Honor and appointments
The Kruth Talks
By Amber Kruth
Professor Of The Year
University of Arkansas professor Greg Salamo was named Arkansas Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Salamo has been at the UA since 1975 and has created several courses including “Physics for Architects,” “Laser Physics” and “Studio-N.” Last year, he was recognized with the UA Baum Teaching Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Tyson CEO
Donnie Smith was recently named chief executive officer at Tyson Foods, releasing interim CEO Leland Tollett. An employee of nearly 30 years, Smith has worked in information services and logistics, food service and quality, purchasing and live poultry production.
Car-Mart Strong
Car-Mart reported a strong second quarter performance with a 61 percent increase over last year. Following the “grass-fire” growth plan of adding new locations was a significant contributing factor, however same store sales were also up.
Rebounding Market
It’s too soon to declare, but thoughts about Arkansas home sales are positive compared to this time last year. Although home prices declined statewide, Washington County rebounded, increasing more than 35 percent in the number of sales compared to last month. This was largely accredited to the first-time homebuyer tax credit that expired Nov. 30.
Crystal Bridges Shares
The under construction Crystal Bridges Museum is creating partnerships with museums around the world. The museum (projected to cost about $1 billion) lent artwork to museums in New York, Philadelphia, Seattle and other cities.
B. Dalton To Close
B. Dalton bookstore in Northwest Arkansas Mall will close in January. With only 50 B. Dalton stores left, parent company Barnes & Noble is choosing not to renew leases on these stores. Could be great holiday shopping with potential clearance items.
Road Closed
A portion of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Huntsville Road will be closed for waterline repair this month. The eastbound lane between Willow Avenue and Wood Avenue, two blocks east of South College Avenue will be under construction.
