Arkansas saw an increase of 15,873 job gains over the last year, with Northwest Arkansas accounting for nearly 25% of the year-over-year growth.

• Now hiring: As the state’s second-largest metro area, NWA saw an estimated 288,680 jobs in December 2022, up 3,944 from the previous year.
• Steady numbers: The region’s jobless rate was 2% last December, slightly increasing from 1.9% in 2021. The national unemployment rate in December was 3.3%.

Read more from Talk Business & Politics HERE.

Opportunities for kids to explore the arts are beginning across Northwest Arkansas this week, with some offering spring break camps.

• Taking the stage: Various classes and camps for youth interested in acting are available at Trike Theatre in Bentonville and at Arts Live Theatre and TheatreSquared in Fayetteville.
• Create: Explore kids' art classes and spring break art camps at Crystal Bridges, the Amazeum, the Fayetteville Public Library, and the Community Creative Center.

Find more opportunities HERE.

Recognizing the importance of representation in children's literature, Rogers Public Library will host the fourth annual We Write For You, a Black children's book author and illustrator panel and reading, on Saturday, Feb 11, at 2p.

• Introducing: Hosted by the Phi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Tea Rose Foundation of NWA, this year's panel includes four award-winning national authors and illustrators: Ashley Franklin, Vashti Harrison, Rafael Lopez, and Rita Williams-Garcia.
• Take it home: Food and drinks will be provided for all attendees, and children ages 0-17 will receive free books.

Learn more and register for the event HERE.

Daisy Airgun Museum in Downtown Rogers preserves and promotes vintage products and artifacts of the historic Daisy company and draws Daisy fans and collectors from all over to the region.

• History: Every year, Daisy Museum runs a limited edition of the classic Daisy Model 25 pump-action BB gun with custom artwork engraved on the stock to honor a historic site. The 2023 edition highlights the Ozark Cider & Vinegar Co., paying homage to the once-thriving apple and vinegar industry of Benton County.
• It's a Daisy: Visit the Daisy Airgun Museum to learn more about the manufacturer's history in Rogers and take a picture with the World's Largest Dasiy BB Gun.

Read more about Daisy HERE.

You read that correctly - NWA Daily is giving away TWO tickets to see T-Swift live in Dallas.

• You belong with me: For all you Swifty fans, listen up! We are giving away two concert tickets to see Taylor Swift live in concert at Dallas Cowboy Stadium on April 1 ($1,500 value).
• Here is how to enter: 1) You must be subscribed to NWA Daily's newsletter (hint: if you're reading this email, you are a subscriber; 2) You must tag who you would take to the concert or just another friend from Northwest Arkansas who might also want a chance to win on our IG page; and 3) You get a bonus entry if you share the post on your IG story and tag @nwa.daily so we see it.

Find out more about this incredible giveaway HERE.