Murphy USA Inc.’s second quarter earnings fell well short of expectations as volatile crude oil and gasoline prices cut into retail margins and overall sales, company officials announced after the close of market on Wednesday.

“While the Q2 fuel environment was challenging, it was not unexpected as our guidance anticipated this scenario,” said President and CEO Andrew Clyde. “Spot gasoline prices rose over 77 cents (per gallon) since January lows, recouping much of last year`s fall-off and setting up Q3 2015 nicely as crude prices tumbled again in late June.”

Clyde added: “Volatility continues to be front and center and our business model both demonstrated its resilience and strengthened its core as same store merchandise sales and margin dollars grew, while per store operating expenses were further reduced.”

For the period ended June 30, Murphy USA reported net income of $26.2 million, or 59 cents per share, down 64% compared to year ago net income of $73.2 million, or 1.57 cents per share. Second quarter revenues also fell well short of year ago sales, declining nearly 32% to $2.8 billion from $4.1 billion in 2014.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected the Arkansas gasoline retailer to report second quarter earnings of 79 cents per share on revenue of $3.84 billion.

During the second quarter of 2015, Murphy USA opened nine retail locations. Through early August 2015, the El Dorado-based spinoff of Murphy Oil Corp. opened an additional five sites. With the addition of all these stores, Murphy USA has 1,282 total locations in operation that include 1,069 Murphy USA sites and 213 Murphy Express sites. There are also 39 sites currently under construction that will be added to its network in the near future, company officials said.

Overall, the El Dorado retail marketer’s retail fuel sales for the quarter increased 1.9% to 1.01 billion gallons sold in 2015 compared to 993.1 million gallons sold in 2014. Quarterly merchandise revenues rose $23.9 million to $572 million from $548 million in the 2014 period.

Station and other operating expenses declined $2.7 million to $130.5 million for the current quarter, compared to $133.2 million for the same period in 2014. The company`s ethanol plant in Hereford, Texas, generated operating income of $1.4 million for 2015 compared to net earnings of $8.8 million in Q2 2014.

Capital expenditures for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, increased $29.6 million to $58.9 million from $29.3 million in 2014. Current period capital expenditures include $48.2 million for retail growth and $7.3 million spent on retail maintenance items.

“Looking ahead, we remain focused on our strategic allocation of capital,” Clyde said. “Our non-core Hereford and (pipeline) assets have been significantly improved and are now more attractive to prospective future buyers. We delivered on our $250 million share repurchase program with over $191 million completed since its inception. We continue to invest in new stores and have refreshed 140 older stores year to date. This long-term focus is what makes Murphy USA a strong competitor over the long run.”

In Wednesday’s trading session, Murphy shares rose 99 cents, or 1.88% at $53.78. The Arkansas gasoline retailer shares have traded in the range of $42.57 and $73.97 over the past year.

John James, through Hayseed Ventures, is launching a startup lecture series that aims to provide insight in key areas for entrepreneurs.

The first event will take place at 5:30 p.m on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at the Hayseed Ventures headquarter located in the old post office on the Fayetteville square, according to a post on Innovate Arkansas’ blog.

James is the founder and former CEO of Acumen Brands of Fayetteville and earlier this year he launched Hayseed Ventures that will help provide seed money and mentoring expertise to other entrepreneurial startups. Hayseed is in the process of raising $6 million that will serve as a starter funding base.

James hopes to enlist other guest speakers for this program and he is also working with Startup Junkie, the new Innovation Hub and the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce on this project.

David Tovar, former vice president of corporate communications for Wal-Mart Stores, was recently hired by Sprint and will relocate his family to the Kansas City area.

Tovar reportedly joined Sprint on July 22, where he will manage the company’s crisis communication, CEO commentary and wireless industry analysis.

"Sprint is in turnaround and it is going to be an uphill battle for sure, but an exciting challenge, nonetheless," Tover recently told PRWeek. "I don’t like things easy; I want to dive into difficult environments."

Tovar exited Wal-Mart in September 2014 after the retail giant discovered that he had not completed his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware, that he claimed to have earned in 1996.

He told The City Wire last September, that the first thing he intended to do was to make up the hours needed to complete his degree. Tovar completed that task in February.

John Tyson, chairman of Tyson Foods and grandson of the founder, sold 335,550 shares of his stock in the meat company for proceeds totaling more than $13.858 million. The insider transaction was reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Aug. 6 after the open-market sale was completed on Aug. 5 at $41.30 per share.

Also on Aug. 5, he exercised stock options for 500,000 additional shares of Tyson Foods at the exercise price of $16.35 per share. The options were about to expire in November if not exercised. The options were part of his compensation package in years past.

The 61-year-old Tyson’s direct holdings in Tyson Foods after these two transactions stood at 2,054,555 shares with a market value of $86.435 million at the close of business Thursday (Aug. 6). This doesn't include his indirect stock holdings in the company's retirement plan.

Tyson Foods shares (NYSE: TSN) closed at $42.07 on Thursday, up 67 cents ,or 1.62% higher than the prior-day close. For the past 52-weeks the share price has ranged from $36.12 to $45.10.

NanoMech Inc. is expanding its storage and distribution capacity by leasing 12,000 square feet of additional warehouse and office space near its headquarters in the Springdale Technology Park.

The company cites continued increasing demand for its products as reason for the needed additional warehouse capacity for shipping and logistics.

NanoMech has grown its lubricants and cutting tools divisions substantially over the last two years, completing a manufacturing and office expansion just eight months ago. NanoMech expects continued high growth and additional expansion in the coming months, not only in these divisions, but in its GuardX division as well.

“We are pleased to announce the addition of this facility for shipping and receiving logistics, signifying the rapid expansion of our nGlide additive and TriboTuff lubricant business." The move is expected to be finalized by September 1, pending modifications to the facility,” said Eric Barnes, Senior VP Finance and Operations of NanoMech.

The company said every day it ships globally to Fortune 500 companies as well as to emerging companies that are using its products. NanoMech products are used in the following industries: aerospace manufacturing; energy manufacturing, exploration and service; automotive and trucking; electric vehicles (EV); Indy and NASCAR racing; agriculture and construction equipment manufacturers; refining and formulating lubrication manufacturers; textile manufacturers; and advanced military applications. 

Researchers at the University of Arkansas will help lead a new $18.5 million engineering research center to design and develop vehicle electrical systems that are more powerful, efficient and heat-resistant.

The Power Optimization for Electro-Thermal Systems center program – P.O.E.T.S – is sponsored by the National Science Foundation. This research will focus on improving thermal and electrical limits in vehicle designs to make cars more fuel efficient and extend the range of electric cars. Alan Mantooth, UA professor of electrical engineering, will serve as deputy director of the research center. Andrew Alleyne, professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will serve as director.

“P.O.E.T.S. has assembled a great team of engineers and scientists poised to have a substantial impact on power electronics technology, transportation systems, the workforce and the economy,” said Mantooth.

Other institutions taking part in this program include Howard University, Stanford University, University of Sao Paolo in Brazil, Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which will serve as the lead institution.

UA faculty members joining Mantooth on the center’s research team are Simon Ang and Juan Balda, professors of electrical engineering, and Greg Salamo, professor of physics in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to help drive the boundaries of high-power density technologies into systems for the next decade and beyond,” Mantooth said.
The program’s goal is to increase the power density in vehicles by 10 to 100 times.

“That would translate into billions of liters of fuel saved and nearly double an electric car’s range. Today’s technologies are at their thermal limit. A systems approach is the only way we’ll push beyond the current state of the art,” Alleyne said.

Alice Walton, daughter of Wal-Mart Stores founder Sam Walton, is selling her cutting horse business which she runs near Fort Worth, Texas, according to The Dallas Morning News blogpost.

She has raised six championship horses since 2000, but is now selling the business to focus more on Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville and her other endeavors. Walton told the media that the museum takes up a lot of her time since its opening in 2011. The horse sale and business demonstration and sale are slated for Sept. 21 and 22.


Walton, 65, was quoted in a blog post published by Western Bloodstock Ltd, the company conducting the sale, saying she plans to continue living in Fort Worth, but is realigning her priorities.

New York City has been one of the few places in the U.S. that has been able to keep retail behemoth Wal-Mart from opening physical stores. But a recent survey conducted by Quinnipiac University found 55% of New York City respondents think it’s time Wal-Mart is invited in.

There were 39% of respondents who still said no. But interestingly enough, union households polled in the survey also supported (54%) Wal-Mart opening in New York City

Other survey results show a majority of voters (64%) said they would shop at Wal-Mart if it were convenient. Among union households voting in the survey 67% would shop at Wal-Mart.

The poll also found mixed sentiment about Wal-Mart as follows:
• 71% believe Wal-Mart’s lower prices would benefit New York shopper
• 70% believe Wal-Mart’s lower prices also hurts smaller businesses.
• 55% said Wal-Mart doesn’t pay enough in wages and medical benefits for its store workers.

Registered Nurse Jennifer Thomas has been named chief nursing officer (CNO) for Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, according to Ryan Gehrig, president of Mercy Hospital Fort Smith.

Thomas is vice president of ancillary services and has been serving as interim CNO since March. She joined Mercy in May 2010 as executive director of Critical Care Services and has since taken on additional leadership roles and responsibilities.

In her 30 year career, she has worked in a variety of staff, educator and leader roles.

“Jennifer epitomizes professionalism at every level whether in a clinical or administrative setting,” Gehrig said in a statement. “She has tremendous passion for the patient and is always looking for the best and brightest nurses to care for our patients.”

As Mercy Fort Smith CNO, Thomas will work to recruit and retain nurses. She is also tasked to ensure that nursing care results in a positive experience for patients.

“In my new role, I will work to optimize patient outcomes with our nursing care. Our nurses are second to none and we will continue to build on that tradition,” said Thomas.

Geovanny Sarmiento of Bentonville resigned his position on the board of trustees for NorthWest Arkansas Community College last month as he is relocating outside the area.

He told the board in his resignation letter that in his tenure he felt honored to learn and contribute to efforts that benefit local students and the community.

Board chairman Ric Clifford said Sarmiento’s contributions were key at a time when the college sought to expand offerings and outreach to a diverse student population.

Sarmiento has served on the NWACC Board since January 2013 when he was appointed by then-Gov. Mike Beebe. His term was scheduled to expire Dec. 31, 2016. He represents District 5, which includes a portion of central and northeast Bentonville.

“I want to express my appreciation to Geovanny for his commitment of time and sincere interest as a member of the NWACC Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Evelyn E. Jorgenson, president of NWACC.  “Our students have benefitted greatly from his involvement.”

NWACC’s trustees are elected by voters in the college’s taxing district made up of the Rogers and Bentonville school districts. When a resignation occurs, the information about a vacancy is submitted to the Arkansas governor’s office, and the governor appoints an individual to serve until the next election.

Earlier this year, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson appointed Keven Anderson to fill an unexpired term on the NWACC Board of Trustees. The board awaits Hutchinson’s next appointment.

The high profile accident involving actor Tracy Morgan last year was deemed to have been avoidable, according to a 64-page investigative report released Monday (Aug. 11) by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The Wal-Mart truckdriver, Kevin Roper, had been awake for 28 hours and worked for nearly 14 hours when the accident occurred on Interstate 95 in Cranbury, N.J. He had commuted about 800 miles from his home in Jonesboro, Ga., to Smyrna, Del., before beginning his shift, according to NTSB.

Driver fatigue, excessive speeds and truck safety were the main focus by federal authorities investigating the fatality accident that seriously injured four passenger, including Morgan and claimed the life of Morgan’s fellow comedian James McNair.

Wal-Mart Stores has already settled with Morgan and McNair and has put Roper on administrative leave since the accident pending the outcome of the investigation. Wal-Mart did not return The City Wire’s request for an update on Roper’s employment status.

The federal report also indicates that Wal-Mart, while not responsible for monitoring its truck drivers on their days off, could have done a better job educating its drivers about the importance of sleep.

"Although Wal-Mart addressed fatigue as part of its driver training program, it did not have a structured fatigue management program in place that could have improved its ability to better monitor and educate its drivers about the risks of fatigue," the report states.

Other negligence noted in the report involved the need for better marking at the highway work zones as well as no use of seat belts by the passengers in the van.

“Fatigue cannot be addressed solely by regulations,” according to NTSB Chairman Christopher Hart.

NTSB investigator David Rayburn said the Walmart truck would have stopped in time to prevent the accident if it hadn’t been speeding in the work zone, The investigators estimated that Roper was traveling at 65 miles per hour in an work zone where the maximum speed was 45 miles per hour.

Roper was nearing the end of a 14-hour shift, the maximum allowed, when he struck the van, according to NTSB. He has plead not guilty to death by auto and other charges.

Carol Schumacher, vice president of Investor Relations for Wal-Mart Stores, is exiting the retailer effective Aug. 21, after more than a decade.

She has accepted another job and will be relocating to the Southeast, according to a corporate memo furnished to The City Wire on Tuesday (Aug. 11), by the retailer’s corporate communications department.

Schumacher joined Walmart in 2004 as vice president of corporate affairs, before transitioning to her current with Investor Relations. Leading the complex investor relations team, she earned the trust of our most senior company leaders and our investment community, the retailer noted in the memo.

Wal-Mart said during her time with the company, Schumacher has been instrumental in growing the Investor Relations function into a first class organization. She also led the evolution of the retailer’s annual report to a digital format; re-launched the corporate Investor Relations website; led the transition of our earnings release last quarter with easier-to-read infographics; and promoted how we communicate financial news through social channels.

She has also made valuable contributions engaging shareholders on key governance, social, business and environmental issues impacting the company.

“As we conduct a search for a permanent replacement, Pauline Mohler has agreed to fill in and lead the Investor Relations team in the interim,” Wal-Mart notes in the memo.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) on Wednesday (Aug. 12) announced the following appointments.

Tyler West, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Suicide Prevention Council.  Appointment expires June 4, 2019.

Audrey House, Altus, to the Arkansas Alternative Energy Commission. Appointment expires at the Will of the Governor. Reappointment.

Gregory Perkins, Lowell, to the Arkansas Alternative Energy Commission. Appointment expires at the Will of the Governor. Replaces Kurt Castleberry.

David Dodge, Roland, to the Arkansas Alternative Energy Commission. Appointment expires at the Will of the Governor. Replaces Leo Kauser.

Terri McCullough, Eudora, to the Mississippi River Parkway Commission of Arkansas. Appointment expires June 8, 2020. Reappointment.

Patricia Audirsch, Marianna, to the Mississippi River Parkway Commission of Arkansas. Appointment expires June 8, 2020. Reappointment.

Matthew Ross, Conway, to the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board. Appointment expires June 22, 2018. Replaces Ronnie Walker.

Tommy Brown, North Little Rock, to the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board. Appointment expires June 22, 2018. Replaces Walter Fenton.

Jeremy Vint, Alexander, to the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board. Appointment expires June 22, 2018. Reappointment.

Joseph Spadoni, White Hall, to the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board.  Appointment expires June 22, 2018.  Replaces E.L. Jacobs.

Leo Sutterfield, Mountain View, to the Arkansas Beef Council. Appointment expires March 30, 2018. Reappointment.

Sam Cecil, Russellville, to the Arkansas Beef Council. Appointment expires March 30, 2018. Replaces Charles Rodgers.

Billy Olson, McNeil, to the Auctioneer’s Licensing Board. Appointment expires April 15, 2019. Reappointment.

Johnny Mitchum, Maumelle, to the Auctioneer’s Licensing Board. Appointment expires April 15, 2019. Replaces Brad Wooley.

Lowell Wetherbee, Bentonville, to the Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers. Appointment expires April 26, 2020. Replaces T.G. Connelly.

Robert Bevis, Scott, to the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2024. Reappointment.

Rohn Craft, Jonesboro, to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019. Reappointment.

Dr. Cheryl Bryant, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy.  Appointment expires June 30, 2021.  Replaces Percy Malone.

Carol Rader, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy.  Appointment expires June 30, 2021.  Replaces Sheila Castin.

Dr. Michael Courtney, Hot Springs, to the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Appointment expires June 9, 2020. Replaces Jeffrey Kent Moore.

Kevin Case, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board. Appointment expires July 1, 2020. Reappointment.

Jay Hickey, Texarkana, to the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board.  Appointment expires July 1, 2020.  Replaces John Hauge.

Carolyn Collins, Paragould, to the Black River Technical College Board of Trustees. Appointment expires July 1, 2022. Replaces John Jackson.

Rodney Allen, Malvern, to the College of the Ouachitas Board of Trustees.  Appointment expires July 1, 2022.  Replaces Jean Harper.

Robert Cheatwood, Pine Bluff, to the Southeast Arkansas College Board of Trustees.  Appointment expires July 1, 2020.  Replaces Clifford Flowers.

Bonnie Davis, Sherwood, to the Pulaski Technical College Board of Trustees.  Appointment expires July 1, 2022.  Replaces Diane Bray.

Tommy Free, Fayetteville, to the Northwest Technical Institute Board of Directors.  Appointment expires June 30, 2020.  Replaces Marsha Jones.

Ryan Howard, Melbourne, to the Ozarka Technical College Board of Trustees.  Appointment expires July 1, 2022.  Replaces Paul Weaver.

Dr. Jim Carr, Searcy, to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  Appointment expires May 1, 2021.  Replaces Sarah Argue.

Amy Braswell, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Commission for Coordination of Educational Efforts.  Appointment expires June 1, 2019.  Reappointment.

Dr. Kenneth Bridges, El Dorado, to the Advisory Council for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children.  Appointment expires July 20, 2018.  Replaces Ernest Enchelmayer.

Sabitha Govindarajan, Little Rock, to the Advisory Council for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children.  Appointment Expires July 20, 2018.  Replaces Brent Miller.

Rosilee Russell, Fort Smith, to the Advisory Council for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children.  Appointment expires July 20, 2018.  Replaces Marilyn Larson.

Joyce Wood, Pearcy, to the Advisory Council for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children.  Appointment expires July 20, 2016.  Replaces Tommie Anthony.

Jacquelin Brownell, Pea Ridge, to the State Board of Private Career Education.  Appointment expires April 15, 2016.  Replaces Christopher Comer.

Alice Obenshain, Cabot, to the State Board of Private Career Education.  Appointment expires April 15, 2022.  Replaces Doug Carter.

Jerry Richards, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers. Appointment expires July 31, 2018. Reappointment.

Dr. John Dickens, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers. Appointment expires July 31, 2018. Reappointment.

Gregory Smith, Brookland, to the Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers. Appointment expires July 31, 2018. Reappointment.

Jean Campbell, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers. Appointment expires July 31, 2018. Replaces Shirley Clark.

Anthony Davis, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Board. Appointment expires Aug. 1, 2018. Replaces Matthew Hodges.

Russell Gibson, Fort Smith, to the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Board. Appointment expires Aug. 1, 2018. Replaces Clayton Castleman.

Danny Games, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Board. Appointment expires Aug. 1, 2018. Replaces Grant Tennille.

Robert East, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board. Appointment expires May 1, 2018.

Jeff Griffin, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board.  Appointment expires May 1, 2018.

Samuel Denton, Bono, to the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. Appointment expires July 1, 2018. Reappointment.

Robert Hill, Prescott, to the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. Appointment expires July 1, 2018. Reappointment.

Rex Bailey, Springdale, to the State Board of Barber Examiners.  Appointment expires June 30, 2021.  Replaces Kennith Robison.

Mary Fisher, Danville, to the State Board of Barber Examiners.  Appointment expires June 30, 2020.  Replaces Annette Ledbetter.

Dr. Ronald Martin, Little Rock, to the Medical Ionizing Radiation Licensure Committee.  Appointment expires July 14, 2018.  Replaces Scott Harter.

Scott Yakoubian, Little Rock, to the Medical Ionizing Radiation Licensure Committee.  Appointment expires July 14, 2018.  Replaces Lawrence Berkley.

Stephen Tabor, Greenwood, to the Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council.  Appointment expires July 1, 2019.  Replaces Joe Griffin.

Charles Willis, Paragould, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 2. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019. Replaces Donald Purcell.

Diana Strange, West Fork, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 4. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019. Reappointment.

Kenda Grover, Fayetteville, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 4. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019. Replaces Terry Jones.

Chalmer Wayland, Sherwood, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 6. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019. Reappointment.

Doyle Caldwell, Sheridan, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 7. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019.

Steven Conly, Murfreesboro, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 9 West. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019. Replaces Victor Pulido-Rojas.

George Webb, Camden, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 13. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019. Replaces Chester Thompson.

Shawna Gay, Batesville, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 16. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019. Replaces Justin Burge.

James House, Searcy, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 17. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019. Replaces Randall McLeod.

Bart Walker, Alexander, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 22. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019. Replaces Pamela Ray.

Andrew Branch, Bryant, to the Criminal Detention Facility Review Committee, Judicial District 22. Appointment expires Jan. 14, 2019. Replaces James Crone.

Dr. Barry Pierce, Mountain View, to the Trauma Advisory Council.  Appointment expires July 1, 2017.  Reappointment.

Dr. Charles Mabry, Pine Bluff, to the Trauma Advisory Council.  Appointment expires July 1, 2017.  Reappointment.

Kathryn Blackman, Jonesboro, to the Trauma Advisory Council.  Appointment expires July 1, 2017.  Reappointment.

Kenneth Jones, Harrison, to the Trauma Advisory Council.  Appointment expiresJuly 1, 2017.  Reappointment.

Dr. Ronald Robertson, Little Rock, to the Trauma Advisory Council.  Appointment expires July 1, 2017.  Reappointment.

Dr. Michael Pollock, Little Rock, to the Trauma Advisory Council.  Appointment expires July 1, 2017.  Reappointment.

Terry Collins, Little Rock, to the Trauma Advisory Council.  Appointment expiresJuly 1, 2017.  Reappointment.

Jon Wilkerson, Conway, to the Trauma Advisory Council.  Appointment expiresJuly 1, 2017.  Reappointment.

Dr. Corey Montgomery, Little Rock, to the Trauma Advisory Council.  Appointment expires July 1, 2017.  Reappointment.

Ranzy “RT” Fendley, Little Rock, to the Trauma Advisory Council.  Appointment expires July 1, 2017.  Reappointment.

Judge Gordon McCain, Ozark, to the Arkansas Sentencing Commission.  Appointment expires June 15, 2020.  Replaces Charles Davis.

Christopher Palmer, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Sentencing Commission.  Appointment expires June 15, 2020.  Replaces Allen Hankins.

Nathan Smith, Bentonville, to the Arkansas Sentencing Commission.  Appointment expires June 15, 2020.  Replaces Marc McCune.

The Honorable David Greenbaum, Little Rock, as a Special Workers’ Compensation Commissioner.  Michael Sparkman v. Idaho Timber, LLC; AWCC No. G406292.  Replaces Dale Douthit.

Derek Ford, Ash Flat, to the Sharp County Quorum Court District 5. Appointment expires December 31, 2016. Replaces Gary Rogers.

Dane Fulmer, Fort Smith, as the Sebastian County Justice of the Peace, District 13. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2016. Replaces Denny Altes.

Kristin Pawlik, Fayetteville, as a Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. CV-15-65; Desoto Gathering Company , LLC v. Faulkner County Circuit Court, Honorable Troy B. Braswell, Jr., Barbara Ramsey and Richard Ramsey. Replaces Justice Karen Baker.

Curtis Hitt, Paragould, as a Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. CV-15-33 Mahmood Admad, M.D. v Joseph Beck, M.D., Chairman, Arkansas State Medical Board. Replaces Justice Karen Baker.

Hermann Ivester, Little Rock, as a Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. CR-15-266, William Dewey Gill v State of Arkansas. Replaces Chief Justice Jim Hannah.

Michael O’Quinn, Little Rock, as a Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. CV-14-818; John Chad Griffin v State of Arkansas. Replaces Justice Paul Danielson.

Brain Vandiver, Little Rock, as a Special Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Arkansas. CV-15-357; Washington County, Russell Hill, County Assessor, David Ruff, Tax Collector and Fayetteville School District No. 1 v. Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas. Replaces Justice Courtney Goodson.

State Rep. Mat Pitsch, R-Fort Smith, announced Wednesday (Aug. 12) that he will seek re-election to the District 76 seat in the Arkansas House of Representatives.

Pitsch was elected to the two-year term in 2014 after a defeat in 2012, and has served since January 1, 2015. In his statement, he labeled himself as a fiscal conservative, small-business advocate, and successful economic developer.

“It’s been encouraging to see the progress that the Governor and legislature has been able to make this year,” Pitsch said. “I’m proud to have played a part thus far and excited to be part of the work moving forward. Fort Smith has benefitted with a renewed focus on Western Arkansas and I hope to see that continue.”

Pitsch said if re-elected he will continue to represent Fort Smith and the region, promoting economic development, expanding and maintaining transportation infrastructure and stimulating pro-growth economic policies for the state.

Ongoing consolidations among food companies and a highly competitive operating climate has forced Kraft Heinz to purge 2,500 jobs, with 700 positions to be eliminated from the company’s co-headquarters in Northfield, Ill.

Insiders within the Northwest Arkansas supplier community expect this will impact local jobs within these two Wal-Mart suppliers. Heinz and Kraft each have their own sales teams devoted to Wal-Mart on the ground in Benton County. In most cases when large suppliers merge there will be no need for duplicated jobs in social media or shopper marketing as well as senior team leaders for each separate entity, according to industry experts.

“As we work to build something special at The Kraft Heinz Co., the leadership team has examined every aspect of our business to ensure we are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible,” said Michael Mullen, senior vice president of corporate and government affairs. “We have developed a new streamlined structure for our organization to simplify, strengthen and leverage the company’s scale. This new structure eliminates duplication to enable faster decision-making, increased accountability and accelerated growth.”

The first earnings from the recently merged company showed sagging sales of 4.9% at Kraft while sales dropped 4.1% at Heinz. At Kraft lower prices and weak demand were attributed to the sales decline. Heinz said its results were a result of unfavorable currency exchange rates amid a high U.S. dollar.

In the second quarter ended June 27, Kraft Foods posted net earnings of $551 million or 93 cents a share, compared to $482 million or 81 cents a year ago. Net sales revenue declined nearly 5% to $4.515 billion.

For Heinz, the second quarter ended June 28 produced a loss of $164 million. A year ago the condiment maker had net income of $127 million. Revenue fell 4.1% to $2.616 billion.

Little Rock-based Chef Shuttle will expand its growing restaurant delivery business to include Springdale, Fayetteville and Farmington on Friday (Aug. 21.) The new zip codes coverage area will include:


Springdale
72762
72764


Fayetteville
72701
72703
72704


Farmington
72730

“We’re excited to build on our growing presence in Northwest Arkansas with the addition of Fayetteville and Springdale,” said Ryan Herget, president and CEO of Chef Shuttle.

Herget launched his Northwest Arkansas restaurant order delivery to consumers in Rogers and Bentonville and Centerton in June. He added Cave Springs and Lowell last month.

Consumers log into the Chef Shuttle website where they can order from restaurant menus, pay online and let Chef Shuttle do the rest, Herget said.

The delivery service continues to add participating restaurant partners each week. There are 19 restaurant options in Benton County and 12 new Fayetteville eateries also coming online. The complete list is available on the Chef Shuttle website.

Chef Shuttle charges a $4.95 delivery fee and the minimum order required is $15.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Wednesday sent a letter to the State Board of Education commenting on the recommendations from the Governor’s Council on Common Core Review, officials said.

According to the letter, the Governor’s Council on Common Core Review voted July 20 to approve a set of findings and recommendations to send to the state board.
The council held several meetings around the state to hear from people on the Common Core issue.

In the letter, Hutchinson outlined several proposals for the issue.

“I have reviewed the recommendations with Commissioner (Johnny) Key, and I understand that the Department of Education will initiate revision of the English Language Arts and Math standards according to Arkansas Code Annotated 6-15-101 and ACTAAP Rules 4.0.,” Hutchinson wrote. “The process allows the ADE to seek feedback from the public on the current and revised standards, and it allows the Content Revision Committees ample time to review and revise the standards as necessary.”

Hutchinson said he was asking ADE to examine any copyright issues with the Common Core State Standards.

“To avoid any issues, I would recommend the ADE proceed with a new name for the standards, if need be,” Hutchinson said.

The governor is also calling for the Arkansas Department of Education and the state board to “facilitate and support increased communication between the ADE, school districts and parents on standards.”

“In addition, I would like the ADE and the State Board to take into consideration the other areas addressed by the council, including the implementation of the standards,” Hutchinson said. “The ADE and the State Board may decide that certain recommendations are suitable for other bodies to review, and if this is the case, we can discuss what action should be taken.”

“For example, the Council recommended the state to examine funding, which is a matter that the legislature addresses each biennium through the adequacy study. In regard to recommendations about special education testing, I recognize that the ADE will need to take into account federal regulations about special education students. Lastly, I want to direct the ADE and the State Board to continue to utilize safeguards and protect student data.”

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith has hired Rodney Parks as senior director of major and planned gifts. His first day on the job is Aug. 19.
 
Parks will lead a staff of five in the UAFS Foundation, overseeing the areas of planned giving, major gifts, annual giving, and advancement services. Parks said he was excited to promote the university through the Foundation.

“I am excited about the opportunity for UAFS to continue to grow its donor community,” Parks said in a UAFS statement. “I look forward to facilitating conversations in the region and the state on the activities and excellence of UAFS.”

Dr. Mary Lackie, vice chancellor for university advancement, said Parks “brings expertise and leadership skills which will help us in advancing support for UAFS.”

Prior to his appointment at UAFS, Parks was the director of development at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, where he increased alumni and planned giving, assisted in corporate relations, and secured more than $1 million in government appropriations. Prior to that, he had a 20-year banking career in investment banking and commercial lending.
 
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from Arkansas Tech University. He is the former chairman of the State Banking Board of Arkansas, a former trustee of the Arkansas District Judges Retirement System, and former president of the ATU Alumni Association. He will also receive the Crystal Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Kandice Harshaw has been named vice president of human resources for Van Buren-based USA Truck.

Harshaw was promoted from director of human resources, a position she held for the past five years. She joined USA Truck in 1992 and has served in a supervisory role since 1999, having held positions as human resources/personnel supervisor and manager, fuel economy & quality manager and manager of corporate training before becoming a director.

Harshaw holds a professional recruiter certification and is a graduate of Leadership Fort Smith. She is a volunteer for United Way, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the American Cancer Society, The Salvation Army and UAFS Lionheart. She is a Fort Smith resident, a graduate of Greenwood High School and a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

“USA Truck is fortunate to have such a capable professional in this key role within our organization,” Tom Glaser, president and CEO of USA Truck, said in a statement. “On behalf of all our team members, I congratulate Kandice on this well-deserved opportunity.”

Tim Ray joined On Time Logistics as the director of operations in July. Ray spent 15 years at Airway Freight Corporation in Fayetteville where he worked as an account manager for the firm’s international division.

Ray, a graduate of of the University of Arkansas, will oversee planning and recruitment of independent contractors, training, dispatch, customer care and warehouse management in his new role at On Time Logistics.

“I’ve handled everything from a small pop-up booth from China to Multi-level 20,000 square-foot booth and machinery container shipments, worked with U.S. Customs on import and documentation, and assisted with bringing the Volvo Ocean Race to Miami in 2012,” Ray said. “I’m looking forward to working with the people here, and growing the company forward.”

On Time Logistics was founded in 2007 and offers warehousing and fulfillment, courier services, last mile and on-demand delivery services. The company has offices in Little Rock and Tulsa with four employees and 14 independent contract couriers.