Twin Peaks has scoped out a location for its second restaurant in the Natural State. The planning commission in Rogers has approved the new eatery to be located at 2400 Promenade Blvd. near Cabella’s Outdoors.

The new restaurant in Rogers is one of nine by the Dallas-based chain slated as “coming soon” on its corporate website.

Twin Peaks has one location in west Little Rock and has a similar atmosphere as Hooters. The only Hooters location in the region (Fayetteville) closed in August of last year citing a lease problem.

Retailer Target Corp confirmed it is paring down employment costs, cutting 475 jobs in its Minneapolis home office and leaving another 700 positions vacant across the retail chain.

Target has a global headcount of 361,000 and employs about 14,000 at its corporate headquarters in Minnesota.

It’s been less than two weeks since Target reduced its earnings forecast for the holiday season and its fourth quarter, related to weaker than anticipated sales following the announcement of the cyber-security breach which involved 110 million of its customers during the busiest shopping season of the year.

Analysts have said Target’s problems started before the data breach, but the costs associated with this major cyber attack will be in the millions.

Also on Wednesday, Target announced it would no long offer insurance to its part-time workers, citing options available to them in state and federal healthcare marketplaces.
The company said that the majority (less than 10%) of its part-time workforce does not enroll in healthcare coverage currently offered by the retailer.

The state of Arkansas will receive $459,000 in clawback funding from tech giant Hewlett Packard for its failure to meet employment goals as part of a $10 million incentive package.

HP announced in December 2008 that it would locate a tech support facility in Conway. It received roughly $10 million in incentives from Gov. Mike Beebe’s Quick Action Closing Fund as part of an agreement to create 1,000 jobs within five years.

In mid-2013, HP laid off about 500 workers and later in the year announced it would hire 200 with different skill sets. As a result of the net employment figures, HP failed to meet all of the requirements of its original deal.

AEDC notified HP late last week it owed a total of $459,000 back to the state’s economic development agency from the $10 million given to the company from the governor’s fund.

In order to determine how much HP owed, AEDC used a formula that was included in the signed agreement. It weighs total employees and total payroll against the 1,000 jobs promised.

“The strength of HP’s overall payroll in Conway played a factor in determining the amount owed, made it a bit less,” said AEDC spokesman Scott Hardin. “We don’t share the exact formula as that would allow the company’s specific employment and payroll information to be made public.”

Hardin said there is little more in the way of formality to kick in the repayment of the money owed to the state. He added that HP has informed Arkansas economic officials that they are in the process of making the payment.

“HP has worked closely with us throughout this process and the company has always said it will honor the exact terms of the original agreement,” Hardin said.

Current employment at the HP facility in Conway stands between 700 and 900 people, according to the company.

The National Retail Federation on Wednesday (Jan. 22) sent a letter to congressional leaders outlining the retail industry’s commitment to protecting sensitive consumer data in the wake of the recent international cyber attacks and thefts.

“The National Retail Federation and our 12,000 members are committed to combating this criminal threat to our industry and our customers, and we strongly recommend the adoption of meaningful steps to fight cyber theft and credit card fraud,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay wrote in the letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.

The letter reiterated the retail industry’s long-held support for replacing current credit and debit cards with cards that would store data in an embedded computer micro-chip and require the use of a PIN rather than a signature. Cards today use easy-to-hack 1960s technology.

“For years, banks have continued to issue fraud-prone magnetic stripe cards to U.S. customers, putting sensitive financial information at risk while simultaneously touting the security benefits of next-generation PIN and Chip card technology for customers in Europe and dozens of other markets,” Shay said.

NRF expressed its support for an immediate transition from magnetic-stripe cards to more-secure and advanced PIN and Chip cards to better protect consumer data from theft, hacking and skimming. PIN and Chip cards are widely used in more than 80 countries throughout Europe, Asia and Africa.

“The retail industry is eager to work with banks and card companies to fight cyber attacks and reduce fraud,” Shay said. “These efforts include installation of sophisticated new PIN-enabled point-of-sale-systems and readiness to adopt cards with more secure microchip technology, but the fact remains that retailers cannot do this alone.”

Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck (D) announced Wednesday (Jan. 22) that he will run for a third term as sheriff. The terms are for two years.

With 30 years in law enforcement, Hollenbeck is a graduate of Northside High School. He began his career with the Dallas Texas Police Department in 1982. Hollenbeck joined the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department in 1990. He worked patrol, became a detective and then promoted to Captain over the Criminal Investigative Division as well as SWAT.

Hollenbeck is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has a bachelor’s degree in organizational management. He is a commissioner for the Fort Smith Church League Baseball, volunteer football coach for the Boys and Girls Club, executive board member of the Arkansas Sheriff’s Association, board member of the Arkansas Association of Counties Risk Management, 911 Board member, Fair Board, FOP member, past board member of Camp Hope for Heroes a military veteran support agency. Hollenbeck is married to Dr. Karen Hollenbeck and has five children.

In his re-election statement, Hollenbeck said his tenure has seen an increased “training tempo of the department’s sworn personnel.”

Following are some of the department improvements Hollenbeck listed in his re-election statement.
• The adult Detention deputies have received on average 101 hours of training per deputy in 2013. The online training has increased from the years past of an average of 40 hours per detention deputy. The detention center as a whole has received more than 6,000 hours of training from various topics such as advanced supervision, cell extraction, first aid professional ethics, escorting and transporting prisoners and much more.

• The department implemented a community service program supervised by the Sheriff’s Department. This program has been successful through the coordination and outstanding cooperation with District Court, Circuit Court, Drug Court, Probation and Parole and in house staff. This program identifies nonviolent misdemeanor offenders as well as individual who owe fines. This program places individuals into this alternative sentencing program by performing community service in lieu of jail time. In 2013, these offenders worked 1,842 days of community service projects instead of being incarcerated at the cost to the taxpayers.

• Working with other elected officials and the Quorum Court, the Sheriff’s Department now has updated technology such as computer aided dispatch and automatic vehicle locator on all patrol cars. This allows dispatch operators to immediately identify the closest units to any given 911 emergency call or identify the closest unit if deputies need immediate assistance. The Patrol Division is in the process of replacing old mobile computers with updated and less expensive tablets for all patrol vehicles.

• The department now has on line sex offender tracking system. Offender Watch allows the community to receive email alerts by signing up on the Sebastian County Sheriff’s website to any sex offender that moves near their residence. The community members can also access all registered sex offenders being monitored by the department.

Cargill Meat Solutions has settled hiring discrimination allegations in three of its plants, including the turkey slaughter and processing facility in Springdale. The allegations were made by Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP).


The meat packer agreed to pay $2.2 million into a settlement fund, although the company notes it did not discriminate against any applicant and views the agencies allegations as unfounded.


"The decision to settle was not taken lightly, because we work hard every day to ensure compliance with all hiring laws, and we have an unwavering commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunity," said Cargill Senior Vice President Bill Buckner.  "The plants involved in the bundled settlement include Fort Morgan, Colo. (beef); Springdale, Ark. (turkey); and Beardstown, Ill. (pork). They have diverse employee populations, representing dozens of nationalities. It's a fact we take great pride in, especially because these communities are thriving with economic prosperity that results from the diverse Cargill employee population."


OFCCP audits companies that conduct business with the U.S. government.

Buckner said the meat company was disappointed with the way OFCCP used a mathematical model to allege violation in the absence of evidence.


“We believe the agency needs to change the way it applies the law to ensure that OFCCP is not forcing employers to violate – by using quotas – the very laws the agency is supposed to be enforcing. We will continue to hire the best candidates available from those who apply for positions at our plants,” Buckner said.

Tupelo, Miss.-based BancorpSouth, which has operations in the Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas areas, reported full year net income of $94.115 million, up 11.16% compared to 2012.

For the fourth quarter, net income was $27.698 million, well ahead of the $16.98 million during the fourth quarter of 2013.

Total revenue (interest and non-interest revenue) during the year was $724.573 million, below the $766.573 million during 2012.

“Our results for the fourth quarter are reflective of the commitment that we have made to grow our Company,” CEO Dan Rollins said in a statement. “We are pleased to report net loan growth of almost $185 million, or 8.4 percent on an annualized basis. While we have continued to produce quality credits throughout the cycle, these efforts are becoming more visible as the headwind caused by problem asset runoff continues to subside.” 

Non-performing loans declined from $233.6 million as of Dec. 31, 2012, to $120.4 million as of Dec. 31, 2013. Also, non-performing assets fell from $336.8 million at the end of 2012 to $189.7 million at the end of 2013.

The bank holding company also announced an agreement to acquire Temple, Texas-based Central Community Corporation. Central is the parent company of First State Bank Central Texas which is based in Austin, Texas, and operates 31 locations in central Texas. As of Dec. 31, 2013, Central Community had total assets of $1.3 billion, total loans of $555.5 million and total deposits of $1.1 billion.

BancorpSouth will issue 7.25 million shares and pay $28.5 million to acquire Central Community.

BancorpSouth shares (NYSE: BXS) opened Thursday (Jan. 23) at $25.07. During the past 52 weeks the share price has ranged from a $25.54 high to a $14.14 low.

Sebastian County Circuit Clerk Denora Coomer is running for a second term this year, she announced in a press release.

Coomer, a 31 year veteran of county government including 29 years as the county's court administrator, easily won a primary in 2012 against incumbent Circuit Clerk Ken Blevins, who had faced numerous scandals related to sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment during his term in office.

The release announcing her re-election indirectly referred to the scandal that swept her to office, saying that her "experience in county government, leadership, and ethics in the work place have been implemented and are an improvement to the morale of her office."

Coomer said accomplishments during her first term include a "reduction of overtime pay, conversion to the State jury system in both the Fort Smith and Greenwood Districts, an enhanced web-site to include the posting of commissioner's sales, support for the enactment of legislation in 2013 to add an additional revenue source for the county from funds received for conducting commissioner's sales when ordered by the court, and ongoing conversion and implementation of new software for the office."

Should she win a second term, Coomer said she would focus efforts on e-filing and e-warrants to meet the ever-changing technology demands.

"I hope the voters of our county will allow me to continue in office, and I pledge to them that my staff and I will continue to strive for excellence in customer service."

No other candidates have announced to challenge Coomer, a Republican who is married and has two children and six grandchildren.

As of Dec. 31, 2013, the midpoint of the 2014 fiscal year, the University of Arkansas raised $62.633 million and is now 58% of its way to its goal of $108 million.

“We are encouraged, proud and – most of all – thankful for the success we have seen so far this year,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “Our benefactors are investing in the future of our great university and are clearly excited about the direction we are heading. Their confidence in us speaks volumes and reminds us why we are here: to advance higher education in the state of Arkansas and enhance the academic opportunities available for our students and faculty. I look forward to finishing out the fiscal year with additional positive results.”

The amount reported includes outright gifts of cash, gifts-in-kind, new planned gifts and new pledges. Funds have been designated for academic and athletic purposes such as scholarships, diversity initiatives, new construction and renovation projects, the Razorback Foundation and University Libraries.

This year marks the fifth consecutive year that the university has raised over half of its goal by Dec. 31. The 2014 fiscal year will conclude on June 30.

Rising beef prices and ever-changing health trends have more consumers eating less beef. A recent survey report from Mintel found 39% of U.S. consumers ate less red meat in 2013, than in the prior year.

Mintel found that 90% of those surveyed said they still eat some kind of red meat at least once a month, but more than one-third of the respondents said higher beef prices were the main reason they had turned to other proteins.
 Just 10% of those surveyed said they ate more beef last year and plan to continue in 2014.


“The red meat category is facing a difficult future, as both health trends and price are working to discourage consumer demand for red meat products. The industry also has done little to innovate since the recession and therefore has offered consumers little to get excited about. This presents an opportunity for the industry to try to invigorate the market with new products, improved quality and improved functionality,” said Patty Johnson, global food analysts at Mintel.


Johnson said packaging innovation is an area the red meat industry could score some points with consumers, particularly women.
 More than one-third (35%) of women would like to see more re-sealable packaging, 26% say they want individual sized portions and 23% would like to see recipe options on the package.

Tyson Foods CEO Donnie Smith recently said consumers today want they they want, preferring fresh over frozen, trading down if they have to, but still demanding the food items be produced responsibly.

He noted a major shift in foodservice promotions of more chicken in their menu offerings, in part because of the value proposition. In the grocery retail space, he said consumers want convenience, honest labeling, the best values they can find as they work to stretch their food dollars further.

USDA reports consumption of beef per person peaked at 94.4 pounds in 1976, but in 2012 it had fallen to 57 pounds, half of that was ground beef. Per capital spending on beef in 2013 was $288.17, up $48 over the past two years.

Dr. Jill Self-Pike is joining the Samaritan Community Center Health Clinic as its first paid staff dentist.

“Having Dr. Self-Pike on staff will allow us to greatly expand both the number of people we can serve and the type of services offered through our dental clinic,” says Debbie Rambo, SCC executive director. “Jill was part of the original group of volunteer dentists who founded the clinic in 2006 and has participated in many international mission trips, so her heart to serve the poor and underserved is a perfect match for what we strive to do here at the SCC.”

The Samaritan Community Center clinic is located in the Rogers facility at 1211 West Hudson Road.
    

“I am truly honored that I was chosen to be a part of something that will help so many people,” Self-Pike said in a statement. “My main goal is to show each patient that we truly care about them.”

A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Self-Pike received her doctor of medical dentistry degree from the University Of Louisville School Of Dentistry in Louisville, Ky., in 2002 and returned to Northwest Arkansas following graduation where she worked professionally as a dentist for the Community Clinic Rogers Dental Clinic and Arkansas Orthodontics, prior to joining the SCC Dental Clinic.

In addition to Self-Pike, who will work three days a week, the SCC dental clinic will continue to operate with the assistance of other local volunteer dentists. The clinic provides full-service dental care for uninsured adults only (dental exams, X-rays, extractions, restorative care and cleanings).

Dental Clinic hours vary. Appointments are taken on the first Monday of each month beginning at 8 a.m. by calling the clinic at (479) 636-0451.

One of Northwest Arkansas’ largest non-profits — Samaritan Community Center (SSC) —  is in the midst further expansion thanks to six foundation grants totaling $320,000 it recently received.
Three grants totaling more than $216,000 will allow center’s dental clinic to expand its restorative services.

“In the past we did a lot of extractions and emergency care but did not have the ability to offer many restorative options,” said Debbie Rambo, executive director. “These three grants will fund the cost of supplies and business expenses associated with running a full-service dental clinic over the next couple of years which, in turn, frees up SCC center funds to hire a part-time staff dentist.”

• $136,365 from Walmart Foundation,
• $15,000 from Blue and You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas,
• $65,000 private family foundation.

Rambo said since 2006, the dental clinic has offered care for uninsured adults, which has been staffed by volunteers working mainly after business hours, which limited the number of patients that could be seen. Last year the clinic provided dental care at no cost to 624 patients.

This month the clinic announced the hiring of its first staff dentist — Dr. Jill Self-Pike. She will work three days a week at the clinic which will allow more patients to be seen.

OTHER SERVICES

A second Walmart Foundation grant funded the purchase of a new pickup truck and cargo trailer that will be used jointly by the Samaritan Shop’s resale stores in Rogers and Springdale and the center to pick-up smaller donations that do not require the use of the larger SCC truck.

The General Mills Foundation grant ($40,000)  and a second private local family foundation grant provided $70,000 toward the funding of a 2014 healthy foods initiative of the SnackPack for Kids Program. 

The goal of the initiative is to purchase healthier food options for the snackpacks in larger bulk amounts and provide adequate storage space for the bulk purchases.

The SnackPack for Kids program distributes more than 6,500 bags each week during the school year filled with eight healthy snacks in 94 schools and Head Start centers in all four Northwest Arkansas counties. The child recipients have been identified by their school as being at-risk for hunger on weekends and holidays. The average monthly cost for the program is $30,000.

Irving, Texas-based Michaels art and craft stores announced Saturday (Jan. 25) that it too, had recently been targeted by a data security attack, joining a handful of other retailers such as Target and Neiman Marcus.

“We recently learned of possible fraudulent activity on some U.S. payment cards that had been used at Michaels, suggesting we may have experienced a data security attack. We are working closely with federal law enforcement and are conducting an investigation with the help of third-party data security experts to establish the facts. Although the investigation is ongoing, based on the information we have received and in light of the widely-reported criminal efforts to penetrate the data systems of U.S. retailers, we believe it is appropriate to notify our customers that a potential issue may have occurred,” CEO Chuck Rubin noted in a letter to customers on Saturday.

Michaels did not give any timeline for the suspected data breach but recommends customers remain vigilant by reviewing their account statements for unauthorized charges.

“If you believe your payment card may have been affected, you should immediately contact your bank or card issuer. If we find as part of our investigation that any of our customers were affected, we will offer identity protection and credit monitoring services to them at no cost,” Rubin said.

A burn ban is in effect in Sebastian County as a result of dry conditions and high winds.

The ban, issued by County Judge David Hudson late Friday (Jan. 24), means "outdoor burning of trash, debris, brush and all other materials during this period when conditions are extremely dry" are prohibited.

"Lawns, fields and wooded areas are exceptionally dry and the flash point for outdoor fires is unusually low," said a press release from Hudson's office. "Extremely high winds and low humidity are occurring and will continue to dry out vegetation, as well as spread fire more quickly."

While the United States Drought Monitor only has a small portion of Arkansas listed as "abnormally dry," winds are a factor even when conditions have not yet risen to drought levels. Overnight wind gusts in the Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas areas ranged from 40 miles per hour to 50 miles per hour and many parts of Arkansas are under a lake wind advisories.

Hudson's office, joined by Sebastian County Emergency Management Director Jeff Turner, took extra effort to appeal to smokers in an effort to reduce the risk of fires caused through accidental means.

"We solicit and appreciate the support of each individual during this time period and would request additional caution and good judgment be used by smokers and that smoking material be extinguished in an ash tray or safe container rather than be discarded along our roads and highways," the press release said. "We urge all citizens to work together to protect the lives and property, themselves, their families and neighbors. The burning ban will stay in existence until sufficient rain has reduced the fire hazard."

Anyone violating the burn ban would be prosecuted, according to Hudson's office, with fines ranging from $25 to $300.

Dr. Wendi J.W. Williams, a NorthWest Arkansas Community College faculty member, was named to the board of directors for the national Triangle Coalition for STEM Education.

The Coalition is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization focused on communication, advocacy and programming efforts to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics education for all students.

Williams, a faculty member in the college’s division of science  and mathematics, was one of six new members elected to the national board. Williams will serve through the end of 2016 and represents the National Association of Geoscience Teachers.

In addition to serving on the faculty at NWACC, she is a faculty member in the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Department of Earth Sciences. Williams commits her time to assisting first generation, STEM underrepresented students with learning about opportunities afforded by higher education. She works with the intent to recruit talent into geoscience vocations by teaching in pre-college programs targeting middle/high school students (through the University of Texas-El Paso, the UA at Little Rock, the UA, and the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas’ “Girls of Promise”).

She has also been a long-time advocate for better inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Williams is a member of the National Science Teachers Association, National Earth Science Teachers Association, and the International Association for Geoscience Diversity. She is also a member of the Arkansas Governor’s Earthquake Advisory and Pre-Disaster Mitigations Councils.

Wal-Mart Stores East Inc. doing business as Walmart stores in Albuquerque, N.M. will pay $87,500 and furnish other relief to settle a lawsuit for retaliation filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today, Jan. 28.

The EEOC's lawsuit charged that Walmart Store No. 835 in Northeast Albuquerque refused to hire Ramona Bradford's adult son and daughter for entry-level positions because Bradford had filed a sex discrimination charge against Wal-Mart with the EEOC. Retaliation against an employee because of her opposition to discrimination and/or participation in protected activity, such as filing a discrimination charge, violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

(UPDATE) Wal-Mart spokesman Randy Hargrove provided The City Wire with the following statement:
"Walmart does not condone retaliation of any kind. We terminated Ms. (Ramona) Bradford for legitimate business reasons. We have continually maintained that we did not retaliate against her or her family and we stand by that. We’re pleased to have resolved this with the EEOC."

The EEOC also alleged that Bradford was a victim of retaliation because her two adult children were being denied employment because of her complaints about discrimination and her charge filing.
 The suit was filed in March 2007, after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation voluntary settlement through its conciliation process.

In addition to monetary relief for the Bradfords, the consent decree provides for other relief, including an injunction prohibiting retaliatory practices; training for managerial employees on retaliation; and the posting of a notice advising employees of their rights under Title VII.

Hargrove also clarified that the training Wal-Mart agreed to involves two hours in one store only.

"This case involved an interesting and instructive fact pattern — retaliation against family members because their mother had filed a discrimination charge," said Regional Attorney Mary Jo O'Neill of the EEOC's Phoenix District Office.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College enrolled more than 7,500 credit students for the spring 2014 semester, college officials announced Tuesday (Jan. 28). The college had a preliminary count of 7,546 enrolled on Tuesday, the 11th day of classes for the spring semester. That figure is down 6.1% or 490 students from the spring semester 11th day count in 2013.

The number of high school students enrolled concurrently in classes at the college increased. There were 572 high school students enrolled in NWACC classes this spring compared with 549 students enrolled last spring.

“We are pleased that even more high school students are taking advantage of this significant opportunity,” said NWACC’s President Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson. “Our early college experience-high school based program offers an excellent way for high school students to begin their college careers and gain some confidence that they can meet the rigorous demands of pursuing a college degree. NWACC is delighted to be able to partner with our area high schools in this project, and we are excited about opportunities for additional collaboration.”

Student semester credit hours at NWACC also decreased this spring. The total credit hours being taken this spring is 68,371, a 6.9% decrease from 73,434 credit hours in the year-ago period.
Jorgenson said the dip in enrollment is not an unexpected development.

“Community colleges across the country are seeing decreases in enrollment this academic year,” she said. “Traditionally, when there is an economic recession, more people enroll in two-year colleges to sharpen their job skills or to study for new careers. As the economy improves, they are able to return to the workforce or to move into that higher-paying job they wanted, and college enrollments go down,” she said.

Data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center would seem to support that assessment. In the fall 2013 semester, overall postsecondary enrollments decreased 1.5% from the previous fall, according to the center’s most recent term enrollment report.

Enrollments decreased at two-year public institutions by 3.1%. Enrollment in two-year colleges by students older than 24 years of age dipped by 6% in the fall semester, according to the center’s data.

An academic progress policy that was implemented in the fall also is affecting spring enrollment, but college leaders said the policy is critical to enabling students to achieve success in the college classroom. The policy requires students who took at least 9 hours and had a 0.0 grade point average during the previous semester to sit out for the following semester.

Dr. Todd Kitchen, vice president for learner support services, said the policy gives students and the college the opportunity to determine what happened and what needs to occur so that the student can be successful when he or she returns to the classroom.

“We’ll look at what’s going on with the individual student and what tools or services we can provide to help that student succeed,” he said. “Ultimately, this is about providing our students the best chance possible for success.”

The enrollment figure of 7,546 is still a preliminary number. Data also are reviewed for accuracy before the official report is submitted to the Department of Higher Education prior to a late February deadline.

In the 2012-13 academic year, NWACC served almost 20,000 students. These included 12,140 unduplicated credit students (all students served throughout the academic year, not just one semester’s enrollment), 4,299 students served through workforce development, 247 students served through personal education and enrichment programs, and 3,134 students in adult education programs such as GED.

Steven Hinds, executive director of public relations and marketing, said credit enrollment only represents a part of the college’s service to the greater community.

The college’s non-credit certified retail analyst program continues to serve a significant number of Northwest Arkansas residents pursuing this high-demand skill set, Hinds said. There are 88 students enrolled in the program and another 44 taking prerequisite courses so that they may enter the program.

Oklahoma Speaker of the House T.W. Shannon, R-Lawton, became the second announced candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla.

Shannon joins U.S. Rep. James Lankford, R-Edmond, in announcing a run for the seat.

In a statement on his website, Shannon said he would fight to protect the values of not only all Oklahomans, but the American people.
www.twshannon.com/im/

"I used to believe our freedom was so deeply woven into the fabric of this country, that nothing could ever put it at risk. But over the past six years, much has changed…Obamacare. Activist Judges. Reckless Federal Spending. Endless Red-Tape. Burdensome Taxes. Deepening Debt. The American people are tired, and they want someone who will fight to protect their values."

Shannon, the first African-American to hold a top post in the Oklahoma House, went on to list what he said were a number of accomplishments during his time in the House.

"During my time in office, I have been able to help cut taxes by hundreds of millions of dollars, eliminate many millions in waste and duplication, and fundamentally reform our worker’s compensation system, saving Oklahoma businesses over one hundred million dollars a year in premium costs."

He continued: "Once I became Speaker of the House, I was in an even better position to implement conservative policies. I wanted Oklahoma to lead the way in preserving freedom, strengthening families, and growing jobs. But I didn’t want to do those things just so we as Oklahomans could benefit. I wanted us to show the rest of the country what kind of prosperity could come from conservative policies."

Following Shannon's announcement, U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Tulsa, announced that he would not run for Coburn's seat.

In addition to Shannon and Lankford, former Gov. Frank Keating is mulling a run for the Republican nomination. No Democrats have yet announced, though party insiders have said Poteau-native Kenneth Corn, a former state senator and failed 2010 candidate for lieutenant governor, is rumored to be exploring a run for the Senate seat. No Democrat has won an open Senate seat from Oklahoma since 1978, when current University of Oklahoma President David Boren was first elected.

Democrat Congressional candidate James Lee Witt, the former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and a former Yell County Judge, announced third quarter fundraising of $243,946.17 on Wednesday (Jan. 29).

Witt, who is running to replace U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Dardanelle, in the fourth district (Cotton is running for U.S. Senate), launched his campaign on Nov. 5, 2013, leaving him just shy of two months to raise the nearly quarter million dollars announced Wednesday.

The FEMA director during the administration of former President Bill Clinton is challenging community college instructor Janice Precefull of Hot Springs for the Democratic nomination.

Republicans vying for their party's nomination have the advantage of time in building their campaign war chest against Witt. Both candidates, businessman Tommy Moll and Arkansas House Majority Leader Bruce Westernman, reported third quarter totals in the six digits. Moll reported $281,000 raised to Westerman's $110,466.43 during the quarter.

Reached by phone Wednesday, Westerman said his campaign had a strong third quarter and his total raised between both quarters would be around a quarter million dollars when he releases his fourth quarter totals, which is expected tomorrow (Jan. 30).

"We'll be close to that. I'm assuming that's his total amount, and we'll be in the ballpark of that," he said.

Westerman said he was waiting to report official numbers to the press pending notification to campaign donors and friends of the campaign.

Peter Somerville, campaign manager for Moll, declined to provide fundraising figures for the fourth quarter, saying Moll's fundraising report would be released later in the week.

As for Witt, he said the financial support of his large political network of friends was appreciated as he made his first run for office since the 1980s.

“Hundreds of friends, old and new, have offered their advice, prayers and support, and I am grateful for their encouragement,” Witt said.  “I know what working families are going through every day, how tough it can be to make ends meet. I’ve lived that life. I want to work with anyone who’s willing to work together to help make a real difference for Arkansas.”

Retail TouchPoints reports that Tyson Foods Inc. is among a growing number of consumer products goods companies to use data analytics to promote increased sales.

A study by Quri, a retail analytics company, reports nearly 49% of in-store displays are out of compliance, promotional pricing is incorrect 22% of the time and items are out of stock 15% of the time.

Tyson is addressing these issues by keeping a constant pulse on in-store activities, sales and marketing performance, according to Retail TouchPoints.

Quri said Tyson is using its services to track on-shelf available across various retail channel.

For the prepared foods and deli division of Tyson Foods, product visibility and marketing are especially important. So over the past four years, Tyson Foods has focused more on “creating pull in retail stores and driving impulse sales at the deli counter,” T Fuqua, Brand Manager at Tyson Foods said in the retail interview.

Tyson said once its products are in stores, a top challenge is understanding exactly what is being executed at the retail level and building best-in-class stories around what retailers do to ensure the product is what customers want and easy to find.

“So if a shopper is looking for a specific product, they know where they can find it, which helps our retail partners maximize sales.” Fuqua noted in the interview.

In the fragmented grocery channel, Tyson relies on distributors to make product deliveries once or twice a week, the company reported it’s hard to gauge what’s happening.

Quri said it provides detailed analytics regarding the performance and product execution of the retail partner, taking photos of in-store signage and displays to ensure compliance..

Tyson said this year it plans to conduct studies and in-store survey around its 20-key selling weeks, for example this week Quri has been in the field collected data ahead of the Super Bowl, the report stated.