Gov. Mike Beebe on Tuesday(May 27) announced the following appointments to boards and commissions:

Dr. Bryant Ashley, Jr., North Little Rock, to the State Board of Optometry.  Appointment expires April 26, 2019.  Replaces Dr. Kenneth Hubbard.
 
Scott Bell, Conway, reappointed to the State Emergency Response Commission.  Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2018.
 
Charles Blake, Little Rock, reappointed to the Daisy Gatson Bates Holiday Committee.  Appointment expires Jan. 31, 2017.
 
Judy Eddington, Winslow, reappointed to the Universal Newborn Hearing, Screening, Tracking and Intervention Advisory Board.  Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2017.
 
James Freeman, Texarkana, to the Southern Arkansas University Board of Trustees.  Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2015.  Replaces Ken Sibley.
 
Stacy Hamilton, North Little Rock, to the Arkansas Home Inspector Registration Board.  Appointment expires Jan. 26, 2015.  Replaces Dawn Hazlewood.
 
Brian Itzkowitz, Little Rock, reappointed to the State Rehabilitation Council.  Appointment expires Feb. 1, 2017.
 
Clementine Kelley, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling.  Appointment expires Dec. 1, 2016.  Replaces Velmarie George.
 
Rhonda Kimble, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee.  Appointment expires Oct. 12, 2014.  Replaces Shelly Ehenger.

Terry Lawler, Hot Springs, to the Children’s Behavioral Health Commission.  Appointment expires Aug. 15, 2014.  Replaces Dr. Tom Kimbrell.
 
Sheriff Tate Lawrence, Melbourne, to the Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council.  Appointment expires July 1, 2016.  Replaces Marty Moss.
 
Dr. Alan Lucas, Conway, to the Prescriptive Authority Advisory Committee.  Appointment expires Feb. 1, 2017.  Replaces Dr. Jerry Malott.
 
Bobby McDaniel, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission.  Appointment expires June 30, 2017.  Replaces Phyllis Johnson.
 
Swan B. "Rusty" Moss, Jr., Dermott, to the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission.  Appointment expires March 31, 2018.  Replaces Lynn Sickel.
 
Jack Robertson, Ph.D., Roland, reappointed to the Health Services Permit Commission.  Appointment expires April 9, 2018.
 
Keesa Smith, Jacksonville, to the Health Services Permit Commission.  Appointment expires April 9, 2018.  Replaces Breck Hopkins.
 
Ann Thomas, Ph.D., Vilonia, to the State Board of Private Career Education.  Appointment expires April 15, 2018.  Replaces Wayne Camp.
 
Dr. Jeremy Veteto, Fayetteville, reappointed to the Prescriptive Authority Advisory Committee.  Appointment expires Feb. 1, 2017.

Fresh off three major acquisitions in less than a year, Pine Bluff-based Simmons First National Corp. announced today another big buyout.

Simmons First said it has entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger with Liberty Bancshares, Inc., headquartered in Springfield, Mo., including its wholly-owned bank subsidiary Liberty Bank.

According to the terms of the agreement, Simmons First will acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Liberty in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $206.9 million.

“We are proud to welcome the associates of Liberty Bank to the Simmons family,” said Simmons First CEO George Makris. “Together, we expect to continue the exceptional growth and quality customer service for which Liberty Bank is known.”

Highlights of the Liberty deal include:
• Assets – $1.1 billion
• Loans – $811 million
• Deposits – $885 million
• Total Equity – $101.5 million

Liberty is the 10th largest bank in Missouri in rankings by deposits. It has 23 financial centers, primarily in southwest Missouri.

Completion of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Last September, Simmons First acquired Little Rock-based Metropolitan National Bank in a $53.6 million buyout. That deal was followed by the March 2014 acquisition of Delta Trust & Bank of Little Rock for $66 million. Earlier this May, Simmons First announced it would acquire Community First Bancshares of Tennessee for $243.5 million.

Consumer grocer preferences vary widely across the country with a plethora of choices from no frills low price leader ALDI to full service Publix and nontraditional Trader Joe’s. A recent survey by Market Force indicates that while Trader Joe’s got the highest marks  for customer satisfaction, Wal-Mart was the most shopped in five out of six regions.

On a national basis, shoppers reported spending more money grocery shopping at Walmart than any other chain, despite the retail giant garnering the lowest score for customer satisfaction.

Because Wal-Mart has thousands of locations in North America and some of the other brands have fewer than 100, Market Force drilled down to identify the four most popular grocers in each region. Wal-Mart led in all regions, except for the Northeast where ShopRite was a strong favorite.

Most shopped grocers
• Nationally – Walmart, Kroger, Publix, ALDI
• Northeast – ShopRite, Walmart, Stop & Shop, GIANT
• South – Walmart, Publix, Kroger, H-E-B
• Midwest – Walmart, Kroger, Hy-Vee, ALDI
• West – Walmart, Safeway, Costco, WinCo Foods
• Canada – Walmart, Sobeys, Loblaws, No Frills

“Competition is fierce and growing in the grocery sector with regional players going national and national players moving toward neighborhood market concepts. It’s only getting more difficult to attract and keep customers, and being adequate is no longer good enough,” said Janet Eden-Harris, chief marketing officer for Market Force.

The survey indicates niche areas where each retailer comes out on top. In overall customer satisfaction, Trader Joe’s ranked the highest with a score of 82. Publix ranked the highest for atmosphere and speedy checkouts. Aldi was the clear leader in low price and best private label. Costco ranked highest for quality beef, while H-E-B and Publix pulled high marks in fresh produce. Wal-Mart was lauded for its one-stop shopping experience. ShopRite received the highest marks for sales and promotions.

Tyson Foods agreed to pay a $305,000 federal fine resulting from a spill of rendered oily chicken byproducts from its facility in Harmony, N.C., into two local water sources — Hunting Creek and the South Yadkin River, — according to settlement papers filed in federal court on Tuesday, (May 27).

As part of the settlement, Tyson Foods neither admitted nor denied the allegations from the January 2010 incident.

Court documents said a frozen valve burst, resulting in a wastewater spill, which inadvertently discharged into a nearby river. The river served two public water intake stations, which were temporarily shut down for a brief period as a precaution.

“At the time of the incident, Tyson cooperated fully with local government and water treatment officials,” Tyson spokesman Worth Sparkman said.“It’s important to note that there was no health risk to residents who relied on the water at the time.”

Tyson was fined $8,375 for the incident in 2010 by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources

"The discharged oil caused a sheen, film and discoloration of the surface of the water and adjoining shorelines of Hunting Creek and the South Yadkin River, and caused an emulsion to be deposited upon the adjoining shorelines of Hunting Creek and the South Yadkin River," the Environmental Protection Agency noted in its complaint.

Alexander Greene, the former head of U.S. private equity at Brookfield Asset Management, has been appointed to the Board of Directors at Van Buren-based USA Truck.

Greene’s appointment expands the Board to 10 members.

"I have known and worked with Alex for many years, and we are delighted to have him join our Board,” Board Chairman Robert Peiser said in a statement. “We believe the financial, business and strategic acumen he has demonstrated throughout his distinguished career will be extremely valuable to USA Truck as we work to further improve the Company's financial performance and create long-term shareholder value."

Prior to joining Brookfield, Greene served as an investment banker to large- and mid-cap businesses, boards of directors and other constituencies, focusing on leveraged finance, merger and acquisition and recapitalization transactions.

His positions included managing director and co-head of Carlyle Strategic Partners and as a managing director of Wasserstein Perella & Co.

Greene also is a director of CWC Energy Services, a provider of drilling and service rigs and other services to oil and gas producers in Canada. He previously served on the Board of Longview Fibre Paper & Packaging, Inc.

Van Buren-based Knesek Guns Inc. was recognized with the “E” Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The award, which was presented to Knesek employees by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker on May 28, is given to companies “making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports,” according to a Knesek statement.

A total of 65 U.S. companies were presented with the President’s “E” Award this year, and Knesek was the only Arkansas company to receive an “E” award in the 2014 cycle.

Knesek Guns is a wholesaler and retailer of military and law enforcement type weapons. The company focuses on military and law enforcement weapons, optics, ammunition, and firearm accessories.

“Our continued focus on international sales has provided a great opportunity for us to support United States manufacturers of firearms and various defense articles” stated Max Rodriguez, senior vice president of KGI, said in the statement. “When we first began exporting, we only offered a few lines and our client base was quite limited, but in recent years we have grown to offer a full catalog of products and are exporting to a lot of new markets around the world.”

Four years of successive export growth and an applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in exports is a significant factor in making the award.

President John Kennedy revived the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters.

“Knesek Guns has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Awards Committee was very impressed with Knesek Guns’ sales into 76 international markets. The company’s creative marketing of products previously found only in the United States was also particularly impressive,” Secretary Pritzker noted in a letter to the company announcing its selection as an award recipient.

Wal-Mart Stores announced Friday (May 30) that Shelley Broader, president and CEO of Walmart Canada, has been promoted to executive vice president, president and CEO of Walmart EMEA. 


In her new role, Broader will lead Walmart's retail operations and oversee business development in Europe, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa and Canada and will report directly to David Cheesewright, president and CEO, Walmart International. 


The company will announce Broader's successor at a later date. She will continue to have responsibility for the Canadian market — along with Europe, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa — until her successor is in place.  


Broader, who will assume her new role effective June 1, joined Walmart Canada as chief merchandising officer in December 2010 and was promoted to president and CEO of Walmart Canada in September 2011. She joined Wal-Mart with more than 20 years of leadership experience across the North American retail industry which included key leadership roles with retailers Michael's and Hannaford Bros.


"Shelley has been a strong leader since joining Walmart Canada and is the ideal person to leverage the tremendous potential the EMEA region holds for our company," said Cheesewright. "Shelley's leadership of our business in Canada during a time of increased competition underscores her knowledge of the retail environment which will serve her well in her new role."

It’s no surprise to see Wal-Mart seeking inroads with Hachette Book Group given that the relationship between Amazon and the publisher is strained.

Hatchette and Amazon have been unable to work out some business challenges in recent months which has caused delays Amazon’s ability to offer new titles by J.K. Rowling and James Patterson, each published by Hatchette.

Amazon has asked its customers to prepared to wait two to four weeks for some titles in the James Patterson Alex Cross series. The Silkworm, by Rowling, is also not available for pre-order on Amazon, while the feud with the publisher continues.

Wal-Mart began offering almost 400 Hachette titles for 40% off, with delivery dates within the one week. Walmart.com noted this deal prominently on it home page this past week.

The retailer reported Friday (May 30) that its physical book sales rose 70% during the week since the deals were first offered.

Michael Pietsch, CEO of Hatchette Book Group, has noted that the dispute with Amazon presents a “challenging period” but the signs from other retailers are encouraging.

Barnes and Noble's website is also offering discounts for Hachette books.

As spending holidays go, Father’s Day pales in comparison to Mother’s Day ($19.9 billion) or Christmas ($602 billion), but consumers are still expected to dole out an average of $113.80 on dad ahead of the June 15 holiday, according to the National Retail Federation.

The NRF survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics expects 5% less in the average spend from a year ago, with total retail receipts of $12.5 billion this year.

“Knowing both cost and sentiment are important to their shoppers, retailers this Father’s Day will make sure to offer promotions on a variety of gift options, including home improvement items, tools and even apparel,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “As more people look for ‘experience gifts’ with tickets to baseball games or a day on the golf course, retailers will also make sure to promote their gift cards for families hoping to create the perfect gift package.”

Greeting cards are a popular way to thank dad with 64% of consumers planning to purchase a card, while four in 10 said they plan to buy dad some new apparel this year for a total expended spend of $1.8 billion on clothing items.

Another $2.5 billion will be spent on outings to sporting events and $1.6 billion will be doled on electronic gadgets. Plenty of consumers want to give dads a chance to choose their own gifts with $1.8 billion in gift card purchases expected.

One in two consumers will shop for dad this holiday with one in four wives also looking for ways to show appreciation for their husbands.

“As we saw with Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day this year, consumers are keeping to a strict budget,” said Prosper Insight’s Consumer Insights Director Pam Goodfellow. “Whether they spend $10 or $100, millions of Americans will find creative, affordable ways to show dad how much they care.”

Other Father’s Day Spending
$663 million on tools
$662 million on sporting goods
$645 million on home improvement
$641 million on personal care
$555 million on books and music
$520 million on automotive accessories

Tulsa-based Syntroleum will cease trading shares on Friday (June 6) as the company’s stakeholders approved the sale of its assets to Iowa-based Renewable Energy Group in a deal worth an estimated $34.83 million. 

Syntroleum received 3,493,613 shares of REG common stock in the deal. Renewable Energy shares closed Tuesday at $9.97, up 1.42% on the day. Syntroleum also filed its intent to delist from the NASDAQ Capital Market effective June 6.

Syntroleum CEO Edward Roth accepted employment with REG and Susan Power, chief financial officer, will be responsible for winding down the operations of Syntroleum.

“We are very pleased to bring new advanced biofuel technologies into the REG portfolio of products that will expand our biomass-based diesel business and launch us into new customer segments,” Daniel Oh, president and CEO of Renewable Energy Group, said in a statement. “We welcome the newest members of our team in Tulsa to REG Synthetic Fuels.”

The approval of Syntroleum’s asset sale clears the way for Tyson Foods to unload its 50% interest in Dynamic Fuels, a $65 million deal that was announced May 21. Syntroleum and Tyson joined forces in 2007 to build a renewable fuels plant in Geismar, La., that turns low grade chicken fat into renewable diesel. The $150 million plant was completed in 2010 and has failed to live up to its potential 175 million gallons of production.

The plant has sat idle since November 2012, with each partner spending $1 million per month to keep it in standby mode.

“Selling our interest in Dynamic Fuels to REG provides capital for Tyson to redeploy into other opportunities,” said Andrew Rojeski, vice president-Renewable Energy for Tyson Foods. “REG is a long-term customer of ours, buying fats, oils and greases to make renewable fuel, and we hope to continue that relationship.”

If the deal is completed between Tyson and REG the payout would come in three ways and would include a release of Tyson’s liability on the outstanding debt used to build the plant. Tyson would receive $18 million in cash at closing with $35 million in future payments which are tied to production over 11.5 years. Tyson also wants to collect $12 million at closing for outstanding loans made to Dynamic Fuels.

Sam’s Club, in the midst of trying to generate more traffic and raise sagging sales, announced Tuesday (June 3) a new cash back credit card program with its co-branded MasterCard, issued by GE Capital Retail Bank. The new card will also contain chip-enabled technology for more security in the wake of Target’s data breach during the 2013 holiday season.


Starting June 23, the Sam’s Club 5-3-1 cash back program will provide qualifying members the opportunity to earn 5% cash back on fuel, 3% cash back on dining and travel and 1% cash back on all other purchases up to $5,000 annually, the company noted in its release.

“We’re always looking for ways to find time and money-saving solutions for our members. The 5-3-1 Sam’s Club program and co-branded MasterCard mean industry-leading savings and security innovation for today’s consumer,” said Rosalind Brewer, president and CEO of Sam’s Club ... Club members can earn up to $5,000 cash back annually. That could cover a family of four’s travel to Disney, or five sets of laptops and wireless phones for a small business. We believe this value is the best in the industry.”

Each credit card has an embedded chip that makes the card more difficult to duplicate, which provides enhanced security from fraudulent activity.
 
“MasterCard has taken a strong stance on the need for the U.S. market to make the transition to chip-enabled credit cards for the benefit of cardholders and merchants alike,” said Chris McWilton, president North America, MasterCard. “This move by Sam’s Club makes them a trailblazer in getting chip cards in the hands of businesses and consumers, and leading the push toward a safer and more secure customer experience. This will no doubt help drive chip-enabled technology forward here in the U.S. as it gains more traction.”

For additional details on the Sam’s Club credit card cash back program, visit SamsClub.com/newsroom.

Veterinarian Emily Hickman is joining St. Francis Animal Hospital in Springdale, and the facility will now also open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to Noon.

The facility, located at 121 Virginia St., is also holding an open house from 8 a.m. to Noon on June 14.

Originally from Jonesboro, Ark., Hickman begins her career at St. Francis Animal Hospital. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, and DVM from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Her interests are in soft tissue surgery, diagnostic imaging, medicine and preventative medicine.

“I am excited to put my knowledge into practice and begin working with St. Francis’ furry patients and their families,” Hickman said.

Opened in December of 2009 by Veterinarian Dr. Kate Williams, St. Francis Animal Hospital services include medicine, surgery, wellness plans, vaccines and therapeutic medical laser treatments. The hospital staff now consists of two Veterinarians, two veterinary assistants, one veterinary technician, two Receptionists and an office manager. Spanish interpreters are available.

THRIVE Bentonville is a 44,000 square foot mixed-use experience with 62 residences and two culinary activators. ERC, the project developer announced Thursday (June 5) that Crepes Paulette, known for their gourmet crepes, will join THRIVE.

The development in downtown Bentonville is designed to create urban living opportunities which is being made possible in part by the large scale multifamily project — THRIVE — located in the city’s Arts district.

They will serve lunch with an expanded French-inspired menu and are also looking to expand their hours to serve breakfast and evening meals in the future. Along with their location at THRIVE Bentonville, they will continue to operate from their food truck located at Northeast A Street, with a smaller menu. Fred and Paula Henry opened the food truck in 2010 bringing French crepes to downtown.

The THRIVE Bentonville experience seeks to immerse dwellers in an urban environment with access to specialized concierge services and special events, as well as being located within walking distance to parks, dining, shops, and entertainment.
 
ERC said another new culinary concept is in the works by some of the region’s top culinary stars and those details will be shared in the next few weeks. The concept, which is yet to be named, seeks to connect another unique culinary experience to downtown.

The goals of the team are delivering both an oasis for THRIVE clients and a premiere entertainment, meeting and social experience for the city of Bentonville, ERC noted in the release.

The former Nordex USA wind turbine factory in Jonesboro has been sold to a subsidiary of Trinity Industries, a Dallas-based firm that will re-open the closed plant as a railcar manufacturer creating up to 350 jobs.

The company’s subsidiary, TrinityRail Maintenance Services Inc., will provide railcar maintenance and services in the operation.

“We welcome TrinityRail Maintenance Services to Jonesboro, and we are excited for the significant investment the company is making in Northeast Arkansas,” Gov. Mike Beebe said. “This shows again that when Arkansas cities have the right workforce and facilities, new companies will continue to bring good-paying jobs here.”

“Jonesboro’s reputation as a manufacturing hub continues to grow with TrinityRail Maintenance Service’s decision to locate its new facility here,” said Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin. “We appreciate the company’s confidence in our workforce and look forward to TrinityRail’s success in Jonesboro.”

“The decision of TrinityRail Maintenance Services to locate in Jonesboro is anticipated to create hundreds of new jobs and will have a substantial impact on the area’s economy for years to come,” Mark Young, president and CEO of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. “Thanks to TrinityRail Maintenance Services for making the decision to invest in Jonesboro, Craighead County and our citizens.”

Count pent-up demand for Trinity’s expansion in Jonesboro. In its annual earnings release, Trinity noted that it had received orders for 7,125 new railcars during its fourth quarter and that it had a backlog of 39,895 units worth nearly $5 billion in sales.

Trinity is a publicly-traded, diversified conglomerate that manufactures railcars, including tank cars, hoppers, and gondolas to transport chemicals, coal, and other materials. It also makes construction products, barges, energy equipment, and offers railcar fleet management services.

Trinity posted net income of $226.4 million on revenue of $1.5 billion in the first quarter of 2014. For the full year in 2013, Trinity showed profits of $375.5 million on revenue of $4.4 billion.

The company’s location in Northeast Arkansas positions the region as a major manufacturing hub for railcars. American Railcar Industries, headquartered in St. Charles, Missouri, has railcar manufacturing facilities in Paragould and Marmaduke.

NORDEX CLOSURE
The Jonesboro deal helps close the door on Nordex’s short presence in Arkansas. Nordex came to the state in 2009 amid great fanfare to make “nacelles” used for large wind turbines. Nacelles house the engine and other key turbine components and sit high atop a wind turbine tower.

The $40 million production facility once promised to employ 750 workers, but “uncertainty and instability” in the U.S. wind energy market were cited by company leaders as reasons to close the factory in July 2013.

State officials say Nordex has repaid all of the nearly $2.5 million it owed in clawback provisions to Arkansas for incentives it earned as part of its deal.

According to city leaders, Nordex will also pay off the debt owed on local loans and bonds that were issued for the $40 million facility as part of its investment in Jonesboro.

Comedian Tracy Morgan was injured in a multiple car pile up in New Jersey around 1 a.m. Saturday (June 7). James McNair, a friend and follow comedian traveling with Morgan, died in the accident when a Wal-Mart tractor trailer slammed into the back of their van. Four other vehicles were also involved in a chain-reaction when Morgan’s van flipped on impact.

Semi driver Kevin Roper, 35, was reportedly charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto, according to The New York Times.

Wal-Mart said the facts are continuing to unfold, and if it’s determined that a company truck caused the accident, Wal-Mart will take full responsibility.

“This is a tragedy and we are profoundly sorry that one of our trucks was involved. We are working quickly to understand what happened and are cooperating fully with law enforcement to aid their investigation,” Wal-Mart Stores noted in a press release late Saturday afternoon.

“Safety is our absolute highest priority, but that is no comfort whatsoever to the families and friends who are suffering today. We offer them our deepest condolences. We can’t change what happened, but we will do what’s right for the family of the victim and the survivors in the days and weeks ahead. We’re praying for the family and friends of the passenger who lost his life in the terrible accident in New Jersey. Our hearts go out to everyone involved and we hope those who were injured get the care that they need and make a full recovery.”

Two job announcements in two days will bring 325 new jobs and a former U.S. Vice-president to Arkansas.

On Tuesday (June 10), Arkansas economic officials will break ground in Osceola on a new e-waste recycling facility.

BlueOak Arkansas will focus on recycling metals from discarded circuit boards and other electronics. The project is expected to create 75 new jobs.

According to The Blytheville Courier, the invitation-only event will feature speeches by former Vice-president Al Gore, Gov. Mike Beebe and John Correnti, who is leading the Big River Steel superproject in the region. Correnti is executive chairman of BlueOak Resources.

In Sherwood, TeleTech Holdings, Inc. opened a new customer service center adding 250 jobs to central Arkansas.

The center will officially open its doors in July and is now hiring for a variety of jobs serving TeleTech’s clients in the healthcare industry.

TeleTech’s new center, located in the Wildwood Centre & Medical Tower, will represent a nationally-recognized, public health insurance client, and therefore is seeking prospective job applicants with life and healthcare licenses.

“In our commitment to supporting employment growth in local communities throughout the U.S., we are delighted to work with the state of Arkansas to bring more jobs to its citizens,” said Kenneth Tuchman, chairman and CEO of TeleTech. “The Little Rock area holds great talent and expertise that will help us expand and improve upon the services to our clients.”

TeleTech is accepting applications for customer service representatives, team leaders, trainers, recruiters and IT specialists.

Joel Anderson, Walmart.com president for the past three years, has resigned to take a job with another company.

Teen discounter Five Below has named Anderson as its president. He will oversee the retailer’s merchandising and marketing beginning in July.

Wal-Mart also announced the promotion of Fernando Madeira, who has been the president of Walmart’s Latin American e-commerce division. He will now lead Walmart.com in the U.S., Latin America and other growth areas.

Gov. Mike Beebe on Wednesday (June 11) announced the following appointments to boards and commissions:
 
 Sherri Chaple, Rogers, to the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee. Appointment expires Dec. 1, 2016. Replaces Don Keathley.

Jerri Clark, Cabot, to the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Advisory Committee. Appointment expires Oct. 1, 2015. Replaces Codie Molloy.

Mark Coffman, Atkins, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 5. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2018. Replaces Ronald Stobaugh.

Tanif Crotts, Clarksville, to the Prevailing Wage Advisory Committee. Appointee serves at the will of the governor. Replaces Tony Ellis.

Hugh Earnest, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2016. Replaces Curtis Adams, Jr.

Addie Edwards, Camden, to the State Rehabilitation Council. Appointment expires Feb. 1, 2017. Replaces Myrtle Pellow.

Mitchell Erwin, Fayetteville, to the Arkansas Home Inspector Board. Appointment expires Jan. 26, 2016. Replaces Greg Quinney.

Benjamin Greshman, Hope, to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board. Appointment expires July 1, 2016. Replaces Charles "Tony" Hickerson.

Dr. Anna Jarrett, Springdale, reappointed to the Prescriptive Authority Advisory Committee. Appointment expires Feb. 1, 2017.

Judge Berlin Jones, Pine Bluff, reappointed to the Arkansas Sentencing Commission. Appointment expires May 15, 2019.

Kevin Linton, Van Buren, to the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee. Appointment expires Dec. 1, 2016. Replaces Darrell Anderson.

Donna Lyon, Greenbrier, to the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee. Appointment expires Dec. 1, 2014. Replaces Steve Schaeffer.

John McCord, DeWitt, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 11 East. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2018. Replaces Eddie Lumsden.

Lisa Martin, Conway, reappointed to the Prescriptive Authority Advisory Committee. Appointment expires Feb. 1, 2017.

Rebecca Martin, Lewisville, to the State Rehabilitation Council. Appointment expires Feb. 1, 2015. Replaces Adren Duncan.

Sheriff Keith Slape, Compton, to the Criminal Justice Institute Advisory Board. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2017. Replaces Sheriff Larry Sanders.

Arvest Bank promoted Jennifer Hutchens to branch manager for the Tontitown location. She will report to Jenny England, branch administrator, for Arvest Bank in Springdale.
 
Hutchens has worked for Arvest Bank for more than 12 years, starting first as a teller in 2002, then later as a financial services representative, loan assistant, assistant branch manager and, most recently, as the branch manager of the Scottsdale location in Rogers.

“Jennifer has a strong passion for developing customer and associate relationships,” England said. “Over the past 12 years, she has proven the ability to be patient, flexible and committed to growing Arvest Bank. Customer service is one of Jennifer’s top priorities, so there is no doubt she will fit right in with our Springdale team.” 

A native of Springdale, Hutchens graduated from Springdale High School in 2001.
She and her husband, David Hutchens, live in Lowell and have three children, Brianna, Bailey and Brayden.

Two students from among this year’s GED graduates will receive $1,000 scholarships to continue their studies at NorthWest Arkansas Community College.

This year’s scholarship winners were Jesus Alvarez Garcia of Springdale, who plans to major in industrial engineering, and Adam Foster of Bentonville, who plans to major in culinary arts.

NWACC held its annual Adult Education graduation ceremony on May 17 at the Arend Arts Center in Bentonville. The Adult Education Program celebrated a record year as 566 adults passed the GED test and earned the Arkansas High School Diploma.  One hundred and twenty-two adults participated in the May 17 ceremony.

NWACC awards each GED graduate one free three-hour credit class and selects two students to receive $1,000 scholarships for the coming school year.