NorthWest Arkansas Community College has joined forces with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art to bring “Vivaldi’s Sounds of Spring” to life for local audiences on March 19 and 21.

The Vivaldi programs in Crystal Bridges’ Great Hall will begin at 7 p.m. each day. The programs are free, and tickets are available at online.
 
Miles Fish, music professor at NWACC, will be the guest lecturer. He has been researching and studying Antonio Vivaldi’s music since 2002, spending summers in Italy. Two of Fish’s books involving Vivaldi have been published by Apple’s iTunes, the college said.

Performing guest artists will include:
• Antonella Gozzoli, soprano visiting from Tuscany;
• Ben Harris, Fayetteville Jazz Collective;
• Tobiah Murphy, University of Missouri Conservatory of Music; and
• NWACC Chamber Singers.

The March 19 program will address “The Life and Times of Antonio Vivaldi.” The March 21 program will focus on the miraculous discovery and “re-premiere” performance of Vivaldi’s works at the outbreak of World War II.

The performing arts presentations coincide with the March 15 opening of “The William S. Paley Collection: A Taste for Modernism” at Crystal Bridges.

Fish has noted that because of Vivaldi’s pioneering innovative contributions to “program music” (evoking images — painting pictures with musical sounds), his works remain especially relevant to those who love visual art.
 
The Vivaldi “Spring” was revolutionary at its conception and remains, centuries later, a textbook example of memorable sound painting, according to Fish.

Gov. Mike Beebe announced Thursday (March 6) the following appointments to boards and commissions:

Jeffery "Scott" Baxter, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System Board of Trustees. Appointment expires Jan. 1, 2018. Replaces Timothy Webb.

Jimmy Bolt, Arkadelphia, to the Arkansas Fire and Police Pension Review Board. Appointment expires Jan. 1, 2018. Replaces Catherine Cook.

Diane Bryant, Farmington, to the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence. Appointment expires July 1, 2015. Replaces David Goodson.

L.J. Bryant II, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2016. Replaces Edna Morgan.

Dr. Richard Burnett, Gassville, reappointed to the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2018.

Carla Hines Coleman, Little Rock, reappointed to the Black History Advisory Committee. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2021.

Catherine Cook, Hope, to the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System Board of Trustees. Appointment expires Jan. 1, 2018. Replaces JoAnne Bush.

Chief David Dayringer, Prairie Grove, to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board. Appointment expires Oct. 14, 2014. Replaces Mike Serima.

The Honorable Wayne Dowd, Texarkana, reappointed to the Red River Commission. Appointment expires March 31, 2021.

Jessica Duff, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Athletic Commission. Appointment expires July 15, 2022. Replaces Jim Massey.

Dr. Mark Elrod, Searcy, to the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2020. Replaces Debbie Hoofman.

Lieutenant Alex Finger, Little Rock, reappointed to the Crime Victims Reparation Board. Appointment expires Oct. 5, 2017.

Lieutenant James "Tim" Grimes, Hot Springs, to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board. Appointment expires Oct. 14, 2016. This is a new position.

Haylee Harris-Hill, Morrilton, to the Burial Association Board. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2016. Replaces Pete Sims.

Farris Hensley, Alexander, reappointed to the Arkansas Fire and Police Pension Review Board. Appointment expires Jan. 1, 2018.

Gary Hudson, Stuttgart, reappointed to the State Banking Board. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2018.

Robert "Sonny" Jones, Jr., Monticello, reappointed to the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2018.

Bill Lancaster, Sheridan, reappointed to the Arkansas State Claims Commission. Appointment expires Jan. 16, 2019.

Kathy Lewison, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council. Appointment expires July 1, 2016. Replaces Teresa Belew.

Kevin Lorenz, Midway, reappointed to the Marine Sanitation Advisory Committee. Appointment expires Oct. 5, 2016.

Bill Lundy, Little Rock, reappointed to the Arkansas Fire and Police Pension Review Board. Appointment expires Jan. 1, 2018.

Mia McNeal, Little Rock, to the Minority Business Advisory Council. Appointee serves at the will of the governor. Replaces Terri Hollingsworth.

Cecil Malone, Little Rock, reappointed to the Contractors Licensing Board. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2018.

Dr. Brooke Montgomery, Little Rock, to the Arkansas HIV/AIDS Minority Taskforce. Appointment expires Feb. 1, 2015. Replaces Jada Walker.

Dr. Robert Parkes, Dover, reappointed to the State Forestry Commission. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2023.

Gail Robinson, Lake Village, reappointed to the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame Board. Appointment expires September 1, 2019.

Mary Rogers, Stamps, to the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2020. Replaces JeNelle Lipton.

Alex Streett, Russellville, to the Arkansas Lottery Commission. Appointment expires April 1, 2019. Replaces Ben Pickard.

Brandon Wren, Texarkana, reappointed to the Red River Commission. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2021.

To the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board:

Thad Eckolls, North Little Rock. Reappointment.
William "Alex" McIntosh, Little Rock. Replaces Buster McIntosh.
Shannon Mueller, Springdale. Replaces Thomas Rife.
Drew Vance, Austin. Reappointment.

These appointments expire Jan. 15, 2017.

To the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee:
Judicial District #1
Donald Branch, Clarendon.

Judicial District #7
Betty Cook, Sheridan.

Judicial District #15
Trisha Sikes, Danville.

These reappointments expire Jan. 14, 2018.

To the Governor's Advisory Council on Volunteerism:
Jolie Busby, Little Rock. Replaces Michael Waters.
Rose Knight, Arkadelphia. Reappointment.
Amanda Richardson, Little Rock. Replaces Porsha Hart.
Ken Wasson, North Little Rock. Reappointment.

These appointments expire Jan. 8, 2017.

To the State Board of Health:
Dr. Miranda Childs Bebee, Arkadelphia. Reappointment.
Dr. Beverly Foster, Little Rock. Replaces Dr. Alexander Rejistre.
Dr. Marvin Leibovich, Alexander. This reappointment expires Dec. 31, 2016.
Dr. Robbie Thomas-Knight, Little Rock. Replaces The Reverend Dwight Townsend.

Unless otherwise noted, these appointments expire Dec. 31, 2017.

Two iconic grocery chains, Safeway and Albertsons, have agreed to merge in a deal worth $9.1 billion, with a combined footprint of more than 2,400 stores and a quarter million employees.

Cerberus, owner of Albertsons, said it will pay $40 a share for Safeway The merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2014, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

The vast network of retail assets, distribution centers and manufacturing sites "will allow for a broader assortment of products, a more efficient distribution and supply chain, enhanced fresh and perishable offerings" and other benefits, according to a joint statement made on Thursday (March 6.)


Albertsons CEO Bob Miller become executive chairman of the combined company while Safeway CEO Robert Edwards will retain that title at the combined company.

The deal gives other bidders 21 days to make counter offers, with a possible 15-day extension, according to the release.

Tyson Foods Chairman John Tyson sold 336,895 shares of Tyson Foods stock for an estimated $12.9 million earlier this week, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Following this sale, the Tyson family heir’s stock holdings amount to $1,868,160 shares with a market value in excess of $75 million.

John Tyson is the corporate insider with the most shares of Tyson Foods Class A stock at this time however, his father Don Tyson's estate still controls 2 million shares worth an estimated $80.34 million.

Shares of Tyson Foods (NYSE:TSN) closed Thursday March 6 at $40.17, down 25 cents. For the past 52 weeks, Tyson’s share price has ranged from a $22.47 low to a $40.80 high.

Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority board members approved a lease agreement that puts operations and maintenance of the Deer Trails Golf Course in the hands of a non-profit for $1 per year at its Thursday (March 6) meeting.

According to FCRA Executive Director Ivy Owen, the five year lease agreement was part of a three-pronged agreement with what will be known as the Deer Trails Country Club that will lease the facility to the group as well as sell maintenance equipment to the group for $75,000. The final part of the agreement will have the non-profit purchase any inventory in possession of Deer Trails as of March 31. Items could include unsold equipment in the pro shop, as well as food and alcohol at the facility's dining hall.

Owen said it was a necessity to lease the facility and get it off FCRA's books.

"Since we've operated it for (the last) two years, it's operated at a loss," he said. "We've not been able to come up with a formula to keep that from happening. The biggest reason is the labor costs and the benefit package we have to pay on employees. That has prevented us from making a profit or even breaking even."

According to Owen, the lease agreement will remove the monetary liability from FCRA while keeping the amenity on-site and available to residents and others who may frequent the re-developed former U.S. Army base.

The only ongoing costs FCRA will be responsible for in the future will be property insurance, which Owen said was no different than "any landlord, tenant lease."

The agreement takes effect April 1.

Roughly $1 out of every $5 spent by consumers goes to private label or store brands. Nielsen recently reported these private label sales hit $112 billion last year and continue to grow faster than other store categories on average.

Nielsen said store brands account for about 18% of retail sales, but the stat varies widely across certain categories. Private label brands have the largest penetration in food and beverage categories with a 25% or more share in one-third of the categories.

The report found that in non-food categories private label had less market share penetration. Nielsen shows just nine of the 49 categories have 25% or greater share in private label. Just two of the top 10 selling categories for private label were non-edible — paper products and medications, according to the report.

Top Selling Categories for Store Brands
Milk
bread
cheese
fresh produce / meat
sugar
cooking oil
eggs
frozen dessert toppings
paper products
medications

Nielsen said even though many edible categories do well, six of the top 10 lost market share between 2012 and 2013. The market research firm said brand manufacturers and retailers should be on the lookout for new product categories as they emerge.

Researchers warn that not every category is a good fit for private label saying it’s important to consider the marketing muscle behind big beer and hair care products brands, that store brands might not be able to counteract.

“So sizing up the competitive arena (number of brands) and category essentials—market size, growth trend and production costs—are key considerations before jumping in the ring,” notes Todd Hale, author of the study and senior vice president of consumer & shopper insights at Nielsen.

Hale also notes that premium store brands are influencing consumer perceptions. He said while consumers are interested in store brands their attitudes about them have been elevated in recent years.

“The overall perception of store brands has shifted to some degree. Notably, fewer consumers today think store brands are for people on tight budgets,” Hale said in the report.

As retailers have invested more in premium store brands, Nielsen finds more consumers recognizing quality and value in these tiered private label products, buying more of them and shirking name brands.

Nielsen encourages retailers and manufacturers to get to know their store brand fans because they are typically big spenders.

“Top store brand buyers spend three times more per year than all other store brands buyers. They’re big spenders mostly because they make about twice as many buying trips per year, but they also spend $7 more per trip and are less deal prone than all other buyers who purchase store brands less,” Hale said in the report.

He said national brands still dominate overall spending, but those consumers who favor private label will spend more than one-quarter of their shopping dollars on store brands. This is a 10-point share swing compared to other shoppers who purchase store brands at a more moderate rate.

Nielsen said retailers need to make sure they are focused on those shoppers new to private label products. But more importantly, they have to keep their existing private label fans happy.

“Top-spend store brand buying households represent about one-fifth of annual buyers and account for 43% of store brands sales. Losing one of the top spenders will be more detrimental to your business than winning a new store brands buyer,” Hale said in the report.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. recently entered into an underwriting agreement with J.P. Morgan Securities, Goldman, Sachs and Morgan Stanley to issuance and sale $500 million in new bonds, according to a filing with Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday (March 7).

The notes include $250 million in principal at 2.4% due in 2019 and $250 million at 3.85% due in 2024.

Proceeds are expected to be used to repay certain outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. These senior notes are unsecured obligations of the company and will rank equally with all of the company’s existing unsecured obligations, according to the release.

On Feb. 28,  Moody’s Investor Service raised the transportation giant’s unsecured debt rating to Baa1, from Baa2. At the same time Moody’s affirmed the company’s short-term rating and with an overall stable outlook.

Moody's notes that the ratings upgrade is warranted by J.B. Hunt's strong track record of revenue growth, consistent margins and solid cash flow generation. Since 2010, the company has demonstrated annual revenue growth of at least 10%, operating income margins of around 10% and cash flow from operations of approximately $400 to $600 million annually.

J.B. Hunt has a $150 million variable rate loan due this month, and $100 million in senior notes at 6.08% due in July. Each of these are expected to be retired with the new capital raised.

Import volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to increase 12.4% in March as retailers begin to stock up for the spring and the summer season, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released Monday (March 10) by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Retailers are bouncing back from the annual post-holiday slowdown and getting ready for the surge in activity that comes each year as the weather warms up,” said Jonathan Gold, vice president for supply chain and customs. “Shelves are going to be well-stocked with everything from bathing suits to barbecues.”

Gold said congestion has been a problem for many ports during this slowdown, so operations will need to improve to handle the expected surge in the coming months.

U.S. ports followed by Global Port Tracker handled 1.36 million containers in January, the latest month for which after-the-fact numbers are available. That was up 5.3% from December and 4.1% from January 2013. Each container is 20-foot feet long.

February, historically the slowest month of the year, was estimated at 1.17 million containers down 8.8% from the same month last year, according to the release. March is forecast at 1.28 million container units up 12.4% from last year and April is expected to see at 1.36 million containers, up 5.1%.

Forecasts for retail imports through the first half of 2014 are expected to increase 3.5% from the prior year to 8 million container units, the release states.

“At the end of the day, it all depends on consumption,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. “We cannot escape the basic tenant of economics that demand determines growth or weakness.  Somehow, the average consumer needs to be given the economic confidence to go out and spend. Without that, the economy will remain weak and no amount of tinkering by the Federal Reserve will have much of an impact.”

Springdale-based George's Inc. recalled approximately 29,200 pounds of seasoned raw chicken breast strips because of a labeling error involving a known allergen, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

MSG and soy protein were not listed on the product label, but no illnesses have been reported in connection with this mistake, according the USDA release.

The complaint was raised by a consumer who noticed the product was seasoned, while the label merely said “boneless, skinless breast pieces.” The company then discovered the labeling mishap, the release notes.

Product was sold in 40-pound bulk cartons labeled “George’s Boneless Skinless Breast Pieces W/Rib Meat”. The case code is 4790. The products processed and packaged from Dec. 21 through 23 and sold to distributors in Tennessee and Iowa for further distribution. The recalled products bear the establishment number “P-13584”.

• Chiquita Brands and Fyffes to merge
Produce giants Chiquita Brands and Fyffes agreed to a merger announced Monday (March 10). The stock-for-stock transaction is expected to result in Chiquita shareholders owning approximately 50.7% of the combined company and Fyffes shareholders owning approximately 49.3% of the joint business on a fully diluted basis, according the release.

The agreement creates a global banana and other fresh produce company with approximately $4.6 billion in annual revenues. Chiquita and Fyffes plan to complete the transaction before the end of 2014. ChiquitaFyffes will have an operating presence in more than 70 countries and a workforce of approximately 32,000 people around the world.

"This is a milestone transaction for Chiquita and Fyffes that brings together the best of both companies which, we believe, will create significant value for our shareholders and offer immediate benefits for customers and consumers worldwide," said Ed Lonergan, Chiquita's CEO. "This is a natural strategic partnership that combines two complementary companies of long history and great reputations that have built upon an unwavering commitment to exceed our customers' expectations.”

The company anticipates the transaction will provide annualized recurring before tax overhead and operational synergies of at least $40 million by the end of 2016. These synergies are comprised of efficiencies in the areas of logistics and procurement.

Chiquita Brands is a supplier for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. with a sales office in Bentonville.

• H.J. Heinz sues over trademark infringement
Ketchup giant Heinz filed suit against Irving, Texas-based Figueroa Brothers claiming it copied the design of its ketchup bottle. The trademark infringement lawsuit was filed last week in federal court, Dallas, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Heinz’s complaint notes they’ve tried to settle “amicably” with Figueroa Brothers but have had no luck. Heinz said the bottle design used by Figueroa Brothers “is likely to cause confusion, or deceive customers who think they are buying Heinz.”

The plaintiffs asked the court to require Figueroa Brothers to discontinue using the bottle design and labels which are too close to the trademarks held by Heinz.

Heinz is a supplier to Wal-Mart Stores Inc. with a sales office in Rogers.

EcoArk Inc., a Rogers-based company focused on sustainability and waste stream recovery, recently acquired Eco3d, a Phoeniz, Ariz.-based firm that provides the integration of 3d technology and 3d digital modeling.

Eco3d provides the EcoArk clients a bridge into the digital 3d world by offering customized solutions to their workflows that ultimately save them money, according to the release. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Eco3d will be a stand-alone company, wholly owned by EcoArk.

“The acquisition of Eco3d makes sense for EcoArk because of our mutual focus in specific areas”, said Randy May, CEO of EcoArk.

May said Ken Smerz has worked the past 26 years within the commercial/industrial construction industry as a contractor, and business executive throughout the western United States. Upon discovering laser scanning and 3d modeling, Smerz recognized a huge blue ocean opportunity, May notes in the release.

As president and CEO of ECO3d, Smerz and his team are taking 3d imaging technology as a whole (laser scanning; structured light; 3d printing; photogrammetry; etc.) to create customized 3d solutions for each client’s specific needs, May said.

“We live in a 3 dimensional world in which everything we do revolves around one constant—measurement. It’s at the most basic level of our existence. We believe 3d technology can assist in the sustainability and enrichment of our daily lives…at work…at home…and at play,” May notes in the release.

Shares of the thinly traded P.A.M. Transportation Services Inc. hit a 52-week high on Tuesday (March 11) rising 3% to $23 on heavier than usual trading in the morning session.

P.A.M. share price has risen more than 100% in past 15 months from $11.03 in March 2011, and a low of $8.85 hit in December 2012.

The Tontitown-based trucking firm recently reported fourth quarter net profits of $1.295 million, erasing a loss of $311,010 reported in the prior-year period. Company management was pleased with the fourth quarter results, even though they noted unfavorable weather curbed the results during December.

Analysts believe an improving economy is benefiting truckers like P.A.M. Transportation.

"We continue to see a favorable demand outlook amidst an expected uptick in U.S. imports, rising manufacturing volumes and an improved trucking supply/demand balance," Deutsche Bank analysts noted Friday (March 7).

Although it lowered the industry's first quarter estimates by 11% on average, Deutsche Bank expects manufacturing freight to rebound as the nation thaws out.

"With significant freight delayed during January/February, we believe March has the potential to be a particularly good month for transportation companies if the weather holds,” the analyst notes.

Memco and M&M Poultry Equipment broke ground Tuesday (March 11) for a new warehouse and distribution center at 3001 E. Huntsville Ave., in Springdale. Investment costs were not disclosed in the release.

It is the first facility outside of the companies' corporate offices in Holllister, Mo., that is owned by the Middleton Group. The company is now located at 1710 Powell St., and has operated in Springdale since 1995.

The new facility will provide more square footage, improve product storage space and streamline workflows. As the company grows in the Northwest Arkansas region, this new space is geared to make both companies more efficient and customer friendly, company officials note in the release.

"This new location demonstrates our 20 year commitment to the City of Springdale and to our customers served out of this location," said Rob Middleton, executive vice president for sales & marketing. "This new facility will be a better fit for our customers and team members. Owning our own building will give us the flexibility to increase our service levels and provide a better experience to our customers."

The U.S. Marshals Museum has received a $100,000 gift from Mrs. Lisenne Rockefeller, wife of the late Lieutenant Governor, to fund the Winthrop Paul Rockefeller Distinguished Lecture Series.

The three-year series will welcome leaders from the executive, judiciary and legislative branches of the U.S. government to Fort Smith to speak about the marshal’s rich history as it connects to each branch. A schedule has not yet been set for when the series will begin.

“The U.S. Marshals Museum is committed to education and honoring the heritage of the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency,” said Robert A. Young III, chairman of the U.S. Marshals Museum Foundation. “Mr. Rockefeller was an avid supporter of law enforcement throughout his life and this gift allows that legacy of support to continue.”

From the time of their establishment in 1789 forward, the work of the marshals and their deputies has been to enforce laws created under the Constitution and protect our system of justice. It is an agency that, from the outset, has reached across the three branches of government and continues to occupy a unique place in our system of governing in the United States.

“This museum will serve to perpetuate our respect for the men and women who risk their lives in service to this country each and every day,” said Mrs. Rockefeller. “We are honored to support them through such an important institution.”

Guest speakers will address and reflect upon the relationship between the U.S. Marshals and their branch of government. Each program will be free and open to the public. In addition, podcasts of the lectures will be made available to broadcast media, universities, and other educational outlets and the public.

Groundbreaking for the U.S. Marshals Museum, which will include 20,000 square feet of exhibition space and will be located on the riverfront in downtown Fort Smith, is set for Sept. 24, 2014, to coincide with the 225th anniversary of the creation of the service in 1789. The U.S. Marshals Service is the oldest American federal law enforcement agency and was established by President George Washington.

In January 2007, the U.S. Marshals Service selected Fort Smith as the site for the national museum. The cost to build the museum — including exhibit work — is estimated at around $53 million. Although the announcement was made in 2007, formal fundraising activities did not begin until the latter part of 2009.

Former Arkansas Treasurer Martha Shoffner was found guilty on all 14 counts of bribery and extortion she was facing from federal prosecutors.

Shoffner, whose jury trial began last week, was proven to have taken $36,000 from bond broker Steele Stephens in exchange for state business. She still faces a trial on additional allegations concerning money received related to her campaign account.

The U.S. Attorney’s office proved that Shoffner showed favoritism toward Stephens, who formerly worked for St. Bernard Financial Services of Russellville. In her trial, he admitted he made nearly $2.5 million in broker commissions off of state bond business that Shoffner steered his way. She had contended that her direction of bond business to St. Bernard and Mr. Stephens was not done because of the money or gifts she received from him.

She was arrested last May and charged with six counts of extortion under color of official right, one count of attempted extortion and seven counts of receipt of a bribe by an agent of a state government receiving federal funds.

After initial resistance and threat of impeachment, she resigned from office allowing Gov. Mike Beebe to appoint retired legislative auditor Charles Robinson in the post.

Last month, Shoffner, 69, was also charged with with 10 counts of mail fraud.

Mail fraud carries a possible sentence of not more than 20 years’ imprisonment and/or not more than a $250,000 fine with not more than three years of supervised release.

Those charges allege that Shoffner used $9,800 of campaign funds from her re-election campaign for Treasurer of the State of Arkansas for personal expenses. It also says campaign checks were mailed for payments to a personal Wells Fargo credit card from November 5, 2010 through October 9, 2011. Individual checks ranged from $200 to $5,000. The charges to the credit card included clothing, cosmetics and other personal expenses.

Dr. Mounir Farah from the University of Arkansas will present a lecture titled “The Hidden Factors in the Syrian Upheaval” on Thursday (March 13) in room 108 of the student center on NorthWest Arkansas Community College campus in Bentonville.
 
The presentation will be from noon to 1 p.m., and is open to the public. The event is part of the college’s themed semester focus on Syria.
 
Farah is a professor of curriculum and instruction and Middle East studies at the UA. Between 1993 to 1995, Farah was a consultant to the Ministry of Education in Jordan and to the World Bank project for educational reform and development in Jordan. He also served as a consultant/expert to a European Union project to upgrade practice teaching in four public universities in Jordan.

Between 2004 and 2005 he was Senior Fulbright Scholar to Syria, lectured at the University of Damascus and was a consultant to the Syrian Ministry of Education.
 
Farah holds a doctorate in modern Middle Eastern and European history from New York University, a certificate in educational administration and supervision from Connecticut, a master’s degree in history from the University of Bridgeport and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Oklahoma City University.

Fayetteville-based CaseStack announced Wednesday (March 12) that its Atlanta, Ga., facility has expanded its Wal-Mart consolidation program in the southeast region to include all 42 of the retail giant’s regional distribution centers.

This expansion allows the Atlanta facility to be a nationwide single point consolidation center out of the Southeast providing manufacturers and importers in the region an opportunity to lower distribution costs as well as improve on-time performance to Wal-Mart, the logistics company notes in the release.

CaseStack said it continues to create collaborative consolidation programs with top retailers and grocery chains (Wal-Mart, Kroger, Whole Foods) which include inbound and outbound transportation, warehousing, pick and pack as well as order fulfillment. The company said these consolidation programs are tailored to meet each supplier’s unique distribution needs.

"Each new consolidation program gives us another solution providing our clients a cost and service competitive advantage. When our clients grow, we grow. We'll continue bringing the family of people, processes and technology together in new collaborative ways," said Dan Sanker, CEO of CaseStack.

The expansion of the southeast Wal-Mart consolidation program is just one example of how CaseStack Inc. continues to grow and expand their logistic services to ensure CPG suppliers receive the most cost effective and efficient means of distribution nationwide. Consolidation of less-than-truckload orders into full truckloads enables CaseStack to lower distribution costs, reduce damage claims and reduce out of stocks and shortages, resulting in a significantly improved supplier's scorecard, he said.

CaseStack Inc. operates consolidation centers in six regions throughout North America. Facility locations include Buena Park, Calif.; Atlanta, Ga.; Naperville, Ill.; Dallas; Scranton, Pa.; Kent, Wash.; and Toronto, Canada.

The annual Henry Awards Banquet took place on Tuesday (March 11) during the 40th annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism. The conference was March 9-11 in Rogers.

Highlighting the awards ceremony was the naming of Alice Walton of Bentonville as the Tourism Person of the Year. Also during the ceremonies, Ernest and Cathy Cunningham of Helena-West Helena were inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame.

The other Henry Award recipients for 2013 include:
• Media Support Award: Paula Morell, North Little Rock

• Bootstrap Award: Miller’s Mud Mill, Dumas

• Arkansas Heritage Award: Arkansas Historic Preservation Program

• Grand Old Classic Special Event Award: Frisco Festival, Rogers

• Outstanding Volunteer Service Award: Twyla Gill Wright, Batesville

• Community Tourism Development Award: Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau

• The Natural State Award: Grant County Museum, Sheridan

• Tourism Special Achievement Award: Andy Thomas, Russellville

The Henry Awards honor individuals and organizations which have made important contributions to the state’s tourism industry in the preceding year.

The Henry Awards have been a feature of the annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism since their debut in 1981. The awards are named for Henri de Tonti, founder of Arkansas Post in 1686 and who is often hailed as the first “Arkansas Traveler.”

Tyson Foods CEO Donnie Smith took a seat on CNBC’s “Closing Bell” segment Wednesday (March 12) to discuss food inflation and any potential impact on the meat giant’s profits going forward.
 Company executives were in New York for the 18th Annual Goldman Sachs Agribusiness Conference.


Smith said he expects another record year for meat prices, and for Tyson profits as well.

“At the end of 2013 we saw beef cutout at about $2 a pound, it’s up to $2.40 now ... pork prices were about 97 cents a hundredweight, they are $1.17 now. These are significant price increases,” Smith said.


He explained that consumer demand for meat is still very good, which allows Tyson to pass along the higher prices. Smith added that as prices rise, consumers trade down from more expensive cuts toward those with higher value propositions. 
When fuel prices rise above $3 per gallon, Smith said consumers start trading down.

“Right now we are seeing consumers who might reach for the ground beef chose the chicken instead, because it’s a cheaper protein relatively speaking,” Smith said.


He reiterated that the company continues to shift away from commodity type products toward more value-added meal solutions that resonate with the Millennial generation. 


“They are not the core meal preparers that their previous generations were,” Smith said of the Millennials.

He expects Tyson will continue to pass along inflationary costs to the consumers as long as demand allows it. 


During the Goldman Sachs speech, company executives praised the work of Tyson employees who have adopted a “no excuses mindset” that has led to sales and earnings growth through a challenging operational climate in 2013.


Tyson shares rose 73 cents on Wednesday closing at $40.47. The company stock price has ranged from a low $22.47 to a high $40.80 over the past 52 weeks. 
The Springdale-based meat giant will next report earnings on May 5, analysts expect 62 cents a share. The company executives reiterated guidance between $2.78 and $2.89 per share for the full year. The company does not provide quarterly guidance.
 

Dr. Ray Wallace, provost and senior vice chancellor at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, will assume his new position as chancellor at Indiana University Southeast on July 1.

Indiana University Southeast is located in New Albany. As one of eight Indiana University campuses, it offers more than 50 degree programs and concentrations on the scenic 180-acre campus less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Ky.

It has an enrollment of more than 6,900 students, both undergraduate and graduate, and employs more than 400 faculty members. About 400 students now live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. It is the most affordable four-year university in the region and offers significant financial aid to a majority of students.

Wallace said he will remember his time at UAFS fondly.

“In 2007, Chancellor Paul Beran took a chance on me, and I will always appreciate his mentorship and guidance,” said Wallace. “I have had a golden opportunity here to work with a dynamic and dedicated group of vice chancellors, deans, directors and first-rate faculty and staff as we together helped this fine institution grow in terms of enrollment and prestige.

Chancellor Paul B. Beran acknowledged Wallace’s contributions to UAFS and said he wished him well in this new endeavor.

“When I brought Ray Wallace to UAFS, I knew his academic expertise would help move us forward as a regional university,” said Dr. Beran. “He was instrumental in moving UAFS to an institution of first choice for well over 7,000 undergraduate students.”

Prior to joining the UAFS staff in July 2007, Wallace held two Arts and Sciences deanships at Clayton State University in suburban Atlanta and earlier at Troy University in Montgomery, Ala. Previously he served as the director of the Louisiana Scholars College, the state's designated Honors College in the liberal arts and sciences, and as the department head for Languages and Communication at Northwestern State University of Louisiana.

He had formerly held faculty positions at the University of Tennessee as the director of the University Writing Center, the director of technical writing in three Governor's Schools for the Sciences and as an assistant professor of English. He previously served as an assistant professor of writing and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at the Pacific Rim at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
 
Wallace, who holds a doctoral degree from Illinois State University, maintains a national reputation as a scholar in the field of teaching writing. He continues to write chapters and essays for scholarly works, has served on various editorial boards for key academic journals, and regularly presents research both nationally and internationally.
 
In addition to his scholarly work, Wallace is also a nature and travel photographer. A native of Northern Ireland, he has taken pictures since he was a child, and his work has been shown in galleries in Europe, Africa and North America. His photography has also been featured in exhibits twice at the Center for Art and Education as well as an exhibit in August 2013 at The Blue Lion at UAFS Downtown, formerly called UAFS at Second Street.
 
Wallace has published five books, which include two award-winning volumes on the teaching of writing, and 30 chapters and articles. He has made more than 40 presentations at national and international conference venues, including South Africa, Ireland, France, Spain, Japan and Australia.