U.S. News & World Report distinguished Washington Regional Medical Center as a High-Performing Hospital for maternity care in 2022-2023. 

• Top marks: Of the 650 hospitals reviewed in the report, fewer than half received the High-Performing designation for maternity care.  
• Scorecard: The annual report evaluates maternity care on C-section rates, newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, early elective delivery rates, and other measures.

Read more about the report HERE. 

Researchers with the U of A's Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station have been conducting a three-year study on the viability of growing hops, an essential ingredient in beer production, in the Natural State. 

• Down south: Hops are most productive between latitudes 45° and 50°, making Arkansas an unlikely region for growing enough hops to meet the demands of the state's brewers; however, the study had an encouraging yield.
• Small batch: Ivory Bill Brewing Co. of Siloam Springs got a chance to use the research team's hops to produce a one-barrel batch of Arkansas Crystal Pale Ale which they released last month. 

Check out the Fayetteville Flyer article for more details HERE.  

Bentonville's annual Christmas Parade will make its way through the streets of Downtown Bentonville this Saturday, Dec 10, starting at 6p. 

• Float away: This year's parade includes over 100 floats and attractions, with more than 1,000 people participating in the festive march.  
• Christmas lights: The parade's theme is "Colors of the Season" and will begin at the corner of 8th and Main St before winding around the Bentonville Square. 

Follow Downtown Bentonville Inc for updates HERE.  

Builders and Backers is accepting applications for their Idea Accelerator program designed to support potential entrepreneurs. 

• Build it: The 90-day virtual program provides direction and mentors for those who need support to make their compelling business idea a reality. 
• Back it: Participants receive $5,000 in non-dilutive funds from Heartland Forward, a Bentonville-based nonprofit with the vision of empowering entrepreneurship in America's Heartland.  

Apply for the Idea Accelerator before Dec 30 HERE. 

According to Arkansas Business, five of the state's largest commercial construction projects are underway in Northwest Arkansas.

• Frontrunners: The new Walmart headquarters was #1 on the list with an estimated cost of $996.8m, and Pinnacle Village in Rogers held second place, evaluated at $100m. 
• Education: Springdale School District had two projects on the top 10 list: a $53m renovation to Central Jr High and a $47m renovation at Southwest Jr High.  

Find more information HERE.