Fort Smith-based ABF Freight System has once again earned the National LTL Carrier of the Year Award from the National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council. ABF Freight has now earned the Carrier of the Year Award four times, gaining recognition in 2014, 2013, 2011 and 2010.

“In receiving this award we acknowledge the ABF Freight professionals who have not only persevered through adverse market conditions but also have continued to uphold the highest standards of professional integrity and operational excellence,” ABF Freight President and CEO Roy Slagle, said in a statement. “We also want to recognize NASSTRAC and all the shippers who nominated ABF Freight to receive this prestigious award. They are true professionals that positively shape the industry’s landscape by serving as a powerful voice speaking on behalf of both carriers and shippers, and it is their participation that makes this award meaningful.”

Through its annual Carrier of the Year Awards Program, NASSTRAC recognizes carriers that have demonstrated excellence in transportation. This program also helps shippers to identify the best of the best in carrier performance and value.

Regular members of NASSTRAC who are qualified buyers of transportation services grade all carriers that are members on a quantitative scale in five key areas:
1) customer service;

2) operational excellence;

3) pricing;

4) business relationship; and

5) leadership and technology.



The NASSTRAC Carrier of the Year program is co-sponsored by Logistics Management, a leading trade magazine for buyers of logistics services.

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith has hired Bill Wagnon as marketing and communications director, effective June 2.
 
Wagnon is now the the dean of admissions and enrollment management at the University of West Alabama, a position he has held since July 2013. Previously, he worked as the director of marketing and communications for online programs at UWA.
 
His background includes nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, including work as the vice president for communications at Birmingham-Southern College and associate director of university relations at Mississippi State University.
 
Wagnon said he is honored and humbled to join UAFS “at such an exciting time in its long and rich history.”
 
“The future of UAFS is extremely bright, and I look forward with great enthusiasm to working together with a tremendous community of students, faculty, staff and alumni to ensure the University achieves its vision of being a premier regional institution of higher learning,” he said.
 
Wagnon holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from Auburn University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Mississippi State University.
 
As marketing and communications director, Wagnon will oversee the marketing efforts of the university and direct a staff of 10 employees, including graphic artists and designers, an editor, a photographer, student assistants and interns. He reports to Dr. Mary Lackie, vice chancellor for university advancement.

Sparks Health System has been recognized for its stroke care by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Sparks received the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the associations. It is the fourth year in a row Sparks has received the award.



Sparks earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. Sparks also received the association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll for meeting stroke quality measures that reduce the time between hospital arrival and treatment with the clot-buster tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke. 

This is the ninth year the hospital has participated in the Get With The Guidelines program. 



The hospital is one of only two hospitals in the state considered a Certified Training Center For Advanced Stroke Life Support through the Arkansas Department of Health’s Stroke Registry. Sparks provides emergency stroke telemedicine service to more than 15 regional hospitals.

In December, Sparks hosted the state’s first Stroke Registry Quality Improvement Conference. Healthcare providers and emergency medical staff from across the state came to Sparks to learn how to optimize the quality of pre-hospital and in-hospital stroke care.

Murphy Oil Corp. saw profits decline as discontinued operations showed up on the company’s earnings.

The El Dorado-based pure play oil and gas explorer posted net income of $155.2 million on revenue of $1.286 billion. One year ago, Murphy Oil recorded profits of $360.6 million on revenue of $1.290 billion.

Last year, Murphy Oil spun off its retail operations, which put a dent in both revenue and net income.

The company said it reached a new single day production record in March of just over 226,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) net, while averaging near 222,000 boepd net for the month of March.

It was also named high lease bidder on 16 new blocks in the Gulf of Mexico in March and added exploration acreage in offshore Namibia in West Africa.

Also during the quarter, Murphy Oil said its board of directors initiated a $250 million share repurchase program.

The company’s shares (NYSE: MUR) closed trading on Wednesday (April 30) at $63.43. Murphy Oil’s stock has traded between a low of $51.20 and a high of $66.20 during the past year.

Superior Industries International announces Donald J. Stebbins as its president and CEO effective May 5, succeeding Steven J. Borick, who retired March 31. He will also join Superior’s board of directors, filling a vacancy as Borick steps off the board.

“We are pleased to have attracted an executive of Don Stebbins’ caliber to lead Superior in its next stage of development,” said Margaret Dano, Superior’s chairman of the board.”

Stebbins, 56, is a veteran automotive industry executive, with more than 20 years of relevant experience, including serving as chairman and CEO of Visteon Corporation, a Michigan-based manufacturer of components for original equipment automotive manufacturers worldwide.

“Superior is one of the great iconic brands in the automotive sector. I proudly look forward to leading the company and its outstanding team, as it continues to demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism, product excellence and customer service, and as together, we embark on a new era pursuing opportunities for growth and value creation,” Stebbins said.

He previously served as president and CEO of the Americas and Europe/Asia/Africa and as senior vice president and chief financial officer for Detroit-based automotive supplier Lear Corporation.Earlier in his career, he held management positions with Bankers Trust Company, Citibank and First Chicago Corporation.

Stebbins serves on the boards of directors of ITT Corporation and WABCO Holdings Inc. He earned an master’s degree in business from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s of degree in finance from Miami University.

The Jones Trust announced a $1 million pledge by the George Family awarded Thursday (May 5) in Springdale. The funds will go to the Jones Center Endowment Fund, a campaign goal of $30 million.

“The George family has been an important part of Springdale’s history and the Northwest Arkansas landscape for many years, and we are so pleased with this show of great support by the family.  The Jones Trust board and staff have worked very hard to expand our regional Quality of Life programs and services, and we are delighted to receive this important endorsement from the George family.  Their very generous gift to our Endowment Campaign considerably moves us towards our goal of financial sustainability,” said Ed Clifford, CEO of the Jones Trust.

Carl George, co-president of Georges Inc. presented the check on behalf of the George family.

“Springdale has been blessed by the vision of Harvey and Bernice Jones. Our family shares their vision, and is privileged to live and work in this community.  The Jones Center is dedicated to strengthening this community, and helping nurture the individuals and families that call NWA home,” George said.

The Jones Trust board has working for months to reach the full endowment campaign goal of $30 million and expects more special gift announcements in the coming months, said Kelly Kemp, chief advancement officer for the Jones Center.She said the expanded Jones Trust Board has approved a stringent spending policy limiting the organization to a 3% to 5% draw to ensure finances remain strong and healthy for many years to come.

Archie Shaffer III, a board member of the Jones Trust, thanked the George family for the contribution to the endowment.

“I know the George and Jones families were very close going back years and years in Springdale, and this is a wonderful tribute to that friendship. We are thrilled to have the George’s recognize the significance of The Jones Center’s contribution to the richness and quality of life in Springdale and Northwest Arkansas in this most meaningful way. Bernice Jones would be thrilled to see this happen today,” Shaffer said.

Wal-Mart and the Walmart Foundation are committing $250,000 in cash and in-kind donations to support disaster relief efforts following the severe weather events impacting the Midwest and Southeast portions of the United States this week.

“It saddens us to know that so many of the communities our associates and customers call home are impacted by these tornadoes and floods,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation. “Our heartfelt thoughts go out to all those affected. Wal-Mart is committed to the communities we serve and we are working on several ways to support those in need.”

Wal-Mart and the Walmart Foundation are working with the Salvation Army and American Red Cross to assess the needs of those impacted and monitor further ways to help.

In addition to monetary contributions, the company and foundation donations include critical supplies like water, food and shelter supplies to organizations providing disaster relief in the affected areas.

Arvest Bank ranks highest both in the South Central Region and in the Southwest Region in the J.D. Power 2014 Retail Banking Satisfaction Study. This is the sixth year Arvest has been recognized with a J.D. Power award and the 10th overall regional award during this time.

Previously, Arvest has been ranked highest in satisfaction with retail banking in the Southwest (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014), Southeast (2009) and South Central (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014) regions. The 2014 study was conducted with more than 80,000 banking consumers throughout 11 regions across the United States.

“Receiving this award consecutively over the past several years speaks volumes about the level of customer service our Arvest associates provide every day,” Mike Jacimore, aales manager of Arvest Bank, Fort Smith Region, said in a statement. “It is a great honor that our valued customers have told us once again why they trust us with their financial needs.”

In the South Central Region, Arvest received the highest score in four factors analyzed by the study—product offerings, facility, account information, and channel activities. The South Central Region is comprised of five states: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. In the Southwest Region, Arvest received the highest score in five factors—fees, product offerings, facility, account information, and channel activities. The Southwest Region is comprised of six states: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma and Utah.

Arvest Bank operates more than 260 bank branches in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas through a network of 16 locally managed banks, each with its own board and management team. These banks operate in more than 120 communities.

Five years ago, Tyson Foods and Wal-Mart helped organize the first official Arkansas Honor Flight, taking World War II veterans on a one-day trip to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials, including one built and dedicated in their honor. 
 
Saturday, May 3, will be the 11th and final Arkansas Honor Flight. Including this trip, more than 900 World War II veterans have taken part in the Arkansas program since it started in 2009. Due to the advancing age and diminishing number of World War II veterans, the flights from Arkansas will no longer be offered, the companies said.
 
More than 80 veterans will fly via charter jet from Northwest Arkansas to Washington D.C. and back free of charge. The group will include veterans as old as 98 years who will tour the memorials during the day.
 
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to help organize these trips,” said Bill McKenzie, director of aviation for Tyson Foods and a Vietnam War veteran, who has coordinated all 10 previous flights. “They call our World War II veterans the ‘greatest generation.’ There’s no greater satisfaction than getting to know these veterans, hearing their stories and seeing their faces when they see the memorials. It has given me an even greater appreciation for their service to our country. I’m also thankful for the positive feedback we’ve received from their families.”

Flight organizers encourage the public to be at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport terminal at approximately 7:45 p.m., Saturday evening, to be part of a special return reception for the veterans. The reception will include a color guard and patriotic music by the Rogers Heritage High School band.

“We are honored to once again support the Arkansas Honor Flight this year,” said retired Brigadier General Gary Profit, Walmart’s senior director of military programs. “These veterans bravely served our country, and they should know their service is still very much appreciated and recognized. It’s a privilege to be able to help bring them to our nation’s capital.”   

A group of “guardians,” who include family members and volunteers, will fly with the World War II veterans to provide assistance during the trip. Organizational support for the flights has also been provided by Tyson Foods’ Veterans Business Resource Group, which includes military veterans employed by the company

“Attending the return reception Saturday night is a great way to show your support and thanks to these veterans who served our country so well,” said McKenzie.

The management turnover continues at Target, this time from the top down as chairman and CEO Gregg Steinhafel said he is parting ways with retailer immediately. The company gave no details surrounding the resignation, but the retailer has struggled since the massive data breach was unveiled in December.

Target, based in Minneapolis, said Chief Financial Officer John Mulligan has been appointed interim president and CEO. Roxanne S. Austin, a member of Target's board, has been named as interim nonexecutive chair of the board. Both will serve in those roles until permanent replacements are named.

Steinhafel has agreed to serve in an advisory role during the transition.

"The last several months have tested Target in unprecedented ways," Steinhafel wrote in a letter to the board that was made available to the media. "From the beginning, I have been committed to ensuring Target emerges from the data breach a better company, more focused than ever on delivering for our guests."

Two months ago, the retailer announced the resignation of its chief information officer, Beth Jacob as it tried to overhaul its security operations. Target recently named Bob DeRodes, as its new chief information officer and the retailer is continuing its search for a chief information security officer and a chief compliance officer.

Arvest Bank announces Allen Huffman as community bank president in Eureka Springs. He takes over for Richard Kimberlin, who announced his retirement from Arvest in March.

Huffman has worked for Arvest Bank in Eureka Springs as an assistant vice president and commercial lender since 2010. Prior to that, he was a sales manager for Best Western Inn of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs.

“Allen is a hometown boy from Eureka Springs and an exciting choice to help lead our team,” said Arvest Bank Regional Director of Community Banks Chad Evans. “His experience and background in the local market has made him a successful commercial lender and gives him a great background for success as president.”

Huffman graduated with a bachelor’s degree in management and marketing from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville in 2007. He is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association Commercial Lending School at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

He is the treasurer and second vice chair of the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce and a board member for the Mercy Health Foundation and the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. Huffman served previously as president of the Eureka Springs High School Alumni Association and on the boards of the Holiday Island Rotary Club and the Northwest Arkansas Tourism Association.

He and his wife, Paige Huffman, live in Holiday Island.

Wal-Mart Stores said it acquired Simplexity's Wireless Activation Retail Platform (WARP) on May 2, for an undisclosed amount.

This software will be integrated into Walmart Stores and Sam’s Clubs later this year, according to Randy Hargrove, corporate spokesman.

“We’ve seen more and more customers choosing where they purchase new smartphones based on where they'll get the best value for their trade-ins. Now, when they come to Walmart they’ll not only get low prices on the newest phones and exclusive offerings, but they’ll also receive a much quicker process for getting their new phone activated,” Karenann Terrell, chief information officer at Walmart, noted in a corporate blog on Monday (May 5).

She said Wal-Mart acquired Simplexiity's WARP out of bankruptcy. 

“A key part of our ability to innovate is leveraging technology, like Simplexity’s software, to create enhanced and differentiated experiences for our customers every day. The new platform and its easier-to-use interface will complement sales by enabling us to more efficiently support our customers when they purchase cell phones or other wireless electronic devices. We expect customers will experience a significant decrease in wait time in Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs when activating their wireless device, Terrell notes.

She adds that Walmart.com will also eventually benefit from the technology, which will provide a seamless online option that will walk customers through the activation process.

• Mars invests in sustainable wind farm
Candy maker Mars Inc. formed a partnership with Sumitomo Corp. of Americas to invest in a wind farm that will generate 100% of the electricity needs for Mars’ U.S. operations — comprised of 70 sites, including 37 factories.

Based near Lamesa, Texas, Mesquite Creek Wind was developed by Sumitomo and BNB Renewable Energy. With an annual output of more than 800,000 megawatt-hours, the 118-turbine wind farm will produce energy for 24% of Mars’ total global factory and office carbon footprint, equivalent to the electricity required to power 61,000 households.

This commitment moves Mars toward its goal of achieving more sustainable operations and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

“We are committed to doing our part to limit climate change,” said Barry Parkin, chief sustainability officer at Mars. “We are therefore delighted to be announcing this major renewable project that takes us a big step towards our goal of becoming carbon neutral in our operations. This is an innovative approach that makes great business and environmental sense.”

The 25,000-acre site has been under development since 2008, commercial operations are expected to begin in mid-2015.

Mars is a Wal-Mart supplier with a sales office in Rogers.

• Kraft predicts sluggish consumer environment to continue
A sluggish consumer environment in 2013 for the packaged foods business has bled into 2014 and is likely to continue for the near term, according to W. Anthony Vernon, CEO of Kraft Foods Inc.

Vernon gave an update on the food business in the company’s May 1 conference call with investors.

“We expected to see some of the same headwinds that impacted the North American food and beverage market in 2013 continue as we enter 2014, and what we saw in quarter one was indeed consistent with our expectations,” he said. “Industry consumption growth lagged population growth, both in the US and Canada, and we would expect unit growth to remain below population growth in the near term.”

Kraft Foods Group reported first quarter net income of $513 million, equal to 86 cents per share on the common stock, up 13% from $456 million, or 77 cents per share, in the first quarter of 2013.

Sales revenues were $4.36 billion, down 3.3% from $4.51 billion in the comparable quarter last year.

Breaking down the 3.3% decline in total revenues, Kraft said organic revenues were down 2.4% including a 2.8% decline attributable to lower volume/mix partly offset by 0.4% point of higher pricing. The company attributed virtually the entire decline to the later timing of Easter shipments in 2014 versus 2013 and “normalization of retail customer inventories” from unusually high levels at the end of 2013.

Vernon said many of the factors weighing on consumer demand in 2013 remained in play in the new year.

“The impact of reductions to the SNAP program continue to be significant for the many American families receiving those benefits, and the employment ratio and underemployment continue to lag the improvement in the headline unemployment rate,” he said.

He also cited evidence of cost pressures on lower- and middle-income households due to higher heating bills and even middle- and upper-middle-income consumers incrementally impacted by larger 2013 tax bills.

“This was most visible as we got into March and April, but we’d expect these more recent factors to fade as we move forward into the remainder of the year,” Vernon said.

Looking to the second quarter, he said the period will feature a “rejuvenation campaign” for Maxwell House coffee, new Planters flavored peanuts and a campaign touting the new Philadelphia soft cream cheese.

Kraft is a major supplier to Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and has a large sales office in Bentonville.

Verizon Wireless says it will add around 300 jobs in Arkansas as part of an expansion of its sales, tech support and customer service operations in the state.

The full-time jobs will be in the telecom giant’s customer service, call center, tech support, and sales areas.

Salaries will be “competitive,” the company said, and do include full-time benefits and incentives. Verizon officials said they could not disclose salary ranges or the total number of current company employees in Arkansas due to competitive purposes.

College degrees are not necessary for many of the positions as part of the expansion, but Verizon said part of the benefits for workers would include up to $8,000 a year in tuition assistance.

“Verizon will be adding 300 jobs between now and the end of the year,” said Jonathan Blitz, Verizon Wireless Director of Business Sales. “We’re looking for very motivated tech-savvy individuals interested in advancing their careers.”

Gov. Mike Beebe, who was on hand for the jobs announcement, complimented Verizon Wireless for its recent efforts in helping communities ravaged during the tornado that ripped through Central Arkansas last week.

He also said that he feels positive about the job growth and stability Verizon has provided in the wake of its $28 billion buyout of Alltel Wireless in 2009. While high-paying job losses occurred with the acquisition, Verizon Wireless established a regional headquarters in Little Rock on the old Alltel campus.

“There was so much trepidation that so many good-paying jobs would disappear when Verizon bought Alltel,” Beebe said. “We’ve been very pleasantly surprised with how things have gone. Good jobs remain.”

Job additions in the telecom industry have been abundant in recent months. Recently, AT&T announced it hired 450 in Arkansas in the last year. Currently, AT&T says it has openings for nearly 80 jobs, 50 of which are new jobs.

After splurging on tablets and smartphones, beauty supplies, apparel and jewelry for mom last year, consumers this year will celebrate Mother’s Day (May 11) by keeping practicality in mind, according to the National Retail Federation.

The retail group’s Mother’s Day spending survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, indicates Americans will spend an average of $162.94 on mom this year, down from a survey high of $168.94 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $19.9 billion.

“As one of the most universally celebrated holidays, retailers will take this opportunity to attract Mother’s Day shoppers with promotions on ladies apparel items, health and beauty products, jewelry and even restaurant options,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement. “Now fully into spring, retailers are hoping consumer sentiment and spending intentions continue to grow as we round out one of the busiest retail seasons of the year and prepare for summer.”  

Most consumers will acknowledge that appreciation with a greeting card (81.3%), and two-thirds of those celebrating will buy mom her favorite flowers, spending a total of $2.3 billion, and 33.5% will look for spring sweaters and blouses, spending a total of $1.7 billion on apparel and accessory items, according to the survey.

Other key spending estimates include:
• Books and CDs — $480 million
• Housewares, gardening — $812 million
• Spa gifts — $1.5 billion
• Jewelry— $3.6 billion
• Brunch or dinner $3.8 billion.
• Consumer electronics — $1.7 billion
• Gift cards — $2.1 billion

“Americans haven’t forgotten about the state of the economy and are treating their finances and gift-giving budgets in a way that keeps practicality top of mind,” said Prosper’s Consumer Insights Director Pam Goodfellow. “But like we saw with Valentine’s Day and Easter, people this year will look for special ways to treat mom to something nice without breaking the bank, knowing it’s the thought that counts.”

Rockline Industries' Springdale manufacturing facility continues its stellar safety record garnering another award from the Arkansas Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Division. The Springdale plant recently achieved four million safe working hours.  
 
The award recognizes companies whose employees have accumulated four million work hours without a lost day away from work due to a work-related injury or illness. Rockline was recognized for reaching three million safe work hours in 2013. 
 
"We have a great base of caring, engaged employees who make personal and product safety their mission," said general manager Joel Slank. "We fully intend to achieve five million hours and beyond."
 
The plant converts private label folded wet wipes for major North American retailers on a 24-hour daily schedule. Arkansas state officials will be back on site May 13 to pass out its fourth consecutive safety award in less than four years.

Arvest Bank has named Kelly Carlson and Brent Gautier as assistant vice presidents for Arvest Bank in Benton County. Both are commercial bankers.

Carlson first joined Arvest Bank as a commercial loan assistant in June 2008. He was promoted to credit analyst in 2010 and to commercial banker in 2012.

A 2000 graduate of Bentonville High School, Carlson earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Harding University in 2004, adding a master’s degree in 2011. He is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association National and Graduate Commercial Lending School.

Carlson is involved with Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders and the Boys and Girls Club golf tournament committee. He previously served with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and Habitat for Humanity. He and his wife, Cortney Carlson, have a daughter, 18-month-old Julianna Mae.

Gautier joined Arvest Bank in June 2005 as a credit analyst. He was promoted to commercial banker in 2012.
 
He graduated from Van Buren High School in 1999 and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Central Arkansas in 2002, adding a master’s degree in 2003. Gautier is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association National Commercial Lending School at the Southwest Graduate School of Banking, Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

His wife, Amy Gautier and he have two children, 3-year-old Owen and 1-year-old Allie. Gautier is active in the Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders and with the United Way of Northwest Arkansas.

Clarity Pointe of Fayetteville, Northwest Arkansas’ first free-standing assisted living community helping those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, is one of only three communities in the region to be certified as an Alzheimer’s Special Care Unit (ASCU).

Clarity Pointe, which opened in April, received its ASCU certification from the Arkansas Office of Long Term Care. ASCUs are specialized units that offer dedicated services for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, meaning there is a distinct and separate entity of care and programming for memory support.

In addition to a dedicated area, ASCU’s have specific requirements for physical design and access, assessment and individual support plans for residents, types of therapeutic activities, as well as staffing and staff training.

Areas of training focus include stages of Alzheimer’s; etiology, philosophy and treatment of dementia; behavior management; communication skills; activity programming; and individual-centered care, among others.

The three neighborhoods of Clarity Pointe Fayetteville support a total of 59 residents. Each has a private bedroom/bathroom suite in safe and secure surroundings on five acres at 1967 West Truckers Drive. The community is a joint venture between Des Moines, Iowa-based LCS and Chicago-based Harrison Street Real Estate Capital.

David Deggs has resigned as executive director of Downtown Bentonville Inc. (DBI), to accept a position as director of adult & community education with the Fayetteville Public School System, effective June 1. Deggs will remain at the helm of DBI through the end of May.


Downtown Bentonville Inc. is an organization with a team of eight professionals who deliver programs and initiatives designed to promote the quality of life for residents, provide unique experiences for visitors and promote economic development. 


The board of directors is engaged in the leadership of DBI and is working to identifying a new executive director as soon as possible, according to the organization’s press release.

“The DBI Board of Directors appreciates David’s time with the organization, and we wish him every future success. Our very capable and experienced DBI staff will continue to provide Downtown Bentonville with excellent programming and services,” said Brenda Anderson, president of the DBI board.

Lisa Beebe, DBI’s business operations manager, will act as the primary contact for administrative issues and will provide continuity during the transition in leadership.


Deggs has served as executive director of DBI since October 2013. DBI launched this spring the largest farmer’s market to date with more than 65 vendors, and continues to manage First Fridays in the downtown area. DBI is also a membership organization connecting corporations, small businesses and individuals who are passionate fans of Downtown Bentonville. 

The organization recently relocated its offices to The Hub on SW A Street in the emerging Bentonville Arts District.

A couple of analysts who follow Tyson Foods adjusted their earnings up after yesterday’s conference call (May 5) on the meat giant’s financial results for the second quarter ending March 31.

But, Tyson shares remain in sell off mode on Tuesday (May 6) closing at $38.25, down 19 cents. Shares got as low as $38, before rebounding slightly at the close. Tyson shares are down nearly 10% in the past two days after narrowly missing analysts’ net income estimates.

J.P. Morgan analyst Ken Goldman, raised his fiscal 2014 earning guidance to $3 after reevaluating Tyson’s second quarter results. He did guide downward for 2015 to $2.83, which he related to some recent upward movement in corn futures.

Kenneth Zaslow, analyst for BMO Capital Markets, also raised his 2014 guidance to $2.93, up from $2.89. Unlike Goldman, he believes 2015 will be better for Tyson Foods than 2014.

Tyson CEO Donnie Smith also said 2015 earnings will be 10% better than 2014, based on his inside knowledge and best calculations.

Smith’s optimism did not sway Brett Hundley, an equity analyst with BB&T Capital Markets. Hundley lowered his fiscal 2014 earnings to $2.90, from $2.95. He also reduced 2015 guidance to $3.16.

Hundley noted to investors that Tyson is proving its ability to navigate differing market environments. He also expects Tyson’s strong balance sheet will allow it to compete for value-enhancing acquisitions.

Tyson Foods also announced a quarterly dividend of 7.5 cents per Class A share and 6.75 cents to Class B shareholders. The dividend is payable Sept. 15 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Aug. 29.