As the pandemic eases in the region, 2022 is allowing for more retail stores and restaurants to open in Benton and Washington counties. 

• Retail: Dollar General has 3 new locations for Northwest Arkansas in store. Bentonville will have a second location on SW Regional Airport Boulevard, Springdale will have its first on Wagon Wheel Road, and Fayetteville will also have its first on Huntsville Road. The stores will open in Spring. 
• Restaurants: As for food, Rogers will be getting another Panda Express and a Dunkin Donuts. Culver’s Hamburger is planning to open on Walton Blvd. Fayetteville is expecting 2 Jersey Mikes, a Walk-On’s, Smokin Osk Pizza and Tap Room, and more. 

Read the full Talk Business & Politics story HERE. 

TRUE NWA is now TRU Powered by IDEALS, and it is launching the 2nd phase of its program this month for nonprofits around the region to grow together and build diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in our communities. 

• Network: Since 2018, over 50 local organizations have received in-depth DEI training and support. With this next phase, TRU Powered by IDEALS will lead 100 more nonprofits in NWA.
• Groups: There will be 3 cohorts in this next phase called Train, Recharge, and Uplift. Train will be for individuals and organizations to grow in awareness of diversity and in understanding of what it looks like to cultivate DEI. Recharge will be an opportunity for those who have plans to reconvene and brainstorm new strategies. Uplift is for nonprofits that serve minorities and would benefit from more community assistance. 

For more info, click HERE. 

Attention local artists of all kinds: there are new opportunities for you, made just for you. 

• Elevate: Organizations in Northwest Arkansas want to assist in the cultivation of the region’s art scene by providing spaces and resources for makers, designers, musicians, and any other artist to use and go crazy (in the best way). 
• A canvas: Interform and The Scott Family Amazeum both have new artist residencies. The Creative Arkansas Hub and Exchange has opportunities for residencies as well as funding. The Music Education Initiative is hosting more production education and technical training workshops this month, so be on the lookout. Deadlines to apply are from next week to next month. 

To apply and for more information, click HERE. 

Spring Break is sneaking up, and local organizations are jumping on the opportunity to entertain and educate your kids while they’re out of school. The Scott Family Amazeum is hosting a Spring Break camp among other events this month. 

• Camp: The Academy of Superheroes and Villains will be on March 21-25 at the Amazeum for kids 6-11. During the camp, kids will have a crack at their forensic abilities, probe at their problem-solving skills as heroes, and explore the ins and outs of concealing as villains.
• Tinkering tomorrow: There is a homeschool day tomorrow, March 2, for students to explore the science and technology of light by tinkering with LEDs, prisms, and more! 

For more details and events at the Amazeum, click HERE. 

Niche’s 2022 list of the best schools in the state is out, and Northwest Arkansas schools have the #1 spot in elementary, middle, and high schools. 

• Top spot: Niche’s #1 Best Public Elementary School in Arkansas is Willowbrook Elementary School in Bentonville. The #1 for public middle schools is Bright Field Middle School in Bentonville. The #1 for public high schools is Haas Hall Academy in Fayetteville. 
• Across the board: Haas Hall Academy in Fayetteville is #1 out of 280 in Arkansas. It is ranked as #1 in the Best Public High School Teachers category and the Best College Prep Public High School category as well. The #2 and #3 spots for best schools are all also NWA schools. 

See the full list and methodology HERE.