Steve Arrison

Economic developers across the state work behind the scenes to assist existing businesses, attract new ones and grow their communities. Here are snapshots of nine economic developers, like Katherine Holmstrom of AEDC, who work to make Arkansas a better place…

When my wife Sheena asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I stared at her blankly. “Nothing,” I said after a few minutes. Maybe that’s not the most polite response but considering I turned 46, and it’s in the…

One of Arkansas’ most iconic restaurants, McClard’s Bar-B-Q, is passing the generational business outside of family hands, selling the Hot Springs landmark to local restaurateur Lee Beasley.  “You always hate to see a family business sell, but in this case,…

Arkansas is home to many who work tirelessly on its behalf to attract visitors, and economy-boosting tourism dollars, to the state. Many stakeholders — official and otherwise — help expand the Arkansas brand, attract newcomers and ensure that the state’s…

“It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best…” – Ernest Hemingway by Mark Carter If Ernest Hemingway was right, if in fact one best learns the contours of a place on two wheels,…

by Tyler Hale Mountain biking is all the rage in Arkansas, as new trails are being developed throughout the state. The rise of mountain biking trails has grown the state’s tourism footprint and, as a result, its economic prospects. In…

by Dwain Hebda Bill Solleder’s first love has always been music, and it’s seemed to play into whatever job he’s holding at the time. That includes today, where as Director of Marketing for Visit Hot Springs, he’s the Pied Piper…