headed up Wal-Mart’s business venture with Bharti.

This is the second announcement this week of management promotions within Walmart International. On Tuesday (Dec. 10) David Cheesewright was named the new CEO of Walmart International. He will step into that role on Feb. 1 when Doug McMillon takes the reigns from the retiring Mike Duke.

Iyer joined Walmart International unit in 2012 as a senior vice-president. In October Wal-Mart announced it was dissolving it joint venture with Bharti and moving ahead on its own.

Late last year, Walmart Bharti suspended several employees, including the chief financial officer, as part of an internal investigation into bribery allegations in India.

Wal-Mart continues work with federal regulators regarding the Federal Corrupt Practice Act allegations and has stepped up its own internal compliance protocol.

After two years of declining sales, the Plano, Texas-based department store chain is eliminating or trimming some high-profile brands introduced by former CEO Ron Johnson.

CEO Mike Ullman told Reuters this week that it was editing down items and brands that have resonated well with its customer base, including its own jcp menswear, Joe Fresh clothes and some Martha Stewart-designed home furnishings.

He said Penney plans to use the freed-up prime floor space for its more-profitable exclusive private-label brands. The retailer has already brought back its billion-dollar St. John's Bay apparel line as well as JCP Home and Cooks, and it plans to reintroduce its Ambrielle lingerie in February.

Retail analysts seem pleased with the strategies Ulman is taken to reverse the failed experiments of his predecessor which cost the chain $4 billion in sales in 2012 and hurt gross profit margins.

Ulman said the retailer does not have six or seven years to fix its problems, so it will continue expand offerings in those brands that sell well like Liz Claiborne and the J.Ferrar line of men’s suits, cut those brands that don’t.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College’s Office of Learner Support Services has recently completed a major reorganization, promoting four educators in the process.

Since assuming the role of NWACC President, Dr. Evelyn E. Jorgenson has consistently addressed the importance of increasing the college’s student completion and retention rates. As a part of that focus, learner support services has completed its reorganization, which includes the merging of the admissions and advising offices and the creation of an associate dean that will oversee the area of student success.

The NWACC Office of Admissions & Advising will serve as a true “one-stop” office to assist students entering the college, said Dr. Todd Kitchen, vice president for learner support. The office will provide support to students with a primary focus on advising and placement through students’ first 15 credit hours of coursework.

Zach Pharr has been chosen as the new director of Admissions & Advising, the release states.

The college’s academic success center will assume responsibility for outreach to students requiring tutoring and other academic support, as well as a new focus on serving students in jeopardy of not being in “good academic standing.”

Eric Vest will assume the role of director of the Academic Success Center.

The office of the associate dean for student success will have the primary responsibility of overseeing the college’s retention and success initiatives. This will include the full-implementation of “Success Planner,” an online networking and intervention tool for faculty, staff, and students, as well as the academic success center, career services and the transfer advising office.

Tay Sha Carter has been selected to serve as the associate dean for student success. Brooke Holt, dean of learner services, will also assume responsibilities for leadership of the office of student records.

In other changes earlier this academic year, Dr. Patrice Whitely was named director of the Title III grant program. She previously has been the director the NWACC Academic Success Center.

Other leaders within the Learner Support Services team include Dale Montgomery, dean of students, and Brenda Green, dean of off campus learning programs.

Adam Rutledge has been named CEO and president of First Security Bank's Northwest Arkansas market.

Jim Taylor, who had served as president of the market, will continue a leadership role as senior vice president of the bank’s parent company, First Security Bancorp, in Little Rock.

Rutledge, who has played an integral role in the growth of the Northwest Arkansas market as senior vice president and commercial lender, will be responsible for day-to-day management of the northwest Arkansas region, according to a press release on Friday (Dec. 13).

"We are positioning First Security Bank for the future," said Reynie Rutledge, chairman and CEO of First Security Bancorp. "Adam will follow behind Jim to continue our focus on growth in Northwest Arkansas. Adam has a true passion and a commitment for the region and is a true asset to the team."

Rutledge is active in the Northwest Arkansas community serving as board member and volunteer for Life Source International; participating in WorkMatters; and serving on the Walton College of Business Alumni Society Board.

Dr. Carey Andreoiu, a urogynecologist, has joined Cooper Clinic, and she is the only urogynecologist in Arkansas outside of Little Rock, according to Cooper Clinic.

She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of urologic problems unique to women including bladder control, pelvic pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, and vaginal and bladder prolapse. She will also provide general gynecological care.

Andreoiu earned her medical degree from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, Mo. She completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology through the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has received special robotic training in the da Vinci Surgical System. Her three-year Urogynecology Fellowship training was through Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Andreoiu’s practice will be located on the 3rd floor of the main Cooper Clinic location at 6801 Rogers Ave. in Fort Smith.

She plans to provide care at Mercy Hospital and Sparks Regional Medical Center. Her husband, Dr. Matei Andreoiu, is a urologist who has also joined Cooper Clinic. New patients, including those with Medicare coverage, are now being accepted.

Cooper Clinic is a physician-owned multi-specialty group with doctors in 25 specialties/subspecialties at 16 locations.

The Board of Directors of the Degen Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to the  River Valley Regional Food Bank and $5,000 to the Community Services Clearinghouse  to help provide food to needy families in the region.

Funds to the food bank will help provide a Christmas ham dinner to more than 3,500 area families. Hams have been secured from Walmart and Harp's Stores and will be distributed throughout the area.

"We found that the food bank could touch many lives quickly during the Christmas season. As a Foundation, our mission has always focused on those most in need and underserved. It is our hope that the gift of these hams will provide a better Christmas to our fellow citizens,” said Tom Webb, executive director of The Degen Foundation.

The Foundation awarded $20,000 to the food bank with the stipulation that the funds purchased holiday hams where the service areas of both organizations intersect. The Degen Foundation serves Leflore, Sequoyah, Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan and Scott counties.  
 
The hams arrived at the food bank on Monday (Dec. 16) and will be distributed throughout the week with 600 hams going to hunger relief agencies in Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan and Scott counties.

"With only chicken products from the USDA currently in inventory, this gift is not only generous, it's Providence!," said Ken Kupchick, director of marketing for the food bank. "The Degen Foundation put a holiday meal into 3,500 homes and perhaps put a little wiggle room into their budgets to warm up their holiday.”

Funds to the Clearinghouse will provide 200 families a full Christmas dinner.

A federal judge recently approved a settlement of an antitrust lawsuit over credit card swipe fees, dismissing objections from National Retail Federation and thousands of others as “needless hyperbole” and praising a provision for surcharges even though it has been widely rejected by major retailers across the country.

“The oral presentations of the objectors at the fairness hearing were afflicted by needless hyperbole,” Judge U.S. District Court Judge John Gleeson said, citing in his Dec. 13, ruling.

Gleeson cited a “small number of objectors” to the settlement that was formally rejected by more than 8,000 merchants including many of the nation’s largest and best-known brands, according to a release from the National Retail Federation.

The lawsuit was originally brought by 19 retailers and trade associations, but all but nine rejected the proposed settlement when it was unveiled in 2012. Most of those remaining were individual stores or small chains. NRF was not a party to the suit, but has fought the settlement because its class-action status would impose its terms on thousand of federation members, according to the release.

“We are very disappointed that this deeply flawed settlement has been approved,” NRF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Mallory Duncan said. “It is not supported by the retail industry and would do nothing to reduce swipe fees or keep them from rising in the future. The settlement permanently ties the hands of thousands of businesses who wanted nothing to do with this misguided case, and a decision to approve it violates established law and common sense.”

“We will confer with our members, but given the amount of anger toward this settlement, I fully expect we will appeal,” Duncan said.

Averaging about 2%, swipe fees are a percentage of the transaction taken by banks each time consumers swipe a credit card to pay for a purchase, and total about $30 billion a year nationwide. The NRF states that the fees have tripled over the past decade and drive prices up for the average household by more than $250 per year.

• ConAgra garners top award
ConAgra Foods Inc. recently claimed Food Processing Magazine’s top annual award, “Processor the Year 2013.”

The diverse consumer product company has undergone several transformations during in 94-year history, starting a s grain miller until 1971, when the firm began acquiring branded consumer products.

The new ConAgra defined the better-for-you products category when it created the Healthy Choice brand in 1988. With the recent acquisition of Ralcorp, ConAgra is again experiencing a metamorphosis, into the nation's largest private brand manufacturer – without neglecting it’s 45 other brands.


"We understand how consumer behavior is changing," says Gary Rodkin, CEO since 2005. "We know people want great-tasting, everyday food for every dollar they spend. And we don't think this particular consumer mindset is going away – value is here to stay. Initially, the industry reacted slowly to this sea change in consumer behavior, thinking that things would go back to normal as the economy improved. But it soon became apparent there was a 'new normal,' and we realized we were at that proverbial fork in the road."


To be named a “Processor of the Year,” a food manufacturer should have sound financial performance, innovative product development, leading manufacturing technology, managerial excellence, general industry leadership and service.

ConAgra is a supplier to Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and operates one of the largest local vendor sales offices in Northwest Arkansas with roughly 100 employees.

• Kellogg unveils new products amid consumer demand
The Kellogg Company is debuting several new products from some of its most popular brands, building on the latest food trends and meeting the needs of today's consumers.


The new products stretch across Kellogg Company's U.S. portfolio, including cereal, snacks and frozen foods, and will deliver the taste and nutrition consumers are seeking, while providing options that meet their increasingly hectic lifestyles.


"Ready-to-eat cereal continues to be the most popular breakfast choice in the U.S.," said Michael Allen, president of Kellogg U.S. Morning Foods, "It tastes great and can help set you up for a more successful day."


To provide new options of this morning favorite, Kellogg is introducing three cereals from some of its most popular brands, including:

• New Kellogg's®  Frosted Mini-Wheats Touch of Fruit Raisin
• Kellogg's Krave® S'mores, and
• Kashi ® Organic Promise Raisin Vineyard.

As more people seek wholesome snack choices that provide positive nutrition, Kellogg’s execs said they have put new twists on some of consumer’s favorites such as Nutri-Grain fruit and oat harvest bars, Pringles tortilla chips, Keebler fudge covered coconut dreams and Kellogg’s morning biscuits to go.

"When heading down the frozen food aisle, many consumers are looking for breakfast options that make it easy to give their families a warm, delicious start to the day," said Andrew Loucks, president of Kellogg U.S. Frozen Foods.

• Kellogg New bite-sized Eggo , and
• Special K Bacon Egg and Cheese Flatbread breakfast sandwich. 

For other occasions, people are seeking foods with bold flavors, ethnic flair and unique ingredients, according to Loucks to which Kellogg introduces Morningstar Farms® roasted garlic and quinoa burger and the Kashi Greek tzatziki and Indian tikka masala single-serving pizza.

Kellogg is a major supplier to Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and operates a large sales office in Rogers.

Researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed a risk-assessment tool to help retailers implement mobile point-of-sale technologies, according to a UA statement issued Tuesday (Dec. 17).

Their study identifies the challenges of such mobile systems as  customers checking out with their smartphones and employees processing transactions on the sales floor with tablets and other mobile devices.

“Only a few years ago, these technologies and the world they created were considered utopian,” said John Aloysius, associate professor of supply chain management in the Sam M. Walton College of Business. “But today, in many scenarios, what was once considered utopian has become very real. The technology is ready – retailers such as Walmart, Nordstrom, and Stop & Shop have already rolled out different versions. Eighty percent of all retail is considering using one form of it or another, and 30 percent have already deployed at least pilot projects.”

Mobile point-of-sale technologies include current and emerging systems that allow customers to register bank accounts and credit card accounts with stores, so that they can use smartphones to scan items and, upon leaving the store, have those items automatically charged to their accounts. According to UA officials, such technology would provide greater freedom and convenience for the customer and both marketing and cost-saving opportunities for retailers.

With support from the Retail Industry Leaders Association, Aloysius worked with Viswanath Venkatesh, distinguished professor of information systems in the Walton College. They identified asset risks associated with these emerging technologies and to gauge consumer attitudes about them. The researchers studied 26 different retail scenarios and found that there is no “one size fits all” system.

For retailers, solutions to asset-protection challenges posed by mobile, point-of-sale technologies must be highly individualized and tailored to fit the specific needs of each retail business. Customers adopt these technologies at varying levels and speed, based on age, gender and income, the researchers found. The main inhibitors to their adoption are privacy and security.

To address the needs of retailers, the researchers developed a risk-assessment matrix that provides a framework through which stores can find solutions uniquely suited to their business and customers. The retail association representatives said the study is the most comprehensive of any on a retail innovation, and that the matrix is a useful and practical tool available to retailers to help them decide which technology they want to deploy and how to design processes around the technology.

The matrix focuses on five risk areas – technology, employee, retailer/store, product and customer risk – within the three main stages of retail transactions – scanning, payment and validation. Validation refers to exit inspections and other control audits to confirm that the person using the technology and smartphone is the same person tied to the account charged.

The researchers paid special attention to privacy. They found many customers dislike collection of personal and credit card information via their mobile devices and are worried that retailers’ databases could include errors and inaccuracies related to this information. Customers are also concerned that unauthorized employees or hackers could access their personal and credit card information. Customers also do not want their personal and credit card information used by retailers for secondary purposes, such as marketing campaigns and promotional messages.

Identification of these concerns indicates that it may take significant time to fully adopt these technologies, Aloysius said. But, if and when these concerns are addressed, there are significant advantages to be gained from the technology.

“There are tremendous benefits associated with mobile shopping, including the ability to engage with customers while shopping and influence purchasing decisions,” Aloysius said. “But the associated privacy issues need to be carefully examined because they could cause strong customer rejection.”

Ernst & Young and Checkpoint Systems also supported the study.

Venkatesh holds the George & Boyce Billingsley Endowed Chair in Information Systems.

Officials with Epoxyn Products announced Tuesday (Dec. 17) plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Mountain Home and create 50 new jobs.

Epoxyn is a Hamilton Scientific company and a leading manufacturer and fabricator of high-performance work-surface solutions for research, educational and health-care laboratory environments.
 
“As the industry leader in laboratory casework, workstations, fume hoods and epoxy resin tops, we are focused on investing in our business to provide our global customers with the most innovative and highest quality products in the industry.” Jack Roberts President and CEO of Hamilton Scientific, said in a statement issued by the Arkansas Department of Economic Development.

Epoxyn Products is part of Hamilton Scientific, a 132-year-old laboratory furniture and equipment supplier with corporate headquarters located in De Pere, Wisc. Epoxyn offers epoxy and phenolic resin, the two premier laboratory work surface materials. The company’s resin products include chemical-resistant, laboratory-grade epoxy work surfaces, sinks, balance tables, pegboards, fume hood tops and other components.
 
"Epoxyn's success is Mountain Home’s success," Gov. Mike Beebe said in the statement. "An Arkansas-based company with a good product, combined with a good local workforce, often results in the creation of more jobs and more investment. That's what we're seeing in Baxter County, and hope to see more of throughout Arkansas's manufacturing centers."

The Springdale Public School District has received a $25.878 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The funding was awarded as part of the Race to the Top’s District Grant Competition, which focuses on transforming schools’ learning environments to better serve students’ abilities and needs.

“Springdale has proven time and time again that they have the vision and educators needed to help our students succeed,” U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., said in a statement. “It’s no surprise that they’ve received this prestigious Race to the Top Grant. With this funding, I know they’ll continue to excel when it comes to ensuring our students are college and career ready.”

With this grant, Springdale School District will focus on three main goals:
• Ensuring student achievement;
• Closing the experience gap; and
• Improving student learning with personalized learning strategies.

Highlights include increasing Pre-K classes, creating a Parent Academy, improving access to technology, offering additional educational opportunities, and initiating professional learning communities, according to the statement from Pryor’s office.

Springdale was 1 of 5 Race to the Top Grantees this year. The districts were chosen for their vision and capacity for reform and their strong plans to provide educators with resources to optimize student achievement and prepare students for college and their careers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently cited Tyson Foods for four workplace violations in its Hutchison, Kan., facility following a June 17 accident. The meat giant faces $147,000 in proposed fines.

The federal report notes that a worker's hand was severed by an unguarded conveyor belt as four workers were cleaning conveyor equipment at the end of their shift. In the cleaning process the guarding on the conveyor was removed. The injured worker’s garment and arm were pulled into the gears of the conveyer which had not been properly locked out to prevent unintentional operation, OSHA noted.

The company received two willful violations for failing to train workers on lockout/tagout procedures. One serious violation was issued for failing to provide fixed stairs to reach work areas on the plant's upper platform. OSHA issued a citation for one other-than-serious violation involved illegible markings on forklift levers.

This particular plant was inspected five times the past decade by OSHA and received 7 violations.

OSHA said the severity of the violations warranted placing Tyson Foods in its 
“Severe Violator Enforcement Program,” which mandates targeted follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the law.

Tyson said it is reviewing the citation and will work cooperatively with OSHA to resolve these concerns.

"Workplace safety is very important to everyone at our company," Tyson spokesman Worth Sparkman noted in an email. "We expect our employees to perform to the highest safety and health standards across Tyson Foods operations at all times. Our efforts include safety policies and training, and the involvement of workers in our safety committees.”

Dr. Marta Loyd, vice chancellor for university advancement at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, has resigned her UAFS job to accept a position as executive director of the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute in Morrilton.

Loyd will begin her new position on Feb. 10 at the institute, which was established by the University of Arkansas System in 2005. As executive director, Loyd will be responsible for managing an annual budget of more than $6 million, working with constituents to establish strategic directions for future programming that meets the institute’s mission and vision statements, and maintaining strong communications with the Board of Directors and Charitable Trust.
 
Loyd worked at UAFS for 17 years, 12 of them being in the role of vice chancellor. During her 12-year tenure as vice chancellor, she guided volunteers, development officers, University leaders and the chancellor to raise gifts and pledges totaling $57 million.

Loyd also worked at UAFS since 2002 as the executive director of the University Foundation, serving the foundation’s 35-member Board of Directors in strategic and financial planning, coordination of communications efforts and organization of Board functions. In a 10-year span, she transformed the Westark Community College Foundation, with $20 million in assets, into a comprehensive university foundation with an endowment of more than $60 million and assets of more than $75 million.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, a master’s in higher education leadership from the University of Arkansas and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri.

Loyd said she looks forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
 
“The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute has established itself as a first-class conference center that brings diverse populations and thought leaders together to discuss important ideas affecting our state and nation, especially those ideas that are important to honoring the legacy of Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller,” Loyd said in a UAFS statement. “The institute has the past success, skilled staff and key resources to move toward greater national recognition and significance, and I am excited to be a part of that.”
 
UAFS Chancellor Dr. Paul B. Beran said that Loyd will be truly missed.
 
“I’m very sad to see Dr. Loyd go, but I’m also excited for her and the opportunity she’s pursuing,” he said. “Dr. Loyd will be excellent as the executive director for the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, and will provide a kind of insight and intellectual depth that will make the institute a world-class operation.”

Less than six months after around 500 layoffs at their Conway facility, Hewlett-Packard on Wednesday (Dec. 18) announced plans to establish a “regional industry development center” that would add approximately 200 jobs to that same site during 2014.

The Palo Alto, Calif.-based computer firm opened its Conway service center in 2010. News of the state landing the Hewlett-Packard facility in Conway was heralded as game-changing for the state’s economic reputation. The city’s two colleges and one university were to be a feeder for the tech jobs the center would field. At the time, as many as 1,500 jobs were expected.

John Herzog, Hewlett-Packard account executive, said Wednesday that “these new employees will fill important technical roles in software engineering, business analysis and management in support of HP’s growing government and commercial healthcare business across the United States.”

Gov. Mike Beebe said the announcement represented the resiliency of Arkansas’s growing technology workforce.

“The skill level of these jobs, the salaries and the field of expertise all prove that Arkansas’s workforce can compete for high-quality jobs and adjust to the changing demands of HP’s market,” Beebe said in a statement issued by the Conway Development Corp.

Hewlett-Packard cited the presence of three colleges and universities, high-quality workforce and hundreds of existing HP employees working locally as the key drivers for the project. The “Industry Development Center” is a centralized group of highly skilled HP staff that builds, enhances and implements HP’s healthcare industry solutions for many commercial and state clients.

Conway Mayor Tab Townsell said the news should re-affirm Conway citizen’s faith in the strength of the community’s relationship with the tech giant.

“The fundamental reasons we were excited about this project five years ago have not changed.  Conway has a quality workforce.  HP has the wherewithal to withstand the ebbs and flows of the global economy. Today is a great example of Conway and HP succeeding together.”

The Komen Ozark Affiliate announced Shelley McMillon, wife of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s CEO-elect Doug McMillon, will be the honorary chair for the 2014 Annual Komen Ozark Race for the Cure on April 26, 2014.
 
“Shelley has been a long-time supporter of Komen Ozark,” said Mary Alfrey, executive director of the Ozark affiliate.  “We are absolutely thrilled to have her on board as our race chair this year. Her enthusiasm and support of our mission, goals and partners will help build awareness of the work Komen Ozark is doing to help people in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley who are fighting this disease.”
 
This is the 16th year the race will be held in Northwest Arkansas. On April 26, thousands of people will come together to celebrate the strong men and women who fight this disease. To commemorate the race’s Sweet 16, race organizers have discounted the entry fee through the end of the year. 
 
“You don’t have to look hard to find someone who has been touched by breast cancer. I have seen first hand the unwavering support, compassion and resources the Komen Ozark team provides to patients, their families and friends. I am honored to be part of the team raising awareness of the great work Komen is doing here at home,” McMillon said.
 
For more information about the 16th annual Race for the Cure please visit this website.

Gov. Mike Beebe on Thursday (Dec. 19) announced the following appointments to boards and commissions:
 
Terrie Baker, Sherwood, reappointed to the Arkansas Workforce Investment Board.  Appointment expires Aug. 10, 2017.
 
Mary Coleman, Strong, to the Ouachita River Commission.  Appointment expires Sept. 1, 2020.  Replaces Scott Ellen.
 
Bob Cosgrove, Sr., to the Arkansas Workforce Investment Board.  Appointment expires Aug. 10, 2017.  Replaces Sandra Kerr.
 
Tyler Denton, Little Rock, to the Prevailing Wage Advisory Committee.  Appointee serves at the will of the governor.  Replaces Patrick Hayes.
 
William "Fred" Denton, McGehee, to the University of Arkansas at Monticello Board of Visitors.  Appointment expires July 31, 2016.  Replaces Jeff Owyoung.
 
Judge Marilyn Edwards, Fayetteville, to the Prevailing Wage Advisory Committee.  Appointee serves at the will of the governor.  Replaces The Honorable Roy McNatt.
 
James "Shep" Gage, Texarkana, reappointed to the Garland Levee District of Miller County.  Appointment expires Oct. 1, 2019.
 
Marylea Gazette, Little Rock, reappointed to the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board.  Appointment expires Oct. 1, 2018.
 
Ramonda Housh, Pocahontas, to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.  Appointment expires Oct. 1, 2014.  Replaces Debra Garrett.
 
Otis Howe III, Little Rock, reappointed to the State Plant Board.  Appointment expires Sept. 30, 2015.
 
Christi McQueen, Hope, to the Arkansas Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence Commission.  Appointment expires July 1, 2015.  Replaces Steven Oliver.
 
Clark Mason, Little Rock, reappointed to the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics Commission.  Appointment expires Nov. 9, 2018.
 
Andy Montgomery, Batesville, reappointed to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission.  Appointment expires Sept. 1, 2017.
 
Donna Morton, White Hall, reappointed to the Long Term Care Facility Advisory Board.  Appointment expires Oct. 15, 2016.
 
Rod Nagel, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission.  Appointment expires Oct. 15, 2016.  Replaces George Shelton.
 
Brett Provost, Jonesboro, to the Craighead County Quorum Court, District 7.  Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2014.  Replaces Kevin Hole.
 
Murry Reagor, Little Rock, to the Long Term Care Facility Advisory Board.  Appointment expires Oct. 15, 2016.  Replaces Vivian Meins.
 
Lynn Rodgers, Crossett, to the University of Arkansas at Monticello Board of Visitors.  Appointment expires July 31, 2016.  Replaces Timothy Chase.
 
Linda Rowe, Lake Village, to the University of Arkansas at Monticello Board of Visitors.  Appointment expires July 31, 2016.  Replaces Beverly Rowe.
 
Louise Scott, Little Rock, to the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Advisory Committee.  Appointment expires Oct. 1, 2017.  Replaces Silvia Fernandez.
 
Elgie Sims, Sr., El Dorado, to the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board.  Appointment expires June 22, 2016.  Replaces Charles "Tad" Bokker.
 
Jenni Swain, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas Entertainment Hall of Fame Board.  Appointment expires Sept. 1, 2019.  Replaces David Allen.
 
Cathee Terrell, North Little Rock, reappointed to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.  Appointment expires July 1, 2016.
 
Captain Eddie White, Mountain Home, to the Arkansas Building Authority Council.  Appointment expires July 22, 2016.  Replaces David Elrod.

Officials with Fort Smith-based OK Foods announced Thursday (Dec. 19) the withdrawal by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) of its petition for a union representation election filed Nov. 8, 2013.

As a result, the National Labor Relations Board cancelled the election scheduled to begin Dec. 18, 2013. 

According to the OK Foods’ statement, the union first targeted OK Foods employees for organizing at its Fort Smith poultry operations in 2012.

“The withdrawal clearly indicates the Union did not have the support it needed to win the election,” noted the statement. “Management of the company is very grateful to its employees for their support and confidence, and is looking forward to working together to make OK Foods a great place to work.”