Amy Knight has been named convention & event sales director for the Convention and Visitors Bureau; a division of Fort Smith’s Advertising and Promotions Commission.

A native of Broken Arrow, Okla., Knight has served as director of sales for downtown Fort Smith’s Courtyard by Marriott for the past four years. Knight also is active with the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce Business by Referral organization, River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance, and Arkansas Society of Association Executives.

“Amy’s background and experience in the Fort Smith hospitality industry will serve her very well as she transitions into her new role with the CVB,” said Claude Legris, executive director of the A&P Commission. “Amy has worked closely with us at the Bureau and, as such, has been an important member of our marketing team for a number of years.”

Knight will be responsible for attracting conventions, meetings and special event business to Fort Smith through professional industry associations at the national, regional, state, and local levels. She will work in partnership with the Fort Smith Convention Center staff, as well as the area’s hotels and attractions.

Knight replaces Sherry Scorby, who held the position for the past five years. Scorby recently relocated to the Nashville, Tenn., metro where she will retire and be closer to family.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., and the Walmart Foundation donated $500,000 to organizations that are assisting with flood relief efforts in Texas and Oklahoma.

In Henderson and San Marcos, Texas, Wal-Mart donated and delivered 75,000 bottles of water to families. In Houston, Wimberley and San Marcos, the company sent shipments of cleaning products, diapers, work gloves and other household supplies to support flood relief efforts.

Wal-Mart said it will continue to work closely with disaster relief organizations such as the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Feeding America and local agencies to determine the needs of individual communities.

Former Wal-Mart exec and Cross Church leadership director, Andy Wilson, is taking over as president for Fayetteville-based Rausch Coleman Homes. The new job became official on Monday (June 1).

Wilson joins Rausch Coleman at a time when the homebuilder is exploring possible divisions in Texas and other states. Wilson’s background in operations and human resources will be a huge asset during this growth period, according to co-founder John Rausch.

“I am thrilled to be part of the Rausch Coleman Homes team. I have spent over 30 years of my career in business and I look forward to continuing that tradition by providing expertise in operations, organizational development and adding improved structure as they continue to grow as a company,” Wilson said.

He joins Rausch Coleman Homes from Cross Church where served as leadership and operational director. Wilson is also board chairman for Shiloh Christian School. Rausch said Wilson has served as a professional mentor to him over the past few years.

“Not only will he bring a tighter focus on customer service quality to our teams, but also be a great role model for our team members.” Rausch added.

Wilson spent 25 years at Wal-Mart Stores rising to executive officer where he worked directly under Sam Walton and David Glass. During that career he served as vice president of store operations supervising more than 100 stores and 10,000 employees. He later spent 7 years as vice president of the Wal-Mart’s People division for all U.S. stores and over 900,000 workers.

From there Wilson served as the CEO for the Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics from 2001 to 2008 in Siloam Springs.

Southwest Steel Processing, a manufacturer of railcar and oil and gas components, announced it is expanding its facility in Newport, Ark.

The company plans to invest $18 million in the facility and add 100 jobs over the next two years. The addition of 100 jobs will bring total employment at the Newport facility to 220.

“This type of expansion is not possible without a strong, talented workforce already in place,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “Thanks to the existing employees of Southwest Steel Processing for their significant role in making this project a reality. We appreciate the company’s decision to continue growing in Arkansas.”

The company said the expansion will allow it to develop a new forging line to provide “high quality, competitively priced” forged steel parts to customers.

“In the past, U.S. manufacturing has been severely challenged but as this expansion testifies it is experiencing a re-emergence,” said Ken Copeland, President of Southwest Steel Processing. “All of us at SSP are very proud of what we have accomplished in the past 12 years and are looking forward to the future with great expectations.”

Southwest Steel Processing is a partnership between Cleveland-based Park Ohio and Arkansas Steel Associates LLC of Newport.

“The Newport Economic Development Commission is proud to be part of the expansion project with Southwest Steel Processing,” said Jon Chadwell, executive director of the Newport Economic Development Commission. “We deeply appreciate both Park Ohio and Arkansas Steel Associates for selecting Newport for this expansion.”

Park Ohio operates approximately 90 manufacturing, distribution, and service facilities, and employs approximately 6,000 people worldwide. Revenues totaled approximately $1.4 billion in 2014. Park Ohio is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

In February 2014, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) approved an $11 million bond guaranty related to this expansion.

The sale of Tyson Foods’s Mexican/Brazilian poultry business will move forward and is expected to close soon. The Federal Economic Competition Commission approved the deal on Monday (June 1), according to a release from Tyson.

Tyson first announced the $575 million sale of its Mexican and Brazilian poultry division to Pilgrim’s Pride, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JBS S.A. in July 2014. The deal has been under review by the Mexican government since that time.

"We appreciate the attention and efforts of the Commission and will now move forward with Pilgrim's Pride to complete the deal," said Tyson President and CEO Donnie Smith. "We've not set a closing date but believe it will be soon."

The Mexican business, known as Tyson de Mexico, is a vertically integrated poultry business based in Gomez Palacio in North Central Mexico. It employs more than 5,400 people in its offices, three plants and seven distribution centers.

After the sale is completed, Tyson Foods said it will continue to serve customers in Mexico. The company will supply them with U.S.-produced chicken as well as chicken produced in Mexico, in part through a co-packaging arrangement with Pilgrim's Pride.

Nashville-based renewable energy provider Silicon Ranch Corp. announced Tuesday (June 2) that it has hired Phoenix-based McCarthy Building Companies Inc. to handle the engineering and construction of a 12-megawatt (MW) solar energy project planned for the fast-growing Highland Industrial Park in East Camden.

Silicon Ranch officials said McCarthy is one of the largest American-owned construction firms, and was selected to lead the project because of its extensive track record with utility-scale power projects. In addition, McCarthy plans to expand its renewable operations into South Arkansas and hire local subcontractors and craftsmen to provide the bulk of on-site construction work for the 6-month project, which will begin next week, officials said.

In February, Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. and East Camden defense contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne first announced the deal to build and manage what was then called the largest solar field in Arkansas. Silicon Ranch will be the owner and operator of the solar project.

The South Arkansas renewable energy project will be located adjacent to Lockheed Martin’s JLTV production site, which is in the running to build 55,000 off-road tactical vehicles that the Pentagon is expected to announce next month.

The project’s construction is expected to support between 250 and 350 direct and indirect jobs, with a direct financial impact estimated to exceed $25 million dollars, officials said. McCarthy will provide on-site training in utility-scale solar construction for workers in pile driving, tracker assembly and panel installation.

“In addition to the economic impacts during the construction phase, the solar field helps environmentally contribute to the business case that we believe will favorably position Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Camden operations against other highly competitive alternatives,” said Gary Vaughan, general manager of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Camden operations.

The East Camden solar facility is expected to come online in late 2015. Under the terms of the deal, Silicon Ranch will build the solar field next to Aerojet Rocketdyne’s 1,200-acre manufacturing and test facility in the fast-growing industrial park. There, Aerojet Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of publicly traded GenCorp., produces propulsion motors for the Lockheed Martin’s Patriot missile system in the South Arkansas city.

Earlier this month, Silicon Ranch officials announced that it had selected another Arizona-based company, First Solar of Tempe, to provide power for the Arkansas solar plant. First Solar is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of photovoltaic units designed for large scale, commercial and off-grid solar projects.

The East Camden project is one of many renewable energy projects that are being developed across the state in the solar, wind and biomass sectors. In April, Entergy Arkansas announced plans to build an 81-megawatt photovoltaic solar energy generating facility in Arkansas County. That emissions-free solar energy facility is not expected to be connected to Entergy Arkansas’ transmission grid until the end of the decade.

If approved by the state Public Service Commission, it would surpass the Camden solar project in size.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday (June 2) announced the following appointments, including appointments to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board (Act 907/SB 791), which replaced the Arkansas Workforce Investment Board:

Arkansas Workforce Development Board:
Chairman Charles Clark, Louann
Tom Anderson, Roland
Dr. Chad Bishop, Springdale
Scott Bull, Fayetteville
Melissa Hanesworth, Fort Smith
Diane Hilburn, Little Rock
Randy Hopper, Flippin
Abby Houseworth, Blytheville
Dean Inman, Paragould
Bart Langley, Russellville
Holley Little, Benton
Michael Newcity, Fort Smith
Jerry Riley, Pine Bluff
Gary Sams, Morrilton
Robert Thorne, Marion
Lindsey Brown, North Little Rock
Alan Hughes, Bismark
Karen Breashears, Arkadelphia
Brian Itzkowitz, Little Rock
Dr. Brett Powell, Little Rock
Johnny Key, Little Rock


Other Appointments:
Robert Neal, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Home Inspector Registration Board.  Appointment expires Jan. 26, 2017. Replaces Lowell Coomer.


Anthony Utsey, Hot Springs, to the Arkansas Home Inspector Registration Board.  Appointment expires Jan. 26, 2017. Reappointment.


Mayor Michael Gaskill, Paragould, to the Arkansas Local Police and Fire Retirement System Board of Trustees. Appointment expires Jan. 1, 2019. Reappointment.


Zach McClendon, Monticello, to the State Banking Board. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2019.  Replaces Marcus McCain.


Dr. William Rutledge, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Medical Board. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2020. Replaces Harold Betton.


Honorable David Hudson, Fort Smith, to the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System. Appointment expires March 9, 2021.  Replaces Audrey Jacobs.


Barry Phillips, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2018. Replaces Alonza Jiles.


Dr. Daniel Hennessey, Little Rock, to the Baby Sharon’s Children’s Catastrophic Illness Grant Program Advisory Committee. Appointment expires May 1, 2019.  Reappointment.


John Cooley, Fort Smith, to the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019. Replaces Art Morris.


Duncan Baird, Rogers, to the Governing Board of the Streamlined Sales Tax Administrative Act. Appointment expires at the Will of the Governor. Replaces Mary Cameron.


John Brown III, Siloam Springs, to the Arkansas Educational Television Commission.  Appointment expires March 23, 2023. Replaces Ronnie Williams.


Stacy DeJarnette, White Hall, to the Old State House Commission. Appointment expires March 19, 2024. Reappointment.


William Anderson, DeValls Bluff, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 17. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019. Replaces Donald Guess.


Michael Mayton, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Commission. Appointment expires April 1, 2020. Reappointment.


Charlene Reed, Marianna, to the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Commission. Appointment expires at the Will of the Governor. Replaces Margaret Schueck.


Georg Andersen, Conway, to the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Commission.  Appointment expires at the Will of the Governor. Replaces Wayne Cranford.


Thomas Ferstl, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. Appointment expires Jan. 15, 2018. Replaces Burney Lightle.


Scott McKennon, Morrilton, to the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. Appointment expires Jan. 15, 2018. Replaces Rhona Weaver.


Cary Matthews, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. Appointment expires Jan. 15, 2018. Replaces Robert Costner.


Peter Prutzman, Arkadelphia, to the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. Appointment expires Jan. 15, 2018. Reappointment.


Jammy Turner, Gillett, to the State Plant Board. Appointment expires March 17, 2017. Replaces Richard Bransford.


Kyle Baltz, Pocahontas, to the State Plant Board. Appointment expires March 17, 2017. Replaces Terry Dabbs.


Ray Vester, Stuttgart, to the State Plant Board. Appointment expires March 17, 2017. Reappointment.


Darrel Kester, Pocahontas, as a Constable of the Randolph County Shiloh Precinct. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2016.


Joe Lewis, Blytheville, as a Justice of the Peace of the Mississippi County Quorum Court District 7. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2016. Replaces Hattie Middlebrook.


Timothy Harvey, Brinkley, as a Justice of the Peace of the Monroe County Quorum Court District 4. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2016. Replaces Michael Edwards.


Sharon Lawson, Wynne, as a Justice of the Peace of the Cross County Quorum Court District 7. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2016. Replaces Mike Curtner.


Mark Overturf, Arkadelphia, as a Justice of the Peace of the Clark County Quorum Court District 2. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2016. Replaces Mac Neel.


James Davis, Ozark, as a Justice of the Peace of the Franklin County Quorum Court District 1. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2016. Replaces Paul Schaffer.


Bob Estes, Fayetteville, as a Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas.  CV-15-197 Seeco, Inc. n/k/a SWN Production (Arkansas), Inc. v. Eldridge Snow. Replaces Justice Karen Baker.


Michael Scott Willhite, Jonesboro, as a Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. CV-15-197 Seeco, Inc. n/k/a SWN Production (Arkansas), Inc. v. Eldridge Snow. Replaces Justice Paul Danielson.


Bob Estes, Fayetteville, as a Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. CV-15-198 Seeco, Inc. n/k/a SWN Production (Arkansas), Inc. v. Sara Stewmon. Replaces Justice Karen Baker.


Michael Scott Willhite, Jonesboro, as a Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. CV-15-198 Seeco, Inc. n/k/a SWN Production (Arkansas), Inc. v. Sara Stewmon. Replaces Justice Paul Danielson.


Terry Pool, Fayetteville, as a Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. CR-15-3 Jimmy Paul Pickle v. State of Arkansas. Replaces Justice Robin Wynne.


Sean Keith, Rogers, as a Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. CV-13-919 John K. Kelly v. Christian Snowden Kelly. Replaces Justice Robin Wynne.


Chalk Mitchell, West Helena, as a Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. CV-14-1072 In the Matter of the Estate of John M. Fulmer, Deceased, David Patton, William Patton and Mary Jones v. Dorothy Fulmer. Replaces Justice Paul Danielson.

The Walton Arts Center received $500,000 from General Mills toward the nonprofit’s expansion and renovation of its Fayetteville center.

The total cost of the 30,000 square foot expansion and other updates is $23 million. The General Mills gift comes on the heels of like contributions from Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt Transport Services in recent days.
 
“General Mills has been a long-time sponsor of both Walton Arts Center and the Walmart AMP. Their partnership and support has helped fulfill our mission of bringing great performing artists and entertainers from all over the world to the region,” said Peter B. Lane, president and CEO of Walton Arts Center.

WAC will rename its box office in honor of General Mills.

“The new General Mills Box Office will welcome our patrons attending the renovated Fayetteville campus,” Lane added.

He said General Mills has been a supporter of the Walton Arts Center since 2003. Their sponsorship has focused on educational programming, concerts, and capital projects that benefit and strengthen our local communities.
 
The goal is to complete the Dickson Street renovation by fall of 2016. Heavy construction of the main lobby and Starr Theater will occur during the off-peak summer months of 2015 and 2016 to minimize the impact on regular programming and ensure the arts center has a full season.
 
“Much like our mission of Nourishing Lives, Walton Arts Center is working to nourish the lives of the community by bringing arts and culture to our area,” said Adam Dill, Vice President of Sales for General Mills. “We are proud to support the expansion efforts and investing in the future of the Walton Arts Center with this contribution. We look forward to seeing the completion of the renovations in fall of 2016.”

The Libertarian Party of Arkansas submitted 15,709 signatures to the secretary of state’s office Tuesday – far more than the 10,000 needed to qualify for the ballot.

Dr. Michael Pakko, newly elected LPA chair and an economist with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, said the party began collecting signatures March 20 using volunteers and paid petitioners funded with a grant from the Libertarian National Committee. It had 90 days to collect the signatures and turned in its petition more than two weeks early. Pakko said it started collecting signatures early to beat the summer heat and to have more time to recruit candidates.

The party is required by law to collect 10,000 signatures because it did not receive 3% of the vote in the last governor’s election. Frank Gilbert of Tull won 1.92%.

If its presidential candidate does not receive 3% of the vote in Arkansas in 2016, the party again will have to collect signatures. In 2012, the party’s presidential nominee, former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, won 1.52%.

“Overall, it cost us over $30,000 to conduct this campaign, and one question I’d like to know the answer to is how much it’s going to cost the secretary of state’s office to count them all, how much taxpayer money is going to go into this process,” Pakko said. “It’s certainly an ordeal, and this is the third time we’ve gone through this in order to become a new political party once again.”

Libertarians are difficult to place on the left-right political spectrum. They support limited government both economically and socially, including greatly reduced social spending and much lower taxes and also expanded personal freedoms, such as legalizing marijuana.

In 2014, Libertarians ran candidates in every Arkansas congressional and constitutional officer race. The party’s state treasurer candidate, Chris Hayes, won 6.36%, while its land commissioner candidate, Elvis Presley, won 6.24%.

“Last time around, we were very proud of the fact that we had nine Libertarians on every Arkansan’s ballot,” Pakko said. “We’re not going to be able to do that this time because all those constitutional offices aren’t up again, but we’d like to see as many L’s on those ballots as possible because our goal at this point is one of public education, one of letting the voters know that there is another option; there is an alternative to the old two-party system.”

Gilbert, who accompanied Pakko to the secretary of state’s office, said he would run for office in 2016, though he’s not sure which one.

As chief economist and state economic forecaster at UALR’s Institute for Economic Advancement, Pakko is perhaps Arkansas’ most visible Libertarian. Asked if he would run for office, he said, “I’m not making any decisions about that at this point. … I do have a public profile in my professional position, so I have to take that into consideration.”

Auburn football Head Coach and Fort Smith native Gus Malzahn will speak June 12 at an event hosted by Union Christian Academy.

Malzahn is a 1984 graduate of Fort Smith Christian High School, which is now part of Union Christian. He was voted best all-around student and most athletic in his senior year at the high school.

Malzahn began coaching football at Hughes High School in Hughes, Ark. From there he was named head football coach of Shiloh Christian School in Springdale. In 2001 he was named head football coach at Springdale High School at which the school won the state championship in 2005.

In late 2005 he was named offensive coordinator for the Arkansas Razorbacks under the program of Head Coach Houston Nutt. In 2008 he became the head coach at Tulsa University. He was there just a year before being named offensive coordinator at Auburn under the program of Head Coach Gene Chizik. He left Auburn in 2011 to be the head coach at Arkansas State University. However, after just a year in Jonesboro, Malzahn returned to Auburn as the program’s head coach.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m., at Community Bible Church in Fort Smith. Tickets are $50 at the door, or $30 if purchased online. Link here for ticket info.
 

Northwest Medical Center-Springdale has received national accreditation for bariatric surgery by meeting all criteria according to national quality standards established to deliver safe, high quality bariatric patient care
 
Dr. Joshua Roller, metabolic and bariatric surgery director at Northwest Medical Center-Springdale, attained the designation after a lengthy and rigorous review process. The criteria for accreditation includes demonstrating low complication rates from bariatric surgery, a committed long-term plan for follow-up care, data submissions, and outstanding patient outcomes.

This accreditation as a metabolic and bariatric surgery accreditation and quality improvement program is a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.


“It is truly an honor to be part of this program and to have been awarded this prestigious recognition. It’s a testament to all of the hard work our entire team has put in while building one of the best surgical weight loss programs in the country," Roller noted in the release.

The Van Buren Chamber of Commerce celebrated June 4 its 60th Anniversary Banquet and Business Fair that featured more than 40 local businesses and organizations.

Booths filled the grand lobby of the Van Buren Fine Arts Center, with hundreds of guests making their way through the rows of exhibits. Participants showcased the various goods and services their businesses offer to the community, with many also hosting special giveaways and prize drawings for the event.

Established in 1955, the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce was formed by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to promote progress in the business and overall community. According to the April 26, 1956 edition of the Van Buren Shopping News, the group "was formed from the framework and through the efforts of the old Business and Professional Association."

The B&PA had existed previously to serve in a similar capacity to a chamber, but was in need of more extensive support from the community. The effort was spearheaded by Tom Lightfoot, owner of the Jones Seed Company. During the organization's formation process, Lightfoot was hired by the original B&PA board to conduct a survey to gauge the level of interest in establishing a chamber. His findings proved "optimistic," with his final report revealing 153 pledges, totaling $7,190 in initial contributions. In April 1955, the group came together to sponsor the official organization of the Chamber. From there, a 24-man board was elected to govern the new organization and from thus, the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce was born.

As part of its 60th Anniversary Celebration, the Chamber added a number of special elements to this year's event, including the creation of a Diamond Sponsor level. First Bank and Sparks Medical Center-Van Buren served as the inaugural presenting sponsors of the banquet. The Diamond Sponsors made it possible to add more "sparkle" to the annual banquet, with the addition of a Diamond Necklace giveaway. All those in attendance were given the chance to enter the special drawing. The prize was a 14 karat gold pendant and chain featuring an approximate one carat diamond cluster.

Lisa Huckelbury received the 2014 Iverson Riggs Memorial Award. It is the top award given by the chamber each year. A Van Buren native, Huckelbury is the business manager at Hawkins-Weir Engineers in Van Buren. She is a graduate of Van Buren High School and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Huckelbury is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce Board, as well as a Commissioner for the Van Buren Housing Authority.

Other leadership roles have included serving as Treasurer for the Center for Art and Education board and Secretary of the Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren. She is a United Way volunteer, a graduate of the Citizens Police Academy and Leadership Crawford County. She has also played key role in the "Penny for Our Future" campaign and served as the Volunteer Chairman for Leadercast-Van Buren.

"As further proof Lisa's commitment to the community, she is currently a participant in the Community Development Institute at the University of Central Arkansas," said Van Buren Chamber Executive Director Jackie Krutsch. "The mission of CDI is 'to empower people with the knowledge and skills necessary to proactively improve the physical and human resources of their communities, thereby increasing the quality of life for all citizens.' At the completion of the course, she will be eligible to sit for the Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) Certification Exam. PCED Certification is a designation offered for professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field community and economic development."

Beverly Johnson of Citizens Bank & Trust Company received the "Ambassador of the Year" Award.

The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday (June 8) that it will hear the challenge petition recently filed by Tyson Foods.

Springdale-based Tyson vowed to appeal the $5.8 million judgment against the meat company upheld by lower courts last year. The case surrounds payment for about 3,300 hourly workers in the company’s meat processing plant in Storm Lake, Iowa, and the time they spent putting on and taking off protective gear required for their jobs dating back to 2005.

Tyson Food argued in its petition that the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals improperly certified a class by averaging a sample that included uninjured class members that were in conflict with other circuit courts.

Oral arguments and a ruling are expected during the high court’s next term which begins later this year (October) and runs through summer 2016.

“We were initially involved in this case because federal wage and hour laws are not precise in determining how to compensate certain activities. However, we’re now addressing another aspect of the case: whether there’s enough evidence for the case to be certified as a collective or a class action,” Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson, said in an email statement. “Since even the federal courts of appeal are divided over the requirements necessary to be part of such cases, we asked the U.S. Supreme Court to get involved. We’re pleased our request has been granted and look forward to presenting our position.”

The University of Arkansas has hired Chris McCoy as its new chief information officer. McCoy hails from St. Paul, Minn., where he served as the associate vice president for information technology and CIO at Metropolitan State University. He joins the UA as vice associate chancellor of Information Technology Services and CIO effective July 20.

“I am truly humbled to have been selected for such an important role at a world-class institution – such great traditions, such wonderfully gracious and hospitable people, and such a promising future,” said McCoy. "I felt welcomed from the beginning. I am now eager to get to work building a campuswide vision for technology that will help the institution achieve its aspirational goals in the years to come. Becoming a Razorback is truly a dream assignment.”

McCoy will manage the Information Technology Services department and provide leadership in all facets of university technology. He will report dually to the provost and the vice chancellor for finance and administration.

“Chris stood out in the field for his years of experience and specific understanding of our needs for taking our ITS department to the next level,” said Tim O’Donnell, interim vice chancellor for finance and administration. “I’d like to thank Dean John English and the members of the search committee for their time and great work in identifying the best candidate for the post.”

IT Services manages and supports the technology and network infrastructure for the university, as well as user services, including the Help Desks, Faculty Technology Center, Student Technology Center and General Access Computing Labs. IT Services also manages and supports campuswide technology systems including email, Blackboard Learn and related systems, ISIS, BASIS, collaboration tools, Web hosting and content management, authentication services, online forms and applications, and technology-enhanced classrooms.

“Our computing technology is the backbone of a successful research institution,” said Ashok Saxena, provost designate. “As we continue to grow, our needs to support technology and network infrastructure grow with it. We are delighted to welcome Chris McCoy to this important role.”

McCoy has 27 years of information technology experience. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and an master’s degree in systems engineering from Iowa State University, and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Iowa.

Fort Smith-based KMF Metal Fabrication on Thursday (June 11) was recognized for seven years without a lost day because of work-related accident or illness.

Attending the ceremony was Ralph Hudson, deputy director of the Arkansas Department of Labor; David Schneider, legal advisor with the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission; Priscilla Gover, with the office of U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark.; D.J. Bradley, KMF safety manager; Christy Shaw Koprovic, KMF vice president; and David Koprovic, KMF president.

KMF is a custom metal fabrication shop and handles production for major companies providing them with thousands of parts. KMF also is able to produce “one off” custom parts and prototypes. The company also provides repair and maintenance services for manufacturing operations, and builds and install duct work, stairs, railings, safety guards, conveyors, carts and racks.

The company, which was founded in 1919 by blacksmith Earl Norman, employs 61. Norman Welding was purchased in 1975 by Beth and Chester Koprovic and merged with Kopco Steel in 1996. Christy and David Koprovic bought the company in 2009 and changed the name to KMF Inc.

The Walton Art’s Center is closer to its $23 million fundraising campaign thanks to a $500,000 donation from the Starr Foundation and family. This gift is designated for the nonprofits expansion projects which include a 30,000 square feet of space addition, a new and expanded atrium lobby that connects to Dickson Street, renovations and expansion of Starr Theater, increased space for back of the house technical and theatrical equipment and new administrative offices.
 
The goal is to complete the Dickson Street renovation by fall of 2016. Heavy construction of the main lobby and Starr Theater will occur during the off-peak summer months of 2015 and 2016 to minimize the impact on regular programming and ensure the arts center has a full season.
 
In recognition of their gift, the Starr family will be recognized on the Starr Concierge Counter, a central feature in the newly renovated and expanded lobby where patrons will purchase concessions and merchandise as well as pick up Will Call tickets or hearing devices.   
 
“Billie Jo Starr and the Starr Family have been a part of Walton Arts Center from the very beginning,” said Peter Lane, president and CEO of Walton Arts Center. “Billie Jo’s vision and passion pulled a community together to build and open the Walton Arts Center in 1992. Her long term support for Walton Arts Center and this recent gift to the renovation will continue her legacy of supporting quality arts education programs that make a difference in people’s lives in Northwest Arkansas.”

The Starr family has supported the arts center since the original capital campaign as well as through annual gifts and special projects such as Artosphere Festival and Arkansas History Through the Arts series.  

“Our family wants every child to have the opportunity to participate and enjoy the arts. Walton Arts Center has been a labor of love for many years, and it continues to be important to our family ... We are happy to give back to this community and hope others will join us as we complete this campaign,” said Billie Jo Starr.

Justin Harris has joined Arvest Bank as a commercial loan officer and vice president in the Bentonville market.

He recently moved to Northwest Arkansas from Dallas and has more than 15 years’ banking experience. Harris has worked in asset-based lending, complex capital restructures, bank syndications, commercial real estate and special assets. His experience also includes wholesale commercial and industrial lending; agriculture, oil and gas services; hospitality services; land development; and retail shopping real estate.

“We are so pleased to have Justin join the Arvest team in Bentonville,” said Jason England, senior vice president and Bentonville commercial team leader for Arvest Bank. “He has the experience that will serve him and Arvest well as he helps customers evaluate and obtain the financial backing they need to expand Northwest Arkansas’ economy." 

Harris earned his bachelor’s degree from Utah State University and his master’s degree in business from the University of Arizona.

He has been active within his communities and has previously been involved with St. Mary’s Food Bank, The Ronald McDonald House, The Boy Scouts of America, several rest homes and was chair of the Good Works Committee in Dallas, whose sole responsibility was funding local charities within that community.

John Brown University announces Lucas Roebuck’s promotion to chief communications officer and director of government affairs. Roebuck, 40, previously served six years as the director of university communications at the Siloam Springs-based private college.

“Lucas has led critical efforts in brand building, modernizing our web presence, crisis communications and more,” said Dr. Jim Krall, JBU’s vice president of advancement. “We are pleased that he has accepted this new expanded role as an important member of JBU’s leadership team.”

Before his tenure at JBU, Roebuck worked as a journalist and a college professor. He served in various editorial roles at Arkansas newspapers, including as opinion editor of the Benton County Daily Record, managing editor of the Northwest Arkansas Times and assignment editor for KNWA-NBC. He also taught communications and journalism at George Fox University and Northwest Nazarene University.

Roebuck will work with JBU President Dr. Chip Pollard to manage JBU’s political relations as director of government affairs.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from John Brown University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas, where he also studied political science. He lives in Siloam Springs with his wife Cherissa and their four children.

“JBU has a great story to tell, and I am honored to have the opportunity to help share it,” Roebuck said. “Our students and faculty are doing amazing things in amazing places; making a concrete difference in a world filled with dynamic challenges and novel opportunities.”

As a part of the communications personnel changes, JBU also named Julie Gumm as director of marketing communications, Ken Leonhard as director of web development, and Johanna Musgrave as associate director of community relations.

The Walton Family Foundation, Steuart and Tom Walton will provide 1,000 trees this year to residents in Benton County to plant around the homes.

“Having grown up in the Ozarks, we know there are certain characteristics that make our communities special – the people, a culture of native Arkansans and new residents from around the globe, and a natural beauty that is a constant companion in daily life. As the region grows, it’s important to continue to foster these qualities that first made our hometown great,” the Walton Family Foundation states.

The Foundation has already distributed 500 trees this past spring to residents around the county. Last year the Foundation awarded more than $27 million to environmental, education and arts initiatives in Northwest Arkansas.

The College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas is creating an endowed dean’s chair thanks to a gift of $1.5 million from Palmer and Marie Hotz of Foster City, Calif., and a $2 million grant from the Walton Family Foundation.

The chair is the first of its kind in the college and is being named in honor of Palmer and Hartman Hotz’s father, Henry Hotz, who served as the college’s fourth dean for nine years.

“This remarkable gift from the Hotz family and the Walton Family Foundation will rightfully honor a very influential person in the history of the college,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “The College of Education and Health Professions is already the home to many nationally respected departments and programs, and this dean’s chair will allow them to continue that upward trajectory. We are very grateful to the Hotz family for this generous gift in recognition of their father’s legacy.”

The Henry G. Hotz Endowed Dean’s Chair will allow the college to attract, recruit and retain a highly qualified individual to lead the school and provide the resources to further the dean’s contribution to teaching, research and public service. The holder will also be a full-time member of the UA faculty.

The college’s dean, Tom Smith, will be the first holder of the chair. Smith accepted a five-year appointment as dean in 2010 and most recently agreed to remain in the post for another year.

Henry Hotz came to the UA as a professor of secondary education, having previously taught at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, and was named acting dean of the College of Education in 1934 and dean in 1936. He spent the remainder of his career at the university, with the exception of two years as Arkansas' state high school supervisor.

“I am pleased to be able to make this contribution to the University of Arkansas’ College of Education and Health Professions to honor my father’s contributions to education and administration as dean,” said Palmer Hotz. “I believe, as he did, that an educated public is the necessary keystone of a thriving democratic society, and I anticipate that this gift will help perpetuate the ideals which he embodied and taught.”