EngageNWA commissioned a diversity report to be a helpful tool for those seeking to build more inclusive and equitable organizations. 

• Growing together: Since 1990, NWA has seen a 23% increase in racial/ethnic diversity, most notably displayed in the region’s school districts where more than 90 countries are represented and over 87 languages are spoken. 
• Encouraging signs: Efforts are being taken across NWA to increase equity in the area of economic development, and some encouraging indicators of growth include NWA being ranked #2 in Fast Company’s top 10 metros for minority-owned businesses. 

Read the EngageNWA 2022 Diversity Report HERE. 

Arkansas Sports had a banner year in the 2021-2022 season, and CBS Sports is recognizing the program with the 5th ranked spot in its Best in College Sports Rankings

• Recap: In this past season, the Arkansas football team went 9-4, ending the season in the top 25; the men's basketball team made its second straight Elite Eight appearance; the Diamond Hogs made it to the College World Series and fell just shy of the championship series; and the soccer team won its third straight SEC title and made its first ever Elite Eight appearance.
• Hard to be humble: At 5th in the nation, the Arkansas Sports program is the highest ranked in the SEC, with the next closest programs being Alabama and Georgia at the 8th and 9th ranked spots.

Read more about this past season and the recognition HERE.

The big four towns of NWA are all seeing stellar reports for sales-tax revenue this July, up 18.7% over last year with a cumulative revenue of $8.988 million. 

• Making gains: July reportings have Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, and Fayetteville each pulling in at least $2 million in monthly revenue from sales tax, marking the second time that has ever happened. 
• Reasons for growth: While local sales tax revenue growth could largely be attributed to higher prices, other factors could include many employees returning from remote work to the office, fewer residents out of town for summer travel due to high gas prices, or the continued growth of the student population a the U of A. 

Read more from Talk Business and Politics HERE. 

Leading the blockchain tech scene in Northwest Arkansas, Mycelium Networks has established an initial test group of 300+ local Hosts to support the rollout of decentralized networks in the region. Now, Mycelium is introducing a major improvement to the Host experience.

• For everyone: Mycelium now makes the sign-up process even simpler. The mobile app delivers access to the new Host Portal. Hosts can sign up for Mycelium, view the status of their account, and add new locations for approval within the Mycelium app.
• Decentralized revolution: Mycelium hotspots were designed to be out-of-sight and out-of-mind, while the app has been designed to streamline interactions with the Mycelium team – giving Hosts more power right at their fingertips.

Sign up for Mycelium HERE.

The generosity of Carl and Marlys Fallen has led to the Old Main Endowment, ensuring that the University of Arkansas’s oldest building will continue to stand tall over Fayetteville. 

• A legacy of care: The Fallen’s $1 million gift has established an endowment dedicated to the perpetual upkeep and maintenance of Old Main. 
• An Arkansas icon: Old Main’s towering presence has added beauty to Fayetteville’s skyline for over a century, and thanks to the Fallen’s generosity, it will continue to do so for centuries to come. 

Read the Fallen’s story HERE.