News

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Trucking groups applaud White House plan to address industry labor issues

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by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

Trucking industry groups support a new White House program addressing the ongoing workforce challenges in the industry that have worsened amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Thursday (Dec. 16) news release.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced Thursday a Trucking Action Plan that includes four strategies to strengthen the industry workforce. The program comprises a 90-day apprenticeship program for employers, accelerates the issuance of commercial driver licenses (CDLs), identifies states with CDL roadblocks, and focuses on recruiting, training and retaining drivers from underrepresented communities.

“We are encouraged that the Biden Administration has not only recognized the importance of adding new and well-trained Americans to the trucking workforce but has announced a path forward with what we believe will become a robust training opportunity for future commercial truck drivers,” said Bill Sullivan, executive vice president of advocacy for trade group American Trucking Associations (ATA).

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/12/trucking-groups-applaud-white-house-plan-to-address-industry-labor-issues/

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Arkansas airports to receive $23 million in first round of funding from new infrastructure law

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by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Thursday (Dec. 16) it will award $2.89 billion in fiscal 2022 to 3,075 U.S. airports as a result of the new infrastructure law. In Arkansas, $23.35 million will go to 65 commercial, county and municipal airports.

The law provides $15 billion over five years for airport-related projects under the existing Airport Improvement Grant and Passenger Facility Charge programs. The money can be invested in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability, terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects.

In Arkansas, the largest amounts awarded in the first round of airport funding from the law will go to the three largest commercial airports in the state:

  • Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, $4.89 million

  • Northwest Arkansas National Airport in Highfill, $4.46 million

  • Fort Smith Regional Airport, $1.27 million.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/12/arkansas-airports-to-receive-23-million-in-first-round-of-funding-from-new-infrastructure-law/

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Governor Hutchinson tours tornado-ravaged Trumann

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by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

State officials hope to have preliminary tornado damage estimates in Northeast Arkansas done by Friday (Dec. 17) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Gov. Asa Hutchinson toured hard-hit Trumann on Thursday (Dec. 16) and said the uninsured damage levels have to reach at least $5 million for FEMA aid to kick in.

To receive a federal disaster declaration which would prompt FEMA aid, the damage has to be uninsured losses that in totality reach that threshold. The governor said he thinks it will be met and he expects many of the homes in the region to be declared total losses.

Hutchinson has spoken with President Joe Biden and the president told him the federal government will move swiftly to provide public and private aid if the threshold is reached.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/12/gov-hutchinson-tours-tornado-ravaged-trumann/

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Current Active COVID-19 Cases in SW Arkansas

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Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 46

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 48

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 13

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 12

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 13

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UAMS Neurosurgeon’s Study on Breakthrough Treatment for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy Published in Diabetes Care

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By Linda Satter

Results of a 12-month multicenter randomized clinical trial led by Erika Petersen, M.D., a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), were published online Nov. 29 in Diabetes Care, highlighting the benefits of a breakthrough treatment for patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).

Petersen, director of Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery at UAMS, was the lead investigator in the study that involved 216 patients at 18 centers in the United States. Johnathan Goree, M.D., an associate professor in the UAMS Department of Anesthesiology and director of the Chronic Pain Division, is a co-investigator on the study.

The study, for which UAMS began enrolling participants in 2018, examined results of high-frequency spinal cord stimulation therapy for patients with PDN, a chronic neurological condition that manifests as burning, excruciating, stabbing or intractable pain, or tingling or numbness. Specifically, the study compared the 10 kHz treatment plus conventional medical management to results of the conventional treatment alone, and found that the high-frequency therapy results in significant pain relief and neurological improvements in patients with persistent PDN.

https://news.uams.edu/2021/12/14/uams-neurosurgeons-study-on-breakthrough-treatment-for-painful-diabetic-neuropathy-published-in-diabetes-care/

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Anthony Young hired as president of Southern Bancorp Community Partners

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by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Southern Bancorp Community Partners has hired Anthony Young as its next president. Young succeeds Dr. Karama Neal, who in Spring of 2021 was appointed Administrator for Rural Business-Cooperative Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture by the Biden-Harris administration.

“To lead our dynamic, growing CDFI loan fund, we sought out a dynamic leader,” said Donna Gambrell, SBCP Board Chair and Former CDFI Fund Director. “I’m excited to say that we found that in Anthony Young. His experience and energetic approach to increasing access to capital will be an outstanding foundation for leading our organization into a greater era of growth and impact.”

A Louisville, Mississippi native, Young most recently served as the director of Capital Programs for Epicenter, a nonprofit organization focused on growing and supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Memphis area. In that role, he connected entrepreneurs to a variety of capital types and helped ensure equitable access to capital across the community. Prior to that role, he served as the Economic Development Director at River City Capital, a CDFI loan fund focused on providing access to capital in underserved communities in and around Memphis.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/12/anthony-young-hired-as-president-of-southern-bancorp-community-partners/

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Researchers find ways to better cool chickens and conserve water

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by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Researchers at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station continued decades of research in 2021 to fine tune a method of direct-cooling chickens with low-pressure sprinklers in tandem with traditional cool-cell pad systems and ventilation fans. The system creates a drier environment and conserves water.

“The 2021 trial aimed to determine the effect of sprinkler technology in combination with cool cell systems on achieving broiler performance during hot weather,” said Yi Liang, associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering and faculty with the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science within the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Chickens are big business in the Natural State. Arkansas ranks second in broiler production with 7.42 billion pounds produced with a value of $3.6 billion in 2019, according to the USDA. The broiler industry generated $28.3 billion in the U.S. during 2019.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/12/researchers-find-ways-to-better-cool-chickens-and-conserve-water/

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Arkansas consultant says quantitative and qualitative data important to broadband expansion

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by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Lou McAlister, CEO of Little Rock-based Broadband Development Group, has been tasked by the Arkansas Legislature to help create a master plan for expanding broadband Internet across the state.

Already, hundreds of millions of dollars from federal and state pandemic relief and infrastructure investment funds have been awarded to fiber companies to jump-start hundreds of broadband deployment projects, particularly in rural Arkansas.

McAlister is compiling a variety of data from the U.S. Census and current Internet providers to create a map that shows where broadband exists in certain communities. He estimates that about 90% of the Census and current broadband providers’ data is input and accurate, while the remaining 10% may require physically surveying areas of Arkansas.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/12/arkansas-consultant-says-quantitative-and-qualitative-data-important-to-broadband-expansion/

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Truck driver shortage key part of supply chain problem

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by Paul Holmes (paulh@talkbusiness.net)

It is never more evident than during the Christmas season that Americans want what they want when they want it, often without any notion of how it gets there.

Now, however, U.S. consumers are more conscious than ever of the complex system of organizations, activities, people and information called the “supply chain” that takes goods from raw materials to finished products delivered to the user.

It is estimated that Americans will spend more than $1.3 billion during the Christmas season, but they may not get what they want when they want it. Shannon Newton, president of the Arkansas Trucking Association, said, “This time, we should expect some empty shelves” as the result of kinks in the supply chain.

https://talkbusiness.net/2021/12/truck-driver-shortage-key-part-of-supply-chain-problem/

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UAMS Physicians Among Top Doctors in America

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By Kalee Sexton

Physicians at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) have been named Castle Connolly Top Doctors.

Out of 264 Arkansas physicians selected, 76 from UAMS made the Top Doctors in Arkansas list, which is compiled annually by Castle Connolly, a leading research and health care information service company headquartered in New York. The list is published by the Arkansas Times.

Doctors are selected based on a poll that collects nominations and opinions from thousands of doctors across the country, according to Castle Connolly. A physician-led research team screens the nominees and evaluates them on such criteria as professional qualifications, education, hospital and faculty appointments, research leadership, professional reputation and disciplinary history. Physicians can’t pay to be on the list.

https://news.uams.edu/2021/12/10/uams-physicians-among-top-doctors-in-america/

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Governor Hutchinson Discusses Weekend Storm Damage, Developmentally Disabled Waitlist

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LITTLE ROCK – At his weekly news briefing today, Governor Asa Hutchinson discussed the weekend storms. He also talked about a plan for addressing the Developmentally Disabled waitlist.

Storm Damage Latest

Governor Hutchinson started his weekly briefing by talking about the damage that was caused in parts of the state over the last weekend after a tornado marched through Arkansas.

He announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be deployed to impacted areas Wednesday to assess the damage with local officials.

He noted that more than 300 structures were destroyed or had some kind of damage from the storms. He also mentioned that some agricultural damage occurred in Northeast Arkansas.

"I want to express my continued concern, Public Safety Director AJ Gary is working on this every day with his team. If there is anything that is needed we're there to respond to that,"  Governor Hutchinson said. "We have shelters in place, we have volunteer organizations that are working with the needs of the people," he said.

Developmentally Disabled Waitlist

Governor Hutchinson talked about the Community and Employment Supports Medicaid waiver that provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"The Developmentally Disabled waiting list is of great concern to us, we have a commitment and a plan to address that," Governor Hutchinson said. "We have been working on this with Secretary Gillespie and Director Stone for many months." He said.

He noted that the waiver serves more than 5,000 Arkansans, but for many years there has been a significant waiting list for thousands of Arkansans waiting for an open waiver slot. There are currently 3,204 individuals on the waiting list. 1,861 of those have incomes low enough to receive basic medical services. The remainder receives no services at all.

Today, Governor Hutchinson announced a plan that will provide everyone on the waiting list, as of December, with services. He said that he has submitted a waiver request today to open 200 new slots which will be funded through existing revenues.

He also said he will be asking the General Assembly to add language to dedicate $37.6 million of the $60 million being given to DHS to allow everyone on the waitlist to join the waiver by June of 2025.

Governor Hutchinson said that a plan to address the waitlist has been a project that he has worked on since day one. Under his administration, 1,200 additional slots were to serve more clients and he has continued to work to further eliminate the number of individuals waiting for services. This plan to eliminate the waitlist by 2025 has been in development for several months

"That list represents thousands of Arkansans, it gives them hope, and it gives them a specific plan as to how to address this great need that we have to meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens." Governor Hutchinson said.

Director Melissa Stone spoke about the announcement of the plan to deal with the waiting list.

"This is something we have worked on for a very long time. Since he has been in office with this announcement today he has doubled the amount of people that are served on this waiver." Director Stone said.

COVID-19

Governor Hutchinson announced the new COVID-19 numbers for Tuesday with active cases decreasing by 65 and another 15 deaths to COVID-19 were added.

He noted that our active cases have continued to drop since last week. Vaccinations have increased over the last week with more than 15,000 new vaccinations added in the last 24 hours. He said this is great news showing that we have continued to make progress in vaccinations.

The Secretary of Health at the Arkansas Department of Health Dr. Jose Romero spoke about getting vaccinated and staying safe during the holiday season while many may be gathering together.

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Mickey & Melanie Buchanan Give to UAC Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign

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The UA Cossatot Foundation recently received a $500 gift from Mickey and Melanie Buchanan to go toward the Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign.

“The opportunities provided by UA Cossatot to Southwest Arkansas have paved a path that affords students in our communities an education in professional and technical fields. Our son, Ty, chose to attend Welding and Industrial Maintenance programs in Lockesburg. We want to be able to help other students achieve their educational goals,” said Buchanan.

The UA Cossatot Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign is designed to offer more scholarship funds for UA Cossatot students through a matching grant awarded to UA Cossatot. All donations raised through this campaign are matched 100 percent up to $150,000. The goal is to raise $150,000 or more by 2025 to establish a new scholarship endowment of $300,000 in honor of the college’s upcoming 50th anniversary.

UA Cossatot’s Director of Development Dustin Roberts said, “We so appreciate Mickey and Melanie’s support of this campaign and our students. This gift will make a big impact, especially since their donation will be matched! ”

The UA Cossatot Foundation would like to invite all donors, alumni, and friends of the college to make a gift of any amount to the 50 & Forward Campaign to establish scholarship funds for generations to come.

For more information on UA Cossatot Foundation’s 50 & Forward Campaign, contact Dustin Roberts at 870-584-1172 or droberts@cccua.edu.

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UA Cossatot Welcomes Ellen Moreland to the Board of Visitors

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Ellen Moreland of Glenwood, Arkansas, recently joined UA Cossatot’s Board of Visitors.

Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole said, “We have an extremely active and energetic board that provides our college with locally-focused leadership, and Ellen fits perfectly with this group. She brings a lot of educational and medical industry knowledge to the board and will be a great presence, especially for our communities in Pike County."

Ellen graduated from Glenwood High School in 1984 then pursued her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Henderson State University, graduating in 1989. She continued her education, obtaining a Master of Nursing Science in 1995 from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Ellen has worked as a Nurse Practitioner for 26 years, first in Neurosurgery and currently in Family Practice. She is presently employed by HealthStar Physicians of Hot Springs and cares for patients in her community at Glenwood Family Medicine.

Ellen resides in Glenwood with her husband, Joe. She has two sons, one granddaughter and one grandson, all of whom she adores. Ellen is actively involved in her community and her church activities while

continuing to serve on other boards. Ellen enjoys time with family and friends, cooking, and watching all Razorback sports.

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AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | The Largest Tax Cut in Arkansas History

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LITTLE ROCK – Yesterday, I signed into law the most recent tax-cut bill that will lower state income taxes for all Arkansas taxpayers.

I proposed the largest tax-cut bill in the history of Arkansas to give Arkansans around the state a much needed helping hand and to continue my promise of lowering taxes for everyone in the state.

In 2014 the year I was elected, according to the Federation of Tax Administrators, Arkansas collected $8.9 billion in tax revenues. This put the state per capita tax revenues at 16th highest in the United States.

When I ran for governor, I promised to cut our income taxes by $100 million. With the support of the General Assembly, we not only kept that promise, but over the course of the last seven years, we have reduced our income taxes by over $250 million each year.

Almost two years ago our top individual income tax rate was reduced. The top rate was cut down to 6.6 percent and then down to 5.9 percent earlier this year.

Next month, you will see the rate drop to 5.5 percent and then to 5.3 percent the next year. Now after passing the nearly $500 million in tax reductions, we will be getting that number down to 4.9 percent by 2025.

Why is this important? Because it helps every Arkansan, and it also is an economic benefit for our state.

Through conversations with several companies looking to create jobs and move operations to this state, it is clear to me that one of the main factors these companies take into consideration when deciding where to locate is a state’s income tax burden. This change will increase our competitiveness as a state in attracting industry and talent to Arkansas.

The bill also provides relief to low-income taxpayers by giving a $60 tax credit. This will provide a reduction in the state income taxes owed for about 28 percent of all Arkansas taxpayers.

With the $60 credit, the tax cut also completely eliminates taxes owed for over 100,000 low-income Arkansans.

As Governor, it is important for me to balance the needs of our state with responsible tax policy. We have taken a responsible approach to lessening the state’s income tax burden, while also ensuring that the state is still able to meet its obligations.

For the average Arkansas family, this tax break could mean groceries on the table, a new set of tires, or a less stressful Christmas. It allows hard-working Arkansans to keep more of their hard-earned money and also makes Arkansas more competitive with our surrounding states, spurring job creation and economic growth for years to come.

I applaud the work of the General Assembly in passing this tax cut bill. I hope you will contact your state representative or senator and thank them for supporting this legislation.

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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Legislation providing the largest state income tax reduction in state history has now been signed into law.

Act 1 and Act 2 are identical pieces of legislation passed by the 93rd General Assembly in the special session held this week.

These acts will reduce the top income tax rate for individuals from 5.9% to 4.9% incrementally over the next four years. Once fully implemented, this will provide nearly $500 million in tax relief to Arkansans.

The legislation also combines the low- and middle-income tax tables andindexes the standard deduction to the Consumer Price Index. It provides a $60 non-refundable tax credit forindividuals with an income of less than $24,700. It’s estimated that 104,881 low-income Arkansans will have their state income tax liability eliminated.

The acts also change the name of the long-term reserve fund to the catastrophic reserve fund. The tax cuts are contingent upon no transfers being made out of the catastrophic reserve fund.

During the special session, the General Assembly also passed legislation amending income tax credits for waste reduction, reuse, or recycling equipment to allow for the use of these credits by a qualified growth project.

A qualified growth project must have common ownership with and locate on the site of or adjacent to an existing qualified steel manufacturer. It would also need a total investment of at least $2 billion and create 700 new direct positions with an average annual wage of $120,000 and 200 new independent direct positions with an average annual wage of $60,000.

The General Assembly also voted in favor of a transfer of up to $50 million from the general revenue allotment reserve fund to the Quick Action Closing Fund for specific economic development incentives.

The recycling tax credits and the transfer to the Quick Action Closing Fund are aimed at creating an incentive package for a steel mill project in Northeast Arkansas.

Other bills passed this week include technical corrections in previously passed legislation.

You can watch the recorded committee meetings and House floor sessions on our website www.arkansashouse.org

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UA Cossatot Receives In-class Ambulance Simulator

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The holidays arrived early for UA Cossatot and its Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) students; the long-awaited arrival of its in-class ambulance simulator.

The ambulance simulator was purchased with grant monies awarded to UA Cossatot and is located in the EMT classroom on the De Queen campus. This simulator exists to help students save lives by experiencing training scenarios that are as close to real-life as possible with instructor Waco Jackson and the inclusion of the most up-to-date technology available.

“This grant allows us to provide students with real-world experience in a classroom setting, making their training hands-on to improve their skills upon employment,” said Jackson.

Enrollment for spring 2022 EMT courses is currently open, and classes begin in January.

For more information on UA Cossatot’s ambulance simulator and EMT courses offered, contact Waco Jackson at 870-584-1101 or wjackson@cccua.edu. ###