Since a recent analysis of Northwest Arkansas revealed that nearly $240m spent on Medicare enrollee's healthcare went towards services provided outside of the region, local health systems have responded by expanding their facilities and partnering to offer more residencies.

• Growing need: The findings suggest that demand is outpacing supply for healthcare providers in Northwest Arkansas as the population grows, giving the region's health sector a unique opportunity to expand and innovate.
• Growing together: The NWA Council and healthcare providers are thinking outside the box to find solutions to these challenges; for instance, Mercy, UAMS, and Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks have teamed up to train dozens of new internal medicine residents annually.

Read more on the story HERE.

Artlook, an online interactive map designed to connect Northwest Arkansas schools with arts education organizations, recently launched and has, so far, partnered with over 33 local organizations. 

• Educational Tool: Artlook is an excellent resource for teachers who want to give students access to available resources but lack time to compile their own research. So far, the platform shows 150 schools are looking for art opportunities. 
• Creating Opportunities: Arts organizations such as the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas and The Music Education Initiative are committed to providing educational events and exposing job opportunities in music and entertainment to younger students. 

Learn more about the Artlook platform HERE. 

First Street Flats, an upcoming apartment complex in downtown Rogers, recently held its groundbreaking ceremony. Completion is planned for spring 2024 – and it looks like the wait will be worth it. 

• Renew: The complex repurposes parts of the old Ozark Cider & Vinegar Company building, transforming it into a multi-family community of 121 units, from studio size up to 2 bedrooms, and amenities like a plunge pool, co-working space, and coffee bar.
• Sustain: Speaking of groundbreaking, First Street Flats will be one of Benton County's first net-zero housing communities, utilizing natural energy sources to provide enough power for this innovative community.

Learn more about the First Street Flats project HERE.

Looking for a job? Check out these positions posted to our community board:

• Buddy Pegs is looking for a Retail Manager
• Mount Sequoyah Center has an open position for a Development Director

Have a job you're looking to fill? Post it HERE!

What are you doing this weekend? If you aren't sure yet, we've got you covered!

• Foodies: Don't miss out on the great deals during the last few days of Fayetteville Restaurant Week.
• Swing for the fences: No. 8 Arkansas Softball continues the Razorback Invitational this weekend with matchups scheduled against Drake and No. 19 Arizona.
• Bring the pesticide: Only three chances left to catch Little Shop of Horrors, presented by Arkansas Public Theater in Downtown Rogers.
• In business: A vibrant display of Northwest Arkansas's businesses, food, and music will be displayed during the Black-Owned Business Expo on Saturday, Feb 25, at the Fayetteville Town Center from 10-4p.
• Record fast: Watch the No. 1 & No. 2 nationally ranked men's and women's Arkansas track & field teams set record speeds as they host the 2023 SEC Indoor Championships this weekend.
• Musically: Curate a weekend of great live music experiences with KUAF's list of local shows around town this weekend.
• Keep the beat: Celebrate Black History Month with a multicultural performance by the West African drum and dance company Afrique Aya at Springdale Public Library on Saturday, Feb 25, from 2-3p.
• Off to market: Shop local goods at Fayetteville Farmer's Indoor Market on Saturday, Feb 25, from 11-3 at the Fayetteville Senior Center.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!