Ever wonder how Arkansas became a powerhouse for some of the world's largest companies? In a cover story for Arkansas Inc, Ron Starner discusses the "meteoric rise" of the state's founding visionaries and the those paving the way today.

• Starner mentions that early entrepreneurs found difficulty from 1940 to 1955, when the state lost about 13 percent of its population as Arkansans moved away for job opportunities.
• However, that all changed when Winthrop Rockefeller founded the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission, through which he recruited 600 companies and more than 90,000 jobs to the state. -Arkansas Inc
• While Walmart, JB Hunt and Tyson are the most recognizable names in Arkansas today, Starner says the list goes on. In 2015, Jeston George founded Apptegy, which is one of the fastest growing educational tech companies in the US.
• Read the full story HERE.

Trevor and Christina Shakiba of Houston recently acquired a 1.7-acre development in Tontitown that includes apartment complexes and duplexes.

• The development is located on Klenc Road and U.S. Highway 412 in Tontitown. The First National Bank of Fort Smith approved the purchase in a five-year, $15.18 million loan. -Talk Business & Politics
• Trevor Shakiba, founder of Houston-based Shakiba Capital, says he fell in love with NWA for what's happening with population growth, job growth, the area's beauty.
• Leasing is already underway and duplexes are already being occupied. An open house is set for Jan. 15.

Arkansas' first hard cidery, Black Apple Hard Cider, continues to attract global attention by winning national and international beverage awards.

• The Hibiscus Cider was awarded the Double Gold Award, and their Spiced Cider received Gold for 2020 by Cidercraft in their 4th annual awards. Other competitors included cideries from CO, AZ, and WA.
• More information about this story can be found HERE, or if you want to plan your next cross-country cider tour, I would start HERE - Cheers from us to you!

The number of flights going in and out of XNA decreased during the month of December, after gradually increasing each month from April to November of last year.

• Monthly passengers from airlines showed Northwest National down 62.4% compared to November 2019 and down 66.5% from December 2019. Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
• However, both air travel and COVID-19 cases reached their peak over the Christmas holidays in the US.
• Much of XNA's traffic has always been business travel, says Mike Lum, with Volaire Aviation. Lum says he is confident that airport numbers are keeping pace with the national average.

Fayetteville Farmers Market announced they are now offering online options for pick up and delivery. No excuses - shop local!

• NWA locals can order fresh produce, meats, cheeses, along with other selections of market offerings each week between noon on Tuesday and 9 p.m. on Thursday. Pickup or delivery will be available Saturday at the Roots HQ at 1 E. Mountain St. -Fayetteville Flyer
• Visit the market's website to place your order.